JP7538469B2 - Communication system for plumbing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to communication systems for plumbing equipment.

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) for plumbing equipment has been implemented by connecting the plumbing equipment to a network via a network device such as a gateway. This allows information obtained from the plumbing equipment to be stored in a server (cloud) connected to the network via the network device.

The information obtained from plumbing devices has a wide range of uses, so it is desirable to accumulate more information. However, if all of the information obtained from plumbing devices is sent to a server, in some cases, communication traffic may become congested, increasing the probability of data loss or data delays. In addition, if all of the information obtained from plumbing devices is sent to a server, the data volume may increase, resulting in higher communication costs.

Patent No. 6636892

The present invention was made based on the recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a communication system for plumbing equipment that can reduce communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The first invention is a communication system for plumbing devices, comprising a network device connected to an external device via a network, and a plurality of plumbing devices connected to the network device, each of the plurality of plumbing devices having a device body and a communication device connected to the device body and transmitting information received from the device body to the network device, the network device transmits the information received from the communication device to the external device via the network, and the network device is capable of executing a normal mode in which the information is transmitted, and a filtering mode in which a portion of the information transmitted in the normal mode is transmitted.

According to this communication system for plumbing devices, by providing a network device capable of operating in normal mode and filtering mode, for example, when communication traffic is congested or data volume increases, information can be transmitted from the network device to an external device in filtering mode, which transmits less information at a lower data volume and with a lower transmission frequency than in normal mode. This makes it possible to reduce the data volume and transmission frequency of the information transmitted. This makes it possible to prevent communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The second invention is the communication system for plumbing equipment according to the first invention, characterized in that the network equipment is changed to the filtering mode when the frequency of transmission of the information from the network equipment to the external equipment in the normal mode reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

According to this communication system for plumbing devices, when the frequency of information transmission from the network device to an external device increases, the network device switches from normal mode to filtering mode, making it possible to reduce the data volume and transmission frequency of the information being transmitted when communication traffic becomes congested. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The third invention is the communication system for plumbing equipment according to the first invention, characterized in that the network equipment is changed to the filtering mode when the data volume of the information transmitted from the network equipment to the external equipment during a predetermined period in the normal mode reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount.

According to this communication system for plumbing devices, when the data volume of information transmitted from a network device to an external device in a specified period of time becomes large, the network device switches from normal mode to filtering mode, making it possible to reduce the data volume and transmission frequency of the transmitted information when the data volume increases. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The fourth invention is a communication system for plumbing devices, characterized in that, in the first invention, the network device transmits the information in the normal mode when the number of the plumbing devices connected to the network device is less than a predetermined number, and transmits the information in the filtering mode when the number of the plumbing devices connected to the network device is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

According to this communication system for plumbing devices, when the number of plumbing devices connected to the network device is small, the network device transmits information in normal mode, and when the number of plumbing devices connected to the network device is large, the network device transmits information in filtering mode. This makes it possible to reduce the data volume and transmission frequency of the information transmitted when the number of plumbing devices connected to the network device is large. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The fifth invention is the first invention, which is a communication system for plumbing devices, comprising first and second groups each including the network device and the plurality of plumbing devices connected to the network device, and when the network device belonging to the first group transmits the information in the filtering mode, the network device belonging to the second group also transmits the information in the filtering mode.

According to this communication system for plumbing devices, when a network device belonging to a first group transmits information in filtering mode, a network device belonging to a second group also transmits information in filtering mode, thereby reducing the data volume and transmission frequency of the information transmitted in both the first and second groups. Therefore, when there are multiple groups, it is possible to more reliably suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The sixth invention is a communication system for plumbing devices according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of plumbing devices further has a human body detection sensor provided on the device body for detecting a human body, the information transmitted in both the normal mode and the filtering mode includes information regarding a malfunction of the device body, and the information transmitted in the normal mode but not in the filtering mode includes information regarding the detection result of the human body detection sensor.

According to this communication system for plumbing equipment, in filtering mode, information related to malfunctions in the main body of the equipment is not restricted, and information related to the detection results of the human body detection sensor is restricted, thereby reducing the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted, while immediately reporting malfunctions in the main body of the equipment. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent usability from being impaired in filtering mode.

