So an object of the present invention is to provide a kind of available network collocating method directly perceived, especially for building controls and automated network collocation method.
The present invention supposes network of existence, is used for control example as a building, and described network is made up of some individual nodes.Each node has at least one modulator-demodulator or transceiver is used for transmitting data by transmission medium.Each node comprises that also a read/write (r/w) memory is used for storing microcode and a microprocessor is used to carry out the microcode that is stored in memory.In network internal, each node has a node identification (ID).This node ID allows to discern transmission and/or receiving node by reading the specific part (a for example stature section) that is transmitted data.Usually, each node has at least one sensor unit or performance element.Although network within the scope of the present invention is based on the network of so-called point-to-point (peer-to-peer) networking basically, also there is the special joint that has user interface in supposition.This special joint is designed to receive user's input or demonstration and the storage information about network and node thereof.After network configuration was finished, these nodes can be as " point (peer) of par " but this direct communication of level and do not need to depend on Centroid.
Above-described this class network is as you know.An early stage example is delivered " intelligent plug " (wireless world, 46-51 page or leaf, in December, 1979) by N.McArthur etc.Another network has more recently been described in European patent application EP-A-0 393 117.
Characteristics of the present invention are those features of proposing in the appended claims.Its characteristics are removed particularly in: the node of a Control Network and are comprised that modem apparatus is used for sending and/or receive data and at least one sensor unit by transmission medium, this node comprises further that configurable converter apparatus is used for the output of described sensor unit is converted to can be by the numerical data of described some transmission medium, and the configuration data that storage device is used to store the outside and provides uses for described configurable converter apparatus, and described configuration data is that the controlled condition extracting data about described sensor unit that provides from the outside is come out.The node that has a performance element comprises that corresponding conversion equipment explains the numerical data that is sent by sensor unit and start desired performance element operation.
An importance of the present invention be network data communication be by the definition digital data format be that bitmap (bit pattern) carries out.This bitmap indicates (current) value that is measured by sensor element and whether satisfies a condition.In one embodiment of the invention, bitmap is simplified as by " very " of a bit representation and " puppet ", i.e. and " 1 " or " 0 ", thus limited the volume of transmitted data on the transmission medium significantly.Volume of transmitted data reduces also because node only becomes " puppet " or just transmits data conversely when " puppet " becomes " very " from " very " in the logical value of correlation behavior, rather than sends data to network continuously.
This method is regarded as the interval that mapping of whole range or compressing and converting with transducer become the limited quantity that is associated with the bitmap that defines, and this view perhaps has directive function.Traditional linearity or logarithmic converter are to convert input value to corresponding output valve according to fixing encoding scheme, in contrast be, according to the present invention, encoding scheme is dynamically to distribute to sensor unit, and the requirement or the condition that are provided from the outside by network user is provided.Ideal situation is that the network service meeting is reduced to " status report " therefrom.This " status report " sent by the node that has sensor unit and received by the node with performance element.Yet some function of network for example depends on all application of sensor unit virtual condition, may require one of transmission continuously (fixing) code signal.Concrete (physics) character according to the sensing data that configuration process of the present invention provided and the parameter of surveying is irrelevant, and the energy combination in any is to realize the purpose of control execution unit.
The present invention is specially adapted to point-to-point Control Network, for example is applied to the load control in building or the factory.It shows remarkable minimizing Internet traffic, thereby can be applied to the transmission medium of low bandwidth or low percent of pass best.This medium can be for example infrared waves, ultrasonic wave or exchange (AC) power line.
In a most preferred embodiment, about each condition of sensor unit (IF (if) condition) a designated certain location (bit position) in having the data flow that this sensor unit and node sends.If the range of this unit by user's IF (if) condition is divided into for example 4 intervals, and 4 conditions that indicate whether to satisfy are separately then arranged.
Yet, can according to other encoding schemes to IF (if) condition encodes, and for example uses binary coding, in this case, 4 interval will be only by 2 codings.For the one's own profession expert, obviously can from known encoding scheme, select definite encoding scheme arbitrarily.
Another aspect of the present invention is, each node that has performance element (its action is controlled by the IF condition of one or more sensor units) receives about bitmap, gives the information of the coded representation of each IF condition together with their logic connections (i.e. the Boolean calculation that single IF condition is combined, for example " with (AND) " or " or (OR) ") separately.The third information that is added to the performance element node is about priority, and this priority just works when user's input contains the IF condition of inconsistent or contradiction.
