WO2016143244A1 - Communication system, network joining method, slave device, master device, upper-layer device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

A first storage unit (24) stores, as management information, identification information of a slave device (1-1, 1-2, or 1-3) to be managed. In the case where a second communication unit (22) receives a join request to a network (10) and identification information from the slave device (1-1), and the identification information of the slave device (1-1) is included in the management information, a second control unit (21) allows the slave device (1-1) to join. In the case where the second communication unit (22) receives the join request and identification information from the slave device (1-1), and the identification information of the slave device (1-1) is not included in the management information, the second control unit (21) controls a third communication unit (23) so as to transmit, to an upper-layer device (3), a question signal for inquiring as to whether or not to allow the slave device (1-1) to join. When the third communication unit (23) receives a response signal corresponding to the question signal from the upper-layer device (3), the second control unit (21) determines, in accordance with the response signal, whether or not to allow the slave device (1-1) that has transmitted the join request to join.

Description

Communication system, network entry method, slave unit, master unit, host device, and program

The present invention relates to a communication system, a network entry method, a slave unit, a master unit, a host device, and a program, and more specifically, a communication system that transmits information collected by a master unit from a slave unit to a host device, a network entry method, The present invention relates to a slave unit, a master unit, a host device, and a program.

Conventionally, there is a power information collection system in which information collected by a concentrator from a smart meter is transmitted to a head end (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this power information collection system, when a smart meter newly connected to a power line transmits a connection request indicating its own MAC (Media Access Control) address to a concentrator (aggregation device), the concentrator that has transmitted the connection request The held child device list is collated with the MAC address indicated by the connection request. If the MAC address indicated by the connection request does not exist in the handset list, the concentrator returns a NACK (Negative Acknowledgement) indicating that the connection is not permitted to the smart meter. When the smart meter receives a NACK from the concentrator that transmitted the connection request, the smart meter transmits a connection request indicating its own MAC address to another concentrator. When the other concentrator receives the connection request from the smart meter, the other concentrator collates with the slave unit list holding the MAC address indicated by the connection request, and if the MAC address indicated by the connection request exists in the slave unit list, the connection is permitted. An ACK (Acknowledgement) to indicate is returned to the smart meter. When the smart meter receives an ACK indicating connection permission, the smart meter transmits power information to the head end via the concentrator that has transmitted the ACK.

JP 2014-155089 A

In the power information collection system (communication system) described in Patent Document 1, when the concentrator (master unit) receives a connection request from a smart meter (slave unit), the MAC address indicated by the connection request is collated with the slave unit list. Then, it is determined whether or not to permit the connection. Therefore, when a smart meter is replaced or newly installed, if a smart meter whose MAC address is not registered in the slave unit list is connected to the concentrator, the MAC address is not registered in the slave unit list. A smart meter cannot be connected.

The present invention is made in view of the above problems, and provides a communication system, a network entry method, a slave unit, a master unit, a host device, and a program capable of entering a network even in a slave unit whose identification information is not registered in the master unit. For the purpose.

The communication system according to the present invention configures the network together with the slave unit that allows entry into the network among the one or more slave units that can communicate with the slave unit via a transmission path, and allows entry into the network. A parent device that collects information from the permitted child device, and the child device includes a first communication unit that communicates with the parent device via the transmission path, and a first control unit. The device includes a second communication unit that communicates with the slave unit via the transmission path, a third communication unit that communicates with a host device, a second control unit, and identification information of the slave unit to be managed as management information When the slave unit that newly enters the network becomes communicable with the master unit via the transmission path, the first control unit of the slave unit , The identification information of the slave unit and the request to enter the network The first communication unit is controlled to transmit to the machine, and the second communication unit of the parent machine has received the entry request and the identification information from the child machine, and has transmitted the entry request If the identification information of the child device is included in the management information, the second control unit of the parent device permits entry of the child device, and the second communication unit of the parent device allows the child device to enter. If the management information does not include the identification information of the slave unit that has received the entry request and the identification information from, and has transmitted the entry request, the second control unit of the parent unit The third communication unit is controlled to transmit a question signal asking whether to permit entry of the slave unit to the host device, and the third communication unit of the master unit responds to the question signal. Is received from the host device, the second control unit receives the response. Depending on the item, it determines whether to enter the handset which has transmitted the participation request.

The network entry method of the present invention is a network entry method in which a parent device determines whether or not to allow a child device to enter the network, and is a child device that newly enters the network via a transmission line. Receiving the identification information of the slave unit and a request to enter the network from the slave unit in a state where communication with the master unit is possible, and storing the identification information of the slave unit to be managed as management information Reading the management information from the storage unit, comparing the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request with the management information, and the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is the If it is included in the management information, the step of permitting the entry of the slave unit, and the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information Transmitting a question signal asking whether or not to permit entry of the slave unit to the host device; receiving a response signal to the question signal from the host device; and transmitting the entry request in response to the response signal. Determining whether or not to allow the slave unit to enter.

The slave unit of the present invention is a slave unit used in the communication system described above, and includes a first communication unit that communicates with the master unit via a transmission path, a first control unit, and an identification for setting identification information The first control unit is set in the identification information setting unit, when it is in a state where it can communicate with the parent device via the transmission path in order to newly enter the network When the first communication unit is controlled to transmit the identification information and the entry request to the network to the parent device, and the entry to the network is permitted by the parent device, the first control unit, The first communication unit is controlled to transmit information to the base unit.

The parent device of the present invention includes a second communication unit that communicates with a child device via a transmission path, a third communication unit that communicates with a host device, a second control unit, and identification information of the child device to be managed. An identification of the slave unit transmitted from the slave unit that has entered the network and is in a communicable state, the first slave unit having a first storage unit that stores the management information If the second communication unit receives information and a request to enter the network, and the identification information of the child device that has transmitted the entry request is included in the management information, the second control Has permitted entry of the child device that has transmitted the entry request, the second communication unit has received the entry request and the identification information from the child device, and has transmitted the entry request If the identification information of the slave is not included in the management information, The second control unit controls the third communication unit to transmit a question signal for inquiring whether or not to permit entry of the slave unit to the higher-level device, and the third communication unit responds to the question signal. When the response signal is received from the host device, the second control unit determines whether or not to enter the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request according to the response signal.

The host device of the present invention includes a fourth communication unit for communicating with a base unit, a third control unit, and a second storage unit for storing identification information of a slave unit to be managed as management information. When the communication unit receives a question signal from the parent device that inquires whether or not to allow the child device that has transmitted a network entry request to the parent device, the third control unit receives the entry The identification information of the slave unit that transmitted the request is compared with the management information stored in the second storage unit, and the identification information of the slave unit that transmitted the entry request is stored in the second storage unit. If included in the management information, the fourth communication unit is controlled to transmit a response signal permitting entry of the child device to the parent device, and the identification information of the child device that has transmitted the entry request is the Must be included in the management information stored in the second storage Controlling said fourth communication section to transmit the entry of the child for a response signal rejecting the master unit.

The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the parent device.