The seventh invention is a communication system for plumbing equipment according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, characterized in that, when switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode, the network equipment transmits a signal to the external equipment indicating whether the mode is the normal mode or the filtering mode.

With this communication system for plumbing devices, when switching between normal mode and filtering mode, a signal indicating whether the mode is normal mode or filtering mode is sent from the network device to an external device, allowing the administrator to easily grasp the filtering status. This makes it easier to manage plumbing devices.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a communication system for plumbing equipment is provided that can reduce communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic overall communication system for a plumbing device according to an embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a part of a communication system for a plumbing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a table showing an example of information transmitted from a plumbing device according to the embodiment. 11 is a table illustrating an example of information transmitted from a network device in each mode according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an information transmission operation of a network device in a communication system for a plumbing device according to an embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a mode switching operation of a network device in the communication system for plumbing equipment according to the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like elements are designated by like reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic overall communication system for plumbing equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1, the network system 200 includes a server 5, an administrator terminal 6, a display unit 7, a network device 10, and a plumbing device 20. The network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 configure a communication system 100 for the plumbing devices.

The server 5 is connected to the network device 10 via the network 8, and communicates with the network device 10 via the network 8. The server 5 is, for example, a cloud server. The network 8 is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The network 8 may connect the server 5 and the network device 10 via a wired connection, may connect wirelessly, or may be a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection. The network 8 may be any network that enables communication between the server 5 and the network device 10.

In this specification, "connection" means being in a state where communication is possible. In other words, "connection" means being in a state where signals can be sent and received. The signals are, for example, command signals and data signals that contain information.

The network device 10 is connected to the server 5 via the network 8. The network device 10 is also connected to a plurality of water-related devices 20. The network device 10 communicates with the server 5 via the network 8, and also communicates with the water-related devices 20. The network device 10 is, for example, a gateway that converts between the protocol of the network 8 on the server 5 side and the communication protocol on the water-related devices 20 side.

The plumbing devices 20 are, for example, warm water washing toilet seats, toilet bowls, urinals, automatic soap dispensers, automatic faucets, electric water heaters, hand dryers, paper roll dispensers/holders, remote controls, tablets, human presence/queue sensors, door/lock sensors, storage shelves, lighting, speakers, audio players, video displays, biosensors, etc. Each plumbing device 20 is connected to a network device 10. The plumbing devices 20 and the network device 10 may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

The plumbing device communication system 100 is used in connection with, for example, a public toilet. The network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 are installed and used in, for example, a toilet. The server 5 may be installed in the toilet, or in a room separate from the toilet.

The communication system 100 for plumbing devices has, for example, a plurality of network devices 10 and a plurality of plumbing devices 20 connected to each network device 10. In other words, the communication system 100 for plumbing devices has, for example, a plurality of groups, each of which consists of one network device 10 and a plurality of plumbing devices 20 connected to it. Note that it is sufficient for the communication system 100 for plumbing devices to have at least one group. In other words, it is sufficient for the communication system 100 for plumbing devices to have at least one network device 10 and two or more plumbing devices 20 connected to this network device 10.

In this example, the plumbing device communication system 100 has first to third groups GR1 to GR3. The first group GR1 has a network device 10a and a plurality of plumbing devices 20a connected to the network device 10a. The second group GR2 has a network device 10b and a plurality of plumbing devices 20b connected to the network device 10b. The third group GR3 has a network device 10c and a plurality of plumbing devices 20c connected to the network device 10c. The network devices 10a to 10c are connected to the same router, for example, to connect to the network 8.

Each plumbing device 20 transmits, for example, a number of pieces of information related to the usage status, operation, malfunctions, etc. of each plumbing device 20 to the server 5 via the network device 10 and the network 8. In this way, each plumbing device 20 transmits a number of pieces of information related to each plumbing device 20 to an external device such as the server 5.

