JP5657488B2 - Power device connection state identification device, power device connection state identification method, and power device connection state identification program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for specifying a connection state of a power device such as a smart tap or a smart device.

  Due to the heightened awareness of energy saving, devices and devices that measure the current value, voltage value, power value, etc. (hereinafter referred to as power information) of the power devices in use are required. Since power information is measured, it is common to provide a power sensor in each power device and display it on the device. Currently, however, a communication module is further built in and the measured power information is output to the outside. The smart tap which employ | adopted the method to do can be utilized (refer nonpatent literature 1, 2).

  FIG. 8 shows an outline of the appearance and internal configuration of such a smart tap. As shown in the external view of FIG. 2A, the external appearance of the smart tap 100 is the power input terminal 11 connected to the power source of other power equipment, and the current, voltage, power, etc. input from the power input terminal 11. The first power source 12a to the fourth power source 12d for supplying power to other power devices, and the communication input / output terminal 13 connected to the internal communication module.

  Further, as shown in the internal configuration of FIG. 5B, the power information measuring unit 14 that measures the power information at the first power source 12a to the fourth power source 12d, the power input terminal 11, and the first power source 12a to the second power source 12a. By turning on / off the first switch 17a to the fourth switch 17d located between the four power sources 12d based on a control signal from the outside, the first power source 12a to the fourth power source 12d are turned on / off, respectively. The power supply control unit 15 to be controlled and the communication unit 16 that inputs and outputs the measured power information and the control signal through the communication input / output terminal 13 are mainly configured.

  FIG. 9 shows a smart tap network configuration system in which a plurality of such smart taps 100 are used and connected in two stages, and a smart device 300 is connected to the lower smart tap 100. The smart device 300 refers to a power device having a communication function such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The first smart tap 100a is connected to a power line wired inside the wall 900 or a power supply source ahead of the power line, and supplies power from the power sources on the surface to the second smart tap 100b to the fourth smart tap 100d. Similarly, the second smart tap 100b to the fourth smart tap 100d supply power to the first smart device 300a to the fifth smart device 300e from the respective power sources respectively formed on the respective surfaces.

  In addition, all smart taps 100 and all smart devices 300 are connected to a communication line 700 via communication input / output terminals provided in the own device, and the communication line 700 includes power information that operates on a general-purpose PC or the like. A measuring device 500 is further connected.

  Since all the smart taps 100, all the smart devices 300, and the power information measuring device 500 connected to the communication line 700 are preset with hardware addresses, IP addresses, etc., each smart device 300 In the meantime, the power information measuring device 500 and each smart tap 100 can communicate with each other.

  Under such a configuration, the user can execute a predetermined process by operating a predetermined smart device 300. For example, a user using the second smart device 300b (personal computer) prints texts and images displayed on the screen with the first smart device 300a (printer) by transmitting and receiving data via the communication line 700. can do.

  In addition, a control program for controlling each smart tap 100 is installed in advance in the power information measuring device 500 so as to be executable, and each smart tap 100 is measured by the control program via the communication line 700. Power information at each power source 12 can be received and displayed on the screen for each smart tap and each power source based on the time axis, for example, using numbers and graphs.

  Further, by transmitting the control signal from the power information measuring device 500 to each smart tap 100, the power on / off of the smart tap 100 can be switched in units of power.

"Switched Rack-Mount PDU [Input: NEMA 5-15P Output: (8) NEMA 5-15R 1U type] (AP7900)", [online], search on June 16, 2011, Internet <http: // cyber .apc.co.jp / p-AP7900.html? scode = AP7900> "Smart outlet FX-5204PS, gateway FX-5250GW", [online], search on June 16, 2011, Internet <URL: http://www.fcl.fujitsu.com/release/2011/20110307.html> UPnP FORM, [online], searched on June 16, 2011, Internet <URL: http://www.upnp.org/>

  However, even if a plurality of smart taps described above are simply used for multi-stage connection, there is a problem that the connection state between smart taps connected to the power supply and the connection state between the smart tap and the smart device cannot be specified.

  In response to such problems, for example, the device name, IP address, hardware address, etc. of the power device connected to the communication line using UPnP (see Non-Patent Document 3) or IP packet (hereinafter, device information) There is a technology to identify.

  In the case of a power device compatible with UPnP, the device information of the power device on the communication line can be acquired by inputting a predetermined command from the control terminal on the communication line and executing the program of the command.

  In the case of an identification technique using an IP packet, it is also possible to acquire device information of a power device on the communication line by capturing the packet flowing on the communication line and analyzing the data in the packet. it can.

  However, since these identification technologies simply acquire the device information of the power device, the connection state of which power device (smart tap, smart device) is connected to which power source of which smart tap. Cannot be identified.

  Although a method of grasping the connection state by hand is conceivable, it is a very time-consuming operation, and it is extremely inefficient because it needs to be corrected every time the connection state is changed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the problem is that the connection state between power supply type power devices such as smart taps is specified, and power consumption type power devices such as smart devices are identified. It is to further specify the connection state.

