Communication device, management device, communication method, management method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a communication device, a management device, a communication method, a management method, and a storage medium. The communication device includes: a drive device communication unit that communicates with a drive device connected to the communication device; an external communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network; an identification information acquisition unit that acquires category identification information indicating a category of the drive device from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit; a setting information acquisition unit that acquires setting information corresponding to the category identification information from the other device by transmitting information including the category identification information to the other device via the external communication unit; and a communication control unit that acquires information from the drive device based on the setting information and transmits the information to a specified device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to communication devices, management devices, communication methods, management methods, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, communication devices such as Telematics Control Units (TCUs) have been proposed. TCUs are installed in various drive systems such as motor vehicles and agricultural vehicles to enable communication with external networks (see, for example, patent No. 6084128). Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in order to perform different controls depending on the type of drive unit, a dedicated TCU needs to be designed and developed for each drive unit. In this case, the cost of designing, developing, and manufacturing the TCU may increase. This problem is not limited to TCUs, but is a common problem in all communication devices that connect to drive units such as motor vehicles and communicate with external networks.

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a communication device, management device, communication method, management method, and storage medium that can reduce the cost required up to manufacturing in a communication device that is connected to a driving device such as a motor vehicle and communicates with an external network.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following solution.

[0006] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention includes:

[0007] A drive unit communication unit that communicates with a drive unit to which the communication unit is connected;

[0008] External communication unit, which communicates with other devices via a network;

[0009] The identification information acquisition unit acquires category identification information representing the category of the drive device from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit;

[0010] A setting information acquisition unit, which acquires setting information corresponding to the category identification information from other devices by transmitting information containing the category identification information to other devices via the external communication unit; and

[0011] The communication control unit obtains information from the drive device based on the setting information and sends the information to the designated device.

[0012] According to the solution of the present invention, the cost required up to manufacturing can be reduced in a communication device that is connected to a driving device such as a motor vehicle and communicates with an external network. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a simplified block diagram illustrating the system structure of a drive device communication system according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the functional structure of a communication device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the functional structure of a management device.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the identification information table stored in the identification information storage unit.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a specific example of the setting information table stored in the setting information storage unit.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a specific example of a device information table stored in the device information storage unit.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating a specific example of the initial action flow when the power supply to the communication device is turned on in a drive device communication system. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to which the technical solution pertains. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Additionally, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or identical structures, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0021] Figure 1This is a simplified block diagram illustrating the system structure of a drive device communication system 100 according to one embodiment. First, an overview of the drive device communication system 100 will be described. The drive device communication system 100 includes a communication device 10, a drive device 20, and a management device 30. The communication device 10 is connected to the drive device 20 to enable communication. The communication device 10 communicates with the management device 30 via a network 90. ​​The communication device 10 may also be connected to the network 90 via, for example, a base station 91. The network 90 may be a network using wireless communication or a network using wired communication. The network 90 may also be constructed by combining multiple networks. The communication device 10 may also communicate with a satellite 92. Hereinafter, each device will be described in further detail. A user terminal 40 may also be provided in the drive device communication system 100. The user terminal 40 communicates with the management device 30 via, for example, the network 90. ​​Hereinafter, each device will be described.

[0022] First, the communication device 10 will be described. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a specific example of the functional structure of the communication device 10. The communication device 10 is an information device capable of communication. The communication device 10 may be, for example, a TCU, or may be configured as other communication devices. The communication device 10 includes a drive communication unit 11, an external communication unit 12, a location information acquisition unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0023] The drive unit communication unit 11 communicates with the drive unit 20, which is connected to this device (communication unit 10). More specifically, the drive unit communication unit 11 can communicate with the control unit (e.g., ECU (Electronic Control Unit)) of the drive unit 20. The drive unit communication unit 11 can also communicate with the drive unit 20 via CAN (Controller Area Network), for example.

[0024] The drive unit communication unit 11 can also be physically connected to the drive unit 20 using terminals, plugs, etc. In this case, the drive unit communication unit 11 can be configured as a connector with terminals, plugs, etc. The drive unit communication unit 11 can also be connected to the drive unit 20 in a wired manner using a cable to enable communication. In this case, the drive unit communication unit 11 can be configured as a communication interface with a connector for connecting a communication cable. The drive unit communication unit 11 can also be connected to the drive unit 20 wirelessly to enable communication. In this case, the drive unit communication unit 11 can be configured as a communication interface for wireless communication with the drive unit 20. The wireless communication between the drive unit communication unit 11 and the drive unit 20 can be, for example, short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area).