According to the present invention, even a slave unit whose identification information is not registered in the master unit can enter the network.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of causing a slave unit to enter a network in the communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating another operation of the communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining another operation of the communication system according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the communication system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, and steps (steps) and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is limited. It is not the purpose to do. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional constituent elements. Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated strictly.

(Embodiment)
In the following embodiments, the consumption of resources at each customer's facility is measured for consumers of power, gas, water, heat, and other resources supplied from external suppliers. A meter reading system for acquiring the measured data by a host device at a remote location will be described as an example of a communication system. Hereinafter, a case where the customer's facility is a detached house will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the consumer's facility may be each dwelling unit, office, factory, etc. of the apartment house. In the following, the case where the resource is electric power will be described as an example. However, the resource to be metered is not limited to electric power, and the consumption of resources other than electric power such as gas, water, and heat is also acquired by the host device. Is possible.

The communication system of the present embodiment includes a plurality of slave units 1 (1-1, 1-2, and 1-3) and a master unit 2 as shown in FIG. The plurality of slave units 1 and the master unit 2 are each connected to a low voltage distribution line 83 to form a network (PAN: Personal Area Network). The communication system according to the present embodiment further includes a host device 3 that collects information from a plurality of slave units 1 via a master unit 2. In the following description, when each of the plurality of slave units 1 is described separately, it will be referred to as a slave unit 1-1, a slave unit 1-2, and a slave unit 1-3. 2 and the slave unit 1-3 are described as the slave unit 1.

The subunit | mobile_unit 1 is an watt-hour meter which is provided for every customer's facility (in this embodiment, a detached house), and measures the power consumption in the said facility. The subunit | mobile_unit 1 of this Embodiment is a watt-hour meter (what is called a smart meter) provided with the communication function which transmits the result of having measured the electric power consumption to the high-order apparatus 3 which is a server of a provider (for example, electric utility). ). In FIG. 1, three slave units 1 are connected to the master unit 2, but the number of slave units 1 can be changed as appropriate.

The subunit | mobile_unit 1 has the 1st control part 11 and the 1st communication part 12 as shown in FIG. The handset 1 further includes an identification information setting unit 13 and a meter reading unit 14.

The first control unit 11 is constituted by a microcomputer, for example. When the microcomputer executes a program stored in a memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), the function of the first control unit 11 is realized. The program may be stored in the memory in advance, or may be provided via a telecommunication line or recorded in a recording medium.

The first communication unit 12 is a communication modem that uses the low-voltage distribution line 83 as a transmission line and performs data communication with the base unit 2 by superimposing a communication signal for communication on the low-voltage distribution line 83. In this embodiment, handset 1 and base unit 2 communicate with each other via a wired transmission path. However, handset 1 and base unit 2 may communicate with each other via a wireless transmission path. .

The identification information setting unit 13 is a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). The identification information setting unit 13 stores identification information such as a MAC address. The identification information setting unit 13 may be used by the user to directly set individual identification information using, for example, a dip switch.

The meter-reading unit 14 measures the amount of electric power consumed in the corresponding customer facility (in this embodiment, a detached dwelling unit). The subunit | mobile_unit 1 may preserve | save the electric energy etc. which were measured by the meter-reading part 14 in memory.

The master unit 2 is installed for each pole transformer 82 to which, for example, the low voltage distribution line 83 is connected. The pole transformer 82 transforms a high voltage (for example, AC6600V) applied to the high-voltage distribution line 81 from a substation or the like into a voltage (for example, AC100V / 200V) used in a general household, and converts it to the low-voltage distribution line 83. Output. One pole transformer 82 is usually connected with 10 to 20 customer facilities via a low voltage distribution line 83. The subunit | mobile_unit 1 is provided in a customer's facility, and the subunit | mobile_unit 1 measures the electric energy consumed by a customer's facility. The parent device 2 constitutes the network 10 together with the child device 1 permitted to enter the network 10 among the plurality of child devices 1 connected to the low voltage distribution line 83. The parent device 2 according to the present embodiment collects information (for example, a measurement value of electric energy) from the child device 1 permitted to enter the network 10 and transmits the collected information to the host device 3 (aggregation device). ). Note that the transformer that steps down the high voltage applied to the high-voltage distribution line 81 and outputs it to the low-voltage distribution line 83 is not limited to the pole transformer 82, and is a transformer installed in an electrical room or the like. Also good.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base unit 2 includes a second control unit 21, a second communication unit 22, a third communication unit 23, and a first storage unit 24. The master unit 2 further includes a setting unit 25.

The second control unit 21 is constituted by a microcomputer, for example. The function of the second control unit 21 is realized by the microcomputer executing a program stored in a memory such as a ROM. This program may be stored in the memory in advance, or may be provided via a telecommunication line or recorded in a recording medium.

The second communication unit 22 is a communication modem that uses the low-voltage distribution line 83 as a transmission line and performs data communication with the child device 1 by superimposing a communication signal for communication on the low-voltage distribution line 83.

The third communication unit 23 is connected to the host device 3 via a signal line 85 such as an optical fiber cable, and performs data communication with the host device 3 via the signal line 85.

The first storage unit 24 is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The 1st memory | storage part 24 memorize | stores the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 of management object as management information. This management information is, for example, information transmitted from the higher-level device 3. In the host device 3, identification information of the child device 1 installed in each of a plurality of customer facilities is registered. The host device 3 transmits, as management information, identification information of the child device 1 that is managed by the parent device 2 to the parent device 2, and this management information is stored in the first storage unit 24 of the parent device 2. .

The setting unit 25 is a switch such as a dip switch, for example, and is used by a user (for example, a system administrator) to set whether to enable the question operation. The question operation here is an operation in which the parent device 2 transmits a question signal for inquiring whether or not to allow the child device 1 to enter the network 10 to the host device 3.

The host device 3 is a server (HES: Head End Server) that collects information on the amount of power collected from the child device 1 by the parent device 2 from the parent device 2. In FIG. 1, only one parent device 2 is connected to the upper device 3, but a plurality of parent devices 2 may be connected to the upper device 3.

The host device 3 includes a third control unit 31, a fourth communication unit 32, and a second storage unit 33.

The third control unit 31 is constituted by a microcomputer, for example. The function of the third control unit 31 is realized when the microcomputer executes a program stored in a memory such as a ROM. This program may be stored in the memory in advance, or may be provided via a telecommunication line or recorded in a recording medium.

The fourth communication unit 32 is connected to the parent device 2 via the signal line 85 and performs data communication with the parent device 2 via the signal line 85.

The second storage unit 33 is an external storage device such as a magnetic disk device. In the second storage unit 33, for each parent device 2, identification information of the child device 1 to be managed by the parent device 2 is stored as management information. That is, in the second storage unit 33, the identification information of the child device 1 that is managed by the parent device 2 is stored as management information in association with the identification information (for example, MAC address) of the parent device 2. When the electric power company newly installs the child device 1 in the customer's facility or replaces the child device 1 installed in the customer's facility, the second storage unit 33 of the host device 3 stores the child device 1 in the customer's facility. The stored management information is updated by the electric utility.