  The power equipment connection state specifying device according to claim 1 is a multi-stage connection of a plurality of power supply type power equipment capable of transmitting power information at each power source provided in the power supply device via a communication line, and further the communication line In the power device connection state specifying device for specifying a connection state when a power consuming power device capable of transmitting device information of its own device is connected to the power source of the power supply type power device, the power supply type power Power device control means for outputting a control signal for turning on or off the power supply of the device, and power to be collected in the power information storage means by collecting power information at each power source transmitted from the plurality of power supply type power devices Information collecting means; power device identifying means for detecting or not detecting device information of the power consuming power device by turning on or off the power supply of the power supply type power device by the control signal; and Of the power supply type power devices whose values are changed by the control signal by reading the power information from the storage means, the power supply type power device having a certain value and the power supply type power device having the next smallest value And the power consumption type power device whose device information is detected or not detected by the control signal is connected to one of the power supply power devices whose value of the power information has changed. And a power device connection state specifying means for specifying.

  According to the present invention, among power supply type power devices whose values of power information are changed by a control signal for turning on or off the power supply type power device, the power supply type power device having a certain value and the next smallest A power consuming power device whose value is specified as a power supply type power device whose value is changed is specified while the power supply type power device having a value is identified as being connected and the device information is detected or not detected by the control signal. In order to specify that it is connected to any one of them, it is possible to specify the connection state between the power supply type power devices and further specify the connection state with the power consumption type power device.

The power device connection state specifying device according to claim 2 is the power device connection state specifying device according to claim 1, wherein the power device connection state specifying unit turns each power source on or off while changing a power source to be controlled. it makes and identifies the power supply type power device or the power-consuming power device power of the connected have that power supply type power device repeats.

  The power device connection state specifying device according to claim 3 is the power device connection state specifying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power information includes a current value and a voltage measured at each power source of the power supply type power device. It is characterized by being one or more of the value and the power value.

  The power device connection state specifying method according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of power supply type power devices capable of transmitting power information at each power source provided in the own device are connected in multiple stages via the communication line, and further the communication line Power device connection state identification performed by a power device connection state identification device that identifies a connection state when a power consumption type power device capable of transmitting device information of its own device is connected to the power source of the power supply type power device In the method, a power device control step for outputting a control signal for turning on or off the power source of the power supply type power device, and collecting power information at each power source transmitted from the plurality of power supply type power devices, Device information of the power consuming power device is detected or not detected by a power information collecting step of storing power information in the power information storage means and turning on or off the power supply of the power supply type power device by the control signal A power supply type power device having a certain value among the power supply type power devices whose values are read out from the power information storage means and the value of the power information is changed by the control signal; The power consumption type power device whose device information is detected or non-detected by the control signal is specified as the power supply type power device having the next smallest value, and the value of the power information is changed. And a power device connection state specifying step for specifying that the power device is connected to any one of the supplied power devices.

  According to the present invention, among power supply type power devices whose values of power information are changed by a control signal for turning on or off the power supply type power device, the power supply type power device having a certain value and the next smallest A power consuming power device whose value is specified as a power supply type power device whose value is changed is specified while the power supply type power device having a value is identified as being connected and the device information is detected or not detected by the control signal. In order to specify that it is connected to any one of them, it is possible to specify the connection state between the power supply type power devices and further specify the connection state with the power consumption type power device.

The power device connection state specifying method according to claim 5 is the power device connection state specifying method according to claim 4, wherein the power device connection state specifying step turns on or off each power supply while changing the power supply to be controlled. it makes and identifies the power supply type power device or the power-consuming power device power of the connected have that power supply type power device repeats.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power device connection state specifying program that causes a computer to execute the power device connection state specifying method according to the fourth or fifth aspect.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the connection state between electric power supply type electric power apparatuses can be specified, and the connection state with an electric power consumption type electric power apparatus can further be specified.

It is a figure which shows the smart tap network configuration system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the functional block structure of an electric power equipment connection state specific device. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the operation example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the operation example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the smart tap network configuration system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the operation example 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an electric power apparatus connection state specific result. It is a figure which shows the example of an outline | summary of the external appearance and internal structure of a smart tap. It is a figure which shows the conventional smart tap network configuration system.

  The present invention, on / off of each power supply provided on the surface of the smart tap, change in the value of power information (current value, voltage value, one or more of the power value) of each power supply by the on / off, By using the power device identification technology that detects and does not detect smart tap device information (device name, IP address, hardware address, etc.) by turning it on and off, the connection status between smart taps, that is, the power line network The effect that the connection state can be specified is obtained. Specifically, it is possible to grasp which smart tap is connected to which power source of which smart tap.