[0025] External communication unit 12 is a communication device that is connected to network 90, which is an example of an external network, and is capable of communication. External communication unit 12 can connect to network 90, for example, by wirelessly communicating with base station 91. External communication unit 12 can connect to network 90 via base station 91, for example, using 4G or 5G mobile communication technology. External communication unit 12 communicates with other devices via network 90. ​​For example, external communication unit 12 communicates with management device 30.

[0026] The location information acquisition unit 13 acquires the location information of the current location of the communication device 10. The location information acquisition unit 13 acquires the location information, for example, through communication with a satellite positioning system or a base station of a mobile phone network. Specific examples of satellite positioning systems include GPS (Global Positioning System) and Galileo. The location information acquisition unit 13 outputs the acquired location information to the control unit 15.

[0027] The storage unit 14 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 14 functions as a communication device identification information storage unit 141, a category identification information storage unit 142, a drive device identification information storage unit 143, and a setting information storage unit 144. The communication device identification information storage unit 141 stores the identification information (communication device identification information) assigned to this device (communication device 10). The communication device identification information is different for each communication device 10. That is, the communication device identification information uniquely identifies the communication device 10.

[0028] The category identification information storage unit 142 stores the category identification information of the drive device 20 connected to this device (communication device 10). The category identification information is information indicating the category of the drive device 20, such as the model name, product name, and model number (i.e., information with the same value if the drive devices 20 are of the same category). The category identification information may also include information indicating the version of the drive device 20.

[0029] The drive device identification information storage unit 143 stores the identification information (drive device identification information) of the drive device 20 connected to this device (communication device 10). The drive device identification information may be, for example, the identification information of the drive device 20 itself, or the identification information of the ECU installed in the drive device 20. The drive device identification information is uniquely assigned to each drive device 20 and each ECU.

[0030] The setting information storage unit 144 stores setting information. The setting information is used when the control unit 15 of the communication device 10 operates, and includes information indicating the operation content of the control unit 15. The setting information may be, for example, the following:

[0031] • The content and category of the information (notification information) obtained by the communication device 10 from the drive device 20

[0032] • The timing at which the communication device 10 obtains various notification information from the drive device 20

[0033] • The timing at which the communication device 10 begins to acquire various notification information from the drive device 20

[0034] • The timing at which the communication device 10 sends the notification information obtained from the drive device 20 to other devices (e.g., the management device 30).

[0035] • The content of the information sent to other devices (e.g., management device 30) in the notification information obtained by communication device 10 from drive device 20.

[0036] • The content of the determination processing performed by the communication device 10 based on the information obtained from the drive device 20

[0037] • When does the communication device 10 send information corresponding to the result of the determination process to other devices (e.g., management device 30)?

[0038] • The timing at which communication device 10 begins sending information corresponding to the result of the decision processing to other devices (e.g., management device 30).

[0039] • The communication device 10 includes control functions for each device (e.g., the timing of startup).

[0040] For example, the start-up timing of the external communication unit 12 can also be set by configuring information. In this case, the start-up timing can be set to be different for each product. With this configuration, discontinuities can be suppressed.

[0041] The control unit 15 is constructed using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. The control unit 15 functions as an identification information acquisition unit 151, a setting information acquisition unit 152, and a communication control unit 153 by executing programs through the processor. It should be noted that all or part of the functions of the control unit 15 can also be implemented using hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into the computer system. The program can also be transmitted via electrical communication lines.

[0042] The identification information acquisition unit 151 communicates with the drive device 20 via the drive device communication unit 11 to acquire the category identification information of the drive device 20 connected to this device (communication device 10). The identification information acquisition unit 151 records the acquired category identification information in the category identification information storage unit 142. Alternatively, the identification information acquisition unit 151 can also acquire the drive device identification information of the drive device 20 connected to this device. The identification information acquisition unit 151 records the acquired drive device identification information in the drive device identification information storage unit 143.

[0043] The setting information acquisition unit 152 communicates with the management device 30 via the external communication unit 12 to acquire setting information. At this time, the setting information acquisition unit 152 acquires setting information corresponding to the category identification information stored in the category identification information storage unit 142. That is, the setting information acquisition unit 152 acquires setting information corresponding to the category of the drive device 20 connected to this device (communication device 10). At this time, the setting information acquisition unit 152 can also acquire setting information corresponding to the drive device identification information of the drive device 20 connected to this device (auxiliary setting information described later). The setting information acquisition unit 152 records the acquired setting information in the setting information storage unit 144.

