JP3702714B2 - Data collection device and data collection system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data collection device connected to a wireless communication network, and in particular, to collect voltage values and current values on transmission and distribution lines, which are useful information for monitoring, protecting and controlling transmission and distribution lines. The present invention relates to a data collection device that enables power saving of the data collection device itself.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, data collection devices for collecting data such as voltage values and current values on transmission and distribution lines are provided at each end of the transmission and distribution lines and at arbitrary points in the middle, collecting data at each point and collecting the collected data Is transmitted to an electric power company host computer or the like via an arbitrary communication path.
[0003]
Since the voltage / current distribution at each point on the transmission / distribution line in a healthy state is substantially uniform, the data collection device usually collects data at a constant period, and further, the same period as the collection period or the same. Collected data is transmitted with the above interval. That is, data collection and data transmission are not always performed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional data collection device supplies power to the data transmission unit even when data is not transmitted. In addition, the conventional data collection device supplies power to the data collection device itself even when data is not collected.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a data collection device that suppresses power consumption, and further provides a data collection system that includes a plurality of data collection devices that reduce power consumption as a whole. It is in.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs means for comparing the input analog electric quantity with a predetermined value, and as a result, when the analog electric quantity is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the power supply is stopped.
[0007]
That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, the data collection device of the present invention includes analog input means for inputting an analog electric quantity, and comparison means for comparing the analog electric quantity input by the analog input means with a predetermined value. And power supply off means for stopping power supply when the analog electric quantity is equal to or less than the predetermined value as a result of comparison by the comparison means.
[0008]
Thereby, power saving of the data collection device itself can be enabled.
Preferably, the data collection device of the present invention is further converted by the analog / digital conversion means for converting the analog electric quantity input by the analog input means into a digital value and the analog / digital conversion means. It is desirable to include a calculation means for calculating the amount of electricity based on the digital value and a transmission means for transmitting the amount of electricity calculated by the calculation means to the outside.
[0009]
Thereby, it is possible to save power of the data collection device itself that transmits the measured amount of electricity to the outside.
Preferably, in the data collection device of the present invention, it is desirable that the power supply off means stops supplying power to the transmission means.
[0010]
Thereby, at least power saving of the transmission means for transmitting the measured amount of electricity to the outside is possible, and as a result, power saving of the data collection device can be made possible.
[0011]
Preferably, in the data collection device of the present invention, the analog input unit includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity, and the comparison unit is input to the plurality of analog input units. It is desirable to compare the maximum value of the analog electric quantity with the predetermined value.
[0012]
Thereby, it is possible to save power of the data collection device itself that measures a plurality of measurement points.
Preferably, in the data collection device of the present invention, the analog input unit includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity, and the comparison unit is input to the plurality of analog input units. It is desirable to compare the total value of analog electricity with the predetermined value.
[0013]
Thereby, it is possible to save power of the data collection device itself that measures a plurality of measurement points.
Preferably, in the data collection device of the present invention, the predetermined value is preferably zero or substantially zero.
[0014]
Preferably, in the data collection device of the present invention, it is desirable that the transmission means transmits the amount of electricity to a transmission destination designated in advance via a wireless communication network. Thereby, it is possible to save power in the data collection device itself that transmits the measured amount of electricity to the outside via the network.
[0015]
Preferably, the data collection device of the present invention includes a plurality of data collection devices in which the wireless communication network performs wireless data communication, and each of the plurality of data collection devices is directly or one or more other data. It is desirable that the collection device can communicate with all other data collection devices by relaying.
[0016]
Preferably, the data collection device of the present invention further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the wireless network is divided into two or more by not performing relaying, and the power supply off unit is Further, it is desirable to stop the power supply when the determination means determines that the wireless network is not divided into two or more.
[0017]
Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, the data collection system of the present invention includes a plurality of data collection devices that perform wireless data communication, and each of the plurality of data collection devices is directly or one or more other data. The data collection device can communicate with all other data collection devices by relaying the data collection device, and the data collection device inputs presence notification means for notifying the other data collection device of its existence and an analog electric quantity. An analog input means, a comparing means for comparing the analog electric quantity input by the analog input means with a predetermined value, and a power source when the analog electric quantity is equal to or less than the predetermined value as a result of comparison by the comparing means. Power supply off means for stopping the supply of power.
