Low-power-consumption large-data-volume Internet of Things communication method, device and system

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of Internet of Things communication, and provides a low-power-consumption large-data-volume Internet of Things communication method, device and system, and the technical scheme is that an SOC is powered during the working time of equipment, and the SOC controls an LTE module to work in a first communication mode, so that high-speed large-data-volume transmission is realized; when the equipment does not work, SOC power supply is cut off, the MCU controls the LTE module to operate in the second communication mode, low-speed small-data-volume transmission is achieved, and overall power consumption is reduced; and through dynamic switching of communication modes, consideration of communication rate and power consumption control is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of Internet of Things communications, and in particular relates to a low-power consumption and large-data volume Internet of Things communications method and system. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Existing 4G-based IoT terminal devices generally use two communication methods: LTE Cat.1 or NB-IoT, where the device communication data volume is small, the speed is slow, and the power consumption is low, such as smart meter reading, environmental management equipment, wearable devices, etc.; LTE Cat.4, where the device communication data volume is large, the speed is fast, and the power consumption is high, such as remote video monitoring.

[0004] However, for current power transmission monitoring products, the communication data volume is large during scheduled working hours, and the communication data volume is small during non-working hours. They are powered by batteries and have high power consumption requirements. The above two communication methods cannot meet the usage requirements. At present, the solution to achieve both communication rate and power consumption control is to use smart module products launched by professional 4G module manufacturers. Their power consumption and communication optimization performance are extremely excellent and can be used as the core of product control, processing, and communication. However, the disadvantage of this solution is that the core processing performance is limited and the cost is relatively high. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the above-mentioned background technology, the present invention provides a low-power and large-volume Internet of Things communication method and system, which combines an LTE module, an MCU and a SOC, and achieves a balance between communication rate and power consumption control by dynamically switching communication modes. Moreover, the SOC as a core processor can be flexibly selected according to product requirements.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A first aspect of the present invention provides a low-power consumption and large-data volume Internet of Things communication method, comprising the following steps: Get the status of the power transmission monitoring platform; When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, the SOC processor and the LTE module are powered on, the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform are connected, the LTE module is controlled by the SOC processor to work in the first communication mode, and message interaction is started; When the message interaction is completed, the LTE module is controlled to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode. During the switching, the LTE module is controlled to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform; the message data with the power transmission monitoring platform is sent to the LTE module, and the LTE module sends the message data to the power transmission monitoring platform; After receiving the correct reply information of the message data fed back to the LTE module by the power transmission monitoring platform, the second communication mode link establishment success is sent to the SOC processor, the timed sleep duration instruction is received, the control power supply cuts off the power supply of the SOC processor, and the LTE module works in the second communication mode.

[0007] Furthermore, the process of establishing a connection between the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform includes: The SOC processor drives the LTE module to dial up and register with the operator through the USB interface, runs the TCP / IP protocol stack of the LINUX system in the SOC processor, and establishes a network card; The SOC processor uses the established network card to establish a socket connection with the power transmission monitoring platform.

[0008] Furthermore, when the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, after the SOC processor establishes a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform, it receives feedback information on the connection establishment between the SOC and the power transmission monitoring platform. If the LTE module is working in the second communication mode at this time, it controls the LTE module to disconnect all socket connections of the second communication mode, and sends feedback information on the completion of the disconnection through the UART interface.

[0009] Furthermore, the judgment basis for controlling the LTE module to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is: in the case of first power-on and platform wake-up, if the data volume is less than the set data volume threshold and lasts for more than the set time, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is started; in the case of scheduled power-on, after the data volume communication is completed, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is started.

[0010] Furthermore, the process of controlling the LTE module to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform includes: Communicate with the LTE module through the UART interface, use AT commands to control the LTE module to run the internal TCP / IP protocol stack, and establish a socket connection with the power transmission monitoring platform.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides a low-power, large-data-volume Internet of Things communication system, comprising a SOC processor, an MCU controller, and an LTE module; the SOC processor and the LTE module are respectively connected to the MCU controller; the MCU controller is configured as follows: Get the working status of the power transmission monitoring platform; When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, the SOC processor and the LTE module are powered on, the SOC processor controls the LTE module to work in the first communication mode, the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform are connected, and message interaction is started; When the message interaction is completed, the LTE module is controlled to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode. During the switching, the LTE module is controlled to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform; the message data with the power transmission monitoring platform is sent to the LTE module, and the LTE module sends the message data to the power transmission monitoring platform; After receiving the correct reply information of the message data fed back to the LTE module by the power transmission monitoring platform, the second communication mode link establishment success is sent to the SOC processor, the timed sleep duration instruction is received, the control power supply cuts off the power supply of the SOC processor, and the LTE module works in the second communication mode.