[0044] The communication control unit 153 operates based on the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 144. For example, the communication control unit 153 controls communication with the drive device 20 via the drive device communication unit 11, communication with the management device 30 via the external communication unit 12, and the operation of the device itself. The communication control unit 153 operates according to the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 144.

[0045] Next, the drive unit 20 will be described. The drive unit 20 is a device that includes a drive mechanism such as an engine or motor. The drive unit 20 can be a device that moves by being driven by a drive mechanism, or it can be a device that includes a drive mechanism but does not move itself. The drive unit 20 can be, for example, a motor vehicle for transporting people or objects, a work vehicle such as a lawnmower or snowplow, a marine engine (outboard motor) installed on and used for driving a ship, a transport trolley, a generator, a general-purpose engine, or other devices. The work machine can, for example, have a drive mechanism for the work unit separate from the drive mechanism that generates the power for movement, or it can be equipped with a transmission device that distributes the power generated by the drive mechanism to the work unit. A control device such as an ECU can also be installed in the drive unit 20. In this case, the control device such as the ECU controls the operation of the drive unit 20 or controls the components installed in the drive unit 20. The power supply connected to the drive unit 20 can also supply power to the communication device 10 connected to this device (drive unit 20). The control device of the drive device 20 may, for example, send information (hereinafter referred to as "notification information") indicating the operation and status of the device (drive device 20) (including the operation and status of its components) to the communication device 10 at a predetermined time. The timing of the control device sending the notification information to the communication device 10 may be predetermined in the drive device 20, set by the communication device 10, or determined when an inquiry is received from the communication device 10. The content of the notification information may be predetermined in the drive device 20, set by the communication device 10, or defined in an inquiry sent from the communication device 10. The timing and content of such notification information may be defined in the setting information received by the communication device 10 from the management device 30.

[0046] Next, the management device 30 will be described. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a specific example of the functional structure of the management device 30. The management device 30 is constructed using an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server. The management device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0047] Communication unit 31 is a communication device that is connected to network 90 and is capable of communication. Communication unit 31 communicates with other devices via network 90. ​​For example, communication unit 31 communicates with communication device 10 and user terminal 40.

[0048] The storage unit 32 is constructed using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 32 functions as an identification information storage unit 321, a setting information storage unit 322, a device information storage unit 323, and a history information storage unit 324.

[0049] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a specific example of the identification information table stored in the identification information storage unit 321. The identification information table has multiple identification information records. Each identification information record has values ​​for communication device identification information and category identification information. The communication device identification information represents the identification information of the communication device 10. The category identification information represents the category of the drive device 20 to which the communication device 10 represented by the communication device identification information in the same identification information record is connected. That is, the communication device 10 represented by the communication device identification information included in the identification information record is connected to the drive device 20 of the category represented by the category identification information included in the same identification information record. The identification information record may also have values ​​for drive device identification information. In this case, a correspondence is established between the communication device identification information, the category identification information, and the drive device identification information, and the information is stored.

[0050] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a specific example of the setting information table stored in the setting information storage unit 322. The setting information table has multiple setting information records. Each setting information record contains category identification information and setting information values. The category identification information indicates the category of the drive device 20. The setting information is the setting information applicable to the communication device 10 connected to the drive device 20 of the category indicated by the category identification information of the same setting information record. One or more category identification information entries may be included in a single setting information record.

[0051] The device information storage unit 323 stores a device information table. The device information table has multiple device information records. The device information records contain information such as the history of the state of the drive device 20, settings for the drive device 20, and the operation of the drive device 20. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a specific example of the device information table stored in the device information storage unit 323. Figure 6In this example, the device information record contains values ​​for drive device identification information, fault information, and auxiliary setting information. The drive device identification information is the identification information of the drive device 20. The fault information indicates past or current faults in the drive device 20 represented by the same device information record's drive device identification information. The fault information may also indicate the type of fault and the date and time of its occurrence. The auxiliary setting information represents additional setting information added to the drive device 20 represented by the same setting information record's drive device identification information, based on the generally applicable setting information. The auxiliary setting information can be automatically set by the control unit 33 based on the fault information of the drive device 20, or it can be set based on information received from the terminal device (user terminal 40) of the owner of the drive device 20.