[0018]
Thereby, it is possible to save power in the data collection device itself and the entire network.
Preferably, in the data collection system of the present invention, the data collection device further includes an analog / digital conversion unit that converts an analog electric quantity input by the analog input unit into a digital value, and the analog / digital unit. It is desirable to include a calculation unit that calculates the amount of electricity based on the digital value converted by the conversion unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the amount of electricity calculated by the calculation unit to a data collection device designated in advance.
[0019]
Thereby, it is possible to save power in the data collection device itself and the entire network that transmit the measured amount of electricity to the outside via the network.
Preferably, in the data collection system of the present invention, the analog input unit includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity, and the comparison unit is input to the plurality of analog input units. It is desirable to compare the maximum value of the analog electric quantity with the predetermined value.
[0020]
Preferably, in the data collection system of the present invention, the analog input unit includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity, and the comparison unit is input to the plurality of analog input units. It is desirable to compare the total value of analog electricity with the predetermined value.
[0021]
Preferably, the data collection system of the present invention further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the data collection system is divided into two or more by not performing relaying. The power supply off means preferably stops the power supply when the judgment means judges that the data collection system is not divided into two or more.
[0022]
Thereby, it is possible to save power in the data collection device itself and the entire network that transmit the measured amount of electricity to the outside via the network.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a data collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024]
In FIG. 1, the data collection device 1 includes an analog input unit 2, a comparison unit 3, a power supply off unit 4, an analog / digital conversion unit 5, a calculation unit 6, a transmission unit 7, and a determination unit 8. Is provided. The analog input means 2 includes a plurality of analog input units 21, 22, ..., 2N.
[0025]
The analog input means 2 inputs an analog electric quantity from a sensor (not shown) that detects the voltage amount, current amount, etc. of the transmission / distribution electric wire. In addition, the plurality of analog input units 21, 22,..., 2N included in the analog input means 2 are analog electric quantities such as respective voltage amounts and current amounts from sensors provided at arbitrary locations of the transmission and distribution lines. Enter.
[0026]
The comparison means 3 compares the analog electric quantity input by the analog input means 2 with a predetermined value on a memory (not shown). For example, the comparison unit 3 compares the maximum value among the plurality of analog electric quantities input by the plurality of analog input units 21, 22,..., 2N with a predetermined value on the memory. Alternatively, the comparison unit 3 compares the total value of the plurality of analog electric quantities input by the plurality of analog input units 21, 22,..., 2N with a predetermined value on the memory.
[0027]
The power supply off means 4 stops the power supply when the analog electric quantity input by the analog input means 2 is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of the comparison by the comparison means 3. The power supply off means 4 is a case where the analog electricity input by the analog input means 2 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, and the determination means 8 increases the number of wireless networks to two or more as will be described later. When it is determined that it is not divided, the power supply is stopped.
[0028]
The analog / digital conversion means 5 converts an analog electric quantity such as a voltage quantity or a current quantity inputted by the analog input means 2 into a digital value.
The calculation means 6 performs a calculation for obtaining an electric quantity such as a power value based on the digital value converted by the analog / digital conversion means 5.
[0029]
The transmission unit 7 transmits the amount of electricity calculated by the calculation unit 6 to the outside through a communication line or the like. For example, the transmission means 7 transmits the amount of electricity to a transmission destination such as a host computer of a power company designated in advance via a wireless communication network that performs data communication using a wireless line. The wireless communication network at this time is configured by a plurality of data collection devices that perform wireless data communication, including the data collection device 1, and each of the plurality of data collection devices is directly or one or more other data collection devices. Can communicate with all other data collection devices by relaying.
[0030]
The determination means 8 determines whether or not the wireless network is divided into two or more when the data collection device 1 configuring the wireless communication network does not perform relaying.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the data collection system in the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, the data collection system 20 includes a plurality of data collection devices 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J.
