JP4298944B2 - Information processing apparatus, sensor network system, information processing program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the information processing program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a sensor network system including a plurality of sensors and an information processing device that collects detection data of each sensor, an information processing device in the sensor network system, an information processing program, and a computer readable recording of the information processing program The present invention relates to a simple recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  In our living space, many different types of various sensors are installed according to purposes such as vehicle theft monitoring, indoor intrusion monitoring, and fire monitoring. These sensors usually constitute a sensor network for each installation purpose. We can achieve the intended purpose based on the information from each sensor network.
[0003]
  With recent advances in information communication technology, it has also been proposed to transmit information acquired by such a sensor network to a remote external device via various communication means. Such information transmission makes it possible to remotely manage various phenomenon detections and information processing.
[0004]
  When sensor acquisition information is transmitted from such a sensor network to external devices such as various computers and servers, a considerable amount of information is transmitted through a communication line such as a wired or wireless telephone communication network, a local area network, or the Internet. Will be sent.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, such a communication line has advantages and disadvantages in characteristics such as communication cost. Therefore, if a fixed communication line is employed, it becomes difficult to efficiently transmit sensor acquisition information (detection data) from a sensor network having a high degree of sensor integration.
[0006]
  In addition, information transmission via a communication line involves risks of unauthorized interception by third parties and alteration of transmission data. Sensor acquisition information includes information that is particularly sensitive and related to personal privacy, and such risks should be avoided as much as possible. Therefore, accurate risk aversion cannot be performed.
[0007]
  Furthermore, the number of sensors constituting each sensor network tends to increase dramatically with the recent sophistication of acquired information and downsizing / cost reduction of sensors. The number of sensors constituting a typical sensor network is still several tens to several hundreds, and in the future, a sensor network composed of several thousand to several hundreds of millions of sensor groups is also proposed. . Accordingly, the types and data sizes of sensor acquisition information transmitted from these sensors tend to increase more and more.
[0008]
  However, all of the acquired information by each sensor is not necessarily required for the external device as the transmission destination. While the sensor acquisition information includes extremely urgent information such as an emergency call, only a part of information continuously acquired by the sensor may be important. Therefore, if the acquisition information from the sensor is sequentially transmitted from the sensor network, the communication burden becomes too large, and the information transmission efficiency and the information utilization efficiency on the external device side are extremely deteriorated.
[0009]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a sensor network system, an information processing program for efficiently transmitting information according to the characteristics of detection data acquired by a sensor, Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which an information processing program is recorded.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides a plurality of information processing apparatuses.Event typeSensors and eachEvent typeThe information processing apparatus in a sensor network system including an information processing apparatus that collects detection data at a sensor and transmits the detection data to an external apparatus via a communication line,Sent from each event type sensor when a physical quantity equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected by each event type sensor and a sensor control unit that controls the threshold value of each event type sensor.In accordance with information included in a part of the detection data, a communication line selection unit that selects one of the plurality of types of communication lines, and the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit, And a transmission unit for transmitting to an external device.
[0011]
  In the above configuration, the configuration and type of the sensor are not particularly limited, and include any device that can detect an environmental state and output the detection result as a signal. For example, as a sensor for detecting a human body or the like, a sensor for detecting movement or destruction of an object such as a photoelectric sensor, a beam sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an infrared sensor, or as a sensor for detecting sound such as a vibration sensor or an acceleration sensor. There are various types such as a microphone, a sound sensor, and an acoustic sensor.
[0012]
  The sensor may include an active sensor. The active sensor is, for example, a video camera, and has a direction switching function for switching the shooting direction in addition to the detection unit, and is operable by an external control signal.
[0013]
  According to said structure, the various detection data detected / acquired with the some sensor are collected by the information processing apparatus which construct | assembles a sensor network together. After that, the communication line selection unit has a plurality of preparedtypeFrom the communication line of the above detection dataInformation included in someOne optimal communication line is selected according to the above. In selecting the communication line, the communication line selection unit may appropriately refer to information regarding the communication line registered in a database or the like inside or outside the information processing apparatus. Thereafter, the transmission unit transmits the detection data to the external device through the communication line thus selected.
[0014]
  As a result, for example, when the detection frequency of the detection data to be transmitted is large and the detection data needs to be transmitted frequently / in real time, the communication line selection unit selects a communication line having a high communication speed. It is possible to select a communication line with an economical communication cost per number of communication.
[0015]
  Thus, efficient information transmission such as reduction of communication cost burden and improvement of information transmission efficiency can be realized.
[0016]
  The present inventionIn order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe communication line selection unit is configured to detect the detection data.Information included in someThe urgent level information of the detection data is used.