Next, in the communication system according to the present embodiment, a process for determining whether or not the handset 1 is allowed to enter the network 10 will be described based on the sequence diagram of FIG. It is assumed that the questioning operation is set to be valid by the setting unit 25 of the parent device 2.

For example, the third communication unit is configured so that the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 transmits a request signal for requesting transmission of management information to the higher-level device 3 during an initial operation such as when power is supplied to the parent device 2. 23 is controlled (S1). When the fourth communication unit 32 of the higher-level device 3 receives the request signal transmitted from the parent device 2, the third control unit 31 reads the management information from the second storage unit 33, and uses this management information as the transmission source of the request signal. The fourth communication unit 32 is controlled so as to transmit to the parent device 2 (S2). When the third communication unit 23 of the parent device 2 receives the management information transmitted from the host device 3, the second control unit 21 stores the management information received by the third communication unit 23 in the first storage unit 24. (S3). Note that the third control unit 31 of the host device 3 may be configured to transmit management information to the parent device 2 when detecting that the parent device 2 is connected via the signal line 85.

Thereafter, when the slave unit 1-1 to be entered into the network 10 is connected to the low-voltage distribution line 83, the slave unit 1-1 can communicate with the master unit 2 via the low-voltage distribution line 83. When the slave unit 1-1 becomes communicable with the master unit 2, the first control unit 11 of the slave unit 1-1 sends the identification information set by the identification information setting unit 13 and a request to enter the network 10. The first communication unit 12 is controlled to transmit to the parent device 2 (S4).

When the second communication unit 22 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information and the entry request transmitted from the child device 1-1, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information of the child device 1-1 and the first information. By comparing the management information stored in the 1 storage unit 24, it is determined whether or not entry is possible (S5). If the management information includes the identification information of the child device 1-1, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 permits entry of the child device 1-1. The second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 assigns an address (network address) to be used in the network 10 to the child device 1-1, and stores this address and identification information in association with each other in the first storage unit 24. The second control unit 21 of the base unit 2 performs the second communication so that the transmission signal including the permission signal permitting entry and the address assigned to the handset 1-1 is transmitted to the requesting handset 1-1. The unit 22 is controlled (S6).

When the first communication unit 12 of the child device 1-1 receives the transmission signal including the permission signal and the address from the parent device 2, the first control unit 11 of the child device 1-1 stores the address included in the transmission signal in the memory. And perform data communication with the parent device 2 using this address. In the handset 1-1 permitted to enter the network 10, when the meter reading unit 14 measures the amount of power consumed at the customer's facility, the first control unit 11 calculates the amount of power measured by the meter reading unit 14. The first communication unit 12 is controlled to transmit to the parent device 2. Thereby, the parent device 2 can collect information (for example, information on the amount of power) from the child device 1 permitted to enter the network 10, and can transmit the collected information to the higher-level device 3. Since the host device 3 can collect information such as the amount of power from the plurality of slave units 1 via the base unit 2, it can automatically measure the amount of power consumed at the facilities of the plurality of consumers. it can.

The master unit 2 transmits a request signal for requesting transmission of data such as meter reading data to the slave unit 1-1 permitted to enter the network 10, and data such as meter reading data is transmitted from the slave unit 1-1. It may be transmitted. Further, the master unit 2 receives the control command from the host device 3 and transmits control data to the slave unit 1-1 permitted to enter the network 10, and transmits the control data to the slave unit 1-1 including the smart meter. The switch provided in the handset 1-1 may be opened and closed.

When another slave unit 1-2 is connected to the low-voltage distribution line 83 and is communicable with the master unit 2, the first control unit 11 of the slave unit 1-2 is set by the identification information setting unit 13 The first communication unit 12 is controlled so as to transmit the identified identification information and the entry request to the parent device 2 (S7). Here, in order to install the new slave unit 1-2 at the customer's facility, the electric utility is held in the host device 3 so that the identification information of the slave unit 1-2 is included in the management information. It is assumed that the management information is updated, but the management information of the base unit 2 is not updated.

When the second communication unit 22 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information and the entry request transmitted from the child device 1-2, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information of the child device 1-2 and the second request. By comparing the management information stored in one storage unit 24, it is determined whether or not entry is possible (S8). Since the management information stored in the first storage unit 24 does not include the identification information of the child device 1-2 and the questioning operation of the parent device 2 is set to be valid by the setting unit 25, the parent device 2 The second control unit 21 inquires of the host apparatus 3 whether or not the entry of the child device 1-2 is permitted. That is, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 controls the third communication unit 23 to transmit a question signal inquiring whether to permit entry of the child device 1-2 to the higher-level device 3 (S9). .

When the fourth communication unit 32 of the higher-level device 3 receives from the parent device 2 an inquiry signal asking whether the child device 1-2 can be entered, the third control unit 31 of the higher-level device 3 identifies the child device 1-2. By comparing the information with the management information stored in the second storage unit 33, it is determined whether or not entry is possible (S10). Here, since the management information stored in the second storage unit 33 includes the identification information of the slave unit 1-2, the third control unit 31 of the host device 3 enters the slave unit 1-2. The fourth communication unit 32 is controlled so as to transmit a response signal permitting the transmission to the parent device 2 (S11).

When the third communication unit 23 of the parent device 2 receives the response signal from the higher-level device 3 after transmitting the question signal, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 determines the child signal based on the response signal from the higher-level device 3. Determine whether machine 1-2 can enter. Here, since a response signal permitting entry of the slave unit 1-2 is transmitted from the host device 3, the second control unit 21 of the master unit 2 permits entry of the slave unit 1-2, and the slave unit 1-2 An address used in the network 10 is assigned to 1-2. Then, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 transmits the transmission signal including the permission signal permitting entry and the address assigned to the child device 1-2 to the requesting child device 1-2. 2 The communication unit 22 is controlled (S12).

When the first communication unit 12 of the child device 1-2 receives the transmission signal including the permission signal and the address from the parent device 2, the first control unit 11 of the child device 1-2 stores the address included in the transmission signal in the memory. And perform data communication with the parent device 2 using this address.

After that, if the slave unit 1-3 that should enter the network of another master unit is mistakenly connected to the low voltage distribution line 83, the slave unit 1-3 can communicate with the master unit 2 via the low voltage distribution line 83. It becomes a state. Note that a slave unit 1-3 (connected to another network connected to another pole transformer 82 near the pole transformer 82 to which the master unit 2 is connected via a low voltage distribution line 83 is connected. The slave unit 1-3) may be able to communicate with the master unit 2 via the pole transformer 82. When the slave unit 1-3 becomes communicable with the master unit 2, the first control unit 11 of the slave unit 1-3 sends the identification information set by the identification information setting unit 13 and a request to enter the network 10. The first communication unit 12 is controlled to transmit to the parent device 2 (S13). Here, since the child device 1-3 is the child device 1 that should enter the network of another parent device, the identification information of the child device 1-3 is stored in the first storage unit 24 of the parent device 2. The management information that has been stored is not included in the management information stored in the second storage unit 33 of the higher-level device 3.