[0032]
The data collection devices 1A, 1B,..., 1J are distributed on the data collection system 20 and have a function as wireless terminals that perform wireless communication. Since wireless communication normally has a finite distance that can be directly communicated with each other, each data collection device 1A, 1B,..., 1J communicates directly with all the other data collection devices constituting the data collection system 20. I can't do it. However, each of the data collection devices 1A, 1B,..., 1J can directly communicate with one or more other data collection devices, and further through the other data collection devices, the data collection system Communication with all the data collection devices constituting 20 is possible. Note that the solid lines in FIG. 2 indicate communication paths through which the data collection devices 1A, 1B,.
[0033]
The data collection device 1A includes an analog input unit 2, a comparison unit 3, a power supply off unit 4, an analog / digital conversion unit 5, a calculation unit 6, a transmission unit 7, a determination unit 8, and a presence notification unit. 9. The data collection devices 1B,..., 1J also include the same components (2 to 9) as the data collection device 1A.
[0034]
The analog input means 2, the comparison means 3, the power supply off means 4, the analog / digital conversion means 5, the calculation means 6, the transmission means 7, and the judgment means 8 are the analog input means 2 and the comparison means described with reference to FIG. 3. Since it is the same as the power supply off means 4, the analog / digital conversion means 5, the calculation means 6, the transmission means 7, and the determination means 8, the description thereof is omitted.
[0035]
For example, the presence notification means 9 transmits its presence notification packet storing a unique code for identifying the data collection device 1A to another data collection device on the data collection system, thereby confirming its presence. Notice.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the data collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 3, the data collection device 30 includes an AI unit (analog input unit) 31, a power supply unit 32, a control CPU 33, a radio unit 34, and an antenna 35.
[0037]
The AI unit 31 inputs the current amount (analog value) of the transmission and distribution lines detected by the current sensors S1, S2,.
The power supply unit 32 supplies, for example, alternating current (AC) 100 V power to each unit in the data collection device 30 including the wireless unit 34.
[0038]
The control CPU 33 controls the AI unit 31, the power supply unit 32, the wireless unit 34, etc., converts the amount of current input from the AI unit 31 into a digital value, and based on the converted digital value, the power value and the like. Calculate the amount of electricity.
[0039]
The wireless unit 34 wirelessly transmits the amount of electricity calculated by the control CPU 33 from the antenna 35 to a transmission destination such as a host computer of a power company designated in advance via a wireless communication network that performs data communication using a wireless line. .
[0040]
Further, the control CPU 33, for example, receives an input current amount (for example, a maximum value or a total value of the current amounts detected by the current sensors S1, S2,..., Sn) and a predetermined value on a memory (not shown). As a result of the comparison, when the amount of current is equal to or less than the predetermined value, control is performed so that the supply of power from the power supply unit 32 to the wireless unit 34 is stopped. Alternatively, when the current amount detected by each of the current sensors S1, S2,. It may be controlled to stop the supply of power to 34. In these cases, since the detected current value is meaningless for the electric power company (or for the electric power company's host computer), the wireless unit 34 does not need to perform wireless transmission.
[0041]
Thus, by stopping the supply of power to the wireless unit 34, the power consumption of the data collection device 30 is suppressed to about 25% (for example, 4 W to 1 W) or less.
Thereafter, when the amount of current detected by each of the current sensors S1, S2,..., Sn exceeds a predetermined value, the supply of power is resumed.
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the data collection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
4, the data collection device 40 includes an AI unit (analog input unit) 41, a power source unit 42 including an AI circuit (analog input circuit) 46, a control CPU 43, a radio unit 44, and an antenna 45. .
[0043]
The AI unit 41 inputs the current amount (analog value) of the transmission and distribution lines detected by the current sensors S1, S2,..., Sn.
The AI circuit 46 is supplied with power from a power supply unit (not shown) provided in the current sensor Ss, and inputs the current amount (analog value) of the transmission and distribution lines detected by the current sensor Ss. In addition, the current sensor Ss detects the current amount of the power transmission / distribution wire at the original part of the power transmission / distribution wire whose current sensors S1, S2, ..., Sn detect the current amount. For example, the current sensor Ss is clamped to the main transmission / distribution line of the power board to be measured.
[0044]
The power supply unit 42 supplies, for example, alternating current (AC) 100 V power to each unit in the data collection device 40 except the AI circuit 46.
The control CPU 43 controls the AI unit 41, the power supply unit 42, the radio unit 44, the AI circuit 46, etc., converts the amount of current input from the AI unit 41 or the AI circuit 46 into a digital value, and the converted digital value Based on the above, an operation for obtaining an electric quantity such as a power value is performed.