[0017]
  In the above configuration, the urgency information of the detection data is information indicating how much time and priority the corresponding detection data should be transmitted to the external device. For example, the type of sensor and the detection data Depending on the nature, it refers to information such as urgency levels A, B, C,..., Urgency levels 1, 2, 3,. For example, a high degree of urgency is generally given to detection data related to fire information detected by a fire detection sensor.
[0018]
  According to said structure, the said communication line selection part can select an optimal communication line, considering the said emergency level information. For example, for information with a high degree of urgency, it is possible to select a communication line with good response and high communication speed regardless of the communication cost.
[0019]
  ThisfurtherThus, it is possible to select an appropriate communication line according to the urgency information of the detected data and transmit data to an external device.
[0020]
  In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides a plurality of information processing apparatuses.Event typeSensors and eachEvent typeThe information processing apparatus in a sensor network system including an information processing apparatus that collects detection data at a sensor and transmits the detection data to an external apparatus via a communication line,Sent from each event type sensor when a physical quantity equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected by each event type sensor and a sensor control unit that controls the threshold value of each event type sensor.The detection data is transmitted to the external device using a communication line selection unit that selects one of the plurality of types of communication lines according to the data size of the detection data and the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit. And a transmitting unit that performs the processing.
[0021]
  According to the above configuration, the communication line selection unit can select an optimum communication line in consideration of the data size of the detection data. For example, when it becomes necessary to transmit detection data having a large data size, it is possible to select a communication line having a high communication speed or a communication line with a low communication cost per data amount.
[0022]
  Thereby, appropriate and economical data transmission according to the data size of the detection data can be performed.
[0023]
  The present inventionIn order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe communication line selection unit is configured to detect the detection data.Information included in someAs described above, the confidentiality information of the detection data is used.
[0024]
  In the above configuration, the confidentiality information of the detection data refers to information indicating the necessity of keeping the corresponding detection data secret from a third party. For example, detection data related to personal privacy, such as detection data indicating the operation status of a safe or the entrance / exit status of an important section, and detection data with high confidentiality are classified as having a high necessity for concealment.
[0025]
  According to said structure, the said communication line selection part can select an optimal communication line, considering the confidentiality information of the said detection data. For example, when there is a need to transmit highly confidential detection data, there is less risk of unauthorized interception and transmission data tampering by third parties, such as wired communication rather than wireless communication and encrypted digital communication rather than analog communication. A communication line can be selected.
[0026]
  ThisfurtherThus, safe and appropriate data transmission according to the confidentiality information of the detected data can be performed.
[0027]
  The present inventionIn order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe transmission unit transmits the detection data to the external device in an order corresponding to the priority information of the detection data.
[0028]
  In the above configuration, the priority information of the detection data refers to information indicating the priority of the detection data at the time of transmission. For example, each detection is performed according to the type of the detected sensor and the importance in the external device of the transmission destination. It is assigned to data. Specifically, the detection data of the sensor a is information such as always giving priority to the detection data of the sensor b. Such priority information may be included as a part of the detection data, or may be recorded in a data table provided in the information processing apparatus.
[0029]
  According to said structure, the said transmission part transmits this detection data to the said external apparatus in order according to the priority information of the said detection data, ie, the detection data with a higher priority ahead.
[0030]
  ThisfurtherSince detection data with higher priority can be transmitted earlier, efficient information transmission is possible.
[0031]
  The present inventionIn order to solve the above problems, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe transmission unit converts the data format of the detection data according to the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit and transmits the data to the external device.
[0032]
  According to said structure, the said transmission part converts the data format of the said detection data according to the kind of communication line selected by the said communication line selection part. Examples of data format conversion include the following.
(1) Convert the detected data into a specific protocol format suitable for the communication line.
(2) Digital detection data is generated by sampling analog detection data so that it can be transmitted through a digital communication line.
(3) The detection data is compressed or the detection data is thinned out so as to be suitable for a communication line with a low communication speed.
[0033]
  ThisfurtherBy using an optimum data format corresponding to the type of communication line, efficient information transmission can be realized.
[0034]
  In order to solve the above problems, a sensor network system according to the present invention includes the information processing apparatus described above and the plurality ofEvent typeAnd a sensor.
[0035]
  The present inventionIn order to solve the above problem, an information processing program according tothe aboveIt is characterized by functioning as the described information processing apparatus.
[0036]
  The present inventionIn order to solve the above problems, a computer-readable recording medium according tothe aboveThe described information processing program is recorded.
[0037]
  According to these configurations, by the computer that reads and executes the sensor network system or the information processing program,the aboveThe same effects as the information processing apparatus described can be achieved.
[0038]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0039]
  (1. Overall configuration)
  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including a sensor network according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a sensor network 1 (sensor network system) is connected to an external device 2 via a communication line 3 and is in a state capable of data communication. The sensor network 1 includes a sensor network controller 4 (information processing apparatus) and a plurality of sensors 5. The sensor network controller 4 receives / collects detection data of each sensor 5 and manages the entire sensor network 1. is doing.
