Communication controller, communication control system, and communication control method

Abstract

To provide a communication controller capable of appropriately adjusting a charging amount required for a system operation.SOLUTION: A communication controller 100 controls power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals. The communication controller 100 comprises a terminal information acquisition unit 111 for acquiring information about operation power and the scheduling number of communications at the plurality of communication terminals. The communication controller 100 comprises: an operation power calculation unit 112 for calculating a total operation power amount indicating power required for operations of the plurality of communication terminals, based on information about the operation power and the scheduling number of communications; and a power storage amount acquisition unit 113 for acquiring information about a power storage amount of power stored in a power storage element. The communication controller 100 further comprises a power storage amount determination unit 114 for determining the power storage amount, based on the power storage amount and the total operation power amount. The communication controller 100 further comprises a terminal control unit 115 that transmits a control signal for operating the plurality of communication terminals to the plurality of communication terminals, when the power storage amount is the total operation power amount or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control device, a communication control system, and a communication control method. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional system in which power generated by a power generating device such as a solar cell is stored in a storage element and the system is driven using the power stored in the storage element, a technique has been proposed to prevent the system from going down due to a power shortage when the system is driven by the stored power. Patent Document 1 discloses an operating device for a solar system. The operating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines the operation of the power generating device by calculating the required charging time from the amount of power generated from the past hours of sunshine and the remaining capacity of the storage battery, thereby preventing the system from going down due to a power shortage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-20304 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The driving device disclosed in Patent Document 1 operates the device with a margin of charge to deal with power shortages caused by deterioration of the device or uneven operation of the device. Therefore, a larger charge amount is stored compared to the power required to operate the device, which often results in waste of the stored power.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the conventional techniques, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication control device capable of appropriately adjusting the amount of charge required for system operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication control device according to an aspect of the present invention is a communication control device that controls the power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals, and includes a terminal information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the operating power and planned number of communications of the communication terminals, an operating power calculation unit that calculates a total operating power amount indicating the power required to operate the plurality of communication terminals based on the information regarding the operating power and the planned number of communications, a stored power amount acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the stored amount of power stored in a storage element that accumulates power for operating the plurality of communication terminals, a stored power amount determination unit that determines the stored power amount of the storage element based on the stored power amount and the total operating power amount, and a terminal control unit that sends control signals to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals when the stored power amount is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount.

[0007] A communication control system according to another aspect of the present invention is a communication control system comprising a communication terminal, a storage element, and a communication control device, wherein the communication control device has a terminal information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the operating power and planned number of communications of the communication terminal, an operating power calculation unit that calculates a total operating power amount indicating the power required to operate the multiple communications terminals based on the information regarding the operating power and the planned number of communications, a stored power amount acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the stored amount of power stored in a storage element that accumulates power for operating the multiple communications terminals, a stored power amount determination unit that determines the stored power amount of the storage element based on the stored power amount and the total operating power amount, and a terminal control unit that sends control signals to the multiple communications terminals to operate the multiple communications terminals when the stored power amount is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount.

[0008] A communication control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a communication control method executed by a computer to control the power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals, obtaining information regarding the operating power and planned number of communications of the communication terminals, calculating a total operating power amount indicating the power required for operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on the information regarding the operating power and the planned number of communications, obtaining information regarding the amount of power stored in a storage element that stores power for operating the plurality of communication terminals, determining the amount of power stored in the storage element based on the stored amount and the total operating power amount, and if the stored amount is greater than or equal to the total operating power amount, sending a control signal to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication control device capable of appropriately adjusting the amount of charge required for system operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an inspection system to which a communication control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a communication control device, a power supply device, and an inspection terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram for explaining the amount of stored electricity in a storage element in the communication control system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the amount of stored power and the amount of generated power in the communication control system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of the communication control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a communication control system according to another embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a communication control system according to another embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a communication control system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The communication control system 10 and the communication control device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios of the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios. In addition, in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0012] (Configuration of communication control system 10) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication control system 10 according to the present embodiment. The communication control system 10 according to the present embodiment is applied to, for example, an inspection process in a production line of a manufacturing factory or the like. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication control system 10 includes a communication control device 100, a plurality of inspection terminals 200, a power supply device 300, a management device 400, and a jig board 500.

[0013] In this embodiment, the communication control system 10 is applied to a system that inspects clips attached to a wire harness 600, which is an object to be inspected, as shown in Fig. 2. In the example shown in Fig. 2, an inspection terminal 200 inspects whether a clip is properly attached to the wire harness 600. The communication control system 10 is a system in which a management device 400 consolidates (collects) and manages the results of inspections performed by the inspection terminals 200. In this embodiment, the multiple inspection terminals 200 correspond to multiple communication terminals.