[0012] Furthermore, when the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, after the SOC processor establishes a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform, it receives feedback information on the connection establishment between the SOC and the power transmission monitoring platform. If the LTE module is working in the second communication mode at this time, it controls the LTE module to disconnect all socket connections of the second communication mode, and sends feedback information on the completion of the disconnection through the UART interface.

[0013] Furthermore, the judgment basis for controlling the LTE module to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is: in the case of first power-on and platform wake-up, if the data volume is less than the set data volume threshold and lasts for more than the set time, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is started; in the case of scheduled power-on, after the data volume communication is completed, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is started.

[0014] The third aspect of the present invention provides a low-power consumption and large-data volume Internet of Things communication system, comprising the low-power consumption and large-data volume Internet of Things communication device described in the second aspect.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The present invention realizes high-speed and large data volume transmission by supplying power to the SOC when the device is working, and controlling the LTE module to work in communication mode 1 by the SOC; when the device is not working, the power supply of the SOC is cut off, and the MCU controls the LTE module to operate in communication mode 2, so as to realize low-speed and small data volume transmission and reduce the overall power consumption; and the communication rate and power consumption control are balanced by dynamically switching the communication mode.

[0016] Advantages of additional aspects of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, and in part will become obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings in the specification, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a working and switching logic principle diagram of different LTE module communication modes provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the first startup provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the timed startup provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the working principle of platform wake-up provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 The OSI architecture in the first communication mode provided by the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an OSI architecture in a second communication mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a low-power, large-data-volume Internet of Things communication system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are all illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] As mentioned in the background technology, for current power transmission monitoring products, the communication data volume is large during scheduled working hours, and the communication data volume is small during non-working hours. They are powered by batteries and have high power consumption requirements. The above two communication methods cannot meet the usage requirements. At present, the solution to achieve both communication rate and power consumption control is to use smart module products launched by professional 4G module manufacturers. Their power consumption and communication optimization performance are extremely excellent and can be used as the product control, processing, and communication core. However, the disadvantage of this solution is that the core processing performance is limited and the cost is relatively high.

[0023] General LTE modules generally have two usage modes: directly driving it as a network card device, the TCP / IP protocol stack runs on the SOC processor, and a connection is established with the remote platform. At this time, the communication rate is fast. In this communication mode, the LTE module cannot run at low power consumption, otherwise it will not be able to receive remote platform data; configuring the LTE module through AT commands allows the TCP / IP protocol stack to run inside LTE and establish a socket connection with the remote platform. At this time, the communication rate is slow, but the LTE module can run at low power consumption and can receive remote platform data in real time.

[0024] The present invention manages the power supply of the SOC processor through the MCU controller. When the device is working, the SOC is powered, and the SOC controls the LTE module to work in communication mode 1 to achieve high-speed and large data volume transmission. When the device is not working, the SOC power supply is cut off, and the MCU controls the LTE module to operate in communication mode 2 to achieve low-speed and small data volume transmission, and the overall power consumption is reduced.