  In addition, the present invention provides on / off of each power source and smart device power provided on the surface of the smart tap, change of power information value of each power source due to the on / off, and on / off of the smart tap. In addition, it is possible to obtain an effect that the connection state between the smart tap and the smart device can be specified by using the power device identification technology for detecting / not detecting the device information of the smart device. Specifically, it is possible to grasp which smart device is connected to which power source of which smart tap.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different modes and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the present embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a smart tap network configuration system according to a first embodiment. This smart tap network configuration system mainly includes a plurality of smart taps 100, a plurality of smart devices 300, and a power device connection state specifying device 1.

  The smart tap 100 is a kind of power strip having one or more power sources, and can turn on / off each power source provided by an external control signal. Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (registered trademark), RS It has a mechanism that can externally output the power consumption in the smart tap measured by the built-in power sensor using the -232C serial bus.

  Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 8A, outside, the power input terminal 11 connected to the power source and the current, voltage, power, etc. input from the power input terminal 11 are changed to other values. One or more power supplies 12 to be supplied to the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 and a communication input / output terminal 13 connected to an internal communication module are provided.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 8B, in the internal configuration, a power information measuring unit that measures power information at each power source 12, and a power input terminal 11 and each power source 12, respectively. A power supply control unit for controlling on / off of each power supply 12 by turning on / off each switch located based on a control signal, and the measured power information and the control signal via the communication input / output terminal 13 And a communication unit for inputting and outputting.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of smart taps 100 used in the present embodiment are a first smart tap 100 a to a fourth smart tap 100 d that are cascade-connected in two stages through the power lines provided.

  The device name of the first smart tap 100a is “Smart Tap A1 manufactured by Company A” and receives power from the power input terminal 11a connected to the power line wired inside the wall 900 or the power supply source ahead of the power line. Current, voltage, power, etc. are output from the first power supply 12aa to the fourth power supply 12ad provided and supplied to the smart tap 100 connected to each power supply.

  The device name of the second smart tap 100b is “Smart Tap A2 manufactured by Company A”, and is connected to the first power supply 12aa of the first smart tap 100a through the power line provided.

  The device name of the third smart tap 100c is “smart tap A3 manufactured by company A”, and is connected to the second power source 12ab of the first smart tap 100a through the power line provided.

  The device name of the fourth smart tap 100d is “Smart Tap A4 manufactured by Company A”, and is connected to the fourth power supply 12ad of the first smart tap 100a through the power line provided.

  Similar to the first smart tap 100a, the second smart tap 100b to the fourth smart tap 100d output current, voltage, power, and the like from the respective power sources 12 formed on the surface, and are connected to the respective power sources. To the smart device 300.

  The smart tap 100 is an example of a power supply type power device and may be any power device having the above configuration.

  On the other hand, the smart device 300 has a communication function such as Ethernet (registered trademark), has a health check function for checking on / off of the activated state, and can be connected to the smart tap 100 through the power line provided. Electric power equipment. For example, a personal computer, a digital home appliance, a home gateway, etc. are mentioned as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the smart devices 300 used in the present embodiment are a first smart device 300a to a fifth smart device 300e.

  The first smart device 300a is a printer whose device name is “Printer M manufactured by Company C”, and is connected to the fourth power supply 12bd of the second smart tap 100b.

  The second smart device 300b is a personal computer whose device name is “PC-D manufactured by T Company”, and is connected to the first power source 12ca of the third smart tap 100c.

  The third smart device 300c is a video recorder whose device name is “Video Recorder BD manufactured by S Company”, and is connected to the third power source 12cc of the third smart tap 100c.

  The fourth smart device 300d is an IP phone whose device name is “IP phone I made by Company H”, and is connected to the first power supply 12da of the fourth smart tap 100d.

  The fifth smart device 300e is a digital television whose device name is “S network-compatible television BR”, and is connected to the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d.

  All the smart taps 100 and all the smart devices 300 described above are connected to the communication line 700 via communication input / output terminals (for example, a LAN terminal). Further, on the communication line 700, a power device connection state specifying device 1 for specifying a connection state between the smart taps 100 and a connection state between the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 is further connected.

  In addition, in addition to the device name, a hardware address, an IP address, and the like are set in advance in all the power devices (smart tap 100 and smart device 300) connected to the communication line 700 and the power device connection state specifying device 1. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with each other between the power device connection state specifying device 1 and each smart tap 100 and between the power device connection state specifying device 1 and each smart device 300. Of course, the smart devices 300 can also communicate with each other.

  The connection state shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the smart tap 100 may be connected in three or more stages, or the smart device 300 may be connected to the power source of the upper or middle smart tap 100. A similar effect can be obtained. This will be described in detail in the second embodiment.

  Next, the power equipment connection state specifying device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional block configuration of the power equipment connection state identification device 1. The power device connection state specifying device 1 mainly includes a power control function unit 110 and a power device identification function unit 120.