[0040]
  In FIG. 2, there is a single external device 2 that is communicably connected to the sensor network 1, but there may be a plurality of external devices 2 that are communicably connected to the sensor network 1.
[0041]
  Here, an outline of processing executed in the sensor network 1 will be described. In the sensor network 1, detection information of each sensor 5 is notified to the sensor network controller 4 as needed. Therefore, when the sensor 5 detects a predetermined state, the sensor network controller 4 recognizes that fact.
[0042]
  Then, the sensor network controller 4 transmits the detection data acquired from each sensor 5 to the external device 2 individually or in combination with the acquired detection data. Thereby, when the sensor 5 detects a predetermined state, the detection data can be transmitted to the predetermined external device 2.
[0043]
  The sensor network controller 4 normally manages a plurality of sensors 5 (for example, up to 256 sensors 5 and about 10 sensors 5 in the sensor network 1 for security management), and the sensor network 1 is configured by these. Is done. When there are a plurality of sensor networks 1, the detection areas of the sensor networks 1 may overlap each other as shown in FIG.
[0044]
  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which a plurality of sensor networks 1 are overlapped. In the example of FIG. 3, one sensor 5 belongs to a plurality of sensor networks 1, or two sensor network controllers 4 exist in one sensor network 1. Thus, if the sensor 5 is managed by a plurality of sensor network controllers 4, even if one sensor network controller 4 fails, the other sensor network controller 4 can manage the sensor 5 normally. Become. Therefore, it is desirable to manage the sensors 5 requiring high reliability by the plurality of sensor network controllers 4 as described above.
[0045]
  In the system of FIG. 2, each sensor 5 is identified by a unique sensor ID assigned to each sensor. In such a system, generally, the more sensors 5 are used, the higher the user demands can be met. In order to assign unique sensor IDs to a large number of sensors 5, the sensor IDs may be made high bits (for example, 64 bits or more). As the sensor ID, for example, an IP address of TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) can be used, and in order to increase the bit of the sensor ID, 128-bit IPv6 can be used.
[0046]
  Hereinafter, each configuration of the sensor network 1 will be described in detail.
[0047]
  (1-1. Sensor)
  The configuration of the sensor 5 in the sensor network 1 will be described in detail. Various sensors can be used as the sensor 5, and one example is as follows.
[0048]
  Examples of detecting the human body include a photoelectric sensor, a beam sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and the like. Examples of detection of movement and destruction of an object include a vibration sensor and an acceleration sensor (3D sensor, ball semiconductor sensor). Examples of detecting sound include a microphone, a sound sensor, and an acoustic sensor. A video camera or the like is used to detect video. Examples of detecting a fire or the like include a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, and a humidity sensor. Examples of devices mounted on vehicles include GPS (Global Positioning System), acceleration sensors, wiper ON / OFF sensors, vibration sensors, and tilt sensors. There are an illumination ON / OFF sensor, a water leak sensor, and the like installed in the room. There are rain gauges, anemometers, thermometers, etc. installed outdoors. In addition to these, there are various types such as a capacitance level sensor, a capacitance intrusion sensor, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, a reed switch that detects opening / closing of a door, and a clock that detects time.
[0049]
  Thus, the sensor 5 of the sensor network 1 is not limited to what is generally called a “sensor”, but can detect a phenomenon, convert the detection result into an electrical signal, and the like, and send it to the sensor network controller 4. Includes any equipment you can.
[0050]
  Further, the sensor 5 of the sensor network 1 may include an active sensor. An active sensor is, for example, a video camera. In addition to a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as a detection unit that performs detection, an active sensor has a zoom function, an autofocus function, a direction switching function for switching a shooting direction, and the like. Provided, which can operate automatically or in response to a control signal from the sensor network controller 4. Such an active sensor can perform more accurate detection according to the phenomenon. For example, in the above video camera example, a moving object (smoke or the like) is detected within the imaging range, and the moving object can be captured more accurately by switching the imaging direction to that direction.
[0051]
  Further, the sensor 5 of the sensor network 1 may include an autonomous sensor. Here, the autonomous sensor refers to a sensor that periodically notifies the sensor network controller 4 and the external device 2 of information (sensor information) about the sensor itself, for example. The sensor information is, for example, information on the type (including contents that can be detected) and arrangement (position, installation location) of the sensor.
[0052]
  The sensor may be attached to a moving body such as a vehicle. When the sensor moves, the information obtained from the detection result of the sensor may change. For example, considering a thermometer attached to a vehicle as a sensor, when the temperature is detected by the sensor, the point at which the detection result represents the temperature differs depending on the position of the vehicle, that is, the position of the sensor. . If an autonomous sensor is used in such a case, it is possible to recognize at which point the temperature is constantly detected.
