WO2016042640A1 - Management device, measurement device, communication device, service provision device, and transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

A transmission system according to an embodiment is provided with a management device, a measurement device installed for each user, a communication device installed in correspondence with the measurement device, and a service provision device for providing an information processing service, and the management device comprises a management-side reception unit, a second control information generation unit, and a command transmission unit. The management-side reception unit receives, from the service provision device, an address that specifies the measurement device, and first control information that indicates processing to be executed by the communication device. The second control information generation unit generates second control information that indicates processing to be executed by the measurement device on the basis of the contents of the first control information. The command transmission unit transmits the address, the first control information, and the second control information to the measurement device indicated by the address.

Description

Management device, measuring device, communication device, service providing device, and transmission system

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a management device, a measurement device, a communication device, a service providing device, and a transmission system.

The measurement information measured by the measurement device is transmitted to an information processing device (service providing device) that provides a user with an information processing service related to the measurement information. The service providing apparatus executes information processing based on the received measurement information.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to flexibly transmit the measurement information measured by the measurement device to the service providing device via the communication device.

The transmission system according to the embodiment includes a management device, a measurement device installed for each user, a communication device installed corresponding to the measurement device, and a service providing device that provides an information processing service. The management apparatus includes a management side reception unit, a second control information generation unit, and a command transmission unit. The management-side receiving unit receives, from the service providing device, first control information indicating an address for specifying the measurement device and processing to be executed by the communication device. The second control information generation unit generates second control information indicating processing to be executed by the measurement device based on the content of the first control information. The command transmission unit transmits the address, the first control information, and the second control information to the measuring device indicated by the address.

The figure which shows the transmission system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the management apparatus and service provision apparatus which concern on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the measuring device and communication apparatus which concern on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the command transmitted from a service provision apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the command transmitted from a management apparatus. The figure which shows the flow of a process of the transmission system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of a process of the transmission system which concerns on the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of a process of the transmission system which concerns on the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the measuring device and communication apparatus which concern on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of a process of the transmission system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the measuring device and communication apparatus which concern on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of a process of the transmission system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows hardware constitutions, such as a management apparatus. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a measuring device.

Hereinafter, the transmission system according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The transmission system according to the present embodiment can transmit the measurement information measured by the measurement device to the service providing device via the communication device with flexibility and high flexibility. In the following, a plurality of embodiments and modifications will be described, but components having substantially the same functions as those of the previously described embodiments and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant description is provided. Omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a transmission system 10 according to the first embodiment. The transmission system 10 includes a management device 20, one or more measuring devices 30, one or more communication devices 40, and one or more service providing devices 50.

The management device 20 and each measurement device 30 are connected via a provider network 60. The service providing device 50 and each communication device 40 are connected via a public network 70. The measuring device 30 is connected to the corresponding communication device 40 via the user network 80. The service providing device 50 and the management device 20 are connected via a public network 70. The service providing device 50 and the management device 20 may be connected via a network (for example, a dedicated network) different from the public network 70. Further, the service providing device 50 and the management device 20 may be formed in one device.

1 illustrates an example in which the transmission system 10 includes two measuring devices 30, three communication devices 40, and two service providing devices 50. However, the number of these devices included in the transmission system 10 is limited. Not.

The management device 20 is an information processing device managed by a business operator. The business operator provides services such as power supply, gas supply, heat supply, water supply, or sewage discharge to the user. The user is an object to which the business operator provides services such as the supply of electricity, such as a home, a company, a building such as a building, an area, a store, a factory, or the like.

The measuring device 30 is an information processing device installed for each user. The measuring device 30 acquires measurement information representing a physical quantity that is a target of a service provided to a user from a business operator. In the present embodiment, the measurement device 30 measures the power usage amount per unit time for each device used by the user. The measuring device 30 may be a device that measures the amount of gas used, the amount of heat used, the amount of water used, or the amount of discharged sewage. The measuring device 30 is installed in a place (a house, company, building, etc., a region, a store, a factory, or the like) where the user receives a service from a business operator, and is associated with the user on a one-to-one basis.

The provider network 60 is a network managed by the provider. As an example, the operator network 60 may be a communication network in which a plurality of measuring devices 30 are connected by a wireless multi-hop method, a mobile phone communication network, or the like. Further, the operator network 60 may be a communication network formed by a PLC (power line carrier communication) using a concentrator (concentrator) and a wide area communication network. Since the operator network 60 is managed by the operator, the management device 20 and each measuring device 30 can share information necessary for communication, and perform mutual authentication processing, encrypted communication, integrity verification, and the like. It can be executed safely.

The communication device 40 is installed for each user. The communication device 40 acquires measurement information measured by the measurement device 30 via the user network 80. As an example, the communication device 40 is a home gateway connected to the measurement device 30 via the user network 80. Further, the communication device 40 may be a mobile terminal such as a broadband router or a smartphone as an example. The communication device 40 may be a concentrator that is a terminator of the measurement device 30 or a device built in the measurement device 30. Note that the communication device 40 is connected to the measurement device 30 without the user network 80 in the case of a device built in the concentrator or the measurement device 30.