  The power control function unit 110 includes a power device control unit 111, a power information collection unit 112, a power information storage unit 113, a power device connection state identification unit 114, a power device arrangement storage unit 115, and a power device identification result collection. The unit 116 is mainly configured. Hereinafter, the function of each part will be described in detail.

  The power device control unit 111 has a function of transmitting a control signal for turning on or off the power supply 12 of each smart tap 100 or each smart device 300 via the communication line 700.

  The power information collection unit 112 has a function of receiving and collecting power information measured and transmitted by each smart tap 100 via the communication line 700 and storing the power information in the power information storage unit 113.

  The power device connection state specifying unit 114 reads the power information stored in the power information storage unit 113 and uses the power signal 12 of the smart tap 100 or the power source of the smart device 300 according to the control signal transmitted by the power device control unit 111. Is turned on or off to detect the smart tap 100 whose power information value has changed, and among the detected smart taps 100, the smart tap 100 having a certain value and the smart tap having the next smaller value are detected. And the smart tap 100 or smart device 300 detected or not detected by the power device identification unit 121 (described later) according to the control signal, the value of the power information is changed. The power device arrangement storage unit 1 And it has a function of storing the 5.

  For example, by comparing the power information values of the plurality of detected smart taps 100, the power source 12 having the power information value changed in the smart tap 100 having the larger value, and the smart tap 100 having the next largest value. Is connected.

  In addition, the power device connection state specifying unit 114 connects the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 by repeatedly turning on and off each power source 12 while appropriately changing the power source 12 of the smart tap 100 that is a control target. It has a function of specifying the power supply 12 of the smart tap 100.

  The power device identification result collection unit 116 includes device information (device name, IP address, hardware address (for example, MAC address, etc.) of the smart tap 100 or the smart device 300 detected or not detected by the power device identification unit 121 (described later). ) Etc.).

  On the other hand, the power device identification function unit 120 is mainly configured by a power device identification unit 121. The power device identification unit 121 has a function of detecting or not detecting device information of the smart tap 100 or the smart device 300 via the communication line 700 when the power source 12 of the smart tap 100 or the power source of the smart device 300 is turned on or off. doing. For example, it can be realized by using a technique for analyzing and estimating the characteristics of a packet, or a technique for requesting acquisition of device information using the UPnP protocol.

  The power device control unit 111, the power information collection unit 112, the power device connection state identification unit 114, the power device identification result collection unit 116, and the power device identification unit 121 can be realized by a control unit such as a CPU. It is. The power information storage unit 113 and the power device arrangement storage unit 115 can be realized by storage means such as a memory. The processing of each unit is realized by a program that causes a computer to execute the processing.

  Next, an operation flow of the power equipment connection state identification device 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  The operation flow of the power device connection state specifying device 1 is as follows: the power is turned on or off, the power tap to be turned on or off is the smart tap 100, and the power to be turned on or off is the smart tap 100. It depends on the device 300 or the like.

  For example, on / off of each power source of the smart tap 100, a change in a value of power information of each power source due to the on / off, and device information of the power device detected / non-detected by the on / off are used. Thus, the first method for specifying the connection state between the smart taps 100 and the connection state between the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 can be adopted.

  In addition to the first method, or in place of turning on / off the smart device 300, a second method that further uses turning on / off the power of the smart device 300 may be employed.

  Below, the operation | movement flow of the electric power apparatus connection state identification device 1 in the case of the simplest 1st method is demonstrated. Note that the same applies to the second method.

[Operation example 1]
In the operation example 1, an operation flow when the connection state between the smart taps 100, that is, the connection state of the power line network is specified will be described. In FIG. 1, the case where the fourth power supply 12bd of the second smart tap 100b is turned off from on will be described in detail below. FIG. 3 shows an operation flow of the operation example 1.

  First, in step S1, the power device control unit 111 of the power device connection state identification device 1 transmits a control signal for turning off the fourth power supply 12bd of the second smart tap 100b via the communication line 700. The fourth power supply 12bd is turned off by this control signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the power information collection unit 112 receives the power information transmitted from the first smart tap 100 a to the fourth smart tap 100 d after transmitting the control signal via the communication line 700. Whether or not there is a change in the value of the information is determined, and when it is determined that there is a change, an event indicating that the value of the power information has changed is held.

  Next, in step S3, when the power equipment connection state specifying unit 114 recognizes that the value of power information has changed due to the event held in step S2, the smart tap 100 in which the value of power information has changed is detected. To do.

  Here, since the fourth power source 12bd of the second smart tap 100b is turned off, the value of power information in the fourth power source 12bd of the second smart tap 100b, for example, the power value becomes 0 (zero). The power value of the fourth power supply 12bd of the tap 100b is changing.

  At the same time, in the first power supply 12aa of the first smart tap 100a, the power value is reduced by the amount consumed by the fourth power supply 12bd of the second smart tap 100b. The power value of the power supply 12aa is also changing.