[0045]
The wireless unit 44 wirelessly transmits the amount of electricity calculated by the control CPU 43 from the antenna 45 to a transmission destination such as a host computer of a power company designated in advance via a wireless communication network that performs data communication using a wireless line. .
[0046]
Further, for example, the control CPU 43 compares the current amount input from the AI circuit 46 with a predetermined value (for example, 0 (zero)) on a memory (not shown), and as a result of the comparison, the current amount is Control is performed so as to stop the supply of power from the power supply unit 42 to each unit other than the AI circuit 46 when the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value. In this case, the power supply to the AI circuit 46 can be covered by the current sensor Ss.
[0047]
In this way, by stopping the supply of power to each unit except for the AI circuit 46, the power consumption of the data collection device 40 is suppressed to about 10% (for example, 4 W to 0.4 W) or less.
[0048]
Thereafter, when the amount of current detected by the current sensor Ss exceeds a predetermined value, the supply of power is resumed.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a data collection system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0049]
In FIG. 5, the data collection system 50 includes a parent device 51 and a plurality of child devices 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F, and 52G.
The data collection system 50 has the function of the data collection system 20 described with reference to FIG. 2, and the parent device 51 and each of the child devices 52A, 52B,..., 52G are the data collection device described with reference to FIG. 30 or the same components as the data collection device 40 described with reference to FIG.
[0050]
The master unit 51 is connected to a power company PC (host computer) 53 via, for example, an RS232C cable. And screen display.
[0051]
The data collection system 50 includes a master unit 51 that performs wireless data communication by spread spectrum radio (SS radio) and a plurality of slave units 52A, 52B, ..., 52G. The master unit 51 and the plurality of slave units 52A , 52B,..., 52G are directly or directly connected to one or more other parent devices 51 or child devices 52A, 52B,. 52B can communicate with 52G.
[0052]
Further, the data collection system 50 uses the presence notification means 9 included in the parent device 51 and each of the child devices 52A, 52B,. By sending and receiving and tabulating each other's communication distance (communication count), even if communication between any two slave units that can communicate or between the master unit and slave unit becomes impossible for some reason, It is set to automatically select another communication path.
[0053]
Then, the control CPUs 33 and 43 in the parent device 51 and each of the child devices 52A, 52B,..., 52G collect data because the parent device 51 and each of the child devices 52A, 52B,. It is determined whether the network of the system 50 is divided into two or more.
[0054]
Next, a process and characteristics of forming a wireless network like the above-described data collection system 50 will be described using the data collection system 20 described with reference to FIG. 2 as an example.
[0055]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the data collection apparatuses 1C and 1I transmit the presence notification packet in the data collection system 20.
The presence notification packet is a packet in which a unique code for identifying the data collection device that transmits the presence notification packet is stored. For example, a code indicating that this packet is the presence notification packet is stored in the first bit. The next bit stores a code for identifying the data collection device that is the source of the presence notification packet.
[0056]
In FIG. 6, the data collection devices 1 </ b> A, 1 </ b> B, 1 </ b> D, 1 </ b> E, and 1 </ b> F have the possibility of directly communicating with the data collection device 1 </ b> C by receiving the presence notification packet transmitted from the data collection device 1 </ b> C in the same manner. Recognize that The data collection devices 1F, 1G, 1H, and 1J recognize that there is a possibility of direct communication with the data collection device 1I by receiving the presence notification packet transmitted from the data collection device 1I.
[0057]
As described above, the data collection devices 1A to 1J each transmit the presence notification packet at a predetermined cycle, so that the possibility of direct communication according to the radio wave propagation state at that time can be recognized from each other.
[0058]
In order for the data collection system 20 to automatically select the communication path and the relay route according to the communication quality at each time, between the data collection apparatuses 1A to 1J having the possibility of direct communication recognized by the presence notification packet It is necessary to diagnose the reliability of the communication path.
[0059]
First, the data collection apparatus 1A transmits a special packet (hereinafter referred to as a communication path diagnosis packet) for diagnosing a forward communication path to the data collection apparatus 1B a total of N times, and receives the data. However, the communication path diagnosis packet for the return path is transmitted to the data collection device 1A N times in total.
