JP6021163B2 - Terminal device, communication system, and terminal device activation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device that transmits a result of measurement (measurement) of a physical quantity by a plurality of measurement sensors, a communication system having such a terminal device, and a method for starting such a terminal device.

In a sensor network system, a sensor terminal device transmits a result of measuring a physical quantity by a measurement sensor to a base station device.
In the wireless sensor described in Patent Document 1, the power of the power supply unit can be supplied when the sensor that operates without power is in the ON state, and the power of the power supply unit cannot be supplied when the sensor is in the OFF state. Is supplied with power from the power supply unit and wirelessly transmits predetermined information to the outside.

  In the sensor network system management method described in Patent Document 2, in the sensor network system management apparatus that can communicate with a plurality of sensors, receives sensor information from each sensor, and controls the operation of each sensor, The remaining drive time of the battery is acquired, the target remaining drive time is set, and the operation of each sensor is controlled so that the remaining drive time of the battery and the target remaining drive time in each sensor are substantially equal. ing. More specifically, the target remaining drive time is set to the remaining drive time of the battery in the sensor with the longest remaining drive time at that time, and the remaining capacity of the battery is detected, and the remaining capacity and the target remaining drive time are The target average power consumption is calculated by the above, and the operation of the sensor is controlled so as to realize the target average power consumption.

  In the sensor management device described in Patent Document 3, sensor information is received from a plurality of sensors based on a predetermined purpose, and when performing control on several sensors, the sensor information is based on the purpose. Process, control the sensor based on the purpose, and in this case, receive information from the outside of the device, and update the processing content of the sensor information and / or the control content based on the received information To be done.

  In the electronic circuit described in Patent Document 4, a microcontroller, a timer that measures a standby time based on control of the microcontroller, a buffer circuit that receives an output signal of the timer, the output signal of the timer, and the timer A logic circuit controlled by an output signal of the microcontroller, and a power switch that is switch-controlled by the logic circuit and supplies power from the power source to the microcontroller and the buffer circuit, the buffer circuit having a power supply side at an input terminal Without the protection diode, the microcontroller transits from the active state to the standby state, or from the active state to the power-off state during the standby time, and based on the output of the buffer, the microcontroller Active from the power-off state Be returned to the state has been carried out.

JP 2007-108884 A Japanese Patent No. 3671891 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-141662 JP 2010-114484 A

  However, in the wireless sensor as described above described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to use a sensor that operates without power, and specifically, it is necessary to use a sensor made of a magnetic material, a shape memory alloy, a piezoelectric element, or the like. Therefore, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in selecting a sensor for measuring a physical quantity is small.

  In addition, in the sensor network system described in Patent Document 2, a sensor that operates with power supplied from a power source or a sensor that operates with a built-in battery without being supplied with power from the power source is used. When the sensor is always supplied with power from a power source or a battery, there is a problem that power consumption increases.

Moreover, in these sensors, it is not considered to control the activation modes of a plurality of measurement sensors, and an activation mode suitable for the environment at the time of activation has not been realized.
In addition, such a problem is not solved in the sensor management device described in Patent Document 3 and the electronic circuit described in Patent Document 4.
Specifically, there is only one type of startup mode at startup, and it may not be suitable for the startup environment.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a terminal device, a communication system, and a terminal device activation method capable of realizing high-performance sensing and low power consumption. It is in.

  The terminal device according to the present invention includes a measurement sensor that measures a physical quantity to be measured, a control unit that switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state when activated, and the measurement based on an environmental change. When the physical quantity having a correlation with the physical quantity to be measured is satisfied as a predetermined activation condition for the control unit based on the detection result of the environmental change, An activation sensor that activates the control unit by transmitting a signal to the control unit; and a storage unit that stores mode determination information that determines an activation mode of the measurement sensor corresponding to the detection result; And when the control unit is activated, the control unit switches the measurement sensor from the non-activated state to the activated state based on the mode determination information. Determining the activation mode on the basis of history of the measurement result by the measuring sensor when the operation is performed, characterized in that.

  The terminal device according to the present invention includes a plurality of measurement sensors, and the control unit switches all or a part of the plurality of measurement sensors from a non-activated state to an activated state.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the activation sensor is driven by generating power based on the environmental change.

  In the terminal device according to the present invention, the signal changes in accordance with a power generation amount generated by the activation sensor based on the environmental change, and the power generation amount changes in accordance with the environmental change. It is characterized by.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the mode determination information is used to determine an activation mode based on the intensity of the signal.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the mode determination information is used to determine an activation mode based on the number of times of the signal within a predetermined time.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the mode determination information is used to determine an activation mode based on the timing of the signal.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit determines an activation mode based on toggle information for sequentially switching a power state of the measurement sensor to be activated.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit determines the activation mode based on a state of the measurement sensor.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit determines the activation mode based on information input from the outside.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the activation mode is used to vary the number of measurement sensors to be activated for a plurality of measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the activation mode is used to activate the plurality of measurement sensors that measure different physical quantities.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the activation mode is used to activate the plurality of measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity and have different sensing performance.

  The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the activation mode is used to activate the measurement sensor capable of changing sensing performance.