As a result, the plumbing device communication system 100 allows information about multiple plumbing devices 20 to be centrally managed by the server 5. In the plumbing device communication system 100, for example, information such as the frequency of use of the plumbing devices 20 can be stored in the server 5. In addition, the plumbing device communication system 100 can notify a manager or the like of a malfunction of the plumbing device 20 via the server 5 based on information from the plumbing device 20. In addition, the plumbing device communication system 100 can notify a manager or the like of the replenishment or replacement of consumables such as batteries and toilet paper based on information from the plumbing device 20. As a result, the plumbing device communication system 100 can make it easier to manage the plumbing devices 20 even when the plumbing devices 20 are installed in public toilets, etc.

The communication between the network device 10 and the water-related device 20 must be capable of at least transmitting information from the water-related device 20 to the network device 10. Also, the communication between the server 5 and the network device 10 must be capable of at least transmitting information from the network device 10 to the server 5. However, the communication between the network device 10 and the water-related device 20 may be bidirectional. The communication between the server 5 and the network device 10 may be bidirectional.

The external device to which information is sent from the plumbing device 20 is not limited to the server 5, but may be any device that requires information.

The administrator terminal 6 and the display unit 7 are each connected to the server 5 by wire or wirelessly. The administrator terminal 6 and the display unit 7 display, for example, information from the plumbing equipment 20 stored in the server 5. The administrator terminal 6 may transmit signals, etc. to the plumbing equipment 20 via, for example, the server 5, the network 8, and the network equipment 10.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a part of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the network device 10 includes a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a control unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

The first communication unit 11 is connected to the plumbing device 20 and the control unit 13, and communicates between the plumbing device 20 and the control unit 13. The first communication unit 11 has a transmission unit 11a and a reception unit 11b. The transmission unit 11a of the first communication unit 11 transmits information to the plumbing device 20. The reception unit 11b of the first communication unit 11 receives information from the plumbing device 20.

The second communication unit 12 is connected to the server 5 and the control unit 13, and performs communication between the server 5 and the control unit 13. The second communication unit 12 has a transmission unit 12a and a reception unit 12b. The transmission unit 12a of the second communication unit 12 transmits information directly or indirectly to the server 5. The reception unit 12b of the second communication unit 12 receives information from the server 5.

The control unit 13 is connected to the first communication unit 11, the second communication unit 12, and the memory unit 14. The control unit 13 transmits information received from the plumbing device 20 via the first communication unit 11 to the server 5 via the second communication unit 12. The control unit 13 also transmits information received from the server 5 via the second communication unit 12 to the plumbing device 20 via the first communication unit 11.

The storage unit 14 stores the mode settings of the network device 10. More specifically, the storage unit 14 stores a normal mode setting and a filtering mode setting. As described below, the storage unit 14 may store multiple sub-mode settings as filtering mode settings.

The plumbing device 20 has a device body 25, a communication device 26, and a human body detection sensor 28. The device body 25 has a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the plumbing device 20. The device body 25 is connected to the communication device 26 and the human body detection sensor 28.

The human body detection sensor 28 is connected to the device main body 25. The human body detection sensor 28 detects a human body in the space (e.g., a toilet room) in which the bathroom device 20 is installed, and transmits the detection result to the device main body 25. The device main body 25 transmits information such as the detection result of the human body detection sensor 28 to the communication device 26. The human body detection sensor 28 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

The communication device 26 is, for example, a radio wave module that communicates with the network device 10 by radio waves. The communication device 26 is connected to the device body 25. The communication device 26 is, for example, attached to the device body 25. The communication device 26 has a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a control unit 23.

The first communication unit 21 is connected to the device body 25 and the control unit 23, and performs communication between the device body 25 and the control unit 23. The first communication unit 21 has a transmission unit 21a and a reception unit 21b. The transmission unit 21a of the first communication unit 21 transmits information to the device body 25. The reception unit 21b of the first communication unit 21 receives information from the device body 25.

The second communication unit 22 is connected to the network device 10 and the control unit 23, and performs communication between the network device 10 and the control unit 23. The second communication unit 22 has a transmission unit 22a and a reception unit 22b. The transmission unit 22a of the second communication unit 22 transmits information to the network device 10. The reception unit 22b of the second communication unit 22 receives information from the network device 10.

The control unit 23 is connected to the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22. The control unit 23 transmits information received from the device main body 25 via the first communication unit 21 to the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22. The control unit 23 also transmits information received from the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22 to the device main body 25 via the first communication unit 21.