[0060]
For example, in the communication path diagnosis packet, a code indicating that the packet is a communication path diagnosis packet for the forward path or the return path is stored in the first bit, and the transmission of the communication path diagnosis packet is performed in the second bit. A code for identifying the original data collection device is stored, a code for identifying the destination data collection device of the communication path diagnosis packet is stored in the third bit, and a communication path to be diagnosed is stored in the fourth bit. The total number of communication path diagnosis packets to be transmitted is stored, and the fifth bit stores a code indicating the number of communication path diagnosis packets to be transmitted for the communication path to be diagnosed. . Further, in the return path communication path diagnostic packet, the number of outgoing path communication path diagnosis packets normally received by the data collecting apparatus that transmits the communication path diagnosis packet is stored in the sixth bit.
[0061]
Then, when the data collection device 1B starts to receive the forward communication channel diagnosis packet from the data collection device 1A, the data collection device 1B thereafter counts the number of receptions of the forward communication channel diagnosis packet. Further, the data collection device 1B determines the time at which transmission of all the forward channel diagnostic packets by the data collection device 1A is completed from the total number of the channel diagnostic packets stored in the fourth bit of the forward channel diagnostic packet. After this time has elapsed, transmission of the return path diagnostic packet to the data collection device 1A is started. The data collection device 1A calculates the time when transmission of all the return channel diagnosis packets by the data collection device 1B is completed from the total number of the channel diagnosis packets stored in the fourth bit of the return channel diagnosis packet. After this time has elapsed, the reliability of this communication path is calculated by the following equation.
[0062]
(Reliability) = (Number of normal round-trip receptions) / (Total number of round-trip communication path diagnosis packets) In the data collection device 1A, a minimum reliability value that can be used as a communication path calculated by the above formula is set in advance. If the calculation result of the above equation is larger than the minimum value, it is determined that this communication path is valid.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collection device 1A.
Each data collection device needs to recognize through which data collection device all other data collection devices constituting the data collection system are connected. Having the system configuration information makes it possible to recognize the connection status.
[0064]
In the second line from the top in FIG. 7, it can be seen that there are data collection devices 1B, 1C, and 1D as data collection devices to which the data collection device 1A can transfer a packet by one communication. It can be seen that there are data collection devices 1E and 1F as data collection devices that require two communications including communication by the collection device. Similarly, it can be seen that the data collection devices that require three communications include the data collection devices 1G, 1H, and 1I, and the data collection devices that require four communications include the data collection device 1J.
[0065]
Next, consider a case where the data collection device 1A sends a packet to the data collection device 1E. In order to transfer a packet to the data collection device 1E, the number of possible communications from the data collection devices 1B, 1C, and 1D that is sufficient for one communication from the data collection device 1A is confirmed. It can be seen that data can be transferred by one communication from the data collection device 1B (the third line from the top in FIG. 7), and that data can also be transferred by one communication from the data collection device 1C ( The fourth line from the top in FIG. 7) shows that two communications are required from the data collection device 1D (the fifth line from the top in FIG. 7). As a result, the data collection device 1A sends a packet whose destination is the data collection device 1E to either the data collection device 1B or 1C.
[0066]
In the system configuration information management method according to the present invention, when a new communication path is set in the data collection system or a communication path that has been valid until now becomes invalid, each data collection device manages each. These system configuration information must be updated. This method will be described next.
[0067]
Information regarding the configuration change of the data collection system needs to be notified to all the data collection devices constituting the data collection system. Even if the configuration is slightly changed, the system configuration information is updated in a large amount in the entire data collection system. If all of this work is simply performed by communication, there is a risk of generating very large traffic on the network of the data collection system. Therefore, the system configuration information is stored in the aforementioned presence notification packet to prevent an increase in traffic.
[0068]
Here, as a result of the communication channel diagnosis performed by the data collection device 1A on the data collection device 1E, it is determined that the communication channel with the data collection device 1E that has been invalid so far is valid. The data collection device 1A adds the received information of the data collection device 1E to the system configuration information of the data collection device having a direct communication path with itself, and stores it. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collection device 1A after the addition of information of the data collection device 1E.