[0052] The history information storage unit 324 records the history of information sent from the communication device 10. For example, the communication device 10 sends notification information obtained from the drive device 20 based on the setting information stored in the device to the management device 30 at a predetermined time. The history information storage unit 324 stores these notification messages sent from each of the communication devices 10. For example, the history information storage unit 324 can establish a correspondence between the communication device identification information of the communication device 10, the drive device identification information of the drive device 20, the notification messages obtained from the drive device 20, and information indicating the date and time. In addition, for example, the communication device 10 generates error report information based on error information received from the drive device 20 and sends it to the management device 30. The history information storage unit 324 stores these error report messages sent from each of the communication devices 10.

[0053] The control unit 33 is constructed using a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit 33 functions as an identification information acquisition unit 331, a setting information provision unit 332, and an information management unit 333 by executing programs through the processor. It should be noted that all or part of the functions of the control unit 33 can also be implemented using hardware such as ASICs, PLDs, and FPGAs. The program can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into the computer system. The program can also be transmitted via electrical communication lines.

[0054] The identification information acquisition unit 331 communicates with the communication device 10 via the communication unit 31 to acquire the identification information (communication device identification information) of the communication device 10 and the category identification information of the drive device 20 connected to the communication device 10. The identification information acquisition unit 331 establishes a correspondence between the acquired communication device identification information and the category identification information and records it in the identification information storage unit 321.

[0055] When the setting information providing unit 332 receives a setting information request from the communication device 10, it reads the setting information corresponding to the category of the drive device 20 connected to the communication device 10 from the setting information storage unit 322. For example, if category identification information is received when setting information is requested, the setting information providing unit 332 reads the setting information that is associated with the category identification information and recorded in the setting information storage unit 322. Then, the setting information providing unit 332 sends the read setting information to the communication device 10, which is the requesting source.

[0056] The request for setting information may also include driver identification information of the driver device 20, which is the source of the request and connects to the communication device 10. In this case, the setting information providing unit 332 determines whether the driver identification information of the requesting object is registered in the device information record stored in the device information storage unit 323 and has a corresponding relationship with auxiliary setting information. If such auxiliary setting information is registered, the setting information providing unit 332 reads the auxiliary setting information and sends it to the communication device 10, which is the source of the request.

[0057] The information management unit 333 manages the information stored in the device information storage unit 323 and the information stored in the history information storage unit 324. For example, the information management unit 333 manages the auxiliary setting information stored in the device information storage unit 323. The information management unit 333 can, for example, register or change auxiliary setting information for a specific drive device 20 based on change information sent from the user terminal 40. Such change information includes auxiliary setting information and drive device identification information. Based on the received change information, the information management unit 333 can newly register device information records in the device information storage unit 323, or update already registered device information. Furthermore, if fault information is registered in the device information storage unit 323, the information management unit 333 can also register auxiliary setting information corresponding to that fault information. Rules for registering which auxiliary setting information is registered in response to which type of fault information can also be predetermined (establishing a correspondence).

[0058] The information management unit 333 receives notification information and error report information sent from each communication device 10 and records them in the history information storage unit 324. For example, the information management unit 333 can establish a correspondence between the communication device identification information of the communication device 10, the drive device identification information of the drive device 20, the notification information or error report information obtained from the drive device 20, and information indicating the date and time, and record this information in the history information storage unit 324. Furthermore, the information management unit 333 can also determine whether a fault has occurred in each drive device 20 based on the information stored in the history information storage unit 324. The fault determination criteria can be predetermined. When a fault is determined to have occurred, the information management unit 333 establishes a correspondence between the drive device identification information of the drive device 20 that will be subject to the determination and the information indicating the determined fault, and registers this information in the device information storage unit 323.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating a specific example of the initial operation flow when the power supply to the communication device 10 in the drive device communication system 100 is turned on. For example, it can be configured such that when the power supply to the drive device 20 to which the communication device 10 is connected is turned on, power is supplied from the drive device 20 to the communication device 10, and the communication device 10 also starts up when the power supply is turned on. When the power supply to the communication device 10 is turned on and it starts up (step S101), the identification information acquisition unit 151 requests the category identification information of the drive device 20 to which this device (communication device) is connected from the drive device 20 (step S102).