When information is transmitted from the device main body 25, the communication device 26 receives the information via the first communication unit 21. When information is received from the device main body 25, the communication device 26 transmits the received information to the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22. When information is transmitted from the communication device 26, the network device 10 receives the information via the first communication unit 11. When information is received from the communication device 26, the network device 10 transmits the received information to the server 5 via the second communication unit 12. Note that when a signal is transmitted from the server 5 to the device main body 25 or the communication device 26, the signal is transmitted in the reverse order.

When transmitting information to the server 5, the network device 10 transmits information to the server 5 based on the normal mode setting or the filtering mode setting stored in the memory unit 14. In other words, when transmitting information to the server 5, the network device 10 transmits information in the normal mode or the filtering mode. In other words, the network device 10 is capable of executing the normal mode and the filtering mode.

In normal mode, the network device 10 transmits at least a portion of the information from the communication device 26. That is, in normal mode, the network device 10 transmits a portion or all of the information from the communication device 26. In normal mode, the network device 10 transmits, for example, all of the information from the communication device 26. In other words, in normal mode, the network device 10 does not, for example, limit the information to be transmitted.

On the other hand, in filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits only a portion of the information that it transmits in normal mode. That is, in filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits a portion of the information that it transmits in normal mode, and does not transmit another portion of the information that it transmits in normal mode. In other words, the network device 10 limits the information that it transmits in filtering mode. The data capacity of the information transmitted in filtering mode is smaller than the data capacity of the information transmitted in normal mode.

In the following, information transmitted in normal mode that is not transmitted in filtering mode is referred to as "filtered" information. Information transmitted in normal mode that is transmitted in filtering mode is referred to as "non-filtered" information. In other words, "non-filtered" information is information transmitted in both normal mode and filtering mode, that is, information transmitted regardless of mode.

In this way, by providing a network device 10 capable of executing normal mode and filtering mode, for example, when communication traffic is congested or data volume increases, information can be transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 in filtering mode, which transmits less information at a lower data volume and with a lower transmission frequency than in normal mode. This makes it possible to reduce the data volume and transmission frequency of the information transmitted. This makes it possible to prevent communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating an example of information transmitted from a plumbing device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an example of information transmitted from a network device in each mode according to the embodiment.
3, information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 includes, for example, information on the usage state of the device main body 25 (usage information), information on the operation of the device main body 25 (operation information), and information on a malfunction of the device main body 25 (malfunction information). The usage information includes, for example, information on human body detection, sitting detection, rolling-up operation detection, entrance/exit detection, local cleaning, toilet flushing, discharge, air blowing, operation, main body linkage, playback, output, acquired biological information, etc. The operation information includes, for example, information on room temperature, etc.

In addition, the information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 may include, for example, information (remaining amount information) regarding the remaining amount of consumables used in the device main body 25.In addition, the information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 may include, for example, information regarding various usage histories of the device main body 25, various setting states, various remote settings, various information requests, and the like.The information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 differs, for example, depending on the type of the plumbing device 20 (device main body 25).

As shown in FIG. 4, when the bathroom equipment 20 (device main body 25) is a warm water washing toilet seat, the bathroom equipment 20 transmits information such as malfunction information, remaining amount information, remote settings, responses to information requests, usage information, and operation information to the server 5 via the network equipment 10. More specifically, the device main body 25 transmits this information to the communication device 26. The communication device 26 receives this information from the device main body 25 and transmits it to the network equipment 10. The network equipment 10 receives this information from the communication device 26 and transmits it to the server 5.

In this example, the device body 25 transmits information regarding board reset occurrence, cleaning abnormality detection, thermistor abnormality, memory abnormality, self-judgment, switch short circuit failure, etc. as fault information. The device body 25 also transmits information regarding remote control battery dead information, etc. as remaining battery information. The device body 25 or the communication device 26 also transmits information regarding a response to a usage information request, a response to a fault maintenance information request, a response to a memory read request, etc. as a response to an information request. The device body 25 also transmits information regarding the seating state, seating sensor continuous ON, toilet flushing, human body detection state, toilet seat/toilet lid state, private parts cleaning state, nozzle/water pressure position, various temperatures, imitation sound playback device, pairing, etc. as usage information. The device body 25 also transmits information regarding room temperature, power saving state, temperature step value, etc. as operation information.