In addition, the communication device 40 is connected to a device (for example, an air conditioner and other electrical appliances) used by the user via the user network 80, and a target usage amount provided by the operator by each device ( For example, power consumption) is acquired as measurement information.

The user network 80 is a network for connecting the measuring device 30 and each communication device 40 within the user, for example, a network formed in the home. The user network 80 is a LAN (Local Area Network), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), or the like. The user network 80 is managed by a user, and is basically not directly managed by a business operator or a service provider.

The service providing device 50 is an information processing device managed by a service provider. The service provider provides the user with an information processing service related to the service provided by the provider using the service providing device 50. For example, the service providing apparatus 50 performs billing (for example, billing for the power usage amount) for the service target supplied by the operator by information processing. In addition, the service providing apparatus 50 issues a power usage suppression request to the user, and executes information processing such as payment of a reward for the suppression request or charging of a penalty (demand response processing).

The public network 70 is a network that can be used by unspecified persons. For example, the public network 70 is the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The public network 70 is capable of transmitting a large amount of data at a high speed and at a low cost compared to the operator network 60. However, since the public network 70 can be used by an unspecified person, when secretly communicating between the two parties, mutual authentication processing and integrity verification must be performed. The service providing apparatus 50 can perform mutual authentication processing and integrity verification with the management apparatus 20 via the public network 70.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the management device 20 and the service providing device 50 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating configurations of the measurement device 30 and the communication device 40 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the functional configuration of each apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the service providing apparatus 50 includes an address generation unit 111, a first control information generation unit 112, a service side transmission unit 113, a server side communication unit 114, and a service provision unit 115. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the management device 20 includes a management side reception unit 121, a second control information generation unit 122, and a command transmission unit 123.

As shown in FIG. 3, the measurement device 30 includes a command reception unit 131, a control information transmission unit 132, a measurement unit 133, and a measurement information transmission unit 134. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the communication device 40 includes a control information reception unit 141, a measurement information reception unit 142, a process execution unit 143, and a device side communication unit 144.

The address generation unit 111 generates an address that identifies one of the plurality of measurement devices 30 provided in the transmission system 10 to execute the measurement process. As an example, the address may be a unique ID (Identification) assigned to each of the measuring devices 30. The address may be an IP address and a MAC (Media Access Control) address. Further, the address generation unit 111 may generate an address that specifies a plurality of measurement devices 30 together.

The first control information generation unit 112 generates first control information indicating processing to be executed by the communication device 40. As an example, the first control information includes a transmission timing of measurement information obtained from the measurement device 30. The transmission timing includes a transmission period (for example, a period from 13:00 to 13:30 on July 7, 2014) and a transmission frequency (for example, transmitted every 5 minutes or after receiving measurement information) , Send immediately, etc.). In addition, the first control information includes, as an example, an IP address, a MAC address, or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the service providing apparatus 50 that is a transmission destination of the measurement information obtained from the measurement apparatus 30.

The service side transmission unit 113 transmits the address generated by the address generation unit 111 and the first control information generated by the first control information generation unit 112 to the management apparatus 20 via the public network 70. As an example, the service-side transmission unit 113 transmits a command in a predetermined format as shown in FIG. For example, the service-side transmitting unit 113 may perform encrypted communication with the management device 20, conceal it from a third party, and transmit the address and the first control information to the management device 20. Good.

The management-side receiving unit 121 receives the address and the first control information transmitted from the service-side transmitting unit 113 of the service providing apparatus 50 via the public network 70.

The second control information generation unit 122 generates second control information indicating processing to be executed by the measurement device 30 based on the content of the first control information received by the management-side reception unit 121. As an example, the second control information includes a measurement period (for example, a period from 13:00 to 13:30 on July 7, 2014), a measurement frequency (for example, measurement at intervals of 1 minute), And transmission frequency (for example, measurement at intervals of 1 minute) and the like.

The second control information generation unit 122 generates second control information that causes the measurement device 30 to execute measurement processing so that the communication device 40 can execute at least part of the processing indicated by the first control information. . For example, the second control information generation unit 122 sets a measurement period that includes at least a part of the transmission period indicated by the first control information.

The command transmission unit 123 sends the address and first control information received by the management-side reception unit 121 and the second control information generated by the second control information generation unit 122 to the measuring device 30 indicated by the address. The user network 60. As an example, the service-side transmitting unit 113 transmits a command in a predetermined format as illustrated in FIG. In addition, when the address is information that collectively designates a plurality of measurement devices 30, the command transmission unit 123 multicasts the address, the first control information, and the second control information to the plurality of measurement devices 30. May be.

The command receiving unit 131 receives the first control information and the second control information transmitted from the management device 20 when the command includes an address that designates itself. The command reception unit 131 gives the received first control information to the control information transmission unit 132. Further, the command receiving unit 131 gives the received second control information to the measuring unit 133.

The control information transmission unit 132 transmits the given first control information to the communication device 40 provided corresponding to the control information transmission unit 132 via the user network 80.

The measurement unit 133 performs measurement processing according to the given second control information. As an example, the measurement unit 133 performs measurement processing at the measurement frequency indicated in the second control information in the measurement period indicated in the second control information. Then, the measurement unit 133 gives measurement information that is a measurement result obtained by the measurement process to the measurement information transmission unit 134.