  In the terminal device according to the present invention, when the control unit is activated, the control unit switches the measurement sensor from the non-activated state by switching from the non-supplied state to the supplied state. It switches to a starting state, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  A communication system according to the present invention includes a terminal device and a base station device, and the terminal device deactivates the measurement sensor when activated, and a measurement sensor that measures a physical quantity to be measured. A control unit that switches from a state to a start state, a start sensor that drives based on a change in the environment and starts the control unit when a predetermined start condition is satisfied based on a detection result of the change in the environment; A communication unit that transmits information of a measurement result by the measurement sensor, and a storage unit that stores information for determining a start mode of the measurement sensor in response to a detection result by the start sensor, When activated, the control unit switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state in an activation mode determined based on information stored in the storage unit. The start mode is determined based on a history of measurement results obtained by the measurement sensor when the operation of the mobile station is executed, and the base station device receives information transmitted from the terminal device. To do.

  The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that there are a plurality of measurement sensors, and the control unit switches all or a part of the plurality of measurement sensors from a non-activated state to an activated state.

  The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the activation sensor is driven by generating electric power based on the environmental change.

  The terminal device activation method according to the present invention activates the control unit when the activation sensor is driven based on an environmental change and a predetermined activation condition is satisfied based on a detection result of the environmental change. When the control unit is activated, in the activation mode determined based on information for determining the activation mode of the measurement sensor corresponding to the detection result by the activation sensor stored in the storage unit, The measurement sensor is switched from the non-activated state to the activated state, and the control unit determines the activation mode based on a history of measurement results by the measurement sensor when the activation mode operation has been executed in the past, and activates The measured sensor measures a physical quantity to be measured, and the communication unit transmits information on a measurement result obtained by the measurement sensor.

  The terminal device activation method according to the present invention includes a plurality of measurement sensors, and the control unit switches all or a part of the plurality of measurement sensors from a non-activated state to an activated state. .

  The starting method of the terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the starting sensor is driven by generating electricity based on the environmental change.

  According to the terminal device, the communication system, and the activation method of the terminal device according to the present invention, it is possible to realize high-performance sensing and low power consumption.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the operation | movement performed by the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation | movement performed by the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation | movement performed by the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation | movement performed by the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the sensor network system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of sensor terminal devices 1-1 to 1-m (an example of a terminal device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Here, FIG. 1 shows a plurality of m sensor terminal devices 1-1 to 1-m, and these sensor terminal devices 1-1 to 1-m are wired (or wireless). A base station apparatus 2 to be connected is shown. A relay station device may be provided between the sensor terminal devices 1-1 to 1-m and the base station device 2.

In the present embodiment, the configurations and operations of the sensor terminal devices 1-1 to 1-m are the same. Therefore, hereinafter, the sensor terminal device 1-1 will be described as a representative.
The sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment includes an activation sensor 11, a control circuit 12 (an example of a control unit), a plurality of n measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, and a communication circuit. 14 (an example of a communication unit), a power supply 15, and a storage unit 16.

The activation sensor 11 is an activation sensor that detects a change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1-1. When the activation sensor 11 detects that a change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1-1 satisfies a predetermined activation condition, the activation sensor 11 sends a predetermined signal to the control circuit 12 as an interrupt signal to the control circuit 12. Send. In this way, the activation sensor 11 functions as a switch for activation.
Here, in the present embodiment, the activation sensor 11 activates the control circuit 12 when the change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1-1 satisfies a predetermined activation condition as the predetermined signal. The circuit configuration transmits a signal having a level exceeding a predetermined threshold as an interrupt signal.

  In this embodiment, the activation sensor 11 transmits an interrupt signal to the control circuit 12 when detecting that a change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1-1 satisfies a predetermined activation condition. As another example, the activation sensor 11 always transmits a signal corresponding to the detection result to the control circuit 12 as an interrupt signal, and the level of the interrupt signal input to the control circuit 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is also possible to use a configuration in which the control circuit 12 is actually interrupted.

Here, in this embodiment, a sensor that does not require electric power is used as the activation sensor 11 in order to detect a change in the surrounding environment. For this reason, the activation sensor 11 is not connected to the power supply 15.
As the activation sensor 11, a sensor that detects various objects (physical quantities) may be used. For example, a sensor using a material such as a magnetic material, a thermoelectric element, a piezoelectric element, or a pyroelectric element can be used. . In such an activation sensor, the power consumption during standby is substantially zero, and any environment (for example, electromagnetic wave, temperature, pressure, air flow, sound wave, fine particle flow, etc.) where the sensor terminal device 1-1 is placed is used. Change).
As a specific example, when a flow sensor using a piezoelectric body is used as the activation sensor 11, a voltage corresponding to the flow velocity is generated. In this case, when the velocity of the fluid around the sensor terminal device 1-1 exceeds a certain value, the control circuit 12 is activated. In addition, a power generation type acceleration sensor or the like can be used as the activation sensor 11.

Here, various conditions may be used as the activation conditions for the activation sensor 11 to transmit an interrupt signal to the control circuit 12. For example, the amount of change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1-1 may be used. A condition that a predetermined threshold value or more can be used.
In this embodiment, an interrupt signal is used as a signal for the activation sensor 11 to activate the control circuit 12, but other signals may be used.

In addition, as the activation sensor 11, not only one activation sensor is necessarily used, but a plurality of activation sensors may be used.
In addition, when a plurality of activation sensors are provided as the activation sensor 11, as an example, each activation sensor (activation sensor 11) operates independently and has a surrounding area that satisfies a predetermined activation condition. A configuration in which an interrupt signal is transmitted to the control circuit 12 when an environmental change is detected can be used, and this configuration is used in this embodiment. Alternatively, as another example, a configuration in which an interrupt signal is transmitted to the control circuit 12 when a combination of detection states of a plurality of activation sensors provided as the activation sensor 11 satisfies a predetermined activation condition is used. You can also.