  Therefore, in step S3, the first smart tap 100a and the second smart tap 100b are detected as the smart taps 100 whose power information values have changed.

  On the other hand, in step S4, in synchronization with steps S1 to S3, the power device identification unit 121 stores the device information of the second smart tap 100b in which the fourth power supply 12bd is turned off by the control signal transmitted in step S1. To detect.

  In other words, the other power source of the second smart tap 100b has not been used so far and has already been turned off, and the only fourth power source 12bd that has been in use has been turned off. Since the device information of the second smart tap 100b cannot be acquired, the device information of the second smart tap 100b is not detected.

  Non-detection refers to specifying device information such as the device name, IP address, and hardware address of the smart tap that has been detected so far but is no longer detected by the control signal for turning off the power. Here, as the device information of the second smart tap 100b, the device name “Smart Tap A2 manufactured by Company A”, the IP address “192.168.7.3”, and the hardware address “01: 01: 02: 02: 04: 04 "is specified.

  Next, in step S5, the power device connection state specifying unit 114 specifies the connection state between the smart taps 100 by associating the first smart tap 100a and the second smart tap 100b detected in step S3. The device information of the second smart tap 100b that has not been detected in step S4 is associated, and the result is stored in the power device arrangement storage unit 115.

  That is, if a smart tap 100 whose power value is reduced other than the second smart tap 100b is detected, it can be understood that it is the smart tap 100 that supplies power to the second smart tap 100b. The connection relationship is specified by associating the first power supply 12aa of the first smart tap 100a with the second smart tap 100b, and the device name, IP address, and hardware address of the second smart tap 100b are determined in step S4. Device name (Smart Tap A2 manufactured by Company A), IP address (192.168.7.3), and hardware address (01: 01: 02: 02: 04: 04).

  In the operation example 1 described above, the power on / off of the smart tap to which the smart device is connected has been described as an example. However, since the smart tap itself is activated, there is power consumed. The above operation example can be applied regardless of whether the smart device is on or off or whether or not the smart device is connected or disconnected.

  Specifically, a fifth smart tap (not shown) in which no power device such as a smart tap or a smart device is connected to the power source is connected to the third power source 12ac of the first smart tap 100a, and the fifth smart tap. Even when the above arbitrary power source is turned on or off, or when the third power source 12ac is turned on or off, the connection state of the power line network can be specified by the same processing as in the first operation example. .

[Operation example 2]
In the operation example 2, an operation flow when the connection state between the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 is further specified will be described. In FIG. 1, the case where the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d is turned on from off will be described in detail as an example.

  FIG. 4 shows an operation flow of the operation example 2. However, it is assumed that all the smart taps 100 are already activated, each power supply can be turned on / off, and the connection state of the power line network is specified.

  First, in step S31, the power device control unit 111 of the power device connection state identification device 1 transmits a control signal for turning on the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d via the communication line 700. The second power supply 12db is turned on by this control signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 32, the power information collection unit 112 receives the power information transmitted from the first smart tap 100 a to the fourth smart tap 100 d after transmitting the control signal via the communication line 700. Whether or not there is a change in the value of the information is determined, and when it is determined that there is a change, an event indicating that the value of the power information has changed is held.

  Next, in step S33, when the power equipment connection state specifying unit 114 recognizes that the value of the power information has changed due to the event held in step S32, the smart tap 100 in which the value of the power information has changed is detected. To do.

  Here, since the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d is turned on, the value of power information in the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d, for example, the power value rises. The power value of the two power supplies 12db is changing.

  At the same time, in the fourth power supply 12ad of the first smart tap 100a, the power value increases by the amount consumed by the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d. The power value of 12ad is also changing.

  Therefore, in step S33, the first smart tap 100a and the fourth smart tap 100d are detected as the smart taps 100 whose values of power information have changed.

  On the other hand, in step S34, in synchronization with steps S31 to S33, the power device identification unit 121 is connected to the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d turned on by the control signal transmitted in step S31. Device information of the fifth smart device 300e is detected.

  Specifically, the device name “net television TV BR manufactured by S Company” and the IP address “192.168.8.7.” Of the fifth smart device 300e detected within a predetermined time before and after the second power supply 12db is turned on. 15 ”and the hardware address“ 06: 06: 07: 07: 01: 01 ”is acquired.

  Next, in step S35, the power device connection state specifying unit 114 specifies the connection state between the smart taps 100 by associating the first smart tap 100a and the fourth smart tap 100d detected in step S33. The connection state of the smart device 300 is further specified by associating the device information of the fifth smart device 300e detected in step S34, and the result is stored in the power device arrangement storage unit 115.

  That is, the power device detected during the power device identification in step S34 is only the fifth smart device 300e, and the power value of the second power source 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d has increased. It can be seen that the 5 smart device 300e is connected to the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d.