The measurement information transmission unit 134 transmits the given measurement information to the communication device 40 provided corresponding to the measurement information transmission unit 134 via the user network 80. As an example, the measurement information transmission unit 134 holds the measurement information received from the measurement unit 133 and transmits the measurement information to the communication device 40 according to the transmission frequency indicated in the second control information.

The control information receiving unit 141 receives first control information from the corresponding measuring device 30 via the user network 80. The control information receiving unit 141 gives the received first control information to the process execution unit 143.

The measurement information receiving unit 142 receives measurement information from the corresponding measurement device 30 via the user network 80. The measurement information receiving unit 142 gives the received measurement information to the device side communication unit 144.

The process execution unit 143 executes a process according to the first control information. As an example, the process execution unit 143 is configured so that the measurement information is transmitted to the service providing apparatus 50 at the transmission frequency indicated by the first control information in the transmission period indicated by the first control information. The communication unit 144 is controlled.

The device-side communication unit 144 establishes communication with the server-side communication unit 114 of the service providing apparatus 50 and transmits / receives information via the public network 70. For example, the device-side communication unit 144 performs mutual authentication with the server-side communication unit 114 of the service providing apparatus 50 and enables transmission / reception of information by encrypted communication.

The device-side communication unit 144 then transmits the measurement information given from the measurement information receiving unit 142 and the ID for identifying itself to the server of the service providing apparatus 50 via the public network 70 according to the control by the processing execution unit 143. It transmits to the side communication part 114. Note that the device-side communication unit 144 may not transmit the ID as long as the user who installs the communication device 40 that has transmitted the measurement information can be identified by another method.

The server side communication unit 114 establishes communication with the device side communication unit 144 of the communication device 40 and transmits / receives information via the public network 70. As an example, the server-side communication unit 114 performs mutual authentication with the device-side communication unit 144 of the communication device 40 and enables transmission / reception of information by encrypted communication.

And the server side communication part 114 receives measurement information and ID from the communication apparatus 40 via the public network 70. FIG. The server-side communication unit 114 gives the received measurement information and ID to the service providing unit 115.

The service providing unit 115 identifies the user from the ID, and executes the information processing service based on the measurement information acquired for the identified user. For example, the service providing unit 115 calculates the power usage amount per unit time based on the measurement information, and charges the usage power amount, or issues a suppression request for demand response, or pays a reward, or , Information processing such as penalty charge is executed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the transmission system 10 according to the first embodiment. Next, a processing flow of the transmission system 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S11, the service providing apparatus 50 identifies the measuring apparatus 30 that executes the measurement process. Then, the service providing device 50 generates first control information indicating the address of the specified measuring device 30 and the processing to be executed by the communication device 40 provided corresponding to the measuring device 30. As an example, the service providing apparatus 50 generates first control information indicating the transmission timing (for example, transmission period and transmission frequency) of measurement information.

Subsequently, in step S12, the service providing apparatus 50 transmits the generated address and the first control information to the management apparatus 20 via the public network 70. In this case, the service providing apparatus 50 may perform encrypted communication or the like with the management apparatus 20 to conceal it from a third party and transmit the address and the first control information. Then, the management device 20 receives the address and the first control information.

Subsequently, in step S13, the management device 20 generates second control information indicating processing to be executed by the measurement device 30 based on the content of the received first control information. In this case, the management device 20 generates second control information that causes the measurement device 30 to execute the process so that the communication device 40 can execute at least a part of the process indicated by the first control information. For example, the management device 20 generates second control information indicating a measurement period that includes at least a part of the transmission period indicated by the first control information.

Subsequently, in step S14, the management device 20 transmits the address, the first control information, and the second control information to the measuring device 30 indicated by the address via the operator network 60. In this case, the management device 20 may multicast the address, the first control information, and the second control information to the plurality of measurement devices 30. And the measuring device 30 designated by the address receives 1st control information and 2nd control information.

Subsequently, in step S15, the measurement device 30 transmits the received first control information to the communication device 40 provided corresponding to the first control information via the user network 80.

Subsequently, in step S16, the communication device 40 establishes a connection so as to be communicable with the service providing device 50 via the public network 70 in response to the reception of the first control information. As an example, the communication device 40 performs mutual authentication with the service providing device 50 and enables transmission / reception of information by encrypted communication.

Subsequently, in step S <b> 17-1, the measurement device 30 executes measurement processing at the timing indicated by the second control information, and transmits measurement information that is a measurement result to the communication device 40. Subsequently, in step S18-1, the communication device 40 transmits the measurement information received from the measurement device 30 to the service providing device 50 at the timing indicated by the first control information.

In the case of this example, in steps S17-1 to S17-n, the measuring device 30 performs the second control information during the measurement period specified in the second control information (for example, from 13:00 to 13:30). Measurement information is transmitted at the measurement frequency specified in (for example, every 5 minutes).