[0053]
  In addition, when the sensor network controller 4 corresponding to the autonomous sensor is used, when a new autonomous sensor is added, it can be easily added like so-called plug and play.
[0054]
  These sensors 5 are usually selected according to a specific purpose such as vehicle theft monitoring, indoor intrusion monitoring, fire monitoring, and the like, and are installed at an appropriate place according to the purpose. In addition, the sensor network 1 is usually configured for each purpose, and processing such as monitoring and notification for achieving the purpose is performed by the external device 2, for example.
[0055]
  The sensors 5 can be roughly classified into three types, that is, a periodic type, an event type, and a polling type, depending on a detection result notification method, that is, how detection data is sent to the sensor network controller 4. Here, the periodic sensor notifies the detection result in a predetermined time period. The event type sensor is for notifying the detection result when the sensor 5 detects a predetermined phenomenon, for example, when detecting a physical quantity or the like exceeding a threshold value. The polling type sensor notifies the detection result when receiving a notification command of the detection result from the sensor network controller 4 side.
[0056]
  (1-2. Sensor network controller)
  Next, the configuration of the sensor network controller 4 in the sensor network 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the sensor network controller 4. The sensor network controller 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41 that performs various processes, a storage unit 42 that stores various data, a communication interface 43 that serves as an interface with the communication line 3, and a sensor that serves as an interface with the sensor 5. An interface 44 is provided.
[0057]
  The CPU 41 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and performs various data processing and instructions to various control circuits based on the calculation function. Thereby, the CPU 41 controls the entire sensor network controller 4. The CPU 41 functions as each functional block of the signal processing unit 45, the detection data processing unit 46, and the sensor control unit 47.
[0058]
  The storage unit 42 (recording medium) stores various programs and data for performing various processes in the CPU 41.
[0059]
  The signal processing unit 45 processes the detection data performed by the detection data processing unit 46 and the sensor 5 performed by the sensor control unit 47 based on a control signal sent from the external device 2 via the communication line 3 and the communication interface 43. Control the process for control.
[0060]
  The detection data processing unit 46 performs predetermined processing on detection data (primary data) as a detection result sent from the sensor 5 via the sensor interface 44 as necessary, and performs the detection. Data (secondary data) is sent to the external device 2 via the communication interface 43 and the communication line 3.
[0061]
  The detection data processing unit 46 may store the secondary data in the storage unit 42 and send the secondary data to the external device 2 in response to a request from the external device 2.
[0062]
  The sensor control unit 47 controls the sensor 5 by sending a control signal to the sensor 5 via the sensor interface 44. The control of the sensor 5 includes control of the detection data transmission cycle in the periodic sensor, control of the threshold of the event sensor, polling control for the polling sensor, or operation control of the active sensor. How the sensor 5 is controlled by the sensor control unit 47 is based on a command from the signal processing unit 45.
[0063]
  Here, a data communication mode between the sensor network controller 4 and the sensor 5 controlled by the sensor control unit 47 via the sensor interface 44 will be described. Each sensor 5 is provided with a communication device. The sensor interface 44 of the sensor network controller 4 is a parent device, and the communication device of the sensor 5 is a child device. Data communication is performed between the parent device and the child device.
[0064]
  Data communication between the parent device and the child device may be wireless communication or wired communication. As wireless communication, for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard and bluetooth (registered trademark) standard weak radio waves, those using short-range radio such as specific low-power radio, those using optical wireless, short-range infrared Communication etc. can be considered. As wired communication, one using a LAN or one using a dedicated wiring can be considered.
[0065]
  As a communication method between the parent device and the child device, there are bidirectional communication or unidirectional communication, which differs depending on the type of the sensor 5. Sensor 5 is sensor network controller 4
In the case where control is performed by receiving a control signal or the like from the (sensor interface 44), the communication method is bidirectional communication. On the other hand, when the sensor 5 unilaterally sends a signal to the sensor network controller 4 (sensor interface 44), the communication method is unidirectional communication from the slave unit to the master unit.
[0066]
  In the sensor 5, for example, RS-232C, RS-485, DeviceNET, or the like can be used as an interface between a detection unit that performs detection and a communication device (slave device). Via this interface, an analog current, an analog voltage, a pulse signal, or the like as a detection result by the detection unit is sent from the sensor 5 to the sensor network controller 4.
[0067]
  (1-3. External device)
  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the external device 2. The external device 2 is for performing various processes based on detection data from the sensor network 1, and is configured by a computer (such as a personal computer or a large computer) having a communication function, for example.