[0060] The control device (e.g., ECU) of the drive unit 20 sends category identification information containing category identification information of the drive unit 20 to the communication device 10 in response (step S103). The setting information acquisition unit 152 determines whether the setting information corresponding to the category of the drive unit 20 to which the device (communication device 10) is connected has been registered in the setting information storage unit 144 (step S104). For example, if the category identification information stored in the category identification information storage unit 142 is consistent with the category identification information received in step S103, and setting information is stored in the setting information storage unit 144, it can be determined that the setting information corresponding to the category of the drive unit 20 to which the device (communication device 10) is connected has been registered in the setting information storage unit 144. If the setting information has been registered (step S104 - Yes), the setting information acquisition unit 152 of the communication device 10 does not perform the processing for obtaining setting information from the management device 30, and the communication control unit 153 uses the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 144 to start communication control (step S112).

[0061] On the other hand, if the setting information corresponding to the drive device 20 connected to this device (communication device 10) has not yet been registered in the setting information storage unit 144 (step S104 - No), the setting information acquisition unit 152 generates a setting information request and sends it to the management device 30 (step S105). The setting information request may include, for example, at least information indicating a request for setting information, identification information of this device (communication device 10) (communication device identification information), and category identification information of the drive device 20 connected to this device. The setting information request may also include drive device identification information.

[0062] When the setting information providing unit 332 of the management device 30 receives a setting information request, it reads the setting information that corresponds to the category identification information contained in the received setting information request and stores it in the setting information storage unit 322. Additionally, the setting information providing unit 332 reads the auxiliary setting information that corresponds to the drive device identification information contained in the received setting information request and stores it in the device information storage unit 323. The setting information providing unit 332 generates a setting information response that includes the read setting information and the auxiliary setting information. Then, the setting information providing unit 332 sends the generated setting information response to the communication device 10, which is the source of the setting information request (step S106).

[0063] Furthermore, the identification information acquisition unit 331 of the management device 30 establishes a correspondence between the communication device identification information and the category identification information contained in the received setting information request and registers it in the identification information storage unit 321 (step S107). It should be noted that, at this time, if other identification information records with the same communication device identification information value have already been registered, the identification information record can be deleted and a new identification information record can be registered, and the category identification information of the identification information record can also be updated.

[0064] When the setting information acquisition unit 152 of the communication device 10 receives a setting information response, it registers the received setting information in the setting information storage unit 144. At this time, the setting information acquisition unit 152 also registers the auxiliary setting information included in the received setting information response as setting information in the setting information storage unit 144 (step S108). The setting information acquisition unit 152 interprets the registered setting information (including auxiliary setting information) (step S109). Interpretation refers to the process of determining how to perform an action based on the setting information. The setting information acquisition unit 152 sends information indicating the interpretation result (hereinafter referred to as "interpretation information") to the management device 30 (step S110). Then, the communication control unit 153 uses the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 144 to start communication control (step S112).

[0065] When the setting information providing unit 332 of the management device 30 receives the explanation information, it records the received explanation information in the history information storage unit 324 (step S111).

[0066] Next, a first specific example of communication control based on setting information will be described. For example, if the drive unit 20 is a work machine (e.g., a lawnmower), the communication device 10 can operate based on the setting information as follows. Here, the work machine has a work unit (lawnmower blades, snowplow auger, outboard motor propeller, etc.) that is controlled by the control device of the drive unit 20 or operated by the user.

[0067] Alternatively, during the period when the drive unit 20 performs a prescribed action as a working machine (e.g., mowing), hereinafter referred to as "operation", the communication device 10 transmits information obtained from the drive unit 20 to the management device 30 at a first transmission cycle. During the period when the drive unit 20 is not performing the prescribed action as a working machine (e.g., during charging, hereinafter referred to as "non-operation"), the communication device 10 transmits information obtained from the drive unit 20 to the management device 30 at a second transmission cycle. In this case, the first transmission cycle can be set to a cycle shorter than the second transmission cycle. At this time, in addition to the information obtained from the drive unit 20, the communication device 10 can also transmit the location information obtained by the location information acquisition unit 13 to the management device 30. Information defining the state in which the drive unit 20 is operating and the state in which it is not operating can be included in the setting information, for example. That is, information indicating the conditions (state determination conditions) used to determine the state of the drive unit 20 can be included in the setting information. Other states, such as operating and non-operation, can also be defined as the state of the drive unit 20.