When the second communication unit 22 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information and the entry request transmitted from the child device 1-3, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information of the child device 1-3 and the first information. By comparing the management information stored in the 1 storage unit 24, it is determined whether or not entry is possible (S14). Since the management information stored in the first storage unit 24 does not include the identification information of the child device 1-3, does the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 permit entry of the child device 1-3? The third communication unit 23 is controlled to transmit a question signal for inquiring whether or not to the host apparatus 3 (S15).

When the fourth communication unit 32 of the higher-level device 3 receives an inquiry signal inquiring whether or not the child device 1-3 can be entered from the parent device 2, the third control unit 31 of the higher-level device 3 identifies the child device 1-3. By comparing the information with the management information stored in the second storage unit 33, it is determined whether entry is possible (S16). Here, since the management information stored in the second storage unit 33 does not include the identification information of the child device 1-3, the third control unit 31 of the higher-level device 3 makes an entry of the child device 1-3. The fourth communication unit 32 is controlled so as to transmit a rejection response signal to the parent device 2 (S17).

When the third communication unit 23 of the parent device 2 receives the response signal from the higher-level device 3 after transmitting the question signal, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 determines the child signal based on the response signal from the higher-level device 3. Determine whether machine 1-3 is allowed to enter. Since the host device 3 has transmitted a response signal for refusing entry of the child device 1-3, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 refuses entry of the child device 1-3, and the child device 1-3 Do not assign a network address to Then, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 controls the second communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal including a rejection signal for refusing entry into the network 10 to the requesting child device 1-3. (S18).

When the first communication unit 12 of the child device 1-3 receives the transmission signal including the rejection signal from the parent device 2, the first control unit 11 of the child device 1-3 determines that entry into the network 10 is rejected. . The subunit | mobile_unit 1-3 alert | reports to a user that entry into the network 10 was refused by blinking a display lamp or sounding a buzzer, for example.

Note that the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 does not need to transmit a rejection signal to the child device 1-3 that refuses entry when the child device 1-3 refuses entry. The slave unit 1-3 that has requested entry into the network 10 may determine that entry into the network 10 has been rejected because it cannot receive a permission signal within a predetermined time after transmitting the entry request. In addition, when the slave unit 1-3 that has requested entry into the network 10 determines that entry has been rejected, for example, it retransmits an entry signal to the same master unit 2 after a predetermined wait time has elapsed, An entry signal may be transmitted to the parent machine.

By the way, when it is determined that the identification information of the slave unit 1-2 that has transmitted the entry request in the determination of S8 is not included in the management information, the setting unit 25 invalidates the question operation of the master unit 2 If set, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 rejects the entry request of the child device 1-2. The second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 controls the second communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal including a rejection signal for refusing entry into the network 10 to the requesting child device 1-2. As described above, when the questioning operation of the parent device 2 is set to be invalid by the setting unit 25, the child device 1 in which the identification information is included in the management information stored in the first storage unit 24 of the parent device 2. Only will be allowed to enter the network 10.

Here, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 may store the identification information of the child device 1 that has refused entry into the first storage unit 24 as non-permission information. And the 2nd control part 21 is memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 24 as identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which received the participation request and identification information from the subunit | mobile_unit 1, and has transmitted the participation request. If so, entry of the child device 1 may be refused. This operation will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. FIG. 3 shows an operation when an entry request is transmitted from the slave unit 1-4 whose identification information is not included in the management information to the master unit 2.

When the slave unit 1-4 is connected to the low-voltage distribution line 83, the slave unit 1-4 can communicate with the master unit 2 via the low-voltage distribution line 83. When the slave unit 1-4 becomes communicable with the master unit 2, the first control unit 11 of the slave unit 1-4 sends the identification information set by the identification information setting unit 13 and a request to enter the network 10. The first communication unit 12 is controlled to transmit to the parent device 2 (S20).

When the second communication unit 22 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information and the entry request transmitted from the child device 1-4, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 receives the identification information of the child device 1-4 and the first information. By comparing the management information stored in the 1 storage unit 24, it is determined whether or not entry is possible (S21). Since the management information stored in the first storage unit 24 does not include the identification information of the child device 1-4, does the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 permit entry of the child device 1-4? The third communication unit 23 is controlled to transmit a question signal for inquiring whether or not to the higher-level device 3 (S22).

When the fourth communication unit 32 of the higher-level device 3 receives an inquiry signal asking whether or not the child device 1-4 can be entered from the parent device 2, the third control unit 31 of the higher-level device 3 identifies the child device 1-4. By comparing the information with the management information stored in the second storage unit 33, it is determined whether entry is possible (S23). Here, since the management information stored in the second storage unit 33 does not include the identification information of the child device 1-4, the third control unit 31 of the higher-level device 3 makes an entry of the child device 1-4. The fourth communication unit 32 is controlled so as to transmit a rejection response signal to the parent device 2 (S24).

When the third communication unit 23 of the parent device 2 receives the response signal from the higher-level device 3 after transmitting the question signal, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 determines the child signal based on the response signal from the higher-level device 3. Determine whether machine 1-4 can enter. Since the host device 3 has transmitted a response signal for refusing entry of the child device 1-4, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 refuses entry of the child device 1-4, and the child device 1-4 Do not assign a network address to In addition, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 stores the identification information of the child device 1-4 that has refused entry into the first storage unit 24 as non-permission information (S25). Note that the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 acquires the disapproval information from the high-order device 3 and the non-permission information acquired from the high-order device 3 in the communication (S2 in FIG. 2) with the high-order device 3 during the initial operation. May be stored in the first storage unit 24 (S3 in FIG. 2).

Then, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 controls the second communication unit 22 so as to transmit a transmission signal including a rejection signal for refusing entry into the network 10 to the requesting child device 1-4. (S26).

Thereafter, when the identification information and the entry request are transmitted again from the same child device 1-4 to the parent device 2 (S27), the second communication unit 22 of the parent device 2 transmits the identification information transmitted from the child device 1-4. And an entry request. When the non-permission information is stored in the first storage unit 24 of the parent device 2, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 stores the identification information of the child device 1-4 in the first storage unit 24. By comparing with the management information and the non-permission information, it is determined whether entry is possible (S28). Since the identification information of the child device 1-4 is registered as non-permission information in the first storage unit 24, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 transmits the entry request of the child device 1-4 that has transmitted the entry request. Since the identification information is included in the non-permitted information, it is decided to refuse entry of the child device 1-4. Then, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 controls the second communication unit 22 so as to transmit a transmission signal including a rejection signal for refusing entry into the network 10 to the requesting child device 1-4 ( S29).

Thus, the 2nd control part 21 of main | base station 2 has memorize | stored the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which refused entry into the 1st memory | storage part 24 as non-permission information, and the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which has transmitted the entry request | requirement If the identification information is included in the non-permission information, entry of the handset 1 is rejected. Accordingly, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 makes an entry into the network 10 without inquiring of the upper device 3 whether or not the entry can be made again when there is an entry request again from the child device 1 that has previously refused entry. You can refuse. In addition, the 2nd control part 21 of the main | base station 2 uses the 1st memory | storage part as identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which refused entry as non-permission information until a predetermined | prescribed effective period (for example, about one month) passes. 24 may be stored. Since the parent device 2 can inquire of the upper device 3 whether or not the child device 1 has previously refused entry after the validity period has passed, the management information of the upper device 3 is changed. Can determine whether or not to enter according to the changed management information.