In claims, proposed to believe these or other new feature for characteristics of the present invention.Yet the present invention itself and best occupation mode and other targets and advantage all will hereinafter get the best understanding the detailed description of embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings by reference.
To describe the present invention with reference to following accompanying drawing:
Realize mode of the present invention
At first, demonstrate the network 10 that constitutes by several nodes among the figure with reference to figure 1.All nodes of network comprise modulator-demodulator 11, and it starts Node Controller 12 according to the control routine in the memory 13 that is stored in each node in the layoutprocedure, make it send data to transmission medium 15.The transmission medium 15 of described example is the power line of building.Yet as previously mentioned, the present invention can be applied to any transmission medium.A node also comprises sensor unit 16 and performance element 17, and each node can comprise the combination in any of these unit here.Sensor unit and performance element are connected to suitable converter apparatus 18, and its is according to fixing conversion plan operation, and this conversion plan is immovable in the installation of network itself and layoutprocedure.The example of these known converters is A/D (mould/number) and D/A (D/A) transducer, F/D (frequency/numeral) and D/F (numeral/frequency) transducer etc.One of node 101 also comprises the device of working procedure and the interface of communicating by letter with operator or user.To be called manager or A node to this special joint hereinafter.In described example, the A node is a personal computer (PC), the every other parts that have a plate to have modem apparatus and allow PC communicate as network node.Will know see be, although there is a special joint, i.e. A node, described network is to belong to this class of point to point network really.In this operational mode of network, after finishing layoutprocedure, the A node become with network in other nodes as broad as long.
The first step of setting up network is each node that the A node is identified install in the network.This identifying can realize with several method.In this example, a configurator of installing in the A node comprises a predefine node type storehouse.Whenever a new node is installed, just produce a signal, the type that its allows A node to remove recognition node comprises its all the sensors and performance element and node ID (sign), promptly allows and address that the node of this new installation communicates.
All nodes of network be mounted and be identified as deposit node type in the storehouse after, on A node display, produce two tabulations 20 as shown in Figure 2, the A node also comprises a kind of means, be used for explaining by the user squeeze into first row as IF (if) all statements of statement and as THEN (so) secondary series of statement clauses and subclauses.In addition, in IF row, be in all a statements field (field) in be looked at as by AND (with) be connected, and the statement that is in two different fields be looked at as by boolean OR (or) the operator connection.Layoutprocedure forces the user only to insert the statement relevant with sensor unit to first row, and only inserts the statement relevant with performance element to secondary series.To each node, its available cell 211 is as being shown by the group icon 21 under the namespace node of user's definition.Unfamiliar user can utilize indicating device (Genius mouse) thereby desirable unit icon 211 is dragged and dropped into the clauses and subclauses in the foundation table in the field of table 20.After drag-and-drop operation, the user will be prompted to provide the further details of the condition that will define.
After having finished table entries according to desirable network configuration and Control Parameter, the A node produces the configuration data that is necessary and they is sent to other nodes of network.To its definite method be described with reference to a simple situation hereinafter.Be noted that the definite method definition of parameter (for example to) can be changed by the one's own profession expert at an easy rate.
In described example, the storehouse provides a STATEDEF (state definition) variable for each sensor unit.Under the situation of luminance sensor unit, the C language definition of this variable is:
typedef struct{ SNVT_lux threshold1; SNVT_lux threshold2; Char logic; SNS MATRIX snsMatrix;<!-- SIPO <DP n="5"> --><dp n="d5"/> } BGT_STATE_DEF;
This definition allows the user to define two threshold values.Threshold value can be counted as the value that representative is measured by luminance sensor.Be noted that in network the actual format of these measured values depends on fixing conversion and format operation (for example A/D conversion), thisly operate in the different network environments and/or may be different for dissimilar sensor.Yet it doesn't matter with the present invention for these forms (hereinafter being called " not coded format ").The 3rd variable is the character type variable, represents the relation between two threshold values, for example equal, greater than, less than etc., its value is pre-determined by library of object, and according to user's input assignment.The SNS_MATRIX variable-definition is:
typedef struct { unsigned out SNSStIndex:2; / * line position */unsigned out StatePos:6; / * in STATENV the position position */SNS_MATRIX;
This variable is possessed the position, position in the matrix that the combination pay(useful) load by an overall network variable that node transmitted constitutes.Details about these network variables will be described below.