[0068] The notification information obtained by the communication device 10 from the drive unit 20 may include, for example, one or more of the following: engine speed per unit time, presence or absence of lawnmower blade rotation, lawnmower blade speed per unit time, and temperature readings from a thermometer located around the engine. Additionally, if the drive unit 20 includes a motor, the communication device 10 can also obtain information such as the motor speed per unit time, the voltage applied to the motor, and the motor current from the drive unit 20. Especially when the drive unit 20 is a work machine, information related to the drive unit (engine, motor) mounted on the work machine can be used as notification information. Especially when the drive unit 20 is a work machine, information related to the drive unit (engine, motor) that drives the work unit mounted on the work machine (lawnmower blades, snowplow auger, outboard motor propeller, etc.) can be used as notification information. If the drive unit 20 includes a battery, the communication device 10 can obtain information such as changes in battery capacity from the drive unit 20.

[0069] Furthermore, the notification information received by the communication device 10 from the drive device 20 may differ between the operating period and the non-operating period. Additionally, the definition of the prescribed action can be determined in the setting information. The prescribed action is an action that accompanies the movement of the drive device 20 in part or in whole; the period during which the prescribed action is not performed may also be a period in which the drive device 20 does not move. With this configuration, the possibility of the position becoming unclear during the prescribed action can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced by lowering the communication frequency during periods when the possibility of the position becoming unclear is already low (non-operating period, such as the charging period).

[0070] Next, a second specific example of communication control based on setting information will be described. For example, if the frequency of fault occurrence in the drive unit 20 exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification message may be sent at a relatively short interval; if the frequency of fault occurrence does not exceed the predetermined threshold, a notification message may be sent at a relatively long interval. The predetermined threshold can be defined in the setting information. For example, the frequency of faults can be determined by the communication control unit 153. In this case, the communication control unit 153 can record information (e.g., date and time) indicating the timing of obtaining fault information (error information) from the drive unit 20 in the storage unit 14, and determine the frequency of faults based on the content of this record.

[0071] Next, a third specific example of communication control based on setting information will be described. For example, the setting information can also be defined as follows: notification information related to the drive device 20 is pre-stored in the communication device 10 for a predetermined amount of time from the present until a predetermined fault occurs in the drive device 20. At the time when the predetermined fault occurs, the aforementioned notification information after the predetermined time point and the notification information subsequently obtained from the drive device 20 are sent to the management device 30.

[0072] Next, a fourth specific example of communication control based on setting information will be described. For example, the setting information can be defined as preventing a predetermined part of the functions of the communication device 10 from being activated until a predetermined state indicating that the drive device 20 is in operation is reached. The predetermined part of the functions can be, for example, the external communication unit 12 of the communication device 10, or the position information acquisition unit 13. The predetermined state indicating that it is in operation can be, for example, the state in which the engine of the drive device 20 is running (the state in which the crankshaft rotation is completed).

[0073] In the drive device communication system 100 configured in this way, setting information defining the operation of the communication device 10 is provided from the management device 30 to the communication device 10 according to the type of drive device 20 to which the communication device 10 is connected. Therefore, it is not necessary to pre-design the communication device 10 according to the type of drive device 20, and the communication device 10 can be designed as a device shared by multiple drive devices 20. Therefore, in the communication device 10 that is connected to the drive device 20 and communicates with an external network, the cost required up to manufacturing can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, auxiliary setting information corresponding to the identification information of each drive device can be registered in the device information storage unit 323. For example, such registration can be performed by operating the user terminal 40. Therefore, users of each drive device 20 can set up the communication device 10 by performing actions according to their own preferences and circumstances through the operation of the user terminal 40.

[0075] (Modified Example)

[0076] In the device information storage unit 323, communication device identification information can also be stored instead of drive device identification information. Furthermore, the device information storage unit 323 can also establish a correspondence between drive device identification information and communication device identification information and register it.

[0077] The management device 30 does not necessarily need to be configured as a single device. For example, the management device 30 can also be configured using multiple information processing devices. The multiple information processing devices that constitute the management device 30 can be connected via a communication path such as a network 90 to form a cluster machine, cloud, or other system.

[0078] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0079] The above embodiments disclose at least the following communication devices and management devices.