[0068]
  The external device 2 includes a CPU 22 that performs various processes, a storage unit 23 that stores various data, and a communication interface 21 that serves as an interface with the communication line 3. The external device 2 includes an input unit 24 (keyboard, mouse, etc.) for inputting and updating various information to the storage unit 23, and a display unit 25 (display, etc.).
[0069]
  The CPU 22 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer, and performs various data processing and instructions to various control circuits based on the calculation function. Thereby, the CPU 22 controls the entire external device 2.
[0070]
  The storage unit 23 stores various programs and data for performing various processes in the CPU 22.
[0071]
  The communication interface 21 functions as an interface with the communication line 3, and the external device 2 can perform data transmission / reception with the sensor network 1 via the communication interface 21.
[0072]
  With the above configuration, the external device 2 performs information provision to the user and various types of information processing based on the detection data from the sensor network 1, but the configuration of the external device 2 is limited to the configuration shown in FIG. It is not something that can be done. For example, various mobile phones, PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), etc. may be adopted as the external device 2.
[0073]
  (2-1. Communication processing operation of sensor network controller)
  In this section, the data communication processing operation of the sensor network controller 4 will be described.
[0074]
  6A to 6C are conceptual diagrams illustrating examples of data communication modes between the external device 2 and the sensor network controller 4 in the sensor network 1.
[0075]
  Here, FIG. 6A shows a case where the Internet is used as the communication line 3. The whole between the external device 2 and the sensor network controller 4 may be the Internet. However, between the Internet and the sensor network controller 4, for example, wireless packet communication such as a mobile data communication service using a packet communication method. It may be connected by a line. Further, a public line such as a telephone line (for example, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) line, a mobile phone line, etc.) may be provided between the Internet and the external device 2.
[0076]
  FIG. 6B shows a case where the Internet and a LAN (Local Area Network) connected to the Internet are used as the communication line 3. In FIG. 6B, a LAN is interposed between the Internet and the sensor network controller 4. As the LAN, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN can be used. A LAN may be interposed between the Internet and the external device 2.
[0077]
  FIG. 6C shows a case where a public line is used as the communication line 3. As the public line, a public line such as a telephone line (including an ISDN, a PHS line, and a mobile phone line) can be used.
[0078]
  In FIG. 2, the sensor network controller 4 and the external device 2 have been described as simply connected via the communication line 3 so as to be able to transmit and receive data. However, the sensor network 1 (sensor network controller) according to the present embodiment is described. 4), various communication lines 3 as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C can be used, and one of a plurality of communication lines 3 is selected according to the characteristics of the detection data collected from the sensor 5. And the detection data is transmitted to the external device 2.
[0079]
  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a connection form between the sensor network controller 4 and the external device 2 as described above. In the figure, the sensor network controller 4 can transmit / receive data via a wireless packet communication line 3a, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) line 3b, and an ISDN line 3c as a plurality of selectable communication networks (communication lines). It is connected to the.
[0080]
  In FIG. 7, the sensor network controller 4 is connected to a communication line DB (database) 10. In the communication line DB 10, information relating to the communication cost, communication speed, communication confidentiality performance (security) of the wireless packet communication line 3a, the PHS line 3b, and the ISDN line 3c is recorded as information related to each communication line. Details of the information recorded in the communication line DB 10 will be described later in the section 2-2.
[0081]
  Next, a processing operation example when the sensor network 1 (sensor network controller 4 and sensor 5) according to the present embodiment transmits data to the external device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the above processing operation example for each step (S1 to S5).
[0082]
  First, each sensor 5 detects an environmental state and transmits the detection result as a signal (detection data) to the sensor network controller 4 (S1).
[0083]
  As described above, if the sensor 5 is a periodic type, the detection result is notified in a predetermined time period. If the sensor 5 is an event type, when the sensor 5 detects a predetermined phenomenon, for example, a physical quantity greater than a threshold is detected. The detection result is notified when it is done. If the sensor 5 is a polling type, the detection result is notified when a detection result notification command is received from the sensor network controller 4 side.
[0084]
  The detection data of the sensor 5 includes data processed by the detection data processing unit 46 (see FIG. 4) of the sensor network controller 4 and data temporarily stored in the storage unit 42 of the sensor network controller 4. .
[0085]
  In the next step, the sensor network controller 4 selects one from a plurality of communication lines according to the characteristics of the detection data acquired in S1 (S2). Details of the communication line selection processing in this step will be described later in the section 2-2.
[0086]
  In the next step, the sensor network controller 4 rearranges the detection data in the order corresponding to the priority information of the acquired detection data (S3).
[0087]
  Here, the priority information of the detection data refers to information indicating the priority of the detection data at the time of transmission. For example, each detection data depends on the type of the detected sensor 5 and the importance in the external device of the transmission destination. Is assigned. Specifically, detection data of a certain sensor 5 (for example, sensor a) refers to information such as always giving priority to detection data of another sensor 5 (for example, sensor b). Such priority information may be included as a part of the detection data, or may be recorded in a data table provided in the sensor network controller 4.