[0069]
Further, if the data collection device 1A performs the communication channel diagnosis on the data collection device 1D, and it is determined that the communication channel with the data collection device 1D that has been valid so far is invalid, the data collection device The device 1A deletes the information of the data collection device 1D. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collection device 1A after the deletion of the information of the data collection device 1D.
[0070]
The data collection devices 1B to 1J also have system configuration information as described above. Based on such system configuration information managed by each data collection device, a method for transferring a communication packet from the transmission source data collection device 1A to the destination data collection device 1G will be described with reference to FIGS. explain.
[0071]
The data collection device 1A refers to the system configuration information managed by itself (FIG. 7), and starts from the columns of the data collection devices 1B, 1C, and 1D (lines 3 to 5 from the top in FIG. 7) with the communication count of 1. The data collection device 1G of the destination is searched. It can be seen that the data collection device 1G is located at the place with the number of communication times 2 from the data collection devices 1B and 1C, and is located at the place with the number of communication times 3 from the data collection device 1D. Therefore, it is determined that the transfer to the data collection device 1B or 1C is more efficient than the transfer to the data collection device 1D. Here, it is assumed that the data collection device 1B is selected.
[0072]
Next, the data collection device 1B refers to the system configuration information (FIG. 10) managed by itself, and the columns of the data collection devices 1A, 1C, and 1E having the communication count 1 (from the top to the third to fifth rows in FIG. 10). Eye) to find the data collection device 1G of the destination. The data collection device 1G is located at a location where the number of communications is 3 from the data collection device 1A, is located at a location where the number of communications is 2 from the data collection device 1C, and is located at a location where the number of communications is 1 from the data collection device 1E. You can see that Therefore, the data collection device 1B transfers this packet to the data collection device 1E when it is determined that the transfer to the data collection device 1E has the best network utilization efficiency.
[0073]
When the data collection device 1E receives a packet with the data collection device 1G as the destination, the data collection device 1E refers to the system configuration information managed by itself (FIG. 11), and the data collection device 1G can communicate directly And transmits this packet directly to the data collection device 1G.
[0074]
Through the procedure described above, the communication packet transmitted from the data collection device 1A arrives at the data collection device 1G.
Next, how the data collection device 30 or 40 described with reference to FIG. 3 or 4 performs control related to power supply as a component of the data collection system will be described.
[0075]
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are diagrams for explaining the situation when the power supply to the data collection device is stopped in the data collection system.
In FIG. 12, the data collection system 100 includes a plurality of data collection devices 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J.
[0076]
The data collection devices 1A, 1B,..., 1J are distributed on the data collection system 100 and have a function as wireless terminals that perform wireless communication. In addition, the continuous line in FIG. 12 has shown the communication channel which data collection apparatus 1A, 1B, ..., 1J can communicate directly.
[0077]
Here, when the amount of current detected by the current sensor included in the data collection system 1F is 0 (zero) (or a small amount), the control CPU included in the data collection system 1F is a power supply unit included in the data collection system 1F. To stop the supply of power to the wireless unit included in the data collection system 1F.
[0078]
Then, the data collection device 1F is no longer a component of the data collection system 100. Therefore, the communication path between the data collection device 1F and the data collection devices 1C, 1D, 1E, 1I, and 1H, which has been valid so far, becomes invalid (marked with x in the figure).
[0079]
In such a case, for example, each data transmitted from the data collection device 1C to the data collection device 1I via the data collection device 1F is collected from the data collection device 1C via the data collection devices 1E and 1G. It will be transmitted to the device 1I.
[0080]
In FIG. 13, the data collection device 1F in FIG. 12 is no longer a component of the data collection system 100, and the data collection system is composed of the data collection devices 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 1I, and 1J. 100 '.
[0081]
Here, when the amount of current detected by the current sensor included in the data collection device 1E is 0 (zero) (or a small amount), the control CPU included in the data collection device 1E is a power supply unit included in the data collection device 1E. To control the supply of power to the wireless unit included in the data collection device 1E. However, if the data collection device 1E is no longer a component of the data collection system 100 ′ and the communication path between the data device 1E and the data collection devices 1B, 1C, and 1G, which has been valid so far, becomes invalid, the data collection system 100 'is divided into two networks. Therefore, the determination means provided in the data collection device 1E determines whether or not the data collection system 100 ′ is divided into two or more networks.