The second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 stores, as management information, identification information of the child device 1 that is not a management target in the first storage unit 24 in addition to the identification information of the child device 1 to be managed. Also good. When the second communication unit 22 of the parent device 2 receives the entry request and the identification information from the child device 1, the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is managed as the identification information of the child device 1 to be managed. If it is included in the information, the second control unit 21 permits entry of the child device 1. On the other hand, when the 2nd communication part 22 of the main | base station 2 receives an entry request and identification information from the subunit | mobile_unit 1, identification of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the participation request is not made management object If it is included in the management information as information, the second control unit 21 refuses entry of the child device 1.

For example, by registering the identification information of the child device 1 used under the management of the other parent device 2 in the management information as the identification information of the child device 1 that is not to be managed, the unintended child device 1 enters the network 10. The possibility of entering by mistake can be reduced.

By the way, in the communication system of the present embodiment, the third control unit 31 of the higher-level device 3 may control the fourth communication unit 32 so as to periodically transmit management information to the parent device 2. In this case, the third communication unit 23 of the parent device 2 periodically receives the management information transmitted from the higher-level device 3. Then, the second control unit 21 of the base unit 2 stores the management information received by the third communication unit 23 in the first storage unit 24, so that the management information stored in the first storage unit 24 is periodically updated. Update to Here, the parent device 2 may periodically acquire the management information from the higher-level device 3 by periodically requesting the higher-level device 3 to transmit the management information. Further, the host device 2 may periodically acquire the management information from the host device 3 by the periodic transmission of the management information to the parent device 2 spontaneously by the host device 3.

In order to replace or newly install the slave unit 1, the slave unit 1 to be managed by the master unit 2 may be changed. Since the host device 3 periodically transmits management information to the parent device 2, the management information held in the first storage unit 24 of the parent device 2 is appropriately updated. Therefore, the updated management information is used. It becomes possible to determine whether or not the handset 1 can enter the network 10.

Further, the communication system of the present embodiment may include a setting device 5 that is connected to the parent device 2 and sets management information in the parent device 2. The setting device 5 includes a user interface including an input unit and a display unit, and a communication function for communicating with the parent device 2 via the network 10. When the management information is set using the user interface of the setting device 5, the management information is transmitted to the parent device 2 by the communication function of the setting device 5 and registered in the first storage unit 24 of the parent device 2. Therefore, when the slave unit 1 is replaced or newly installed, the setting device 5 is used to delete the identification information of the slave unit 1 that is not managed from the management information, or the slave unit 1 to be newly managed. The identification information can be added to the management information. The setting device 5 may perform wired communication with the parent device 2 via a wired transmission path such as a power line, or may perform wireless communication.

In addition, when the third communication unit 23 receives management information from the higher-level device 3, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 includes identification information in the management information in the child device 1 that permits entry. If there is a slave unit 1 that is not connected, a process of leaving the slave unit 1 from the network 10 may be performed. This operation will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

For example, at the time of initial operation such as when power is supplied to the base unit 2, the second control unit 21 of the base unit 2 transmits a request signal for requesting transmission of management information to the higher-level device 3. 22 is controlled (S30). When the fourth communication unit 32 of the higher-level device 3 receives the request signal transmitted from the parent device 2, the third control unit 31 reads the management information from the second storage unit 33, and uses this management information as the transmission source of the request signal. The fourth communication unit 32 is controlled so as to transmit to the parent device 2 (S31). When the third communication unit 23 of the parent device 2 receives the management information transmitted from the host device 3, the second control unit 21 stores the management information received by the third communication unit 23 in the first storage unit 24. (S32).

Thereafter, when an entry request is transmitted from the slave unit 1 connected to the low-voltage distribution line 83 to the master unit 2, a process for determining whether or not entry is possible is performed by the master unit 2 (S33). -1 to 1-10 enter the network 10 (S34, S35). In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the process of S33 from which the main | base station 2 judges whether the subunit | mobile_unit 1 can enter.

The second control unit 21 of the base unit 2 performs the second communication so as to transmit a request signal for requesting transmission of management information to the host device 3 when a predetermined update cycle (for example, a cycle of about 1 to several days) has elapsed. The unit 22 is controlled (S36). When the fourth communication unit 32 of the higher-level device 3 receives the request signal transmitted from the parent device 2, the third control unit 31 reads the management information from the second storage unit 33, and uses this management information as the transmission source of the request signal. The fourth communication unit 32 is controlled so as to transmit to the parent device 2 (S37). When the third communication unit 23 of the parent device 2 receives the management information transmitted from the host device 3, the second control unit 21 stores the management information received by the third communication unit 23 in the first storage unit 24. (S38).

When the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 acquires the management information from the higher-level device 3, the second control unit 21 uses the newly received management information for each of the child devices 1-1 to 1-10 permitted to enter. It is determined whether or not entry is possible (S39). The second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 determines whether or not there is a child device 1 whose identification information is not included in the management information among the child devices 1-1 to 1-10 permitted to enter. If there is a slave unit 1 whose identification information is not included in the management information, a process for removing the slave unit 1 from the network 10 is performed. For example, when the identification information of the child device 1-10 is removed from the management information, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 determines to leave the child device 1-10 from the network 10 and leaves the network 10. The second communication unit 22 is controlled to transmit a transmission signal including the request to the slave unit 1-10 (S40). When the first communication unit 12 of the child device 1-10 receives the transmission signal including the disconnection request from the parent device 2, the first control unit 11 of the child device 1-10 discards the address assigned by the parent device 2. Then, a process of leaving the network 10 is performed (S41).

As described above, when the management information is changed, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 reviews whether or not the child device 1 entering the network 10 can enter based on the changed management information. Thus, it is possible to correct the state in which the slave unit 1 contrary to the intention is connected to the network 10.

Moreover, in this Embodiment, the 2nd control part 21 of the main | base station 2 controls the 2nd communication part 22 so that management information may be transmitted to all the subunit | mobile_units 1 which can communicate via the low voltage distribution line 83. Also good. Then, only when the first control unit 11 of the child device 1 determines that the first communication unit 12 can enter the network 10 based on the management information received from the parent device 2, the entry request is issued to the parent device 2. May be sent to. In this case, since the entry request is not transmitted from the slave unit 1 in which the identification information is not included in the management information, the entry request is requested from the slave unit 1 that is unlikely to be accepted into the network 10 to the master unit 2. It will not be sent. Therefore, the amount of communication between the parent device 2 and the child device 1 is reduced, and the processing amount of tasks processed by the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 can be reduced. In addition, when the subunit | mobile_unit 1 performs an active scan in order to investigate the state of the surrounding system before joining, and the main | base station 2 transmits a beacon signal with respect to the subunit | mobile_unit 1, it transmits including a management information in a beacon signal. May be. In this case, since the transmission of the beacon signal can also be used for the transmission of management information, the amount of communication between the parent device 2 and the child device 1 can be reduced.