[0025] Embodiment 1 like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a low-power consumption and large-volume Internet of Things communication method, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Get the status of the power transmission monitoring platform; Step 2: When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, the SOC processor and the LTE module are powered on, the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform are connected, the LTE module is controlled by the SOC processor to work in the first communication mode, and message interaction is started; The specific steps include: Step 201, the SOC processor drives the LTE module to dial up and register with the operator through the USB interface, runs the TCP / IP protocol stack of the LINUX system in the SOC processor, and establishes a network card; Step 202, the SOC processor uses the established network card to establish a socket connection with the remote platform; Step 203: After the SOC processor establishes a socket connection with the platform, it communicates with the MCU through the UART interface to inform that the connection with the platform has been established. The MCU controller controls the LTE module to disconnect all mode 2 socket connections (if any), and then replies completion to the SOC processor through the UART interface. Step 204: At this time, the communication mode 1 is running normally, and the SOC processor and the remote platform start message interaction normally until the large data volume communication (uploading pictures and videos) of this startup task is completed; Step 3: When the message interaction is completed, the LTE module is controlled to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode. During the switching, the LTE module is controlled to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform; the message data with the power transmission monitoring platform is sent to the LTE module, and the LTE module sends the message data to the power transmission monitoring platform; The specific steps include: Step 301: When the device is powered on for the first time and the platform is awakened, if the data volume is less than the set data volume threshold and lasts for more than a set time, such as 30 minutes, the first communication mode is switched to the second communication mode. In the case of scheduled power-on, after the data volume communication is completed, the first communication mode is switched to the second communication mode. Step 302, the SOC processor communicates with the MCU through the UART interface, and transmits parameters related to the platform connection (remote platform IP, port, device ID, etc.) to the MCU. After receiving the parameters, the MCU replies successfully to the SOC processor; Step 303: The MCU communicates with the LTE module through the UART interface, uses AT commands to control the LTE module to run the internal TCP / IP protocol stack, and establishes a socket connection with the remote platform; Step 304: The MCU sends the message data (heartbeat) for communication with the platform to the LTE module through the UART interface. The LTE module transparently transmits the data to the remote platform through the socket connection established between itself and the platform. Step 305: After receiving the reply message sent by the remote platform to the device, the LTE module transparently transmits the returned data to the MCU through the UART interface; Step 4: After receiving the correct reply information of the message data fed back to the LTE module by the power transmission monitoring platform, the second communication mode link establishment success is sent to the SOC processor, and the timing sleep duration instruction is received. The control power supply cuts off the power supply of the SOC processor, and the LTE module works in the second communication mode, which specifically includes the following steps: Step 401, the MCU receives the correct return data, indicating that the communication mode 2 is established normally, and communicates with the SOC through the UART interface to inform the MCU that the communication link is successfully established; Step 402: The SOC processor receives the communication link establishment success message from the MCU and replies with the duration of this scheduled sleep; Step 403: The MCU receives the timing duration parameter, controls the device power supply, and cuts off the power supply to the SOC; Step 404: At this time, the communication mode 2 is operating normally. The MCU sends and receives bilateral data (small data volume) through the UART interface and the LTE module transparently transmits, thereby maintaining the device online on the platform.

[0026] The above communication method is suitable for devices that require real-time online, intermittent large data volume transmission, and low power consumption. The communication between the device and the platform is a question-and-answer message protocol based on TCP / IP.

[0027] There are three situations in which the MCU wakes up the SOC: the device is powered on for the first time; the sleep timer is reached and the SOC is woken up to execute the scheduled task; the MCU receives a control instruction from the platform and wakes up the SOC to execute the platform task.

[0028] The logic corresponding to the three situations is as follows: When you start the machine for the first time, Figure 2 As shown, including: (1) MCU controls the device power supply, which supplies power to the SOC and LTE module respectively; (2) After the SOC system runs normally, it communicates with the MCU through the UART interface to query the reason for the SOC power-on; (3) MCU replies to SOC through the UART interface. This power-on is the first time the device is powered on.

[0029] Scheduled startup, such as Figure 3 As shown, including: (1) When the preset timing of the MCU is reached, the MCU controls the device power supply to supply power to the SOC; (2) After the SOC system runs normally, it communicates with the MCU through the UART interface to query the reason for the SOC power-on; (3) The MCU replies to the SOC through the UART interface that this power-on is a scheduled power-on.

[0030] Platform wake-up, such as Figure 4 As shown, including: (1) The platform sends control commands to the device. The LTE module running in mode 2 receives the data and forwards it to the MCU through the UART interface. The MCU controls the device power supply and powers the SOC. (2) After the SOC system runs normally, it communicates with the MCU through the UART interface to query the reason for the SOC power-on; (3) The MCU replies to the SOC through the UART interface. This power-on is for platform wake-up.