[0082]
The communication path diagnosis described above can also be used for this determination. That is, the communication path diagnosis is performed on the assumption that the communication path that has been valid with the data collection device 1E has become invalid. As a result, if the number of data collection devices other than the data collection device 1E, for example, the number of data collection devices in the system configuration information stored in the data collection device 1C decreases by two or more (in FIG. The new data collection system (in FIG. 13, the data collection devices 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) including the data collection device 1C as one of the constituent elements is not limited to the data collection device 1E. There are data collection devices (data collection devices 1G, 1H, 1I, and 1J in FIG. 13) that are out of the constituent elements.
[0083]
In FIG. 13, the case where the data collection system 100 ′ is divided into two networks has been described. This is because the data collection system 100 'configured to communicate via the data collection device 1E is divided into two groups (data collection devices 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and data collection devices 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J. If another group is configured to be able to communicate via the data collection device 1E, the communication path between these three groups and the data collection device 1E is established. When disabled, the data collection system 100 'is divided into three networks. Similarly, it goes without saying that it may be divided into four or more networks.
[0084]
Further, when a host computer that manages the entire data collection system 100 'is connected to an arbitrary data collection apparatus that constitutes the data collection system 100', such as the PC 53 described with reference to FIG. The determination means provided in the apparatus 1E makes an inquiry to the host computer as to whether or not the data collection system 100 ′ is divided into two or more networks by turning off the power supply, and based on the answer. Thus, it can be determined whether the data collection system 100 'is divided into two or more networks.
[0085]
In such a case, the control CPU included in the data collection device 1E does not control the power supply unit included in the data collection device 1E to stop supplying power to the wireless unit included in the data collection device 1E. By doing so, the data collection device 1E can perform at least a data relay function.
[0086]
In the above description, the comparison means 3 compares the analog electric quantity input by the analog input means 2 with a predetermined value on the memory, but the digital value converted by the analog / digital conversion means 5 and the predetermined value. A comparison with a value (which may be different from the predetermined value) or a comparison between an electric quantity calculated by the calculation means 6 and a predetermined value (which may be different from the predetermined value) may be used.
[0087]
In addition, as the data collected by the data collection device, the current amount of the transmission and distribution lines detected by the current sensor has been described as an example, but it goes without saying that the data detected and collected may be a voltage amount or a power value. However, it may be the flow rate of gas supplied by the gas company or the flow rate of water supplied by the water company.
[0088]
Further, the data collection device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the above-described embodiment as long as the function is executed, and even a single device or a system composed of a plurality of devices Needless to say, the integrated device may be a system in which processing is performed via a network such as a LAN or a WAN.
[0089]
It can also be realized by a system comprising a CPU, ROM or RAM memory connected to the bus, input device, output device, external recording device, medium driving device, portable recording medium, and network connection device. That is, the ROM or RAM memory, the external recording device, and the portable recording medium that record the program code of the software that realizes the system of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or the device. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.
[0090]
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and a portable recording medium or the like on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.
[0091]
Examples of portable recording media for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a magnetic tape, and a nonvolatile memory. Various recording media recorded through a network connection device (in other words, a communication line) such as a card, a ROM card, electronic mail or personal computer communication can be used.
[0092]
In addition, the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read out on the memory by the computer, and the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code is actually used. Some or all of the processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are also realized by the processing.
[0093]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the portable recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. A function expansion board or a CPU provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.
[0094]
That is, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can take various configurations or shapes without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to save power of the data collection device itself, and further, the data collection device itself that transmits the measured amount of electricity to the outside via the network and the power saving of the entire network. Can be made possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a data collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the data collection system in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the data collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a data collection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a data collection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which data collection apparatuses 1C and 1I transmit presence notification packets in the data collection system 20. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collection apparatus 1A.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collection device 1A after the addition of information of the data collection device 1E.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collecting apparatus 1A after the information of the data collecting apparatus 1D is deleted;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collection device 1B.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a management method of tabulated system configuration information (related information) managed by the data collection device 1E.