As described above, the communication system according to the present embodiment includes the slave unit 1 and the master unit 2. The master unit 2 configures the network 10 together with the slave unit 1 that has permitted entry into the network 10 among the one or more slave units 1 that can communicate via the transmission path (low voltage distribution line 83 in the present embodiment). Information is collected from the slave unit 1 permitted to enter the network 10. The subunit | mobile_unit 1 has the 1st communication part 12 and the 1st control part 11 which communicate with the main | base station 2 via a transmission line. The master unit 2 includes a second communication unit 22 that communicates with the slave unit 1 via a transmission path, a third communication unit 23 that communicates with the host device 3, a second control unit 21, and the slave unit 1 to be managed. And a first storage unit 24 that stores identification information as management information. When the child device 1 newly entering the network 10 becomes communicable with the parent device 2 via the transmission path, the first control unit 11 of the child device 1 transmits the identification information of the child device 1 and the network 10. The first communication unit 12 is controlled so as to transmit the entry request to the parent device 2. If the second communication unit 22 of the parent device 2 receives the entry request and the identification information from the child device 1 and the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is included in the management information, the parent information The second control unit 21 of the machine 2 permits entry of the child machine 1. If the second communication unit 22 receives the entry request and the identification information from the child device 1 and the identification information of the child device 1 is not included in the management information, the second control unit 21 The third communication unit 23 is controlled so as to transmit a question signal for inquiring whether or not entry is permitted to the higher-level device 3. If the 3rd communication part 23 of the main | base station 2 receives the response signal with respect to a question signal from the high-order apparatus 3, the 2nd control part 21 will make the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request enter according to a response signal. To decide.

As described above, in the communication system according to the present embodiment, the second control unit 21 of the parent device 2 includes the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request and the management information stored in the first storage unit 24. To determine whether or not to enter. And if the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 24, the main | base station 2 will inquire the high-order apparatus 3 about the possibility of entry. . Therefore, even if it is the subunit | mobile_unit 1 in which the identification information is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 24, if entry is permitted by the high-order apparatus 3, the main | base station 2 will connect the subunit | mobile_unit 1 to the network 10 Can enter. In other words, even the slave unit 1 whose identification information is not registered in the master unit 2 can enter the network 10. Compared with the case where the parent device 2 transmits entry requests from all the child devices 1 to the higher-level device 3 and causes the higher-level device 3 to determine whether or not entry is possible, the parent device 2 and the higher-level device 3 are connected. Since there is no time required for communication, the time required to determine whether or not to enter can be shortened.

In the communication system according to the present embodiment, the third communication unit 23 periodically receives management information from the higher-level device 3, and the second control unit 21 stores the management information received by the third communication unit 23 in the first storage unit. 24, the management information stored in the first storage unit 24 may be periodically updated.

As a result, even when the slave unit 1 to be managed by the master unit 2 is changed due to replacement or establishment of the slave unit 1, the management information is periodically updated so that the master unit 2 can update the slave unit 1. Appropriateness of entry can be determined.

In the communication system according to the present embodiment, when the second communication unit 22 receives an entry request from the child device 1 whose identification information is not included in the management information, the question operation that transmits the question signal to the host device 3 is effective. The base unit 2 may further include a setting unit 25 for setting whether or not to set. When the second communication unit 22 receives the entry request and identification information from the child device 1 and the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information, the setting unit 25 asks the question If the operation is set to be valid, the second control unit 21 may control the third communication unit 23 so as to transmit a question signal to the higher-level device 3. And the 2nd control part 21 may determine whether the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request | requirement according to the response signal with respect to a question signal is made to enter. Further, when the second communication unit 22 receives the entry request and the identification information from the child device 1 and the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information, the setting unit 25 If the question operation is set to be invalid, the second control unit 21 may reject entry of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request.

As a result, if the questioning operation is set to be invalid in the setting unit 25, it is determined whether or not the child device 1 can be entered only by the parent device 2, and therefore, the host device 3 determines whether or not the child device 1 can be entered. Processing is eliminated, and the processing amount of tasks processed by the host device 3 is reduced. In addition, the time required for communication between the parent device 2 and the host device 3 is eliminated, and it is possible to determine whether entry is possible in a short time.

In the present embodiment, the second control unit 21 may cause the first storage unit 24 to store the identification information of the child device 1 that has refused entry as non-permission information. The second control unit 21 receives the entry request and the identification information from the child device 1, and the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is stored in the first storage unit 24 as non-permission information. For example, entry of the child device 1 may be refused.

Thereby, when the main | base station 2 receives an entry request again from the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which refused entry before, it refuses entry of the said subunit | mobile_unit 1 without inquiring whether the high-order apparatus 3 can enter. Can do.

In this Embodiment, the 2nd control part 21 memorize | stores the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 not made into management object in the 1st memory | storage part 24 in addition to the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 to be managed as management information. Also good. When the second communication unit 22 receives the entry request and the identification information from the child device 1, the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is included in the management information as the identification information of the child device 1 that is not to be managed. If included, the second control unit 21 may reject entry of the child device 1.

Thereby, the master unit 2 refuses to enter the slave unit 1 that is not a management target, and a situation in which the unintended slave unit 1 enters the network 10 is less likely to occur.

In the present embodiment, when the third communication unit 23 receives the management information from the higher-level device 3, the second control unit 21 of the base unit 2 uses the management information in the handset 1 that is permitted to enter. If there is a handset 1 that does not include identification information, a process of causing the handset 1 to leave the network 10 may be performed.

Thereby, when the slave unit 1 to be managed is changed, it is possible to review whether or not entry is possible for each of the slave units 1 that are entering in accordance with the management information after the change.

The communication system according to the present embodiment may further include a setting device 5 that is connected to the parent device 2 and sets management information in the parent device 2.

This makes it possible to directly set management information in the base unit 2 using the setting device 5.

In this Embodiment, the 2nd control part 21 of the main | base station 2 sets the 2nd communication part 22 so that management information may be transmitted to all the subunit | mobile_units 1 which can communicate via a transmission line (low voltage distribution line 83). You may control. The first control unit 11 of the child device 1 transmits an entry request to the parent device 2 only when it is determined that the first communication unit 12 can enter the network 10 based on the management information received from the parent device 2. The first communication unit 12 may be controlled to do so.

Thereby, since the slave unit 1 that is not expected to enter the network 10 does not transmit an entry request to the master unit 2, the amount of tasks processed by the second control unit 21 of the master unit 2 is reduced. The amount of communication between 2 and handset 1 decreases.