[0080] 1. The communication device (e.g., 10) according to the above embodiments includes:

[0081] A drive unit communication unit (e.g., 11) communicates with a drive unit (e.g., 20) to which the communication unit is connected;

[0082] An external communication unit (e.g., 12) communicates with other devices (e.g., 30) via a network (e.g., 90);

[0083] The identification information acquisition unit (e.g., 151) acquires category identification information representing the category of the drive device from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit;

[0084] A setting information acquisition unit (e.g., 152) acquires setting information corresponding to the category identification information from other devices by transmitting information containing the category identification information to other devices via the external communication unit; and

[0085] The communication control unit (e.g., 153) obtains information from the drive device based on the setting information and sends the information to the designated device.

[0086] According to this embodiment, a communication device can be applied to drive devices of multiple models, thereby reducing the costs required up to the manufacturing of the communication device.

[0087] 2. According to the above embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit acquires the category identification information from the driving device when the communication device is started.

[0088] According to this embodiment, when the communication device is installed on the drive device, the user does not need to manually set the setting information.

[0089] 3. According to the above embodiment, the communication device further includes a storage unit (e.g., 144) for storing the setting information.

[0090] When the setting information acquisition unit has setting information corresponding to the category identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit stored in the storage unit, the setting information acquisition unit does not acquire the setting information from the other device.

[0091] According to this implementation, it is possible to prevent the process of obtaining information from being performed again regardless of whether the setting information has been obtained, and to suppress the amount of communication.

[0092] 4. According to the above embodiment, the setting information includes information representing state determination conditions, which are conditions used to determine the state of the drive device.

[0093] According to this embodiment, by sending appropriate information based on the state of the drive device, the amount of communication can be suppressed.

[0094] 5. According to the above embodiment, the setting information includes information related to the information obtained by the communication control unit from the drive device.

[0095] According to this embodiment, only the required data can be sent according to each category of the driving device, thus suppressing the amount of communication.

[0096] 6. According to the above embodiment, the setting information includes information indicating the timing, which is the timing when the communication control unit sends the information to the specified device via the external communication unit.

[0097] According to this embodiment, by sending information at an appropriate time corresponding to the type of drive device, communication volume can be suppressed. Furthermore, by changing the start-up timing of the external communication unit according to each product, discontinuities can be suppressed.

[0098] 7. According to the above embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit further acquires drive device identification information that uniquely represents the drive device from the drive device.

[0099] The communication control unit sends the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information, which serves as the identification information of the communication device, to the designated device.

[0100] According to this embodiment, if a communication device is used in one drive device and then used in other drive devices of the same type, this situation can be determined within the specified device. Accordingly, different setting information can be provided in one drive device and other drive devices.

[0101] 8. The management device (e.g., 30) of the above embodiment includes a control unit (e.g., 33), which receives the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information from the communication device (e.g., 10), and establishes a correspondence between the received drive device identification information and the communication device identification information and records it in a storage unit (e.g., 32).

[0102] According to this embodiment, if a communication device is used in one drive device and then used in other drive devices of the same type, this situation can be determined in the management device.

[0103] 9. According to the above embodiment, the control unit receives auxiliary setting information as part of the setting information from the user terminal (e.g., 40) and establishes a correspondence with the drive device identification information, and records the drive device identification information and the auxiliary setting information in the storage unit (e.g., 32).

[0104] According to this embodiment, by establishing a correspondence between drive device identification information and auxiliary setting information and storing it, different setting information can be provided for each drive device.

[0105] 10. In the communication method of the above embodiments, the communication device, which includes a drive device communication unit (e.g., 11) that communicates with a drive device (e.g., 20) to which the communication device is connected, and an external communication unit (e.g., 12) that communicates with other devices (e.g., 30) via a network (e.g., 90), performs the following steps:

[0106] The step of obtaining identification information from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit, which represents the category of the drive device;

[0107] A setting information acquisition step involves sending information containing the category identification information to other devices via the external communication unit, thereby obtaining setting information corresponding to the category identification information from those other devices; and

[0108] The communication control steps involve obtaining information from the drive device based on the specified settings and sending the information to a designated device.

[0109] 11. The storage medium of the above-described embodiment stores a computer program that enables the computer to function as a communication device.

[0110] The computer includes a drive unit communication unit (e.g., 11) that communicates with a drive unit (e.g., 20) that connects to the communication device, and an external communication unit (e.g., 12) that communicates with other devices (e.g., 30) via a network (e.g., 90).

[0111] The communication device includes:

[0112] The identification information acquisition unit acquires category identification information representing the category of the drive device from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit;

[0113] A setting information acquisition unit, which acquires setting information corresponding to the category identification information from other devices by transmitting information containing the category identification information to other devices via the external communication unit; and

[0114] The communication control unit obtains information from the drive device based on the setting information and sends the information to the designated device.