[0014] The inspection terminal 200 is mounted on the jig plate 500, and has an inspection function for an object to be inspected and a wireless communication function. The inspection function of the inspection terminal 200 is performed by a CF 203 (checker fixture, checking fixture, see FIG. 3) provided in the inspection terminal 200. The details of the CF 203 will be described later.

[0015] The wireless communication function of the inspection terminal 200 according to the present embodiment is applied to a communication standard of, for example, a 2.4 GHz frequency that does not require a license for use. The frequency in the wireless communication function applied to the inspection terminal 200 is not limited to 2.4 GHz. For example, the frequency band applied to the inspection terminal 200 may be the 920 MHz band used in IoT, the 5 GHz band used in wireless LAN, or the 6 GHz band or 60 GHz band that are new wireless LAN standards. Furthermore, the frequency band applied to the inspection terminal 200 may be the local 5G (L5G) standard that allows the next-generation communication standard called 5G to be used only in a specific area.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the inspection terminal 200 includes an inspection terminal 200C1, an inspection terminal 200C2, and an inspection terminal 200C3 for inspection as shown in FIG. n This shows an example where

[0017] In this embodiment, inspection terminals 200C1, 200C2, and 200C n The inspection terminals 200C1, 200C2, and 200C3 operate based on a start signal from the communication control device 100. n performs an inspection as to whether or not the clip is correctly attached to the wire harness 600, and sends the inspection result to the management device 400.

[0018] In addition, hereinafter, the inspection terminals 200C1, . . . , and 200C n When there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be simply referred to as "inspection terminal 200."

[0019] The start-up control terminal 202 acquires, for example, information that a user (operator) has pressed an inspection start switch (not shown) of the jig plate 500. After that, the start-up control terminal 202 sends a start signal to the communication control device 100.

[0020] The management device 400 collects and manages the test data transmitted from the test terminals 200. In this embodiment, the management device 400 includes a wireless terminal 410 and a test device 420 (checker). The wireless terminal 410 receives the test data transmitted from each test terminal 200 and sends it to the test device 420. The test device 420 also checks, manages, and displays (notifies) the test data transmitted from each test terminal 200. For example, if there is a problem with the collected test data, the test device 420 notifies the user by issuing an alarm. The user may also check the test results displayed on the test device 420 to check whether there is a problem with the test process.

[0021] In this way, the communication control system 10 aggregates and manages the inspection results transmitted from the inspection terminals 200 using the wireless communication function in the management device 400. As a result, the communication control system 10 can eliminate the connection between the management device 400 in the manufacturing process and the inspection terminals 200 moving on the conveyor, thereby eliminating redundant wiring in the manufacturing process.

[0022] The jig plate 500 is a plate on which an object to be inspected in an inspection process is placed. In the communication control system 10, the jig plate 500 moves in a predetermined direction along a conveyor line as shown in FIG.

[0023] (Configuration of the inspection terminal 200) 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configurations of the communication control device 100, the power supply device 300, and the inspection terminal 200 according to this embodiment. The communication control device 100 will be described in detail later.

[0024] The power supply device 300 supplies power to the communication control device 100 and each test terminal 200 via a power supply bus 330 consisting of a power line 331 and a GND line 332. Specifically, the power supply device 300 includes a power generation unit 310 and a power storage element 320 (see FIG. 3), and supplies power to the communication control device 100 and the multiple test terminals 200. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the power generation unit 310 of the power supply device 300 is configured by a solar cell that generates power using light.

[0025] The solar cell used in this embodiment is one that can operate even under low-illumination indoor lighting in the manufacturing line. In this embodiment, the size of the element area is also limited, so a storage element 320 such as a battery is also used in order to prevent the amount of power generated from becoming less than the power consumption of the inspection terminal 200.

[0026] The inspection terminal 200 includes a wireless device 201, a CF 203, and an antenna 204. The inspection terminal 200 starts operating based on a control signal from the communication control device 100. As described above, the inspection terminal 200 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 300 via the power line 331. That is, the inspection terminal 200 first goes into a sleep state by power supplied from the power supply device 300 via the power line 331, and then, based on a control signal from the communication control device 100, the sleep state is released and the inspection terminal starts operating.

[0027] CF203 is realized by a general checker fixture (checking fixture), and is inspected by a switch capable of detecting the presence or absence of a clip. Specifically, by attaching a clip (not shown) of the wire harness 600, which is the inspection target, to CF203, the clip presses down a switch inside CF203. This electrically turns on the circuit, and inspection terminal 200 can determine that the clip is attached by acquiring a signal indicating that the circuit is electrically on.

[0028] The antenna 204 is a device for enabling communication between the inspection terminal 200 and the management device 400, and communication between the inspection terminals 200 themselves.