When the user wants luminance sensor to remove to control several means or the same performance element under different condition, just define several BGT_STATE_DEF variablees.
The information that is stored in the STATE_DEF variable is combined into configuration variables for each sensor unit, and the definition of this variable is in the situation of luminance sensor:
typedef struct { uSHORT8 noStates; The state * that/* is not defined fully/BGT_STATE_DEF state Def[SNS_BGT_STATE_MAX]; SNS_DEFECT snsDefect[SNS_ST_MAX]; / * state: the time * of defect sensor */uSHORT8 updateTime/* renewal transducer/SNS_BGT_CFG;
Except that the STATE_DEF variable, also comprise in this configuration variables about the information of disposing defect sensor and about the information of a time cycle, this time cycle after, transmit newly and be worth (update cycle) by transducer.
In the time spent of doing of mentioning above-mentioned network variable (NV), must consider some physical restriction of Control Network.Because the present invention is in particular the design of the transmission medium of low bandwidth and high noise levels, Internet traffic is conditional, thereby must be managed.Resource Allocation in Networks is being given in the first step of each node, and each is associated with the network variable (NV) of some by the node that aforementioned installation steps identify.A network variable is a serial data, and " container and working, it represents its feature by its start bit sequence (head section) or position of rest sequence (rear) or the combination of the two can be effective as one.Except these positions, network variable also has or to represent the information that will transmit be data some positions of fixing or variable number, by the communication term of having set up, it by term " pay(useful) load " (payload) " expression.The example of NV can find in Fig. 3 B.
Giving the pay(useful) load of each node in the network with the form of limited number NV is assignment in second step that the node sensor unit is distributed.By this allocation step, each sensor unit is given the possible state of maximum quantity, and it is corresponding to the maximum rating number of being given any one sensor unit in the aforementioned arrangements process by the user.In fact, the position that in the pay(useful) load of NV, has kept fixed number for each sensor unit.
Although two allocation step in this example all are static, determined before the actual disposition process that promptly the present invention has also considered dynamically Resources allocation of the configuration wished according to the user on each grade.In this variant, or give this node with network variable, perhaps only the statement of user's actual definition is kept position, position in the NV pay(useful) load of giving node according to statement number about node.The utilization that the obvious advantage of Dynamic Assignment is resource than static allocation more economically.Yet this advantage is offseted by bookkeeping more complicated and more consuming time.
Get back to the processing of describing secondary series clauses and subclauses in most preferred embodiment of the present invention and the his-and-hers watches now, we also remember those clauses and subclauses be THEN (so) statement defined the state of performance element in the node.The input of user in these row is converted into configuration variables.For example, the configuration variables of control mains switch is defined as:
typedef struct{ uSHORT8 ruleDefNr; The regular number of/* definition (<=RULES_MAX) */RULE_DEF ruleDef[ACT_230_RULE_MAX]; / * rule */SNVT_lev_disc idleState; ACT_230-CFG;
It comprises the statement value of number representative by user's definition, these statements are that (this number will be tested with respect to the maximum number of distributing to this mains switch in the initialization procedure about this mains switch, also comprise the state itself of carrying out definition, this state is represented by RULE_DEF
typedef struct{ unsigned inACTSTIndex:6; / * is at nvi Act ST[] in sensing station */unsigned invInState:1; / * 1=0 counter-rotating; The nonreversible * of 0=/unsigned logicRule:1; / * 0=_AND (with), 1=_OR (or) */unsigned inStatePos:6; Position position (left-to-right) */unsigned stateAct of/* in state nvi; 2; / * 0=_ST_OFF, 1=ST_ON, 2=ST_INV*/SNS_DEFECT snsDefect; RULE_DEF
It comprises desirable state (stateAct), can be ON (leading to), OFF (breaking) or CHANGE (change) in the situation of switch, respectively by 0,1,2 expressions.RULE_DEF also comprises variable i nACTStIndex and inStatePos, they point out the pay(useful) load of the network variable (NV) that receives or the position, position in the combination pay(useful) load matrix, also comprise variable logicRule, it determines the logical operation that will finish between position that the indicated bit positions of NV finds and the next bit relevant with this performance element pointed out by next RULE_DEF, be set as at logicRule in the situation of " AND (with) ", its stateAct can be the no assignment in a left side, because only just finish the performance element operation after next RULE_DEF is by evaluation.Have only when run into OR (or) during as the logicRule value, if all previous AND (with) condition that proposes of the RULE_DEF that is connected of operator is met, and then carries out the operation by the stateAct definition.So next RULE_DEF no matter whether by AND (with) the operator combination, as long as relevant, then be left in the basket with this same performance element.If be not met, then correspondingly handle next RULE_DEF or RULEDEF group.