  Thus, the fifth smart device 300e is identified by associating the second power supply 12db of the fourth smart tap 100d with the connection relationship, and the device name, IP address, and hardware address of the fifth smart device 300e are specified. , The device name (net-compatible television BR manufactured by S Company), the IP address (192.168.7.15), and the hardware address (06: 06: 07: 07: 01: 01) detected in step S34.

  Specifically, the power information values (for example, the sum of the power values of the respective power supplies and the fluctuation amount of the power value) of the first smart tap 100a and the fourth smart tap 100d detected in step S33 are compared. Thus, the connection relationship between the smart taps 100 is specified.

  That is, when comparing the power value of each smart tap after power-on, the first smart tap 100a is closer to the power supply source, and the power value of the first smart tap 100a than the power value of the fourth smart tap 100d. Therefore, it can be seen that the fourth smart tap 100d is connected to the first smart tap 100a.

  Thereby, the fourth power source 12ad whose power value has changed in the first smart tap 100a is associated with the fourth smart tap 100d.

  Even if the number of smart taps 100 is three or more, the power information values are compared in the same manner, the smart tap having the largest value being the upper stage, the next largest smart tap being the next stage, and the next largest being the next. It is possible to specify the connection relationship between the value smart taps one after another, and the relationship with the power source as described above. In other words, when there is a change in the power value, among smart taps having a changed value, the smart tap connection is determined by determining that the smart tap is lower in order from the largest value to the smallest value. The state is specified.

<Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, a case where the smart taps 100 are cascade-connected in three stages will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the connection state in the first embodiment, a fifth smart tap 100e, a sixth smart device 300f, and a seventh smart device 300g are further provided.

  The fifth smart tap 100e is connected to the fourth power supply 12dd of the fourth smart tap 100d through the power line provided. The sixth smart device 300f and the seventh smart device 300g are respectively connected to the third power source ec and the fourth power source ed of the fifth smart tap 100e through the power lines provided.

  All of these additions are connected to the communication line 700 via the communication input / output terminals provided. Since this embodiment has the same function as the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 described in the first embodiment, only the operation flow will be described below in this embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an operation flow of the operation example 3.

[Operation example 3]
First, in step S51, the power device control unit 111 of the power device connection state identification device 1 transmits a control signal for turning on the fourth power supply 12dd of the fourth smart tap 100d via the communication line 700. The fourth power supply 12dd is turned on by this control signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 52, the power information collection unit 112 receives the power information transmitted from the first smart tap 100 a to the fifth smart tap 100 e after transmitting the control signal via the communication line 700. Whether or not there is a change in the value of the information is determined, and when it is determined that there is a change, an event indicating that the value of the power information has changed is held.

  Next, in step S53, when the power device connection state specifying unit 114 recognizes that the value of the power information has changed due to the event held in step S52, the smart tap 100 in which the value of the power information has changed is detected. To do.

  Here, since the fourth power supply 12dd of the fourth smart tap 100d is turned on, the value of the power information in the fourth power supply 12dd of the fourth smart tap 100d, for example, the power value increases, so that the fourth smart tap 100d The power value of the four power supplies 12dd is changing.

  At the same time, the value of each power information in the third power source 12ec and the fourth power source 12ed of the fifth smart tap 100e to which the sixth smart device 300f and the seventh smart device 300g are connected also increases. The power values of the third power source 12ec and the fourth power source 12ed of the smart tap 100e are also changing.

  Further, in the fourth power supply 12ad of the first smart tap 100a, the power value increases by the amount consumed by the fourth power supply 12dd of the fourth smart tap 100d. The power value is also changing.

  Therefore, in step S53, the first smart tap 100a, the fourth smart tap 100d, and the fifth smart tap 100e are detected as the smart tap 100 whose power information value has changed.

  On the other hand, in step S54, in synchronization with steps S51 to S53, the power device identification unit 121 is connected to the fourth power supply 12dd of the fourth smart tap 100d turned on by the control signal transmitted in step S51. Device information of the fifth smart tap 100e and device information of the sixth smart device 300f and the seventh smart device g connected to the fifth smart tap 100e are detected.

  Next, in step S55, the power device connection state specifying unit 114 associates the first smart tap 100a and the fourth smart tap 100d detected in step S53 with each of the fourth smart tap 100d and the fifth smart tap 100e. , The connection state between the smart taps 100 is specified, and the result is stored in the power device arrangement storage unit 115. This process will be described in detail below.

  In step S53, a plurality of smart taps 100 are detected, and in step S54, a plurality of pieces of device information of the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 are detected. At this time, which smart device 300 is to which power source of which smart tap 100. Cannot determine if connected.

  However, as the fourth power supply dd of the fourth smart tap 100d is turned on, the power values of the third power supply 12ec and the fourth power supply 12ed of the fifth smart tap 100e increase, and the fifth smart tap Since the device information of 100e, the sixth smart device 300f, and the seventh smart device 300g is detected, the fifth smart tap 100e, the sixth smart device 300f, and the seventh smart device 300g are the fourth smart tap 100d. It can be seen that it is connected to the fourth power source dd.