[0031] It should be noted that when the product is running, communication mode 1 and communication mode 2 are performed alternately. When the device is turned on for the first time, enter Figure 2 The process shown, then enter Figure 1 The process shown; during operation, when the communication mode changes from one to two, the process can be seen in Figure 1During operation, when the communication mode changes from mode 2 to mode 1, the reasons for the change are scheduled startup (the device itself sets the scheduled time according to the scheduled task) or remote wake-up (a work task temporarily issued by the platform). Figure 3 or Figure 4 Process execution, then enter Figure 1 process.

[0032] Communication modes 1 and 2 are two usage modes supported by the general LTE module itself.

[0033] When used in mode 1, the LTE module is equivalent to a hardware network card. Its driver, basic communication protocol, and application communication protocol all run in the Linux system on the SOC processor. According to the OSI architecture, the LTE module implements the physical layer and data link layer, and the SOC processor implements the network layer, transport layer, session layer, presentation layer, and application layer. Figure 5 As shown, its external communication rate is only limited by the USB rate between SOC and LTE (fast), and the communication rate between the LTE module and the operator (faster).

[0034] When used in mode 2, the small system inside the LTE module is fully operational, equivalent to an independent device, and the socket connection with the remote platform can be realized inside it. According to the OSI architecture, the LTE module itself realizes the physical layer, data link layer, network layer, transport layer, session layer, presentation layer and application layer, and the AT command communication between the MCU and the LTE module is equivalent to the communication between the application layers. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, its external communication rate is limited by the UART rate between the MCU and the LTE module (slow).

[0035] In mode 1, the LTE module cannot enter low-power operation, otherwise the SOC processor may only send data to the platform but not receive data returned by the platform; in mode 2, the LTE module can enter low-power operation, and at this time, sending data to the platform and receiving data returned by the platform are not affected. The switching of the two working modes enables the device using this solution to communicate with the platform at high speed and large data volume, while reducing average power consumption.

[0036] Embodiment 2 like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a low-power consumption and large-data-volume IoT communication device, comprising a SOC processor, an MCU controller, and an LTE module; the SOC processor and the LTE module are respectively connected to the MCU controller; the MCU controller is configured as follows: Get the working status of the power transmission monitoring platform; When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, the SOC processor and the LTE module are powered on, the SOC processor controls the LTE module to work in the first communication mode, the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform are connected, and message interaction is started; When the message interaction is completed, the LTE module is controlled to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode. During the switching, the LTE module is controlled to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform; the message data with the power transmission monitoring platform is sent to the LTE module, and the LTE module sends the message data to the power transmission monitoring platform; After receiving the correct reply information of the message data fed back to the LTE module by the power transmission monitoring platform, the second communication mode link establishment success is sent to the SOC processor, the timed sleep duration instruction is received, the control power supply cuts off the power supply of the SOC processor, and the LTE module works in the second communication mode.

[0037] Furthermore, the process of establishing a connection between the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform includes: The SOC processor drives the LTE module to dial up and register with the operator through the USB interface, runs the TCP / IP protocol stack of the LINUX system in the SOC processor, and establishes a network card; The SOC processor uses the established network card to establish a socket connection with the power transmission monitoring platform.

[0038] Furthermore, when the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, after the SOC processor establishes a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform, it receives feedback information on the connection establishment between the SOC and the power transmission monitoring platform. If the LTE module is working in the second communication mode at this time, it controls the LTE module to disconnect all socket connections of the second communication mode, and sends feedback information on the completion of the disconnection through the UART interface.

[0039] Furthermore, the judgment basis for controlling the LTE module to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is: in the case of first power-on and platform wake-up, if the data volume is less than the set data volume threshold and lasts for more than the set time, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is started; in the case of scheduled power-on, after the data volume communication is completed, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is started.