As described above, when transmitting information received from the device main body 25 via the communication device 26 to the server 5, the network device 10 transmits the information in normal mode or filtering mode. In FIG. 4, of the information transmitted from the device main body 25 to the network device 10 via the communication device 26, information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 in each mode is indicated by an "O", and information not transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 is indicated by an "X". In other words, the information indicated by an "X" in FIG. 4 is an example of information to be filtered.

In this example, in normal mode, the network device 10 transmits all of the following to the server 5: fault information, remaining amount information, remote settings, responses to information requests, usage information, and operation information. On the other hand, in filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits only the fault information, remaining amount information, remote settings, information requests, and part of the usage information (such as seated status) to the server 5, and does not transmit another part of the usage information (such as human body detection status) or operation information to the server 5.

In this way, in the filtering mode, by not restricting information related to malfunctions of the device main body 25 and restricting information related to the detection results of the human body detection sensor 28, malfunctions of the device main body 25 can be immediately reported while reducing the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent usability from being impaired in the filtering mode. The detection results of the human body detection sensor 28 may repeat detection and non-detection even when a person passes in front of the device main body 25 as they move through the toilet space, which tends to increase the number of times and the volume of information transmissions. Therefore, by not transmitting the detection results of the human body detection sensor 28 in the filtering mode, it is possible to more efficiently prevent communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

In addition, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 may restrict information related to the detection results of the seating sensor instead of restricting information related to the detection results of the human body detection sensor 28. Alternatively, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 may restrict information related to the detection results of the seating sensor in addition to information related to the detection results of the human body detection sensor 28.

In addition, the information transmitted in both the normal mode and the filtering mode may include information related to a malfunction of the device main body 25, and the information transmitted in the normal mode but not in the filtering mode may include information related to the result of the user's operation on the device main body 25. In other words, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 may not restrict information related to a malfunction of the device main body 25, but may restrict information related to the result of the user's operation on the device main body 25.

In this way, in the filtering mode, information related to malfunctions of the device main body 25 is not restricted, and information related to the results of the user's operations on the device main body 25 is restricted, thereby making it possible to immediately notify malfunctions of the device main body 25 while reducing the data volume of the information to be transmitted and the frequency of transmission. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent usability from being impaired in the filtering mode.

The filtering mode may have, for example, multiple submodes. In this example, the filtering mode has two submodes: a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, among the usage information, information related to the seated state, the seat sensor being continuously ON, and toilet flushing are not subject to filtering. On the other hand, in the second mode, among the usage information, only information related to the seated state is not subject to filtering, and information related to the seat sensor being continuously ON and toilet flushing are subject to filtering. In other words, the second mode has a wider range of filtering targets than the first mode.

In this way, by having multiple submodes in the filtering mode, it is possible to finely change the filtering settings depending on the congestion of communication traffic, the data capacity status, etc. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The administrator can arbitrarily set information to be filtered and information not to be filtered. More specifically, for example, the administrator can rewrite the filtering mode setting stored in the memory unit 14 of the network device 10 by sending a signal regarding a change in the filtering mode setting from the administrator terminal 6 to the network device 10 via the server 5. In this way, the filtering mode setting can be changed according to the usage status of the plumbing device 20 after starting to use the plumbing device 20.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission operation of a network device according to the embodiment.
5, the network device 10 waits until it receives information from the communication device 26 (step S101: No). When it receives information from the communication device 26 (step S101: Yes), the network device 10 determines whether it is in the normal mode (step S102).

If the network device 10 is in normal mode (step S102: Yes), the network device 10 transmits the received information to the server 5 (step S103). If the network device 10 is in filtering mode (step S102: No), the network device 10 determines whether the received information is not subject to filtering (step S104).

If the received information is not subject to filtering (step S104: Yes), the network device 10 transmits the received information to the server 5 (step S103). If the received information is subject to filtering (step S104: No), the network device 10 ends the process without transmitting the received information to the server 5.