FIG. 12 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining a state when power supply to the data collection device is stopped in the data collection system;
FIG. 13 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining a state when the supply of power to the data collection device is stopped in the data collection system;
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J Data collection device
2 Analog input means
3 comparison means
4 Power supply off means
5 Analog / digital conversion means
6 Calculation means
7 Transmission means
8 Judgment means
9 Presence notification means
20 Data collection system
21, 22, ... 2N analog input section
30 Data collection system
31 AI Department
32 Power supply
33 Control CPU
34 Radio section
35 Antenna
40 Data collection system
41 AI Department
42 Power supply
43 Control CPU
44 Radio section
45 Antenna
46 AI circuit
50 Data collection system
51 Master unit
52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F, 52G
53 PC (host computer)
100, 100 'data collection system
S1, S2, ..., Sn, Ss Current sensor

Claims (12)

An analog input means for inputting an analog electric quantity;
Comparison means for comparing the analog electrical quantity input by the analog input means with a predetermined value;
A power supply off means for stopping the supply of power when the analog electricity quantity is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of comparison by the comparison means;
The analog input means includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity,
The comparison means compares the maximum value and the predetermined value among the plurality of analog electric quantities input by the plurality of analog input units. An analog input means for inputting an analog electric quantity;
Comparison means for comparing the analog electrical quantity input by the analog input means with a predetermined value;
A power supply off means for stopping the supply of power when the analog electricity quantity is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of comparison by the comparison means;
The analog input means includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity,
  The comparison means compares the predetermined value with a total value of the plurality of analog electric quantities input by the plurality of analog input units. The data collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined value is zero or substantially zero. Analog / digital conversion means for converting an analog electric quantity input by the analog input means into a digital value;
A calculation means for calculating an electric quantity based on the digital value converted by the analog / digital conversion means;
The data collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit the amount of electricity calculated by the calculation unit to the outside. The data collection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power supply off unit stops supply of power to the transmission unit. 6. The data collection device according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit transmits the amount of electricity to a transmission destination designated in advance via a wireless communication network. The wireless communication network is configured by a plurality of data collection devices that perform wireless data communication, and each of the plurality of data collection devices is directly or directly relayed by one or more other data collection devices. The data collection device according to claim 6, wherein the data collection device can communicate with the data collection device. And further comprising determination means for determining whether or not the wireless network is divided into two or more by not performing relaying,
  8. The data collection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the power supply off unit further stops the power supply when the determination unit determines that the wireless network is not divided into two or more. Consists of a plurality of data collection devices that perform wireless data communication, and each of the plurality of data collection devices can communicate with all other data collection devices directly or by relaying one or more other data collection devices In the data collection system
The data collection device comprises:
Presence notification means for notifying other data collection devices of their presence;
An analog input means for inputting an analog electric quantity;
Comparison means for comparing the analog electrical quantity input by the analog input means with a predetermined value;
  A power supply off means for stopping the supply of power when the analog electricity quantity is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of comparison by the comparison means;
The analog input means includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity,
The comparison means compares the maximum value and the predetermined value among the plurality of analog electric quantities input by the plurality of analog input units. Consists of a plurality of data collection devices that perform wireless data communication, and each of the plurality of data collection devices can communicate with all other data collection devices directly or by relaying one or more other data collection devices In the data collection system
The data collection device comprises:
Presence notification means for notifying other data collection devices of their presence;
An analog input means for inputting an analog electric quantity;
Comparison means for comparing the analog electrical quantity input by the analog input means with a predetermined value;
A power supply off means for stopping the supply of power when the analog electricity quantity is less than or equal to the predetermined value as a result of comparison by the comparison means;
The analog input means includes a plurality of analog input units for inputting an analog electric quantity,
The comparison unit compares the predetermined value with a total value of the plurality of analog electric quantities input by the plurality of analog input units. Furthermore, the data collection device comprises:
Analog / digital conversion means for converting an analog electric quantity input by the analog input means into a digital value;
A calculation means for calculating an electric quantity based on the digital value converted by the analog / digital conversion means;
The data collection system according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the electric quantity calculated by the calculation unit to a data collection device designated in advance. Furthermore, the data collection device comprises:
A determination means for determining whether or not the data collection system is divided into two or more by not performing relaying;
12. The power supply off means further stops power supply when the judgment means judges that the data collection system is not divided into two or more. The data collection system described in

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