  When a plurality of activation sensors are provided as the activation sensor 11, sensors that detect the same physical quantity with the same sensitivity and resolution may be used as the plurality of activation sensors. Sensors that detect the same physical quantity with different sensitivities and resolutions may be used, sensors that detect different physical quantities may be used, or a combination of these may be used.

The control circuit 12 is always supplied with power from the power supply 15, but is normally in a sleep state. The control circuit 12 is activated when the input value at the input end of the interrupt signal from the activation sensor 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
Thus, in this embodiment, when the interrupt signal from the activation sensor 11 is input to the control circuit 12, the control circuit 12 shifts from the sleep state to the activation state.
In this embodiment, the sleep state is used as the state when the control circuit 12 is not activated. However, as another example, another state that consumes less power than when activated is used. Good.

  In this embodiment, a sensor that does not require external power supply to detect a change in the surrounding environment is used as the activation sensor 11. However, as another example, A sensor that requires lower power supply than the measurement sensor from the outside in order to detect a change may be used as the activation sensor. In this case, for example, a battery is provided in the start sensor, and power from the battery is supplied to the start sensor, or power from the power source 15 provided in the sensor terminal device 1-1. A configuration for supplying to the activation sensor can be used. A sensor terminal device with low power consumption can be realized by using an activation sensor that is driven with lower power consumption than the measurement sensor while receiving external power supply.

The memory | storage part 16 memorize | stores the information (activation mode information) which determines which activation mode is used about several activation mode set regarding the some sensors 13-1 to 13-n.
As an example, activation mode information indicating a correspondence between a detection state in the activation sensor 11 and an activation mode to be used can be used.
As another example, activation mode information indicating a correspondence between a situation other than the detection situation in the activation sensor 11 and the activation mode to be used can be used.
As another example, activation mode information indicating a correspondence between a combination of a detection state in the activation sensor 11 and other situations and an activation mode to be used can be used.
These correspondences can be stored in the form of a table, for example.

When the control circuit 12 enters the start-up state, the start-up mode corresponding to the detection state in the start-up sensor 11 or other state is specified based on the start-up mode information stored in the storage unit 16, and the start-up mode is realized. As described above, the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n are activated by supplying power from the power source 15 to the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n.
When each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n is activated, it measures each measurement target (physical quantity) at the measurement time after passing through the preparation time. This measurement result is output to the control circuit 12.

Here, in the present embodiment, as each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, a sensor that requires electric power to detect a change in the surrounding environment is used. As another example, as each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, a sensor that does not require electric power may be used in part to detect a change in the surrounding environment. In the present embodiment, Such a sensor can also be used as an activation sensor.
Various sensors may be used as each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n. For example, a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, a video camera, a smoke sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like can be used. And various things, such as temperature, humidity, flow volume, flow velocity, illuminance, human feeling, can be measured by each sensor 13-1 to 13-n, for example.

  In the present embodiment, a target (physical quantity) measured by the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n and a target (physical quantity) detected by the activation sensor 11 are those having a correlation (causal relationship). Examples of those that have a correlation include the same physical quantity detected by the activation sensor 11 or a different physical quantity that is estimated to change when a change in the target physical quantity is detected by the activation sensor 11. . As a specific example, when a person passes, light, vibration, temperature, and the like may change. Therefore, one or more physical quantities of these may be detected by the activation sensor 11 and one or more of these physical quantities may be the same or different. Can be measured by the measuring sensors 13-1 to 13-n.

In this embodiment, as each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, a sensor that outputs the measurement result as an analog signal during the measurement time is used. However, as another example, the measurement result is a digital signal. An output sensor may be used.
In the present embodiment, the control circuit 12 operates digitally, and the analog signals of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n that output measurement results as analog signals are A / D (Analog to Digital) converted. Convert to digital signal.

  As an example of a preferred embodiment, the control circuit 12 enters a sleep state while the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n are in preparation time, and suppresses power consumption. Then, when each measurement sensor 13-1 to 13-n finishes the preparation time, the control circuit 12 is activated again and acquires the measurement result by each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n. Here, as a configuration in which the control circuit 12 is in the sleep state while each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n is in the preparation time, for example, the preparation time of each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n is A configuration may be used in which the control circuit 12 returns from the sleep state to the start state slightly before the end. In addition, when a certain measurement sensor is in preparation time but it is necessary to acquire a measurement result from another measurement sensor, the control circuit 12 enters the activated state without entering the sleep state.

The control circuit 12 outputs the measurement result input and acquired from each measurement sensor 13-1 to 13-n to the communication circuit 14.
The communication circuit 14 transmits the measurement result input from the control circuit 12 to the base station apparatus 2. Note that the communication circuit 14 may perform wired communication or wireless communication.
The power supply 15 supplies power to the control circuit 12, the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, and the communication circuit 14. In the present embodiment, the control circuit 12 controls the supply of power from the power supply 15 to each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n. As the power source 15, for example, a battery such as a storage battery can be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of operations performed by the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment.
In the description of this flowchart, the operation corresponding to the presence or absence of detection of the detection target by the activation sensor 11 is described as one operation, but in the present embodiment, such an operation is always performed.