  Thus, in step S55, the fourth power tap dd of the fourth smart tap 100d is associated with the fifth smart tap 100e.

  Note that the sixth smart device 300f and the seventh smart device 300g may be associated with the fourth power source dd, but if the sixth smart device 300f is connected to the fourth power source dd, the device information in step S53. In order to facilitate understanding, the fifth smart tap 100e is associated with the fourth power source dd.

  Although the sixth smart device 300f may be associated with the fourth power source dd, the device information of the sixth smart device 300f is not detected when the third power source 12ec of the fifth smart tap 100e is turned off, as will be described later. Therefore, it is recognized in a later processing stage that the provisional association is erroneous as a result.

  Further, the power information values of the first smart tap 100a and the fourth smart tap 100d detected in step S53 are compared, and the connection relationship between the two smart taps 100 is specified.

  That is, when comparing the power value of each smart tap after power-on, the first smart tap 100a is closer to the power supply source, and the power value of the first smart tap 100a than the power value of the fourth smart tap 100d. Therefore, it can be seen that the fourth smart tap 100d is connected to the first smart tap 100a.

  Thus, in step S55, the fourth power tap 12d whose power value has changed in the first smart tap 100a is associated with the fourth smart tap 100d.

  Next, in step S56, the power device control unit 111 of the power device connection state identification device 1 transmits a control signal for turning off the third power supply 12ec of the fifth smart tap 100e via the communication line 700. The third power supply 12ec is turned off by this control signal.

  Next, in step S57, the power information collection unit 112 receives the power information transmitted from the first smart tap 100a to the fifth smart tap 100e after transmitting the control signal via the communication line 700, and the power Whether or not there is a change in the value of the information is determined, and when it is determined that there is a change, an event indicating that the value of the power information has changed is held.

  Next, in step S58, when the power equipment connection state specifying unit 114 recognizes that the value of the power information has changed due to the event held in step S57, the smart tap 100 in which the value of the power information has changed is detected. To do.

  Here, since the third power source 12ec of the fifth smart tap 100e is turned off, the value of power information in the third power source 12ec of the fifth smart tap 100e, for example, the power value becomes 0 (zero). The power value of the third power source 12ec of the tap 100e is changing.

  At the same time, in the fourth power supply 12ad of the first smart tap 100a and the fourth power supply 12dd of the fourth smart tap 100d, the power value is reduced by the amount consumed by the third power supply 12ec of the fifth smart tap 100e. Accordingly, the power values of the fourth power source 12ad of the first smart tap 100a and the fourth power source dd of the fourth smart tap 100d also change.

  Therefore, in step S58, the first smart tap 100a, the fourth smart tap 100d, and the fifth smart tap 100e are detected as the smart taps 100 whose power information values have changed.

  On the other hand, in step S59, in synchronization with steps S56 to S58, the power device identification unit 121 is connected to the third power supply 12ec of the fifth smart tap 100e turned off by the control signal transmitted in step S56. The device information of the sixth smart device 300f is not detected.

  Next, in step S60, the power device connection state specifying unit 114 applies the third smart power supply 12ec of the fifth smart tap 100e turned off by the control signal in step S56 to the sixth smart device 300f not detected in step S59. The connection state of the smart device 300 is further specified by associating the device information, and the result is stored in the power device arrangement storage unit 115.

  In other words, the power device connection state specifying unit 114 repeats the power on / off of the smart tap 100 in step S51 and step S56, so that the correspondence relationship between the smart taps 100 and the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300 are connected. The power source of the smart tap 100 is specified.

  Note that since the correspondence between the smart taps 100 has already been specified in step S55, the association of the smart taps 100 using the detection result in step S58 is not executed. Of course, it may be executed again to confirm the correspondence in step S55.

  Similarly to the power source to which the seventh smart device 300g is connected by performing the processes in steps S56 to S60 again instead of the fourth power source 12ed of the fifth smart tap 100e as the power source to be controlled. Can be identified. Even if the power source to be controlled is replaced with the smart device 300, the device information of the smart device 300 is detected / not detected by turning on / off the power source. Can be identified.

  As described above, the partial connection state is identified by turning on / off the power supply 12 of the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300, and the information on the identified connection state is integrated by repeating the on / off operation. By doing so, even if the smart tap 100 and the smart devices 300 are multistage and in large quantities, the connection state can be specified.

  By repeatedly performing the processes described in the first to third operation examples described above for all the power sources of the smart tap 100 and the smart device 300, for example, a power device connection state specifying result as illustrated in FIG. 7 can be obtained. . As a result, it is possible to identify which smart tap 100 or smart device 300 is connected to which power source 12 of which smart tap 100.