In the case of this example, in step S18-1 to step S18-n, the communication device 40 performs the first operation during the transmission period specified in the first control information (for example, from 13:00 to 13:30). The measurement information and the ID of the communication device 40 are transmitted to the service providing device 50 at the transmission frequency specified in the control information (for example, transmitted immediately after receiving the measurement information from the measurement device 30).

Finally, in step S19, the communication device 40 ends the connection with the service providing device 50 when the transmission period specified in the first control information ends.

As described above, the transmission system 10 according to the present embodiment provides the control information for the measurement device 30 and the control information for the communication device 40 from the management device 20 via the operator network 60. Thereby, according to the transmission system 10, the measurement information obtained by the measurement device 30 can be transmitted to the service providing device 50 via the public network 70.

In the present embodiment, the service providing device 50 directly specifies the address of the measuring device 30, but this is only an example, and the management device 20 is changed to send information that can specify the measuring device 30. Also good. For example, the service providing device 50 may send an identifier for specifying the measurement device 30 to the management device 20, and the management device 20 may specify the measurement device 30 and its address based on the received identifier. Further, the service providing device 50 sends attribute information based on the attribute such as the installation area of the measuring device 30 to the management device 20, and the management device 20 identifies the measuring device 30 corresponding to the received attribute information and its address. Also good.

Furthermore, according to the transmission system 10, the processing content of the measuring device 30 and the processing content of the communication device 40 can be specified separately. For example, according to the transmission system 10, the measurement period and the measurement frequency of the measurement device 30 and the transmission period and the transmission frequency of the communication device 40 can be specified separately. Thereby, according to the transmission system 10, flexible measurement and transmission control can be performed, and the degree of freedom of measurement timing and transmission timing can be increased.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the transmission system 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. The transmission system 10 according to the present modification executes a process as shown in FIG. 7 instead of the process shown in FIG.

From step S11 to step S15, the transmission system 10 according to the present modification executes the same processing as the processing shown in FIG.

In step S21-1, following step S15, the measurement device 30 executes measurement processing at the timing indicated by the second control information, and transmits measurement information as a measurement result to the communication device 40. Subsequently, in step S22-1, the communication device 40 establishes a connection so as to be communicable with the service providing device 50 via the public network 70 in response to receiving the measurement information. Subsequently, in step S23-1, the communication device 40 transmits the measurement information received from the measurement device 30 to the service providing device 50. Subsequently, in step S24-1, the communication device 40 ends the connection after transmitting the measurement information.

Thus, in the case of this example, the measurement apparatus 30 transmits measurement information at the measurement frequency (for example, every 5 minutes) specified in the second control information during the measurement period specified in the second control information. (Steps S21-1 to S21-n). Then, every time measurement information is received, the communication device 40 establishes a connection (steps S22-1 to 22-n), transmits measurement information (steps S23-1 to 23-n), and ends the connection (step S24). -1 to 24-n).

The transmission system 10 according to the present modification as described above opens a communication line between the communication device 40 and the service providing device 50 from when a certain measurement information is transmitted until the next measurement information is transmitted. be able to. Therefore, according to the transmission system 10 which concerns on this modification, when the transmission frequency which transmits measurement information is comparatively low, a communication burden can be reduced.

Note that the communication device 40 performs processing shown in FIG. 6 when the first control information specifies that connection establishment, measurement information transmission, and connection termination should be executed each time measurement information is received. Instead of this, the processing shown in FIG. 7 may be executed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the transmission system 10 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. The transmission system 10 according to the present modification executes processing as shown in FIG. 8 instead of the processing in the flow shown in FIG.

From step S11 to step S16, the transmission system 10 executes the same process as the process shown in FIG.

In each of steps S31-1 to S31-n following step S16, the measuring device 30 executes a measurement process at the timing indicated in the second control information. Specifically, the measurement device 30 measures the measurement frequency (for example, every minute) indicated by the second control information in the measurement period (for example, 13:00 to 13:30) indicated by the second control information. ) To execute the measurement process. Then, the measurement device 30 transmits measurement information that is a measurement result to the communication device 40 at a measurement frequency (for example, every minute).

The communication device 40 receives measurement information transmitted from the measurement device 30 at a measurement frequency (for example, every minute). In step S32-1 to step S32-m, the communication device 40 transmits the measurement information at the timing indicated in the first control information. Specifically, the measurement device 30 measures the measurement frequency (for example, every 5 minutes) indicated by the first control information in the measurement period (for example, 13:00 to 13:30) indicated by the first control information. ) To send measurement information and ID.

Here, when transmitting measurement information at a certain timing, the communication device 40 collectively transmits all measurement information received from the measurement device 30 after transmitting the measurement information to the service providing device 50. For example, in step S32-1, the communication device 40 transmits three pieces of measurement information # 1, # 2, and # 3 together. Further, for example, in the subsequent step S32-2, the communication device 40 transmits the three pieces of measurement information # 4, # 5, and # 6 received after step S32-1. In this modification, three pieces of measurement information are transmitted together, but this is only an example, and the number of pieces of measurement information transmitted together is not limited to three. In addition, when the first control information includes the number information of the measurement information to be transmitted collectively, and the communication device 40 receives the number of pieces of measurement information specified by the number information from the measurement device 30, the communication device 40 transmits the measurement information. You may comprise.