After to above-mentioned variable evaluation, those STATE_CFG and the ACT_CFG variable that are associated with the sensor unit and the performance element of a node are combined into a CFG variable.
typedef struct{ SNS_BGT_CFG snsBgtCfg; / * luminance sensor configuration */<!--SIPO<dP n="8">--<dp n="d8"/>SNS_PSH__CFG snsPshCfg; / * button sensor configuration */ACT_230__CFG act230Cfg; / * supply relay configuration */} CFG;
For example, it describes the CFG variable of a node, and this node comprises a luminance sensor and a button as sensor unit, comprises that also a supply cord switch (for example relay) is as performance element.When the CFG data that produced by the A node are transmitted to all nodes and are stored in its local microcontroller memory, finish substantially as the program code on basis of the present invention.Yet, the operation fully in order to can be used as Control Network, those network variables (NV) that contain the sensor unit state information must be addressed to those nodes that have by the performance element of described sensor unit State Control.The task of individual node can realize with diverse ways in the addressing network, and these methods are that the one's own profession expert is known on principle.In the network of this example, the network variable (NV) of giving a node is identified by independent head section.In a processing procedure that can be called " connection ", the node that contains performance element is instructed to receive the network variable (NV) that contains associated sensor data.
Ruuning situation according to the network of above-mentioned exemplary configuration is described in more detail below, here suppose an imaginary sight, wherein when the brightness of being measured by the luminance sensor of node 2 surpassed threshold value 30000Lux and the button of node 2 is in " ON (leading to) " position simultaneously, the user wished that the power supply relay of node 1 is cut off.Also have only in the time of in survey brightness is in 0 to 20000Lux scope when the button of node 2 is in " ON is logical " position, should start power supply relay.The supposition user wants to make the brightness value that records to be presented at continuously on the display of A node in imaginary sight at last.
In installation steps, the node 1 that mains switch arranged and the node 2 that comprises luminance sensor and button link to each other with power line by simply they being inserted on the socket of power line.Each node and the A node switching initialization sequence of also linking on the same power line that is activated.The A node compares the clauses and subclauses in the initialization sequence of each node and its node storehouse, and produces representative about this node, its state that transducer or performance element, these unit allowed and maximum number and the node object of giving the network variable information such as (NV) of this node.Simultaneously, produce the diagrammatic representation or the icon (as shown in Figure 2) of each node and unit thereof, allow the user in the configuration step process of carrying out thereafter, to use mouse-type indication or control device.
Configuration-system allows the user select between monitor mode and configuration mode.At first describe the monitor mode, this mode is to the present invention's particular importance not: in case selected the luminance sensor of node 2, point out the user will provide the time interval that measurement should be shown in fact.So configuration-system identifies a particular network variable (SNV), its pay(useful) load only contains the not coded format just like previously defined brightness value.Have again, the time interval of node 2 generations and transmission SNV is set according to user's input.The A node is instructed to receive this SNV and after suitable conversion operations brightness value is shown.This value also can be used as and is suitable for by directly being transmitted and store in spreadsheet (electrical form) program or the further data of handling of similar program.SNV handles illustrates the A in Fig. 3.As previously mentioned, the generation of coded format data is not relevant especially with the present invention with handling.
Configuration mode can be seen important elements of the present invention as, produces table 20 shown in Figure 2 by configuration-system in this mode.The user can utilize mouse by aforementioned imaginary sight sensor unit 211 to be dragged in the field of first row now.Be to produce as imaginary sight in first mode of operation or the condition described, the IF of luminance sensor icon drag in the allocation list (if) to insert 30000Lux when requiring threshold value just enough as first threshold in row first field and when pointing out.Select then " greater than ".The button icon of node 2 is dragged to same field, and configuration-system automatically is tied with " AND (with) " relation between two sensor unit states.The user can be button definition logic switch and establish its value for ON (leading to).Then the power switch unit of node 1 drag to THEN in the allocation list (so) row adjacent fields and be defined as OFF (breaking) in order to dispose second mode of operation, again the luminance sensor unit of node 2 is dragged to the next field of IF (condition) row of allocation list, and to establish threshold value respectively be 0Lux and 20000Lux.These two values with " less than " and " being less than or equal to " measured value link.The button of node 2 is dragged to same field again, and similarly is tied with " AND (with) " relation between two sensor unit states automatically described in configuration-system and the preamble.Repeat equally aforementionedly to drag and dispose the power switch unit process, and establish its value and be ON (leading to).