  When the control circuit 12 is in the sleep state, if the detection target (in this embodiment, the amount of change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1-1) is not input to the activation sensor 11, the activation is performed (step S1). Since the detection target is not detected by the sensor 11, the control circuit 12 continues the sleep state.

When the control circuit 12 is in the sleep state, there is an input to be detected to the activation sensor 11 (step S1), but the predetermined activation condition is not satisfied, for example, the input level is lower than a predetermined threshold. In the case (step S2), the control circuit 12 continues the sleep state.
Further, when the control circuit 12 is in the sleep state, there is an input to be detected to the activation sensor 11 (step S1), and the predetermined activation condition is satisfied, for example, the input level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. In the case (step S2), the activation sensor 11 outputs an interrupt signal to the control circuit 12.

When the interrupt signal is input from the activation sensor 11 while in the sleep state, the control circuit 12 shifts to the activation state and drives (step S3). When the control circuit 12 is activated, the control circuit 12 identifies the activation mode corresponding to the detection status or other status in the activation sensor 11 based on the activation mode information stored in the storage unit 16 and realizes the activation mode. As described above, control is performed so that power from the power supply 15 is supplied to each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n. Thereby, each sensor 13-1 to 13-n starts in the starting mode (Step S4).
When each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n is activated, it measures a measurement target and outputs the measurement result to the control circuit 12. The control circuit 12 outputs the measurement results input from the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n to the communication circuit 14. The communication circuit 14 transmits the measurement result input from the control circuit 12 to the base station apparatus 2 (step S5).

  In the present embodiment, when the control circuit 12 is in the sleep state, the control circuit 12 is activated by the activation sensor 11. Then, the control circuit 12 performs control so as to supply power from the power source 15 to each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n according to the activation mode corresponding to the detection state of the activation sensor 11 or other situations. Do. As a result, each measurement sensor 13-1 to 13-n is activated, measurement is performed by each measurement sensor 13-1 to 13-n, and the measurement result is transmitted from the communication circuit 14 via the control circuit 12. Is done. Subsequently, the control circuit 12 performs control so as to stop the supply of power from the power supply 15 to the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n for which measurement results have been acquired, and the measurement result acquisition processing is completed. Then, the control circuit 12 shifts to the sleep state again.

As described above, in the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment, the activation sensor 11 for activating the control circuit 12 that controls the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n activates the control circuit 12. Up to this point, the control circuit 12 and the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n can stand by in a state where no power is used, and power can be saved. However, when the control circuit 12 consumes power when in the sleep state, the corresponding power is used.
Note that this effect is obtained when the start sensor is not like the start sensor 11 according to the present embodiment, and is driven by being supplied with low power from the power supply 15 as compared with the measurement sensor without generating power by itself. Can also be obtained. Further, as in the present embodiment, when the activation sensor (activation sensor 11) is driven by generating power by itself according to environmental changes, a further power saving effect can be obtained.

  Moreover, such a power saving effect is also obtained in the entire sensor network provided with the sensor terminal device 1-1, and the power consumption of the entire network can be reduced. In particular, when applied to an application in which the proportion of time required for sensing in real time is low, the effect of reducing power consumption is large.

  Therefore, in the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment, power consumption (standby power) can be significantly reduced, and the life of the power supply 15 made of, for example, a battery can be extended. As a result, the frequency and cost of maintenance such as battery replacement for the sensor terminal device 1-1 can be reduced, and the influence of the sensor network on the environment (for example, power consumption and battery disposal) is reduced. be able to. Further, in the case where the life of the power source 15 only needs to be the same as that not according to the present embodiment, for example, the size of the battery used as the power source 15 can be reduced, whereby the sensor terminal device 1 The magnitude of −1 can be reduced.

Further, since the control circuit 12 and the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n operate only when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied based on changes in the surrounding environment, it is efficient.
Further, when a power generation type sensor is used as the start sensor (start sensor 11) as in the present embodiment, it is easy to generate an interrupt signal to the control circuit 12.

In addition, since the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment includes the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n separately from the activation sensor (activation sensor 11), they may be different. Is possible. As a result, the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n can be increased in the degree of freedom of sensor selection (design freedom), and various types of sensors can be used, and the sensor terminal device 1-1. Can be made highly functional.
Therefore, in the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment, high-performance sensing and low power consumption can be realized.

Here, the configuration of the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment can also be understood as follows.
That is, the sensor terminal device 1-1 includes a plurality of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, a first power consumption state in which the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n are in a non-activated state, and a measurement sensor. The control circuit 12 that is switched between the power consumption state 13-1 to 13-n and the second power consumption state that consumes more power than the first power consumption state, and activates the control circuit 12 to the control circuit 12 An activation sensor 11 that transmits an interrupt signal, a communication circuit 14 that communicates information on measurement results obtained from the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n via the control circuit 12, and a measurement sensor 13-1. 13-n, the control circuit 12, and the power supply 15 for supplying power to the communication circuit 14.

Moreover, the starting method of such a sensor terminal device 1-1 can also be grasped as follows.
That is, in the sensor terminal device 1-1, a step in which the activation sensor 11 is activated based on a change in the environment, and the activated activation sensor 11 transmits an interrupt signal to the control circuit 12 to activate the control circuit 12. Step and the control circuit 12 according to the activation state, the first power consumption state in which the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n are in the non-activation state, and the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n are activated. And switching to a second power consumption state that consumes more power than the first power consumption state.
Here, in the first power consumption state, a state in which the power consumption of the control circuit 12 is not necessarily used, and for example, the control circuit 12 may consume less power than at the time of startup.