Finally, in step S33, the communication device 40 ends the connection with the service providing device 50 when the transmission period specified in the first control information ends.

According to such a transmission system 10 according to this modification, a lot of measurement information obtained at a relatively high measurement frequency is transmitted from the communication device 40 to the service providing device 50 at a transmission frequency lower than the measurement frequency. Can be sent. Thereby, according to the transmission system 10, a lot of measurement information can be transmitted to the service providing apparatus 50 while reducing the communication burden between the communication apparatus 40 and the service providing apparatus 50.

In addition, when the transmission frequency lower than the transmission frequency of the measurement information shown by 2nd control information is designated by the 1st control information, the communication apparatus 40 replaces with the process shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the second embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the transmission system 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the same reference numerals are assigned to substantially the same components, and the detailed description except for the differences. Description is omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the measurement device 30 and the communication device 40 according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the communication device 40 further includes a request transmission unit 161 as compared with the configuration illustrated in FIG. In addition, the measurement device 30 further includes a request determination unit 162 as compared to the configuration illustrated in FIG.

The request transmission unit 161 transmits request information indicating a transmission request for measurement information to the corresponding measurement device 30 according to the first control information. For example, the request transmission unit 161 transmits the request information according to the transmission period and the transmission frequency of the measurement information indicated in the first control information.

The request determination unit 162 receives request information from the corresponding communication device 40. Then, in response to receiving the request information, the request determination unit 162 determines whether or not to transmit the measurement information according to the second control information.

Here, in the second embodiment, measurement information transmission conditions are shown as an example in the second control information. For example, transmission conditions such as the upper limit value of the transmission frequency of measurement information (for example, the transmission interval is 30 seconds or more) and the validity period of the upper limit value of the transmission frequency (for example, July 7 to July 14) It is shown. For example, the request determination unit 162 analyzes whether or not the transmission condition is satisfied, and determines that the measurement information is transmitted when the transmission condition is satisfied, and determines that the measurement information is not transmitted when the transmission condition is not satisfied. The request determination unit 162 may further determine whether or not to transmit the measurement information according to the status of the measurement device 30 (such as busy because other processing is being performed).

And when the request judgment part 162 judges that measurement information is transmitted, the measurement part 133 performs the measurement process shown by 2nd control information.

Further, the request determination unit 162 may return the determination result to the request transmission unit 161. When receiving a determination result that the measurement information is not transmitted, the request transmission unit 161 transmits the request information again after elapse of a predetermined time, for example.

Further, the request determination unit 162 may return a transmission condition to the request transmission unit 161 together with a determination result that the measurement information is not transmitted. In this case, the request transmission unit 161 analyzes the transmission condition and determines the timing at which the measurement device 30 can transmit the measurement information. Then, the request transmission unit 161 transmits the request information again when the measurement apparatus 30 can transmit the measurement information.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the transmission system 10 according to the second embodiment. The transmission system 10 according to the second embodiment executes a process as shown in FIG.

From step S11 to step S15, the transmission system 10 executes the same processing as the processing shown in FIG.

In step S41 following step S15, the communication device 40 transmits the request information to the measuring device 30 at the timing indicated in the first control information. Subsequently, in step S42, the measurement device 30 receives the request information and determines whether to transmit the measurement information according to the transmission condition indicated in the second control information.

Subsequently, in step S43, the measurement device 30 transmits the determination result to the communication device 40. When the communication device 40 receives the determination result that the measurement information is not transmitted, the communication device 40 waits for a certain period of time, for example, returns to step S41, and transmits the request information again.

When the determination result that the measurement information is transmitted is received, in step S44, the communication device 40 is connected so as to be able to communicate with the service providing device 50 via the public network 70. Establish.

Subsequently, in step S <b> 45, the measurement device 30 executes measurement processing, and transmits measurement information that is a measurement result to the communication device 40. Subsequently, in step S <b> 46, the communication device 40 transmits the measurement information and ID received from the measurement device 30 to the service providing device 50. Subsequently, in step S <b> 47, the communication device 40 ends the connection with the service providing device 50.

Then, after that, the communication device 40 executes the request information transmission process of step S41 at the transmission frequency indicated in the first control information in the transmission period indicated in the first control information.

According to the transmission system 10 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not to transmit the measurement information according to the transmission condition indicated in the second control information or the status of the measurement device 30. it can. Thereby, according to the transmission system 10 which concerns on this embodiment, many measurement information can be transmitted to the service provision apparatus 50, reducing the processing burden of the measurement apparatus 30. FIG.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the third embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the transmission system 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the same reference numerals are assigned to substantially the same components, and the detailed description except for the differences. Description is omitted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the measurement device 30 and the communication device 40 according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the communication device 40 further includes an information acquisition unit 171 as compared to the configuration illustrated in FIG.

In the third embodiment, the first control information includes information instructing to acquire information from a specified location in the public network 70. The designated location is, for example, an IP address, a MAC address, a URL, or the like of a server or a computer on the public network 70.

The information acquisition unit 171 receives the first control information received by the control information reception unit 141, and acquires response information from the designated location indicated in the first control information via the device-side communication unit 144. The answer information acquired from the designated location includes, for example, control information describing a transmission period and a transmission frequency. When the response information includes such control information, the process execution unit 143 executes the process in the same manner as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above.