After finishing these steps, make configuration-system can produce and send two CFG type message, the CFG message of giving node 1 here contains ACT_230_CFG message.For the CFG message of node 2 contains SNS_BRIGHT_CFT and SNS_PSH_CFG message.ACT_230_CFG contains just like previously defined four RULE_DEF, and SNS_BRIGHT_CFG contains two BGT_STATE_DEF, and SNS_PSHCFG contains a PSH_STATE_DEF.
In first BGT_STATE_DEF, the SNVT_Lux value is made as 30000, and character variable is made as " GREATER THAN (greater than) ".SNS_MATRIX is made as the not assignment position position BP22 of the pay(useful) load of the network variable 32 of giving node 2.This position is assumed that the 22nd of network variable NV1 (t) that first is transmitted.Therefore, outSNSStIndex is set as " 1 " and points to NV1 (t), and outState Pos is set as " 22 ".Second BGT_STATE_DEF contains threshold value 0 and 20000, and character is made as " R " and indicates an interval relation (0<tested value<=20000).SNS_MATRIX points to the position position BP13 of the pay(useful) load of NV1 (t).SNS_PSH_CFG contains a PSH_STATE_DEF, and character variable wherein is set as " 1 ", shows the switching function of this button.Position, position in the pay(useful) load of NV1 is by SNS_MATRIX definition (being BP17).
In first RULE_DEF, bit pointer (inACTStIndex, inState Pos) is pointed out by first aforementioned assignments position of the luminance sensor of the second network variable NV2 (r) of node 1 reception (position position BP22).Be that NV2 (r) equals the NV that NV1 (t) is promptly transmitted by node 2 under the condition of current imaginary sight.The value of inACTStIndex is made as " 2 ", and inStatePos is made as " 22 ".The LogicRule value is made as " AND (with) ".The bit pointer of second RULE_DEF points to position position BP17, the i.e. position of the switch.LogiceRule is made as " OR (or) ".The stateAct variable is made as " ST_OFF ".
In the 3rd RULE_DEFF, bit pointer (inACTStIndex, inStatePos) the second assignment position (BP13) of the luminance sensor of second network variable NV2 (r) that receives of sensing.The logicRule value is made as " AND (with) ".The 4th RULE_DEFF points out a position 17, the i.e. position of the switch.LogicRule is made as " OR (or) ".The stateAct variable is made as " ST_ON ".The logicRule value also stores the part as configurable transducer 33.
In described imaginary sight, only utilized a network variable, i.e. NV1 (t)=NV2 (r).Yet in more general situation, each node that has a plurality of sensor units has the position that several network variable NV can be used for writing the definition sensor states.Kindred circumstances also is applicable to those nodes, and the performance element that they have is corresponding to the network variable of coming or receive (NV) number.In this case, whole layman of a node or the network variable (NV) that sends are looked at as matrix 32, and its row is network variable (NV), and its row are positions.Kindred circumstances also is applicable to the network variable of receiving (NV).The row of the matrix 32 of the network variable that is sent out like this, (NV) appears at the delegation's (though at different line positions) in the network variable matrix 31 that is received.The matrix position of layoutprocedure all the sensors state relevant for each performance element extracts with this performance element.
Can utilize means provided by the invention to realize a simple control circuit as follows.A luminance sensor state " too Dart (too dark) " (<20000 Lux) is defined and is associated with performance element state " increase (enhancing) ", and it can strengthen the power supply to a light source.Can similarly define " too Bright (too bright) " state (>50000 Lux).The default setting of performance element is made as " STOP (stopping) ", freezes the magnitude of current of power supply.Interval between 20000 Lux and 50000 Lux constitutes a control knob and stagnates (hysteresis), and this has prevented the vibration of control circuit.Be not difficult to find out that this configuration enables to carry out the FEEDBACK CONTROL of brightness in room or building.