Next, a plurality of activation modes set for the plurality of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n will be described. In the present embodiment, the detection mode or other conditions in the activation sensor 11 correspond to the activation mode.
Here, some examples of types of activation modes and examples of criteria for selecting the activation mode (such as detection status or other status in the activation sensor 11) are shown. These are merely examples, and various other things may be used.

By storing activation mode information indicating an association between an arbitrary “type of activation mode” and an arbitrary “standard for selecting an activation mode” in the storage unit 16, the “standard for selecting an activation mode” is determined. When it occurs, the control circuit 12 controls to use the “type of startup mode”.
A plurality of “standards for selecting the start mode” may be used in combination.

(First example of type of startup mode)
When a plurality of measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity are used as all or part of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, the number of measurement sensors to be activated is different for the plurality of measurement sensors. This is a different “type of startup mode”. In this case, for example, in each “type of activation mode”, which measurement sensor is activated and which measurement sensor is not activated is set in advance.
As a specific example, a plurality of measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity are provided in different spatial locations, and a startup mode that activates only a small number of measurement sensors in a narrow range including the reference measurement point, or a reference It is possible to set an activation mode for activating a medium-range measurement sensor including a measurement point, and an activation mode for activating a large number of measurement sensors including a reference measurement point.

(Second example of type of startup mode)
When a plurality of measurement sensors that measure different physical quantities are used as all or part of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, the measurement sensors having different physical quantities to be measured are used for the plurality of measurement sensors. What is activated is a different “type of activation mode”.
Specific examples include a measurement sensor that measures temperature, a measurement sensor that measures pressure, a measurement sensor that measures humidity, a measurement sensor that measures particles, a measurement sensor that measures electromagnetic waves, and a measurement that measures sound waves. By providing a sensor or the like, it is possible to set an activation mode that activates only a measurement sensor that measures temperature, an activation mode that activates only a measurement sensor that measures pressure, and the like. In addition, a combination of measurement sensors that measure two or more different physical quantities can be activated. For example, a startup mode that activates only a measurement sensor that measures humidity and a measurement sensor that measures particles is set. be able to.

(Third example of type of startup mode)
When a measurement sensor capable of changing the sensing performance such as sensitivity and resolution is used as all or a part of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, the sensing performance differs for the measurement sensor. Let the thing be a different "type of startup mode".
As a specific example, a measurement sensor that can change the sensing performance such as sensitivity and resolution is provided, and the start-up mode is activated by setting the sensitivity and resolution high, and the sensitivity and resolution are set to medium. An activation mode that is activated when activated, an activation mode that is activated when the sensitivity and resolution are set low, and the like can be used.

(Fourth example of type of startup mode)
As a whole or a part of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, when a plurality of measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity and have different sensing performance such as sensitivity and resolution are used, the measurement sensor to be activated Different sensors with different sensing performance are designated as different “types of start-up modes”.
As a specific example, there are multiple measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity and have different sensing performance such as sensitivity and resolution. Among them, activation that activates only measurement sensors with high sensitivity and resolution For example, an activation mode in which only a measurement sensor having a medium sensitivity or resolution is activated, an activation mode in which only a measurement sensor having a low sensitivity or resolution is activated, or the like can be used.

(First example of criteria for selecting start-up mode)
The amount of environmental change detected by the start sensor 11 is used as a reference.
The type of activation mode to be used is changed according to the amount of such environmental change. When a plurality of activation sensors 11 are provided, an average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value for the plurality of activation sensors 11 may be used as the amount of environmental change. .
As a specific example, when the amount of change in the environment detected by the activation sensor 11 and the intensity (level) of the interrupt signal output from the activation sensor 11 to the control circuit 12 correspond in a proportional relationship, etc. The activation mode α can be used when the strength of the interrupt signal is within the first range, and the activation mode β can be used when the strength of the interrupt signal is within the second range.

  As described above, the state of the interrupt signal sent from the activation sensor 11 to the control circuit 12 is set to be different depending on the amount (magnitude) of the environmental change detected by the activation sensor 11. As described above, the interrupt signal changes in accordance with the power generation amount of the activation sensor 11 that changes in accordance with the environmental change. The storage unit 16 stores activation mode information for selecting a plurality of activation modes corresponding to the status of the interrupt signal. The control circuit 12 selects the activation mode to be used according to the status of the interrupt signal input from the activation sensor 11 based on the activation mode information stored in the storage unit 16, and performs measurement according to the selected activation mode. Control is performed to switch the power states of the sensors 13-1 to 13-n. Note that the control circuit 12 executes such a control operation according to a pre-programmed algorithm, for example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation performed by the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the number of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n is 3 (when n = 3).
When the environmental change around the sensor terminal device 1-1 is small, an interrupt signal corresponding to the change is transmitted from the activation sensor 11 to the control circuit 12 ((1) in FIG. 3). In response to the interrupt signal, the control circuit 12 uses, for example, an activation mode that activates only one measurement sensor 13-1.
When the change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1-1 is moderate, an interrupt signal corresponding to the change is transmitted from the activation sensor 11 to the control circuit 12 ((2) in FIG. 3). In response to the interrupt signal, the control circuit 12 uses, for example, an activation mode in which the two measurement sensors 13-1 and 13-2 are activated.
When the environmental change around the sensor terminal device 1-1 is large, an interrupt signal corresponding to the change is transmitted from the activation sensor 11 to the control circuit 12 ((3) in FIG. 3). In response to the interrupt signal, the control circuit 12 uses, for example, an activation mode in which the three measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-3 are activated.