In addition, the answer information may include advertisement information as an example. When the answer information includes advertisement information, the process execution unit 143 presents the advertisement information to the user. For example, the process execution unit 143 may display advertisement information on a monitor provided in the communication device 40. Further, the process execution unit 143 may display advertisement information on a monitor of another device connected to the communication device 40.

Also, the response information may include a command such as a power suppression request as an example. In this case, the process execution unit 143 gives a control command to the device connected to the communication device 40 so that the power consumption is equal to or less than the specified value.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the transmission system 10 according to the third embodiment. The transmission system 10 according to the third embodiment executes processing as shown in FIG.

From step S11 to step S15, the transmission system 10 executes the same processing as the processing shown in FIG.

In step S51 following step S15, the communication device 40 transmits an information acquisition request to a designated location in the public network 70 indicated in the first control information. Subsequently, in step S52, the communication device 40 acquires reply information from the designated location.

Subsequently, in step S53, the communication device 40 performs information processing based on information included in the answer information. For example, when the control information is included in the response information, the communication device 40 executes the process in the same manner as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above. Further, when the answer information includes the advertisement information, the communication device 40 presents the advertisement information to the user. In addition, when the response information includes a command such as a power suppression request, the communication device 40 performs power suppression control of a device connected to the communication device 40.

And after finishing the process of step S53, the communication apparatus 40 complete | finishes a process.

According to the transmission system 10 according to the third embodiment as described above, information indicating the processing content to be executed by the communication device 40 can be acquired from the public network 70. Therefore, the transmission system 10 according to the present embodiment provides a power suppression request command that provides advertisement information with a relatively large amount of data that is difficult to transfer in the operator network 60, or converts the control content according to the situation. Etc. can be given.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the management device 20, the communication device 40, and the service providing device 50. The management apparatus 20, the communication apparatus 40, and the service providing apparatus 50 according to each embodiment are realized by an information processing apparatus having a hardware configuration as illustrated in FIG. In the example of FIG. 13, the management device 20, the communication device 40, and the service providing device 50 are realized by a single information processing device, but may be realized in cooperation with a plurality of information processing devices.

The information processing apparatus includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1002, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1003, a storage device 1004, a first communication I / F unit 1005, a second Communication I / F unit 1006. These parts are connected by a bus.

The CPU 1001 is a processor that executes arithmetic processing and control processing according to a program. The CPU 1001 uses the predetermined area of the RAM 1002 as a work area, and executes various processes in cooperation with programs stored in the ROM 1003, the storage device 1004, and the like.

The RAM 1002 is a memory such as SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). The RAM 1002 functions as a work area for the CPU 1001. The ROM 1003 is a memory that stores programs and various types of information in a non-rewritable manner.

The storage device 1004 is a device for writing and reading data on a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory or a magnetically or optically recordable storage medium. The storage device 1004 writes and reads data to and from the storage medium in accordance with control from the CPU 1001.

In the case of the management device 20, the first communication I / F unit 1005 communicates with an external device via the provider network 60 in accordance with control from the CPU 1001. In the case of the communication device 40, the first communication I / F unit 1005 is controlled by the CPU 1001 via the user network 80 and the device (for example, an air conditioner and other electrification devices) used by the user via the user network 80. Product). The service providing device 50 does not include the first communication I / F unit 1005.

The second communication I / F unit 1006 communicates with an external device via the public network 70 in accordance with control from the CPU 1001.

The program executed by the management device 20 of each embodiment has a module configuration including a management side reception module, a second control information generation module, and a command transmission module. This program is expanded and executed on the RAM 1002 by the CPU 1001 (processor), thereby causing the information processing apparatus to function as the management-side receiving unit 121, the second control information generating unit 122, and the command transmitting unit 123.

The management device 20 is not limited to such a configuration, and at least a part of the management-side reception unit 121, the second control information generation unit 122, and the command transmission unit 123 is realized by a hardware circuit (for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit). It may be a configuration.

The program executed by the communication device 40 of each embodiment has a module configuration including a command reception module, a control information transmission module, a measurement module, and a measurement information transmission module. This program is developed and executed on the RAM 1002 by the CPU 1001 (processor), thereby causing the information processing apparatus to function as the command reception unit 131, the control information transmission unit 132, the measurement unit 133, and the measurement information transmission unit 134.

The communication device 40 is not limited to such a configuration, and at least a part of the command reception unit 131, the control information transmission unit 132, the measurement unit 133, and the measurement information transmission unit 134 is configured by a hardware circuit (for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit). An realized configuration may be used.

Further, the program executed by the service providing apparatus 50 of each embodiment has a module configuration including an address generation module, a first control information generation module, a service side transmission module, a server side communication module, and a service provision module. This program is expanded and executed on the RAM 1002 by the CPU 1001 (processor), thereby causing the information processing apparatus to function as the address generation unit 111, the first control information generation unit 112, the service side transmission unit 113, and the server side communication unit 114. And function as the service providing unit 115.