  For example, in steps S31 to S34 shown in FIG. 4, if a plurality of smart devices 300 are detected within a certain time, they should be associated by performing step S35 while referring to past history. The device information of the smart device 300 may be narrowed down. Thereby, possibility that it can specify uniquely can be raised.

  According to the present embodiment, among the smart taps 100 whose values of power information are changed by a control signal for turning on or off the power supply 12 of the smart tap 100, the smart tap 100 having a certain value and the next smallest value are included. When the smart device 300 is identified as being connected to the smart tap 100 and the device information is detected or not detected by the control signal, the smart device 300 is connected to one of the smart taps 100 whose power information value has changed. In order to specify, the connection state between the smart taps 100 can be specified, and the connection state with the smart device 300 can be further specified.

  From the above, it is possible to easily grasp which power source the power device to be controlled required for power saving or power peak shift is arranged. Conventionally, these pieces of device information have been manually input to a computer. However, since this device can automatically acquire the information, significant labor saving can be achieved. In addition, since it is possible to grasp the arrangement of power lines and smart devices in the region, it is possible to know appropriately and timely which device is consumed and how much.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electric power equipment connection state identification apparatus 110 ... Electric power control function part 111 ... Electric power equipment control part 112 ... Electric power information collection part 113 ... Electric power information storage part 114 ... Electric power equipment connection state identification part 115 ... Electric power equipment arrangement | positioning storage part 116 ... Electric power Device identification result collection unit 120 ... Power device identification function unit 121 ... Power device identification unit 100 ... Smart tap (power supply type power device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100a-100e ... 1st smart tap-5th smart tap 11 ... Power input terminal 12 ... Power supply 12a-12d ... 1st power supply-4th power supply 12aa-12ad ... 1st power supply-4th power supply 12ba-12bd ... 1st power supply -4th power supply 12ca-12cd ... 1st power supply-4th power supply 12da-12dd ... 1st power supply-4th power supply 12ea-12ed ... 1st power supply-4th power supply 13 ... Communication input / output terminal 14 ... Power information measurement part 15 ... Power supply control unit 16 ... Communication unit 17 ... Switch 300 ... Smart equipment (power consumption type power equipment)
300a-300e ... 1st smart device-5th smart device 500 ... Power information measuring device 700 ... Communication line 900 ... Wall S1-S5, S31-S35, S51-S60 ... Processing step

Claims (6)

Power capable of connecting multiple power supply type power devices capable of transmitting power information at each power source provided in the own device via a communication line, and further transmitting device information of the own device via the communication line In a power device connection state specifying device for specifying a connection state when a consumption type power device is connected to the power source of the power supply type power device,
Power device control means for outputting a control signal for turning on or off the power supply of the power supply type power device;
Power information collection means for collecting power information at each power source transmitted from the plurality of power supply type power devices and storing the power information in a power information storage means;
A power device identifying means for detecting or not detecting device information of the power consuming power device by turning on or off the power source of the power supply type power device by the control signal;
Among the power supply type power devices whose values are changed by the control signal by reading the power information from the power information storage means, the power supply type power device having a certain value and the power supply having the next smallest value The power consumption type power device whose device information is detected or not detected by the control signal is connected to one of the power supply power devices whose value of the power information has changed. Power device connection state specifying means for specifying that
A power device connection state identification device characterized by comprising: The power equipment connection state specifying means is
By repeating the power on or off while changing the power of the control target, to identify the power supply type power device or the power-consuming power device power of the connected have that power supply type power device The power equipment connection state specifying device according to claim 1. The power information is
The power device connection state specifying device according to claim 1, wherein the power device connection state specifying device is one or more of a current value, a voltage value, and a power value measured by each power source of the power supply type power device. Power capable of connecting multiple power supply type power devices capable of transmitting power information at each power source provided in the own device via a communication line, and further transmitting device information of the own device via the communication line In a power device connection state identification method performed by a power device connection state identification device that identifies a connection state when a consumption type power device is connected to the power source of the power supply type power device,
A power device control step of outputting a control signal for turning on or off the power supply of the power supply type power device;
A power information collecting step of collecting power information at each power source transmitted from the plurality of power supply type power devices and storing the power information in a power information storage unit;
A power device identification step of detecting or not detecting device information of the power consuming power device by turning on or off the power source of the power supply type power device according to the control signal;
Among the power supply type power devices whose values are changed by the control signal by reading the power information from the power information storage means, the power supply type power device having a certain value and the power supply having the next smallest value The power consumption type power device whose device information is detected or not detected by the control signal is connected to one of the power supply power devices whose value of the power information has changed. A power device connection state specifying step for specifying that the power device is connected;
A power device connection state identification method comprising: The power device connection state specifying step includes:
By repeating the power on or off while changing the power of the control target, to identify the power supply type power device or the power-consuming power device power of the connected have that power supply type power device The power equipment connection state specifying method according to claim 4.   A power device connection state specifying program that causes a computer to execute the power device connection state specifying method according to claim 4 or 5.

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