In addition, information that is not transmitted in filtering mode may be deleted by the network device 10, or may be transmitted to the server 5 after being stored in the network device 10 under certain conditions, such as for a certain period of time, a certain volume, or a certain number of times.

The server 5 may, for example, transmit a signal (mode information request signal) to the network device 10 requesting that the network device 10 transmit information regarding the mode. By transmitting to the server 5 information regarding whether the network device 10 that received the mode information request signal is in normal mode or filtering mode, the server 5 can obtain information regarding the filtering state of the network device 10. The transmission of the mode information request signal from the server 5 to the network device 10 may be performed periodically at the lapse of a predetermined time, or may be performed each time the server 5 receives information from the network device 10, or may be performed at any timing by the administrator via the administrator terminal 6.

The switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode will be described below.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a mode switching operation of the network device according to the embodiment.
6, the network device 10 maintains the mode (normal mode or filtering mode) until a mode change request is received (step S201: No). When a mode change request is received (step S201: Yes), the network device 10 changes the mode (step S202).

More specifically, for example, when network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode, it is changed from the normal mode to the filtering mode. Also, for example, when network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the normal mode, it is changed from the filtering mode to the normal mode.

When the mode of the network device 10 is changed, the network device 10 transmits a signal indicating that the mode has been changed to the server 5 (step S203). More specifically, for example, when the network device 10 is changed from the normal mode to the filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits a signal indicating that the filtering mode has started to the server 5. Also, for example, when the network device 10 is changed from the filtering mode to the normal mode, the network device 10 transmits a signal indicating that the filtering mode has ended to the server 5.

In this way, when switching between normal mode and filtering mode, a signal indicating whether the mode is normal mode or filtering mode is sent from the network device 10 to the server 5, allowing the administrator to easily grasp the filtering status. This makes it easier to manage the plumbing devices 20.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment.
7, when the network device 10 is in normal mode (step S301: Yes), the server 5 determines whether the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 is less than a first threshold (step S302). In other words, the transmission frequency is the number of transmissions in a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one month. The predetermined period can be set to any period, and may be one week, one day, one hour, or the like.

When the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 is less than the first threshold (step S302: Yes), the server 5 ends the flow without transmitting a signal requesting a mode change. On the other hand, when the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S302: No), the server 5 transmits a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode (step S303).

Thus, in this example, a signal is sent requesting a change to the filtering mode based on the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 (external device). In other words, in this example, the change request value requesting a change from the normal mode to the filtering mode is the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 (external device).

As shown in FIG. 6, when the network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode, the network device 10 changes from the normal mode to the filtering mode.

When the network device 10 is in the filtering mode (step S301: No), the server 5 determines whether the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (step S304). The second threshold may be, for example, the same as the first threshold, or may be smaller than the first threshold. In addition, the specified period of the second threshold may be, for example, the same as the specified period of the first threshold, or may be different from the specified period of the first threshold.

When the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (step S304: Yes), the server 5 ends the flow without transmitting a signal requesting a mode change. On the other hand, when the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 is less than the second threshold (step S304: No), the server 5 transmits a signal requesting a change to normal mode (step S305).

Thus, in this example, a signal is sent requesting a change to normal mode based on the frequency of information transmission from network device 10 to server 5 (external device). That is, in this example, the change request value requesting a change from filtering mode to normal mode is the frequency of information transmission from network device 10 to server 5 (external device).

The server 5 may transmit a signal requesting a change to the normal mode after a predetermined period of time (e.g., one month) has elapsed. In other words, the network device 10 may change from the filtering mode to the normal mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. In other words, the change request value for requesting a change from the filtering mode to the normal mode may be the elapsed time.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the normal mode, the network device 10 changes from the filtering mode to the normal mode.

In this way, when the frequency of information transmission from the network device 10 to the server 5 (external device) increases, the network device 10 switches from normal mode to filtering mode, and the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted can be reduced when communication traffic becomes congested. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

In this example, the server 5 requests a mode change, but the request for a mode change may also be made by the network device 10. That is, the control in FIG. 7 may be performed by the control unit of the server 5, or may be performed by the control unit 13 of the network device 10. When the control in FIG. 7 is performed by the control unit 13 of the network device 10, the transmission and reception of a signal requesting a mode change may be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment.
8, when the network device 10 is in normal mode (step S401: Yes), the server 5 determines whether the data volume of information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 during a predetermined period is less than a third threshold (step S402). In other words, the data volume of information transmitted during a predetermined period is the amount of transmitted data during the predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one month. The predetermined period can be set to any period, and may be one week, one day, one hour, or the like.