The service providing apparatus 50 is not limited to such a configuration, and at least a part of the address generating unit 111, the first control information generating unit 112, the service side transmitting unit 113, the server side communication unit 114, and the service providing unit 115 is included. A configuration realized by a hardware circuit (for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit) may be used.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the measuring device 30. As shown in FIG. The measurement apparatus 30 according to each embodiment is realized by an information processing apparatus having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 14, for example. The information processing apparatus includes a CPU 1011, a RAM 1012, a ROM 1013, a storage device 1014, a display unit 1015, a measuring device 1016, a third communication I / F unit 1017, and a fourth communication I / F unit 1018. With. These parts are connected by a bus.

The CPU 1011 is a processor that executes arithmetic processing and control processing according to a program. The CPU 1011 executes various processes in cooperation with programs stored in the ROM 1013, the storage device 1014, and the like using a predetermined area of the RAM 1012 as a work area.

The RAM 1012 is a memory such as an SDRAM. The RAM 1012 functions as a work area for the CPU 1011. The ROM 1013 is a memory that stores a program and various information in a non-rewritable manner.

The storage device 1014 is a device for writing and reading data on a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory or a magnetically or optically recordable storage medium. The storage device 1014 writes and reads data to and from the storage medium in accordance with control from the CPU 1011. The display unit 1015 displays information in accordance with control from the CPU 1011.

The measuring device 1016 is a measuring device that measures the amount of power, the flow rate of gas, the flow rate of tap water or drainage, and the like. The third communication I / F unit 1017 communicates with an external device via the provider network 60 in accordance with control from the CPU 1011. The fourth communication I / F unit 1018 communicates with an external device via the user network 80 in accordance with control from the CPU 1011. Note that the measurement device 1016 is provided outside the measurement device 30 and may not be provided integrally in the measurement device 30.

Further, the program executed by the measurement device 30 of each embodiment has a module configuration including a control information reception module, a measurement information reception module, a process execution module, and a device side communication module. This program is expanded and executed on the RAM 1012 by the CPU 1011 (processor), thereby causing the information processing apparatus to function as the control information receiving unit 141, the measurement information receiving unit 142, the process executing unit 143, and the device side communication unit 144. Let

The measurement device 30 is not limited to such a configuration, and at least a part of the control information reception unit 141, the measurement information reception unit 142, the process execution unit 143, and the device side communication unit 144 is a hardware circuit (eg, a semiconductor integrated circuit) ) May be realized.

Here, a scene example in which the invention according to the above-described embodiment is used will be described below.

In a next-generation power network system called a smart grid, a measuring device for measuring the power consumption is installed for each user. This measuring device is also called a smart meter (SM). The measurement information measured by the measurement device is transmitted to an information processing device (service providing device) that provides an information processing service regarding power usage to the user. Based on the received measurement information, the service providing apparatus executes information processing such as, for example, a billing process for the amount of power used, and a power suppression request called, for example, a demand response (DR) and a payment process for the reward.

There are two paths through which the service providing device acquires measurement information from the measurement device. The measuring device is managed by a business operator (referred to as a power transmission / distribution business operator) that performs power transmission and distribution. Each measuring device is connected to a management device called a head-end system, which is managed by a power transmission / distribution company, via a network. The management device collects measurement information from the measurement device and stores it in a meter data management system (MDMS). Such a route for the management device to collect measurement information from the measurement device is called an A route in the field of smart grids. One of the paths through which the service providing apparatus acquires measurement information from the measurement apparatus is a path through which the service providing apparatus acquires measurement information via the meter data management system (path acquired through the A route).

The user can install a home gateway (HGW) that is connected to a measuring device, an electric device, a storage battery, etc., and manages and controls energy such as electric power. In the smart grid field, a system that manages and controls energy using a home gateway is called a home energy management system (HEMS). The home gateway can directly acquire the power usage amount from the measurement device via the user network installed by the user. The route through which the home gateway collects measurement information is called a B route in the smart grid field. Another one of the paths through which the service providing device acquires measurement information from the measuring device is that the service providing device is a home gateway or a communication device for connecting to a public communication network connected to the home gateway (for example, broadband). Route for obtaining measurement information via a router) (route obtained via a C route).

By the way, the A route is realized, for example, by a wireless multi-hop communication network via a plurality of measuring devices, a mobile phone communication network, or the like. The A route may be realized by a communication network formed by a PLC (power line carrier communication) using a line concentrator (concentrator) and a wide area communication network. Such an A route is managed by a power transmission and distribution company. Therefore, the A route can be regarded as a kind of dedicated line, and thus has high reliability. However, the A route passes through various communication paths and is connected to a large number of measuring devices, so that a certain amount of information can be transmitted. For this reason, when the service providing apparatus acquires measurement information via the A route, the amount of information is limited.

In contrast, the C route can use abundant bandwidth and transmit more information than the A route. As a typical method for the service providing apparatus to acquire information via the C route, there is a method of acquiring information from the home gateway as appropriate while continuing to establish and maintain communication connection with the home gateway. There is also a method of periodically transmitting information from the home gateway.