  Here, for example, when the intensity of the input interrupt signal is less than the first threshold (or less than or equal to the first threshold), the control circuit 12 determines that the environmental change is small and inputs the interrupt. If the signal strength is greater than or equal to the first threshold (or exceeds the first threshold) and less than the second threshold greater than the first threshold (or less than or equal to the second threshold), the environment changes Is determined to be medium, and if the intensity of the input interrupt signal is equal to or higher than the second threshold (or exceeds the second threshold), it is determined that the environmental change is large.

(Second example of criteria for selecting start-up mode)
The number of times that a signal (for example, an interrupt signal when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied) is output from the activation sensor 11 within a predetermined time is used as a reference. Further, for such a signal, for example, the timing of signal output can be used as a reference, such as the time interval between the first signal and the second signal.
The type of activation mode to be used is changed according to the number of times and the timing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation performed by the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment.
In Example 1 shown in FIG. 4, if the next interrupt signal is not output within a predetermined time after the first interrupt signal is output from the activation sensor 11, the control circuit 12 performs the following operation. Based on the input state of the interrupt signal from the starting sensor 11, control is performed so as to use a predetermined start mode α corresponding to such an input state. Until the operation in the activation mode α is completed, the interrupt signal output from the activation sensor 11 after the predetermined time has elapsed is ignored.

  In the example 2 shown in FIG. 4, after the first interrupt signal is output from the start sensor 11, two more interrupt signals are output within a predetermined time (the second interrupt signal output and the third interrupt signal output). When there is an interrupt signal output), the control circuit 12 determines the start mode determined in advance corresponding to the input state based on the input state of the interrupt signal from the start sensor 11. Control to use β. Until the operation in the activation mode β is completed, the interrupt signal output from the activation sensor 11 after the predetermined time has elapsed is ignored.

  In Example 3 shown in FIG. 4, after the first interrupt signal is output from the activation sensor 11, one or more more interrupt signals are output within a predetermined time, and the output timing of the first interrupt signal And the output timing of the second interrupt signal are longer than a predetermined threshold, the control circuit 12 makes such a determination based on the input state of the interrupt signal from the start sensor 11 as described above. Control is performed to use a predetermined activation mode γ corresponding to the input situation. Until the operation of the activation mode γ is completed, the interrupt signal output from the activation sensor 11 after the predetermined time has elapsed is ignored.

(Third example of criteria for selecting start-up mode)
The use of the toggle is based on the past activation mode.
Based on the history of past activation modes, the type of activation mode to be used is changed.
As a specific example, every time the start is stopped, such as start mode α, stop, start mode β, stop, start mode γ, stop, start mode α, stop, start mode β,. Is changed to progressive feed.
Thus, the toggle mode which switches the electric power state of the several sensors 13-1 to 13-n in order is implement | achieved.

(Fourth example of criteria for selecting start-up mode)
Based on inference based on past data.
The type of activation mode to be used is changed according to the result of such inference.
As a specific example, when the control circuit 12 analyzes sensing data (measurement result data by the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n) acquired when the control circuit 12 was started last time, and then starts the next time based on the analysis The optimal activation mode is estimated and the activation mode is used.

As an example, a case where the activation mode is switched according to the intensity of the interrupt signal output from the activation sensor 11 to the control circuit 12 is shown.
Here, it is assumed that a plurality of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n measure the same physical quantity, and that a larger measurement range is realized as the number of measurement sensors to be activated is increased.
In this case, “In the previous time, since the intensity of the interrupt signal was at a medium level, the activation mode α that activates only half of the plurality of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n was used. It is assumed that there is a history that the output of the measurement sensor has shaken beyond the measurement range. At this time, all the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n are determined to be activated at this time, even when the intensity of the interrupt signal is at a medium level, and all the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-13 are determined. Use start mode β to start -n.
In this way, the activation mode can be switched based on the history of information when the operation in the past activation mode is executed.

(Fifth example of criteria for selecting start-up mode)
Information on the state of each measurement sensor 13-1 to 12-n is used as a reference.
The type of activation mode to be used is changed in accordance with the information regarding the state of each of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 12-n.
As a specific example, when the battery capacity can vary depending on the sensor terminal device 1-1 and the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, the definitions such as the power saving mode and the high performance mode are updated every time according to the information related thereto And use the appropriate startup mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation performed by the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the number of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n is 3 (when n = 3). In this example, it is assumed that the battery capacities of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-3 may be different.
Assume that the activation mode α that activates the three measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-3 is used at the time when the activation of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-3 occurs at a certain time 1. At time 2 thereafter, the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-3 report the battery capacity information of the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-3 to the control circuit 12, and as a result, the control circuit 12 , “It is detected that the battery capacity in the third measurement sensor 13-3 is less than a predetermined threshold value”. In response to this, the control circuit 12 updates the definition of the power saving mode, and activates two measurement sensors 13-1 and 13-2 other than the third measurement sensor 13-3 at the next activation. It is determined that the activation mode β to be used is used. At time 3 which is the next activation time, the control circuit 12 uses the activation mode β for activating the two measurement sensors 13-1 and 13-2 other than the third measurement sensor 13-3. .