When the data volume of information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 during the specified period is less than the third threshold (step S402: Yes), the server 5 ends the flow without transmitting a signal requesting a mode change. On the other hand, when the data volume of information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 during the specified period is equal to or greater than the third threshold (step S402: No), the server 5 transmits a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode (step S403).

Thus, in this example, a signal is sent requesting a change to filtering mode based on the data volume of information sent from network device 10 to server 5 (external device) during a specified period. In other words, in this example, the change request value requesting a change from normal mode to filtering mode is the data volume of information sent from network device 10 to server 5 (external device) during a specified period.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode, the network device 10 changes from the normal mode to the filtering mode.

When the network device 10 is in the filtering mode (step S401: No), the server 5 determines whether the data volume of information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 during a predetermined period is equal to or larger than a fourth threshold (step S404). The fourth threshold may be, for example, the same as the third threshold, or may be smaller than the third threshold. In addition, the predetermined period of the fourth threshold may be, for example, the same as the predetermined period of the third threshold, or may be different from the predetermined period of the third threshold.

When the data volume of information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 during the specified period is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold (step S404: Yes), the server 5 ends the flow without transmitting a signal requesting a mode change. On the other hand, when the data volume of information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 during the specified period is less than the fourth threshold (step S404: No), the server 5 transmits a signal requesting a change to normal mode (step S405).

Thus, in this example, a signal is sent requesting a change to normal mode based on the data volume of information transmitted from network device 10 to server 5 (external device) during a specified period. That is, in this example, the change request value requesting a change from filtering mode to normal mode is the data volume of information transmitted from network device 10 to server 5 (external device) during a specified period. As described above, the change request value requesting a change from filtering mode to normal mode may be the elapsed time.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the normal mode, the network device 10 changes from the filtering mode to the normal mode.

In this way, when the data volume of information transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 (external device) during a specified period of time becomes large, the network device 10 changes from normal mode to filtering mode, and when the data volume increases, the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted can be reduced. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

In this example, the server 5 requests a mode change, but the request for a mode change may also be made by the network device 10. That is, the control of FIG. 8 may be performed by the control unit of the server 5, or may be performed by the control unit 13 of the network device 10. When the control of FIG. 8 is performed by the control unit 13 of the network device 10, the transmission and reception of a signal requesting a mode change may be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment.
9, the network device 10 judges whether the number of the plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10 is less than a predetermined number (step S501). In other words, the number of the plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10 is the number of the communication devices 26 connected to one network device 10. The predetermined number can be set to any number, for example, 10.

When the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10 is less than the predetermined number (step S501: Yes), the network device 10 transmits a signal requesting a change to normal mode (step S502).

Thus, in this example, a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode is transmitted based on the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10. In other words, in this example, the change request value requesting a change from the normal mode to the filtering mode is the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the normal mode, the network device 10 changes from the filtering mode to the normal mode. Note that the transmission and reception of the signal requesting the mode change can be omitted.

On the other hand, when the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (step S501: No), the network device 10 transmits a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode (step S503).

Thus, in this example, a signal is sent requesting a change to the normal mode based on the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10. That is, in this example, the change request value requesting a change from the filtering mode to the normal mode is the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10. As described above, the change request value requesting a change from the filtering mode to the normal mode may be the elapsed time.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the network device 10 receives a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode, the network device 10 changes from the normal mode to the filtering mode. Note that the transmission and reception of the signal requesting the mode change can be omitted.

In this way, when the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10 is small, the network device 10 transmits information in normal mode, and when the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10 is large, the network device 10 transmits information in filtering mode. This makes it possible to reduce the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted when the number of plumbing devices 20 connected to the network device 10 is large. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

In this example, the network device 10 requests a mode change, but the request for a mode change may be made by the communication device 26 or by the server 5. In other words, the control in FIG. 9 may be performed by the control unit 13 of the network device 10, the control unit 23 of the communication device 26, or the control unit of the server 5.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a mode switching operation of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the server 5 determines whether the network device 10a belonging to the first group GR1 is in the normal mode (step S601).