However, the method of maintaining the communication connection places a heavy load on the service providing apparatus. In addition, the method of periodically transmitting information from the home gateway cannot flexibly respond to changes in the situation, and if the transmission frequency increases, a load is imposed on the network. For example, in such a case, the invention according to the above-described embodiment is used, and measurement information measured by the measurement device can be flexibly transmitted to the service providing device via the communication device.

A program executed by the management device 20, the measurement device 30, the communication device 40, and the service providing device 50 of each embodiment is a file that can be installed on a computer or an executable file, and is a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, or the like. , CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

Further, these programs may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Moreover, you may comprise so that these programs may be provided or distributed via networks, such as the internet. These programs may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (16)

1. A management-side receiving unit that receives, from a service providing apparatus that provides an information processing service, an address that specifies a measurement apparatus, and first control information that indicates processing to be executed by a communication apparatus installed corresponding to the measurement apparatus; ,
   Based on the content of the first control information, a second control information generating unit that generates second control information indicating processing to be executed by the measuring device;
   A command transmission unit for transmitting the address, the first control information, and the second control information to the measurement device indicated by the address;
   A management device.
2. The said 2nd control information generation part produces | generates the said 2nd control information including the information which designates the timing which measures the measurement information, or the frequency which transmits the said measurement information. Management device.
3. A measurement device that executes measurement processing,
   From the management device that generates the second control information indicating the processing to be executed by the measuring device, the first control information indicating the address that specifies the measuring device and the processing to be executed by the communication device installed corresponding to the measuring device. And a command receiving unit that receives second control information indicating processing to be executed by the measurement device;
   A control information transmitting unit for transmitting the first control information to the corresponding communication device;
   A measurement unit that executes measurement processing according to the second control information;
   A measurement information transmitting unit that transmits measurement information representing a result of the measurement process to the corresponding communication device;
   Measuring device.
4. The second control information includes information specifying timing for measuring the measurement information,
   The measurement device according to claim 3, wherein the measurement unit performs measurement at a timing specified by the second control information.
5. The second control information includes information specifying the frequency of transmitting the measurement information,
   The measurement information transmission unit transmits the measurement information at a transmission frequency specified by the second control information from the measurement device.
   The measuring device according to claim 4.
6. A request determination unit that receives request information from the communication device provided correspondingly and determines whether to transmit the measurement information according to the second control information;
   The measurement apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the request determination unit determines that the measurement information should be transmitted, the measurement unit executes a measurement process.
7. A communication device that executes communication processing,
   A control information receiving unit that receives first control information indicating execution processing from the measuring device to the communication device;
   A measurement information receiving unit for receiving measurement information representing the result of the measurement process from the measurement device;
   A process execution unit that executes a process according to the first control information;
   A device-side communication unit that transmits the measurement information to a service providing apparatus that provides an information processing service;
   The first control information is information generated by the service providing apparatus.
8. The first control information includes information specifying timing for transmitting the measurement information,
   The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the device-side communication unit transmits the measurement information to the service providing device at a timing specified by the first control information.
9. The device-side communication unit establishes a connection so as to be communicable with the service providing apparatus in response to receiving the first control information, and receives in response to receiving the measurement information. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the measured information is transmitted to the service providing apparatus.
10. Each time the device-side communication unit receives the measurement information, the device-side communication unit establishes a connection so as to be communicable with the service providing apparatus, transmits the received measurement information, and transmits the measurement information. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the connection is terminated.
11. The device-side communication unit establishes a connection so as to be communicable with the service providing apparatus in response to receiving the first control information, and at a timing indicated in the first control information, The communication device according to claim 8, wherein at least one piece of the measurement information received from the measurement device after the measurement information is transmitted last is collectively transmitted to the service providing device.
12. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a request transmission unit that transmits request information indicating a transmission request for the measurement information to the corresponding measurement apparatus according to the first control information.
13. The first control information includes information instructing to acquire information from a designated location,
    An information acquisition unit for acquiring information according to the first control information;
    The communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a process execution unit that executes a process using information acquired by the information acquisition unit.
14. An address generation unit for generating an address for specifying the measuring device;
    A first control information generating unit that generates first control information indicating processing to be executed by a communication device installed corresponding to the measurement device;
    A service-side transmitter that transmits the address and the first control information to a management device;
    A server-side communication unit that receives measurement information measured by the measurement device from the communication device;
    A service providing unit that provides an information processing service based on the measurement information;
    The management device is a service providing device that sends the first control information to the measurement device.
15. The first control information generation unit is information for specifying timing for transmitting measurement information received from the measurement device, information for specifying the frequency of obtaining measurement information from the measurement device, or information from a specified location. The service providing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first control information including information instructing acquisition of the first control information is generated.
16. A transmission system comprising a management device, a measurement device installed for each user, a communication device installed corresponding to the measurement device, and a service providing device for providing an information processing service,
    The management device
    A management-side receiving unit that receives, from the service providing device, an address that identifies the measurement device, and first control information indicating processing to be executed by the communication device;
    Based on the content of the first control information, a second control information generating unit that generates second control information indicating processing to be executed by the measuring device;
    A command transmission unit for transmitting the address, the first control information, and the second control information to the measurement device indicated by the address;
    Having a transmission system.

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