Further, the network entry method in which the parent device 2 determines whether or not the child device 1 enters the network 10 includes the following steps. The first step is identification of the slave unit 1 from the slave unit 1 that is newly entering the network 10 and has become communicable with the master unit 2 via the transmission path (low-voltage distribution line 83). This is a step of receiving information and a request to enter the network 10. Another step is to read the management information from the storage unit (first storage unit 24) that stores the identification information of the slave unit 1 to be managed as management information, and the identification information and management information of the slave unit 1 that has transmitted the entry request Is a step of comparing Another step is a step of permitting entry of the slave unit 1 if the management information includes identification information of the slave unit 1 that has transmitted the entry request. In another step, if the management information does not include identification information of the slave unit 1 that has transmitted the entry request, a step of transmitting a question signal asking whether to permit entry of the slave unit 1 to the higher-level device 3 It is. Another step is a step of receiving a response signal to the interrogation signal from the higher-level device 3 and determining whether or not to enter the slave unit 1 that has transmitted the entry request according to the response signal.

Also in this network entry method, the parent device 2 determines whether or not entry is possible by comparing the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request with the management information stored in the storage unit. And if the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part, the main | base station 2 inquires the high-order apparatus 3 about the possibility of entry. Therefore, even if it is the subunit | mobile_unit 1 in which identification information is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part, if entry is permitted by the high-order apparatus 3, the main | base station 2 will make the subunit | mobile_unit 1 enter the network 10 be able to. In other words, even the slave unit 1 whose identification information is not registered in the master unit 2 can enter the network 10. Compared with the case where the parent device 2 transmits entry requests from all the child devices 1 to the higher-level device 3 and causes the higher-level device 3 to determine whether or not entry is possible, the parent device 2 and the higher-level device 3 are connected. Since there is no time required for communication, the time required to determine whether or not to enter can be shortened. In addition, the network entry method of this Embodiment can employ | adopt suitably the various entry methods employ | adopted in order for the communication system demonstrated in said embodiment to permit or refuse the entry of the subunit | mobile_unit 1. FIG.

Moreover, the subunit | mobile_unit 1 of this Embodiment is the subunit | mobile_unit 1 used for said communication system, Comprising: The 1st communication part 12 which communicates with the main | base station 2 via a transmission line (low voltage distribution line 83), It has the 1st control part 11 and the identification information setting part 13 for setting identification information. When communication with the base unit 2 becomes possible via the transmission path in order to newly enter the network 10, the first control unit 11 receives the identification information set by the identification information setting unit 13 and a request to enter the network 10. The first communication unit 12 is controlled so as to be transmitted to the base unit 2. When entry into the network 10 is permitted by the parent device 2, the first control unit 11 controls the first communication unit 12 to transmit information to the parent device 2.

Since the handset 1 of the present embodiment is used in the above communication system, it can enter the network 10 if entry is permitted by the host device 3. In other words, even the slave unit 1 whose identification information is not registered in the master unit 2 can enter the network 10. In addition, the subunit | mobile_unit 1 of this Embodiment can employ | adopt suitably each structure with which the subunit | mobile_unit 1 is provided in the communication system demonstrated in said embodiment.

Moreover, the main | base station 2 of this Embodiment has the 2nd communication part 22 which communicates with the subunit | mobile_unit 1 via the transmission line (low voltage distribution line 83), the 3rd communication part 23 which communicates with the high-order apparatus 3, and the 1st 2 The control part 21 and the 1st memory | storage part 24 which memorize | stores the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 of management object as management information. The identification information of the child device 1 transmitted from the child device 1 newly entering the network 10 and communicable via the transmission path and the request to enter the network 10 are the second. Received by the communication unit 22. If the second communication unit 22 receives the identification information and the entry request transmitted from the child device 1 and the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is included in the management information, the second control is performed. The unit 21 permits entry of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request. If the second communication unit 22 receives the entry request and identification information from the child device 1 and the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information, the second control unit 21 The third communication unit 23 is controlled to transmit the interrogation signal to the higher-level device 3. The question signal is a signal for inquiring whether or not to allow the child device 1 to enter. And if the 3rd communication part 23 receives the response signal with respect to a question signal from the high-order apparatus 3, it will be determined whether the 2nd control part 21 makes the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request enter according to a response signal. Configured to determine.

As described above, in the base unit 2 of the present embodiment, the second control unit 21 compares the identification information of the handset 1 that has transmitted the entry request with the management information stored in the first storage unit 24. Therefore, it is judged whether entry is possible. And if the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 24, the main | base station 2 will inquire the high-order apparatus 3 about the possibility of entry. . Therefore, even if it is the subunit | mobile_unit 1 in which the identification information is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 24, if entry is permitted by the high-order apparatus 3, the main | base station 2 will connect the subunit | mobile_unit 1 to the network 10 Can enter. In other words, even the slave unit 1 whose identification information is not registered in the master unit 2 can enter the network 10. Compared with the case where the parent device 2 transmits entry requests from all the child devices 1 to the higher-level device 3 and causes the higher-level device 3 to determine whether or not entry is possible, the parent device 2 and the higher-level device 3 are connected. Since there is no time required for communication, the time required to determine whether or not to enter can be shortened. In addition, as for the main | base station 2 of this Embodiment, each structure with which the main | base station 2 is provided in the communication system demonstrated in said embodiment is employable suitably.

In addition, the program according to the present embodiment is a program that causes a computer to function as the parent device 2 by being executed by the computer.

In the parent device 2 realized by the computer executing this program, the second control unit 21 includes the identification information of the child device 1 that has transmitted the entry request and the management information stored in the first storage unit 24. To determine whether or not to enter. And if the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 24, the main | base station 2 will inquire the high-order apparatus 3 about the possibility of entry. . Therefore, even if it is the subunit | mobile_unit 1 in which the identification information is not contained in the management information memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 24, if entry is permitted by the high-order apparatus 3, the main | base station 2 will connect the subunit | mobile_unit 1 to the network 10 Can enter. In other words, even the slave unit 1 whose identification information is not registered in the master unit 2 can enter the network 10. Compared with the case where the parent device 2 transmits entry requests from all the child devices 1 to the higher-level device 3 and causes the higher-level device 3 to determine whether or not entry is possible, the parent device 2 and the higher-level device 3 are connected. Since there is no time required for communication, the time required to determine whether or not to enter can be shortened. Note that this program may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet or a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, the program of this embodiment should just be created so that each structure with which the main | base station 2 is provided in the communication system demonstrated by said embodiment is realizable by a computer running this program. .

Further, the host device 3 of the present embodiment stores management information including identification information of the fourth communication unit 32 for communicating with the parent device 2, the third control unit 31, and the child device 1 to be managed. And a second storage unit 33. When the fourth communication unit 32 receives an inquiry signal from the parent device 2 that inquires whether or not to allow the child device 1 that has transmitted a request to enter the network 10 to the parent device 2 to enter the network 10, The control part 31 compares the identification information of the subunit | mobile_unit 1 which transmitted the entry request with management information. The third control unit 31 transmits the response signal permitting the entry of the slave unit 1 to the master unit 2 if the identification information of the slave unit 1 that transmitted the entry request is included in the management information. 32 is controlled. The third control unit 31 transmits a response signal that rejects entry of the child device 1 to the parent device 2 if the identification information of the child device 1 that transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information. 32 is controlled.