[0088]
  Through the processing in this step, the detection data transmitted externally in a later step is rearranged so that detection data with higher priority comes first.
[0089]
  In the next step, the sensor network controller 4 converts the data format of the detection data according to the type of communication line selected in S2 (S4). Examples of data format conversion performed by the sensor network controller 4 in this step include the following.
(1) Convert the detected data into a specific protocol format suitable for the communication line.
(2) Digital detection data is generated by sampling analog detection data so that it can be transmitted through a digital communication line.
(3) Detected data is compressed and thinned out so that it is suitable for communication lines with low communication speeds.
[0090]
  As an example of the above (1) and (2), the sensor network controller 4 converts the analog current, analog voltage, pulse signal, etc. sent from the sensor 5 into digital signals that conform to the communication protocol of the communication line 3. There are cases.
[0091]
  As an example of the above (3), the primary data from the video camera as the sensor 5, that is, the image data, data of about 20 to 30 kilobits per screen is always sent for 3 screens per second. In some cases, the primary data is subjected to processing such as thinning out an image having a small change to generate secondary data that is useful and has a small amount of data.
[0092]
  In this step, in addition to the conversion example of the data format described above, the sensor network controller 4 may perform appropriate encryption processing on the detected data in order to reduce the risk of the transmission data being decrypted by a third party. Good.
[0093]
  In the last step, the sensor network controller 4 transmits the detection data converted in S4 to the external device 2 via the communication line selected in S2 (S5).
[0094]
  The data communication processing operation (S1 to S5) of the sensor network controller 4 described above is realized by the CPU 41 and the communication interface 43 based on a predetermined information processing program.
[0095]
  The information processing program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as the storage unit 42 of the sensor network controller 4. Such an information processing program may be supplied by, for example, a program medium read by a drive device provided in the sensor network controller 4 as an external storage device in addition to the storage unit 42.
[0096]
  The program medium is a recording medium configured to be separable from the main body, and is a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy disk or a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD. It may be a medium carrying a fixed program including a semiconductor memory such as a disk system, an IC card (including a memory card) / optical card, or a mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash ROM, etc. .
[0097]
  The information processing program may be downloaded to the sensor network controller 4 through a communication network including the Internet. When the information processing program is downloaded from the communication network, the download program may be stored in the sensor network controller 4 in advance, or may be installed from another recording medium. The content stored in the recording medium is not limited to a program, and may be data.
[0098]
  (2-2. Communication line selection processing by sensor network controller)
  In this section, the details of the communication line selection (S2) processing by the sensor network controller 4 will be described.
[0099]
  Here, the sensor network controller 4 will be described as selecting one of the wireless packet communication line 3a, the PHS line 3b, and the ISDN line 3c shown in FIG. Of course, the type of communication line selected by the sensor network controller is not limited to the above, but is arbitrary.
[0100]
  As described above, the sensor network controller 4 is connected to the communication line DB (database) 10 (see FIG. 7), and the communication line DB 10 includes, for example, wireless packet communication lines 3a and PHS as information about each communication line. Information regarding the communication speed, communication cost, and communication confidentiality (security) of the line 3b and the ISDN line 3c is recorded.
[0101]
  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information related to a communication line recorded in the communication line DB 10. As shown in the figure, the communication line DB 10 includes a communication cost (during continuous communication), a communication cost (during intermittent communication), a communication speed, and a wireless packet communication line 3a, a PHS line 3b, and an ISDN line 3c. Information related to communication confidentiality (security) and the like is recorded.
[0102]
  In the database items shown in FIG. 8, “O” corresponds to an evaluation of “excellent”, “Δ” corresponds to an evaluation of “medium”, and “x” corresponds to an evaluation of “inferior”. According to the information example related to the communication line shown in the figure, for example, the wireless packet communication (3a) is excellent in communication cost during intermittent communication, while in the items of communication cost, communication speed, and security during continuous communication, It turns out that it is evaluation of a grade. On the other hand, the ISDN line (3c), which is a wired communication, is rated moderately for the communication cost during intermittent communication, but it is understood that it is excellent in each item of communication cost, communication speed, and security during continuous communication. .
[0103]
  Such information on the communication line may be recorded not in the external device such as the communication line DB 10 but in the storage unit 42 in the sensor network controller 4 or the like. Note that the communication cost varies depending not only on the type of communication line but also on the charging system of the line provider, so the sensor network controller 4 preferably also refers to information on this charging system.
[0104]
  The sensor network controller 4 refers to the information on the communication line recorded in the communication line DB 10 and the like, and according to the characteristics of the detection data acquired from the sensor 5, the wireless packet communication line 3a, the PHS line 3b, the ISDN line 3c. Choose the best one.