[0040] Embodiment 3 This embodiment provides a low-power consumption and large-data volume Internet of Things communication system, including a low-power consumption and large-data volume Internet of Things communication device described in the first embodiment.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-power, large-volume Internet of Things communication method, characterized in that: The steps include: Get the status of the power transmission monitoring platform; When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, the SOC processor and the LTE module are powered on, the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform are connected, the LTE module is controlled by the SOC processor to work in the first communication mode, and message interaction is started; When the message interaction is completed, the LTE module is controlled to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode. During the switching, the LTE module is controlled to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform; the message data with the power transmission monitoring platform is sent to the LTE module, and the LTE module sends the message data to the power transmission monitoring platform; After receiving the correct reply information of the message data fed back to the LTE module by the power transmission monitoring platform, the second communication mode link establishment success is sent to the SOC processor, the timed sleep duration instruction is received, the control power supply cuts off the power supply of the SOC processor, and the LTE module works in the second communication mode.

2. A low-power, large-volume Internet of Things communication method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The process of establishing a connection between the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform includes: The SOC processor drives the LTE module to dial up and register with the operator through the USB interface, runs the TCP / IP protocol stack of the LINUX system in the SOC processor, and establishes a network card; The SOC processor uses the established network card to establish a socket connection with the power transmission monitoring platform.

3. A low-power, large-volume Internet of Things communication method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, after the SOC processor establishes a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform, it receives feedback information on the connection establishment between the SOC and the power transmission monitoring platform. If the LTE module is working in the second communication mode at this time, it controls the LTE module to disconnect all socket connections of the second communication mode, and sends feedback information on the completion of the disconnection through the UART interface.

4. A low-power, large-volume Internet of Things communication method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The judgment basis for controlling the LTE module to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is: in the case of first power-on and platform wake-up, if the data volume is less than the set data volume threshold and lasts for more than the set time, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode will be started; in the case of scheduled power-on, after the data volume communication is completed, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode will be started.

5. A low-power, large-volume Internet of Things communication method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The process of controlling the LTE module to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform includes: Communicate with the LTE module through the UART interface, use AT commands to control the LTE module to run the internal TCP / IP protocol stack, and establish a socket connection with the power transmission monitoring platform.

6. A low-power, large-volume IoT communication device, characterized in that: The system comprises a SOC processor, an MCU controller and an LTE module; the SOC processor and the LTE module are respectively connected to the MCU controller; the MCU controller is configured as follows: Get the working status of the power transmission monitoring platform; When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, the SOC processor and the LTE module are powered on, the SOC processor controls the LTE module to work in the first communication mode, the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform are connected, and message interaction is started; When the message interaction is completed, the LTE module is controlled to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode. During the switching, the LTE module is controlled to establish a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform; the message data with the power transmission monitoring platform is sent to the LTE module, and the LTE module sends the message data to the power transmission monitoring platform; After receiving the correct reply information of the message data fed back to the LTE module by the power transmission monitoring platform, the second communication mode link establishment success is sent to the SOC processor, the timed sleep duration instruction is received, the control power supply cuts off the power supply of the SOC processor, and the LTE module works in the second communication mode.

7. A low-power, large-data-volume Internet of Things communication device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The process of establishing a connection between the SOC processor and the power transmission monitoring platform includes: The SOC processor drives the LTE module to dial up and register with the operator through the USB interface, runs the TCP / IP protocol stack of the LINUX system in the SOC processor, and establishes a network card; The SOC processor uses the established network card to establish a socket connection with the power transmission monitoring platform.

8. A low-power, large-data-volume Internet of Things communication device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: When the power transmission monitoring platform is in working state, after the SOC processor establishes a connection with the power transmission monitoring platform, it receives feedback information on the connection establishment between the SOC and the power transmission monitoring platform. If the LTE module is working in the second communication mode at this time, it controls the LTE module to disconnect all socket connections of the second communication mode, and sends feedback information on the completion of the disconnection through the UART interface.

9. A low-power, large-data-volume Internet of Things communication device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The judgment basis for controlling the LTE module to switch from the first communication mode to the second communication mode is: in the case of first power-on and platform wake-up, if the data volume is less than the set data volume threshold and lasts for more than the set time, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode will be started; in the case of scheduled power-on, after the data volume communication is completed, the switching from the first communication mode to the second communication mode will be started.

10. A low-power, large-volume Internet of Things communication system, characterized in that: It comprises a low-power consumption and large-data volume Internet of Things communication device as described in any one of claims 6 to 9.

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