[0115] 12. The management method of the above implementation method includes the following steps:

[0116] The steps of the management device (e.g., 30) receiving the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information from the aforementioned communication device (e.g., 10); and

[0117] The management device establishes a correspondence between the received drive device identification information and the communication device identification information and records it in the storage unit (e.g., 32).

[0118] 13. The storage medium in the above embodiment stores a computer program that enables the computer to function as a management device (e.g., 30).

[0119] The management device includes a control unit that receives the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information from the aforementioned communication device (e.g., 10), and establishes a correspondence between the received drive device identification information and the communication device identification information and records it in a storage unit (e.g., 32).

[0120] The above description illustrates specific embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments in any way. Various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication device, wherein, The communication device includes: A drive unit communication unit that communicates with a drive unit to which the communication unit is connected; External communication unit, which communicates with other devices via a network; The identification information acquisition unit acquires category identification information representing the category of the drive device from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit; The setting information acquisition unit transmits information containing the category identification information to other devices via the external communication unit, thereby acquiring setting information corresponding to the category identification information from the other devices. as well as The communication control unit obtains information from the drive device based on the setting information and sends the information to the designated device. The drive device is a device that includes a drive mechanism such as an engine or motor and moves by being driven by the drive mechanism, or a device that includes the drive mechanism but does not move itself.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The identification information acquisition unit acquires the category identification information from the driving device when the communication device is started.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The communication device also includes a storage unit for storing the configured information. When the setting information acquisition unit has setting information corresponding to the category identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit stored in the storage unit, the setting information acquisition unit does not acquire the setting information from the other device.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The setting information includes information representing state determination conditions, which are conditions used to determine the state of the drive device.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The setting information includes information related to the information obtained by the communication control unit from the drive device.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The setting information includes information indicating the timing, which is when the communication control unit sends the information to the specified device via the external communication unit.

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The identification information acquisition unit also obtains unique drive device identification information that represents the drive device from the drive device. The communication control unit sends the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information, which serves as the identification information of the communication device, to the designated device.

8. A management device, wherein, The management device includes a control unit, which receives the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information from the communication device according to claim 7, and establishes a correspondence between the received drive device identification information and the communication device identification information and records it in the storage unit.

9. The management device according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit receives auxiliary setting information, which is part of the setting information, from the user terminal and establishes a correspondence with the drive device identification information, and records the drive device identification information and the auxiliary setting information in the storage unit.

10. A communication method, wherein, The communication device, which includes a drive unit for communicating with a drive unit that connects to a communication device, and an external communication unit for communicating with other devices via a network, performs the following steps: The step of obtaining identification information from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit, which represents the category of the drive device; A setting information acquisition step involves sending information containing the category identification information to other devices via the external communication unit, thereby obtaining setting information corresponding to the category identification information from those other devices; and The communication control steps involve obtaining information from the drive device based on the specified settings and sending the information to a designated device. The drive device is a device that includes a drive mechanism such as an engine or motor and moves by being driven by the drive mechanism, or a device that includes the drive mechanism but does not move itself.

11. A storage medium storing a computer program, wherein, The computer program is used to enable the computer to function as a communication device. The computer includes a drive unit that communicates with a drive unit that connects to the communication device, and an external communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network. The communication device includes: The identification information acquisition unit acquires category identification information representing the category of the drive device from the drive device connected to the drive device communication unit; The setting information acquisition unit transmits information containing the category identification information to other devices via the external communication unit, thereby acquiring setting information corresponding to the category identification information from the other devices. as well as The communication control unit obtains information from the drive device based on the setting information and sends the information to the designated device. The drive device is a device that includes a drive mechanism such as an engine or motor and moves by being driven by the drive mechanism, or a device that includes the drive mechanism but does not move itself.

12. A management method, wherein, The management method includes the following steps: The step of the management device receiving the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information from the communication device as described in claim 7; and The management device establishes a correspondence between the received drive device identification information and the communication device identification information and records it in the storage unit.

13. A storage medium storing a computer program, wherein, The computer program is used to enable the computer to function as a management device. The management device includes a control unit, which receives the drive device identification information and the communication device identification information from the communication device according to claim 7, and establishes a correspondence between the received drive device identification information and the communication device identification information and records it in the storage unit.

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