(Sixth example of criteria for selecting start-up mode)
Based on signals from other networks or other sensors. For example, a combination of various types of information in the sensor terminal device 1-1 and signals from such other networks or other sensors can be used as a reference.
As a specific example, when the sensor network to which the sensor terminal device 1-1 belongs is connected to another network or another sensor outside, the control circuit 12 uses the information obtained from these. Determine the startup mode.

(Seventh example of criteria for selecting start-up mode)
When a plurality of activation sensors 11 are provided, the number of activation sensors 11 that satisfy a predetermined activation condition is used as a reference.
As a specific example, when the number of activation sensors 11 satisfying a predetermined activation condition is one, the activation mode α is used, and the number of activation sensors 11 satisfying the predetermined activation condition is two. In some cases, the activation mode β can be used.
When a plurality of activation sensors 11 are provided, these activation sensors 11 may be those that detect the same physical quantity, or those that detect different physical quantities. Also good.

As described above, in the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the present embodiment, the activation sensor 11 that detects a change in the environment is activated from a state in which the sensor terminal device 1-1 is stopped as a switch. Transition to one of the activation modes (activation states).
For example, when detecting such a change in the environment, one of a plurality of possible detection results is obtained, and in accordance with the result, which state of the plurality of activation modes is to be changed is determined. . In this configuration, since the activation mode after activation is selected from a plurality of types, optimum sensing can be started according to the environment at the time of activation (the state of the detected physical quantity).
As another example, a configuration in which one of a plurality of activation modes is selected based on a situation other than the environment at the time of activation can be used, and optimal sensing is performed according to such a situation. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the sensor terminal device 1-1 including the plurality of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n has been described. However, as another example, a configuration and operation similar to those of the present embodiment are as follows. It is also possible to apply to a sensor terminal device provided with only one measuring sensor.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a sensor network system (an example of a communication system) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The sensor network system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of r sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r (an example of a terminal device), a plurality of relay station devices 111 to 117, and a plurality of base station devices 121. -123.
Note that any number of sensor terminal devices, relay station devices, and base station devices may be used.

Each of the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r has the same configuration as the sensor terminal device 1-1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and performs the same operation. For example, each of the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r wirelessly transmits information (data) of measurement results obtained by the measurement sensors provided therein.
Each of the relay station apparatuses 111 to 117 receives information wirelessly transmitted from the sensor terminal apparatuses 101-1 to 101-r existing in the communication area, and transmits the information by wire.
Each base station apparatus 121 to 123 receives information transmitted by wire from the relay station apparatuses 111 to 117 existing under the respective base station apparatuses 121 to 123.

  As a result, in the sensor network system according to the present embodiment, information of measurement results obtained by the measurement sensors provided in the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r is collected by the base station devices 121 to 123, and the information is collected. Can be managed by storing them in a storage device (not shown).

In the present embodiment, the information transmitted from the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r is transmitted to the base station devices 121 to 123 via the relay station devices 111 to 117. As an example, a configuration in which information transmitted from the sensor terminal apparatuses 101-1 to 101-r is directly transmitted to the base station apparatuses 121 to 123 may be used.
Each communication is not limited to the present embodiment, and wired communication may be used, or wireless communication may be used.

  Here, the sensor network system according to the present embodiment may be applied to various scenes. For example, the sensor network system may be applied to a sensor network in a clean room, a home security sensor network, an environmental monitoring sensor network, or the like. Is possible. As an example, in a sensor network in a clean room, each of the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r includes a particle sensor, a flow sensor, or the like as a measurement sensor, and the measurement results of these measurement sensors are used as base station devices 121 to 123. Can be collected and managed.

(Example when applied to a particle sensor network system in a clean room)
Next, an example in which the sensor network system according to the present embodiment is applied to a particle sensor network system in a clean room will be described. Note that the configuration shown here is an example, and various other configurations may be used.
Here, it demonstrates with reference to the sensor terminal device 1-1 shown by FIG.

The sensor terminal device 1-1 is provided in a clean room, and detects a flow of air (flow) by the activation sensor 11 as a change in environment. A flow sensor is used as the activation sensor 11. The activation sensor 11 provided in the clean room detects an air flow and generates electric power, and transmits an interrupt signal corresponding to the detected flow to the control circuit 12.
In addition, particle sensors are used as the plurality of measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n, and the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n provided in various places in the clean room are in a predetermined volume of air. Measure the number of dust contained (number of particles).

In this particle sensor network system, the intensity of the interrupt signal output from the activation sensor 11 is one of a plurality of levels corresponding to the intensity of the air flow. As another example, a configuration in which the level of the interrupt signal changes steplessly may be used.
Here, the particles are rolled up by the air flow. Therefore, when the air flow is small and the intensity of the interrupt signal is small, it is estimated that the increase in particles is small, and it is assumed that even a small number of measurement sensors can be detected with sufficient accuracy, and only a small number of measurement sensors are activated. Use startup mode to let On the other hand, when the air flow is large and the intensity of the interrupt signal is large, it is estimated that the increase in particles is large, and it is considered that detection with sufficient accuracy can be performed only with a large number of measurement sensors. Use startup mode to let

In this way, the power consumption of the entire system can be reduced by performing detection by a large number of measurement sensors only when the air flow is large.
Whether the intensity of the interrupt signal is large or small can be determined, for example, based on whether or not it is a predetermined threshold value or more. In addition, as the number of a small number of measurement sensors and the number of a large number of measurement sensors, any number may be set. Also, which measurement sensor is to be activated may be set appropriately.