As described above, when the fourth communication unit 32 of the host device 3 receives the question signal from the parent device 2, the third control unit 31 determines whether or not the child device 1 can enter and transmits a response signal to the parent device 2. In this way, the fourth communication unit 32 is controlled. Therefore, if entry is permitted by the host device 3, the parent device 2 can cause the child device 1 to enter the network 10. In other words, even the slave unit 1 whose identification information is not registered in the master unit 2 can enter the network 10. In addition, compared with the case where the host device 3 determines whether or not all the child devices 1 can enter the network 10, the communication amount between the host device 3 and the parent device 2 is reduced, and the host device 3 performs processing. Task throughput is also reduced. It should be noted that the host device 3 of the present embodiment can appropriately adopt each configuration included in the host device 3 in the communication system described in the above embodiment.

1, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-10 Slave unit 2 Master unit 3 Host device 10 Network 11 First control unit 12 First communication unit 13 Identification information setting unit 21 Second control Unit 22 Second communication unit 23 Third communication unit 24 First storage unit (storage unit)
25 Setting part 31 3rd control part 32 4th communication part 33 2nd memory | storage part 83 Low voltage distribution line (transmission path)

Claims (13)

With the handset,
A parent that configures the network together with the slave units that are allowed to enter a network among the one or more slave units that can communicate via a transmission path, and collects information from the slave units that are allowed to enter the network Equipped with a machine,
The slave unit includes a first communication unit that communicates with the master unit via the transmission path, and a first control unit.
The master unit has a second communication unit that communicates with the slave unit via the transmission path, a third communication unit that communicates with a host device, a second control unit, and identification information of the slave unit to be managed. A first storage unit that stores the management information,
When the child device newly entering the network becomes communicable with the parent device via the transmission path, the first control unit of the child device transmits the identification information of the child device and the network to the network. Controlling the first communication unit to transmit an entry request to the parent device;
The management information includes the identification information of the slave unit that has received the entry request and the identification information from the slave unit and the second communication unit of the master unit has transmitted the entry request. Then, the second control unit of the parent device permits entry of the child device,
The management information includes the identification information of the slave unit that has received the entry request and the identification information from the slave unit and the second communication unit of the master unit has transmitted the entry request. If not, the second control unit of the parent device controls the third communication unit to transmit a question signal asking whether to permit entry of the child device to the host device,
When the third communication unit of the base unit receives a response signal to the interrogation signal from the host device, the second control unit enters the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request according to the response signal. A communication system that determines whether or not to perform. The third communication unit periodically receives the management information from the host device;
The second control unit periodically updates the management information stored in the first storage unit by storing the management information received by the third communication unit in the first storage unit. The communication system according to 1. Whether or not to enable an inquiry operation for transmitting the inquiry signal to the higher-level device when the second communication unit receives the entry request from the slave that does not include the identification information in the management information The master unit further has a setting unit for setting
When the second communication unit receives the entry request and the identification information from the slave unit, and the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information, If the interrogation operation is set to be valid in the setting unit, the second control unit controls the third communication unit to transmit the interrogation signal to the host device, and the response to the interrogation signal Determine whether to enter the slave unit that has sent the entry request according to the signal,
When the second communication unit receives the entry request and the identification information from the slave unit, and the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information, 3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein if the interrogation operation is set to be invalid in the setting unit, the second control unit rejects entry of the child device that has transmitted the entry request. 4. The second control unit causes the first storage unit to store the identification information of the slave unit that has refused entry as non-permission information,
The second control unit receives the entry request and the identification information from the child device, and the identification information of the child device that has transmitted the entry request is the first storage unit as the non-permission information. The communication system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication device rejects entry of the child device. The second control unit stores, as the management information, in addition to the identification information of the child device to be managed, the identification information of the child device not to be managed in the first storage unit,
When the second communication unit receives the entry request and the identification information from the slave unit, the identification information of the slave unit that is not the management target is the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second control unit rejects entry of the child device if the information is included in the management information. When the third communication unit receives the management information from the higher-level device, the second control unit of the parent device has the identification information in the management information in the child device permitted to enter. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein if there is a slave unit that is not included, a process of causing the slave unit to leave the network is performed. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a setting device connected to the parent device for setting the management information in the parent device. The second control unit of the parent device controls the second communication unit to transmit the management information to all the child devices that can communicate via the transmission path,
The first control unit of the slave unit issues the entry request only when it is determined that the first communication unit can enter the network based on the management information received from the master unit. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first communication unit is controlled so as to transmit to the communication terminal. A network entry method in which a parent device determines whether or not to allow a child device to enter the network,
The slave unit that newly enters the network receives the identification information of the slave unit and a request to enter the network from the slave unit that is communicable with the master unit via a transmission path. Steps,
Reading the management information from a storage unit that stores the identification information of the slave unit to be managed as management information, and comparing the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request with the management information;
If the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is included in the management information, the step of permitting entry of the slave unit;
If the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information, transmitting a question signal asking whether to permit entry of the slave unit to the host device;
Receiving a response signal to the interrogation signal from the host device, and determining whether to enter the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request according to the response signal. A handset used in the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A first communication unit that communicates with the parent device via the transmission line, a first control unit, and an identification information setting unit for setting identification information;
When it becomes possible to communicate with the parent device via the transmission path in order to newly enter the network, the first control unit enters the identification information set in the identification information setting unit and the network. Controlling the first communication unit to transmit a request to the base unit;
When entry into the network is permitted by the parent device, the first control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit information to the parent device. A first communication unit that stores, as management information, a second communication unit that communicates with a slave unit via a transmission path, a third communication unit that communicates with a host device, a second control unit, and identification information of the slave unit to be managed A storage unit;
The second communication includes the slave unit newly entering the network and the identification information of the slave unit transmitted from the slave unit that has become communicable via a transmission path and the entry request to the network. If the management information includes the identification information of the child device that has been received by the unit and has transmitted the entry request, the second control unit is configured to transmit the entry request to the child device that has transmitted the entry request. Allow entry,
If the second communication unit receives the entry request and the identification information from the slave unit and the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is not included in the management information, The second control unit controls the third communication unit to transmit a question signal asking whether to permit entry of the slave unit to the host device,
When the third communication unit receives a response signal to the interrogation signal from the higher-level device, whether or not the second control unit enters the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request in accordance with the response signal. Determine the parent machine. A fourth communication unit for communicating with the parent device, a third control unit, and a second storage unit for storing identification information of the child device to be managed as management information;
When the fourth communication unit receives from the parent device a question signal asking whether to permit entry of the child device that has transmitted a request to enter the network to the parent device, the third control unit, The identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is compared with the management information stored in the second storage unit, and the identification information of the slave unit that has transmitted the entry request is stored in the second storage unit. If included in the management information, the fourth communication unit is controlled to transmit a response signal permitting entry of the child device to the parent device, and identification information of the child device that has transmitted the entry request Is not included in the management information stored in the second storage unit, the host device controls the fourth communication unit so as to transmit a response signal for refusing entry of the slave unit to the master unit. A program for causing a computer to function as the parent device according to claim 11.

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