[0105]
  The sensor network controller 4 selects an optimal communication line according to the characteristics of the detection data acquired from the sensor 5 from the following viewpoints, for example.
[0106]
  I, if the sensor 5 is an event type and the detection data notified from the sensor 5 is intermittent packet data, the characteristic of the detection data is that the data format is intermittent packet data. . In response to this, the sensor network controller 4 selects the wireless packet communication 3a that is excellent in communication cost during intermittent communication.
[0107]
  II. When the sensor 5 is a video camera or the like, the characteristic of the detected data is that the data size is large. In response to this, the sensor network controller 4 selects the ISDN line 3c having a high communication speed and excellent communication cost during continuous communication.
[0108]
  III, sensor 5 is a fire detection sensor, etc., and the degree of urgency for reporting the detection data is high, and when it is necessary to send it to the external device 2 for a short predetermined time or high priority, the characteristics of the detection data are high. The level of urgency can be mentioned. In response to this, the sensor network controller 4 selects the PHS line 3b or the ISDN line 3c having excellent communication speed.
[0109]
  As the urgency information of such detection data, the urgency levels A, B, C,..., Urgency levels 1 and 2 assigned in descending order of urgency according to the type of sensor 5 and the nature of the detection data. , 3..., But the urgency information may be included in a part of the detection data, or is set in advance according to each sensor 5 and is a database inside and outside the sensor network controller 4. May be recorded.
[0110]
  If the detection data notified from IV, sensor 5 indicates the operation status of the safe or the entrance / exit status of important sections, and it is highly necessary to keep it secret from a third party, detection The data characteristics include high confidentiality such as high relevance to personal privacy and high confidentiality. In response to this, the sensor network controller 4 selects the ISDN line 3c having excellent security performance.
[0111]
  Such confidentiality information of the detection data may be included in a part of the detection data, or may be set in advance according to the sensor 5 and recorded in a database inside and outside the sensor network controller 4.
[0112]
  As described above, the sensor network controller 4 selects one from the wireless packet communication line 3a, the PHS line 3b, and the ISDN line 3c (a plurality of communication lines) according to the characteristics of the detection data collected from each sensor 5. A CPU 41 (communication line selection unit) and a communication interface 43 (transmission unit) that transmits the detection data to the external device 2 using the communication line selected by the CPU 41 are provided.
[0113]
  Thus, the sensor network controller 4 can realize efficient information transmission such as reduction of communication cost burden, improvement of information transmission efficiency, and improvement of information use efficiency on the external device side.
[0114]
  In addition, when there are a plurality of characteristics of the detection data collected from the sensor 5, it is preferable to set in advance which characteristic to focus on or which characteristic has priority.
[0115]
  As a result, even if the detection data has a plurality of characteristics, for example, if the detection data includes a fire report, a communication line having a higher communication speed than economics and security is selected by wire. This makes it possible to select and determine such advanced communication lines. In addition, it is confirmed whether the detection data is stream data or non-stream data. If the detection data is stream data, a communication line having a relatively high communication speed can be selected.
[0116]
  Such setting items may be recorded in advance in a database in the sensor network controller 4, or a configuration in which the sensor network controller 4 receives an external instruction may be employed.
[0117]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses.Event typeSensors and eachEvent typeThe information processing apparatus in a sensor network system including an information processing apparatus that collects detection data at a sensor and transmits the detection data to an external apparatus via a communication line,Sent from each event type sensor when a physical quantity equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected by each event type sensor and a sensor control unit that controls the threshold value of each event type sensor.In accordance with information included in a part of the detection data, a communication line selection unit that selects one of the plurality of types of communication lines, and the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit, And a transmission unit that transmits to an external device.
[0118]
  Therefore, a plurality of preparedtypeFrom the communication line of the above detection dataInformation included in someOne optimum communication line is selected according to the above. Thereafter, the transmission unit transmits the detection data to the external device through the communication line thus selected.
[0119]
  As a result, it is possible to realize efficient information transmission such as reduction of communication cost burden and improvement of information transmission efficiency.
[0120]
  The present inventionAs described above, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe communication line selection unit is configured to detect the detection data.Information included in someThe urgency level information of the detection data is used.
[0121]
  Therefore, the communication line selection unit can select an optimal communication line in consideration of the urgency information. For example, for information with a high degree of urgency, it is possible to select a communication line with good response and high communication speed regardless of the communication cost.
[0122]
  ThisfurtherThus, it is possible to select an appropriate communication line according to the urgency information of the detected data and to transmit data to an external device.