  As another example, when the air flow is small, only one or a small number of particle sensors (measurement sensors) are activated to detect only a change in the amount of dust (the amount of particles). When is large, a plurality of particle sensors (measuring sensors) are activated, and other types of measuring sensors such as human sensors (measuring sensors) are also activated. It is also possible to accurately grasp the state. In this case, various types of sensors may be used as the measurement sensors 13-1 to 13-n.

In addition, like this embodiment, you may make it implement | achieve a part of apparatus, for example, the function of the control circuit 12, with a computer about the sensor terminal device 1-1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment mentioned above. In this case, a program for realizing the control function is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed by the computer system. Also good. Note that the computer system mentioned here includes an operating system (OS) and hardware of peripheral devices. The computer-readable recording medium refers to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and a memory card, and a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk and a solid state drive built in the computer system. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium holds a program dynamically for a short period of time, such as a computer network such as the Internet, or a communication line when transmitting a program via a telephone line or a mobile phone network. It is also possible to include one that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server device or a client in that case.
Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and further, the above-described functions are realized by a combination with a program already recorded in a computer system. Also good.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the specific structure is not restricted to that embodiment, The design of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, etc. are included.

  The terminal device, communication system, and terminal device activation method according to the present invention can be applied to, for example, various sensor networks.

1-1 to 1-m ... sensor terminal device 2 ... base station device 11 ... start-up sensor 12 ... control circuit 13-1 to 13-n ... measurement sensor 14 ... Communication circuit 15 ... Power supply 16 ... Storage unit 101-1 to 101-r ... Sensor terminal device 111-117 ... Relay station device 121-123 ... Base station device

Claims (21)

A sensor for measuring a physical quantity to be measured;
A control unit that switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state when activated,
Based on the environmental change, the measurement sensor is driven with lower power consumption, and based on the detection result of the environmental change, the physical quantity correlated with the physical quantity to be measured is a predetermined activation condition for the control unit. A start sensor that activates the control unit by transmitting a signal to the control unit,
A storage unit for storing mode determination information for determining a startup mode of the measurement sensor in response to the detection result;
The control unit, when activated, switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state based on the mode determination information,
The control unit determines the activation mode based on a history of measurement results by the measurement sensor when an activation mode operation has been executed in the past.
A terminal device characterized by that. There are a plurality of sensors for measurement,
The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches all or a part of the plurality of measurement sensors from a non-activated state to an activated state.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the activation sensor is driven by generating electric power based on a change in the environment. The signal changes according to the amount of power generated by the activation sensor based on the environmental change,
The power generation amount changes according to changes in the environment.
The terminal device according to claim 3.   The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mode determination information is used to determine a startup mode based on the strength of the signal.   The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mode determination information is used to determine an activation mode based on the number of times of the signal within a predetermined time. apparatus.   The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mode determination information is used to determine a startup mode based on the timing of the signal. The control unit determines an activation mode based on toggle information for sequentially switching the power state of the measurement sensor to be activated.
The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is a terminal device. The control unit determines the activation mode based on a state of the measurement sensor.
The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is a terminal device. The control unit determines the activation mode based on information input from the outside.
The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is a terminal device. The activation mode is used to vary the number of measurement sensors to be activated for a plurality of measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity.
The terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: The activation mode is used to activate a plurality of measurement sensors that measure different physical quantities.
The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the terminal device is a terminal device. The activation mode is used to activate the plurality of measurement sensors that measure the same physical quantity and have different sensing performance.
The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the terminal device is a terminal device. The activation mode is used to activate the measurement sensor capable of changing sensing performance.
The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is a device. The control unit, when activated, switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state by switching from a state where power to the measurement sensor is not supplied to a supplied state.
The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the terminal device is a device. A terminal device and a base station device,
The terminal device includes a measurement sensor for measuring a physical quantity to be measured;
A control unit that switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state when activated,
Driving based on an environmental change, and when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied based on a detection result of the environmental change, an activation sensor that activates the control unit;
A communication unit that transmits information of a measurement result by the measurement sensor;
A storage unit that stores information for determining a startup mode of the measurement sensor in response to a detection result by the startup sensor;
The control unit, when activated, switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state in an activation mode determined based on information stored in the storage unit,
The control unit determines the activation mode based on a history of measurement results by the measurement sensor when the activation mode operation has been executed in the past,
The base station device receives information transmitted from the terminal device;
A communication system characterized by the above. There are a plurality of sensors for measurement,
The communication system according to claim 16, wherein the control unit switches all or some of the plurality of measurement sensors from a non-activated state to an activated state.   The communication system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the activation sensor is driven by generating electric power based on a change in the environment. The activation sensor is driven based on an environmental change, and when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied based on a detection result of the environmental change, the control unit is activated,
When the control unit is activated, in the activation mode determined based on the information for determining the activation mode of the measurement sensor corresponding to the detection result by the activation sensor stored in the storage unit, the measurement unit Switch the sensor from the non-activated state to the activated state,
The control unit determines the activation mode based on a history of measurement results by the measurement sensor when the activation mode operation has been executed in the past,
The activated measurement sensor measures the physical quantity to be measured,
A communication unit transmits information of a measurement result by the measurement sensor;
A method for starting a terminal device. There are a plurality of sensors for measurement,
The terminal device activation method according to claim 19, wherein the control unit switches all or some of the plurality of measurement sensors from a non-activated state to an activated state.   21. The terminal device activation method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the activation sensor is driven by generating electric power based on a change in the environment.

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