When the network device 10a belonging to the first group GR1 is in normal mode (step S601: Yes), the server 5 transmits a signal requesting a change to normal mode (step S602).

Thus, in this example, a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode is transmitted based on the mode of the network device 10 that belongs to the other group. In other words, in this example, the condition for requesting a change from the normal mode to the filtering mode is the mode of the network device 10 that belongs to the other group.

When the network device 10b belonging to the second group GR2 receives a signal requesting a change to the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 6, the network device 10b changes from the filtering mode to the normal mode.

On the other hand, when the network device 10a belonging to the first group GR1 is in filtering mode (step S601: No), the server 5 transmits a signal requesting a change to filtering mode (step S603).

Thus, in this example, a signal is sent requesting a change to normal mode based on the mode of the network device 10 that belongs to the other group. In other words, in this example, the condition for requesting a change from filtering mode to normal mode is the mode of the network device 10 that belongs to the other group.

When the network device 10b belonging to the second group GR2 receives a signal requesting a change to the filtering mode, as shown in FIG. 6, the network device 10b changes from the normal mode to the filtering mode.

In this way, when the network device 10a belonging to the first group GR1 transmits information in filtering mode, the network device 10b belonging to the second group GR2 also transmits information in filtering mode, thereby reducing the data volume and transmission frequency of the information transmitted in both the first group GR1 and the second group GR2. Therefore, when there are multiple groups, it is possible to more reliably suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a plumbing device that can suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, etc. of each element of the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate.
Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

5 Server, 6 Administrator terminal, 7 Display unit, 8 Network, 10, 10a to 10c Network device, 11, 12 First and second communication units, 11a, 12a Transmitter, 11b, 12b Receiver, 13 Control unit, 14 Memory unit, 20, 20a to 20c Water-related device, 21, 22 First and second communication units, 21a, 22a Transmitter, 21b, 22b Receiver, 23 Control unit, 25 Device body, 26 Communication device, 28 Human body detection sensor, 100 Water-related device communication system, 200 Network system, GR1 to GR3 First to third groups

Claims (6)

a network device connected to an external device via a network;
A plurality of plumbing devices connected to the network device;
Equipped with
Each of the plurality of plumbing devices has a device body and a communication device connected to the device body and configured to transmit information received from the device body to the network device;
the network device transmits the information received from the communication device to the external device via the network;
The network device includes:
a normal mode of transmitting said information;
a filtering mode for transmitting part of information among the information transmitted in the normal mode;
It is possible to execute
a first group and a second group each including the network device and the plurality of plumbing devices connected to the network device;
A communication system for plumbing equipment, characterized in that when the network device belonging to the first group transmits the information in the filtering mode, the network device belonging to the second group also transmits the information in the filtering mode . The communication system for plumbing devices according to claim 1, characterized in that the network device is changed to the filtering mode when the frequency of transmission of the information from the network device to the external device in the normal mode reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. The communication system for plumbing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the network equipment is changed to the filtering mode when the data volume of the information transmitted from the network equipment to the external equipment during a predetermined period in the normal mode exceeds a predetermined volume. The network device includes:
When the number of the plurality of plumbing devices connected to the network device is less than a predetermined number, the information is transmitted in the normal mode;
2. The plumbing device communication system according to claim 1, wherein when the number of the plurality of plumbing devices connected to the network device is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the information is transmitted in the filtering mode. At least one of the plurality of plumbing devices further includes a human body detection sensor that is provided in the device body and detects a human body;
The information transmitted in both the normal mode and the filtering mode includes information regarding a malfunction of the device body,
The communication system for plumbing equipment described in any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the information transmitted in the normal mode and not transmitted in the filtering mode includes information regarding the detection result of the human body detection sensor. The communication system for plumbing equipment described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when changing between the normal mode and the filtering mode, the network device transmits a signal indicating whether the mode is the normal mode or the filtering mode to the external device.

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