[0123]
  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses.Event typeSensors and eachEvent typeThe information processing apparatus in a sensor network system including an information processing apparatus that collects detection data at a sensor and transmits the detection data to an external apparatus via a communication line,Sent from each event type sensor when a physical quantity equal to or greater than the threshold value is detected by each event type sensor and a sensor control unit that controls the threshold value of each event type sensor.The detection data is transmitted to the external device using a communication line selection unit that selects one of the plurality of types of communication lines according to the data size of the detection data and the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit. And a transmitting unit that performs the processing.
[0124]
  Therefore, the communication line selection unit can select an optimum communication line in consideration of the data size of the detection data.
[0125]
  Thereby, there is an effect that appropriate and economical data transmission according to the data size of the detection data can be performed.
[0126]
  The present inventionAs described above, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe communication line selection unit is configured to detect the detection data.Information included in someAs described above, the confidentiality information of the detection data is used.
[0127]
  Therefore, the communication line selection unit can select an optimal communication line in consideration of the confidentiality information of the detection data. For example, when there is a need to transmit highly confidential detection data, there is less risk of unauthorized interception and transmission data tampering by third parties, such as wired communication rather than wireless communication and encrypted digital communication rather than analog communication. A communication line can be selected.
[0128]
  ThisfurtherThus, it is possible to perform safe and appropriate data transmission according to the confidentiality information of the detected data.
[0129]
  The present inventionAs described above, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe transmission unit is configured to transmit the detection data to the external device in an order corresponding to the priority information of the detection data.
[0130]
  Therefore, the transmission unit transmits the detection data to the external device in the order corresponding to the priority information of the detection data, that is, the detection data with higher priority comes first.
[0131]
  ThisfurtherSince detection data with a higher priority can be transmitted earlier, there is an effect that efficient information transmission is possible.
[0132]
  The present inventionAs described above, the information processing apparatus according toInformation processing apparatus as described aboveThe transmission unit is configured to convert the data format of the detection data according to the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit and transmit it to the external device.
[0133]
  Therefore, the transmission unit converts the data format of the detection data according to the type of the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit.
[0134]
  ThisfurtherThus, there is an effect that efficient information transmission can be realized by using an optimal data format corresponding to the type of communication line.
[0135]
  In order to solve the above problems, a sensor network system according to the present invention includes the information processing apparatus described above and the plurality ofEvent typeAnd a sensor.
[0136]
  The present inventionAs described above, the information processing program according tothe aboveIt is the structure which functions as the described information processing apparatus.
[0137]
  The present inventionAs described above, the computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is configured to record the information processing program described above.
[0138]
  According to these configurations, by the computer that reads and executes the sensor network system or the information processing program,the aboveThe same effects as the information processing apparatus described can be achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example when a sensor network according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits data to an external device.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system including a sensor network according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which a plurality of sensor networks overlap.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a sensor network controller.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an external device.
FIGS. 6A to 6C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of a data communication mode between an external device and a sensor network controller in a sensor network.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a connection form between a sensor network controller and an external device.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information related to a communication line recorded in the communication line.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Sensor network (Sensor network system)
2 External device
3 communication lines
3a Wireless packet communication line (communication line)
3b PHS line (communication line)
3c ISDN line (communication line)
4. Sensor network controller (information processing equipment)
5 Sensor
41 CPU (communication line selection unit)
42 Storage unit (recording medium)
43 Communication interface (transmitter)

Claims (9)

The information processing apparatus in a sensor network system includes a plurality of event type sensors and an information processing apparatus that collects detection data of each event type sensor and transmits the detection data to an external device via a communication line. And
A sensor control unit for controlling the threshold value of each event type sensor;
When one of the event-type sensors detects a physical quantity that is equal to or greater than the threshold value , one of a plurality of types of communication lines is selected according to information included in a part of detection data transmitted from each event-type sensor. A communication line selection unit,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the detection data to the external device using the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication line selection unit uses urgency information of the detection data as information included in a part of the detection data.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication line selection unit uses confidentiality information of the detection data as information included in a part of the detection data. The information processing apparatus in a sensor network system includes a plurality of event type sensors and an information processing apparatus that collects detection data of each event type sensor and transmits the detection data to an external device via a communication line. And
A sensor control unit for controlling the threshold value of each event type sensor;
Communication line selection for selecting one of a plurality of types of communication lines according to the data size of detection data transmitted from each event type sensor when a physical quantity equal to or greater than the threshold is detected by each event type sensor And
An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the detection data to the external device using the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit.   5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the detection data to the external device in an order corresponding to priority information of the detection data.   6. The transmission unit according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit converts the data format of the detection data according to the communication line selected by the communication line selection unit and transmits the data to the external device. The information processing apparatus described in 1. A sensor network system comprising the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 and the plurality of event-type sensors. Computer
An information processing program that functions as the information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 9. A computer-readable recording medium on which the information processing program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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