[0029] (Configuration of communication control device 100) Next, the configuration of the communication control device 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication control device 100 may be configured as a system including a general-purpose microcomputer including a control unit 110 (CPU), a storage unit 120 (memory), an input / output IF 130 (Interface), and a communication IF 140. In this case, a computer program for causing the microcomputer to function as the communication control device 100 may be installed in the microcomputer. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer functions as a plurality of information processing circuits included in the communication control device 100.

[0030] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a plurality of information processing functions of the communication control device 100 are realized by software. The communication control device 100 functions as a plurality of information processing circuits provided in the communication control device 100 by executing a computer program.

[0031] As another configuration, the communication control device 100 can be configured with dedicated hardware for executing each information processing function, and the information processing function can be configured with a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) or the like. A system may also be configured with a plurality of information processing functions using individual hardware. The control unit 110 and the storage unit 120 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The control unit 110 operates based on a program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 120, and executes each function of the communication control device 100. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120, and may be stored in, for example, a ROM (not shown) in the communication control device 100.

[0033] 4, the storage unit 120 stores information stored in a terminal information DB 121 (database) and a power storage amount information DB 122 as data in the storage unit 120. The terminal information DB 121 stores information on the planned number of communications in each inspection terminal 200 and the power required to perform one wireless communication. The power storage amount information DB 122 stores the amount of power stored in the power storage element 320 and the amount of deterioration described later.

[0034] Furthermore, as described above, the storage unit 120 may store a program for each function executed by the control unit 110. The information and programs stored in the storage unit 120 may be configured as areas that are physically or logically separated within one storage device. Alternatively, the storage units 120 for each data may be configured to be provided in multiple physically different storage devices.

[0035] The input / output IF 130 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information between the communication control device 100, the power supply device 300, and the startup control terminal 202. Specifically, the input / output IF 130 acquires information on the amount of power stored in the power storage element 320 from the power supply device 300. The input / output IF 130 also receives a startup signal from the startup control terminal 202.

[0036] The communication IF 140 is an interface for enabling communication with each of the test terminals 200. The communication control device 100 transmits a control signal to the test terminal 200 via the communication IF 140.

[0037] (Functional configuration of communication control device 100) Next, a functional configuration of the communication control device 100 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication control device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 110 of the communication control device 100 includes, as functions, a terminal information acquisition unit 111, an operating power calculation unit 112, a stored power acquisition unit 113, a stored power determination unit 114, and a terminal control unit 115.

[0038] The terminal information acquisition unit 111 acquires information on the operating power and the planned number of communications of the inspection terminal 200. The inspection terminal 200 corresponds to a communication terminal. The operating power of the inspection terminal 200 is the power required for the inspection performed in the inspection terminal 200 and for transmitting the inspection result to the management device 400. The planned number of communications is the number of times including the planned number of retransmissions assumed in advance when transmitting the inspection result from the inspection terminal 200 to the management device 400, which is the transmission destination of the inspection result. The planned number of retransmissions assumed in advance is the upper limit number of the number of communications considering that retransmissions from the inspection terminal 200 to the management device 400 are performed due to communication failure, power shortage, etc., and is determined in advance at the time of system design. The terminal information acquisition unit 111 stores the acquired operating power and the planned number of communications of the inspection terminal 200 in the terminal information DB 121.

[0039] The operating power calculation unit 112 calculates the total operating power amount of the multiple test terminals 200 based on information on the operating power and the planned number of communications of the test terminals 200. The total operating power amount may also include power required for the operation of the communication control device 100.

[0040] Here, the relationship between the amount of stored power and time in the communication control system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the amount of stored power in the communication control system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the amount of stored power increases as time passes. At the timing of time T1, the amount of stored power reaches P1. In this embodiment, P1 is the sum of the power required for the operation of the inspection terminal 200 and the power required for the communication control device 100, and is expressed by the following formula (1). In formula (1), P Ri indicates the amount of power required for the operation of one test terminal 200. Also, M indicates the number of test terminals 200. Also, P c indicates the operating power required for the operation of the communication control device 100. [Number 1] P1=P Ri ×M+P c (1)

[0041] At the timing of time T2 in Fig. 5, the amount of stored power reaches P2. In this embodiment, P2 is the power when including the number of retransmissions scheduled from the inspection terminal 200. In this way, by including the number of retransmissions scheduled from the inspection terminal 200, it is possible to prevent a system downtime when retransmission from the inspection terminal 200 occurs and the amount of stored power in the storage element 320 becomes insufficient. Note that P2 corresponds to the total amount of operating power.

[0042] P2 in Fig. 5 can be expressed by the following formula (2). Here, N indicates the planned number of retransmissions. In other words, (N+1), which indicates the planned number of communications, indicates the number of communications taking into account the number of initial communications and the planned number of N retransmissions. [Number 2] P2=P Ri ×M×(N+1)+P c (2)

[0043] The stored power amount acquiring unit 113 acquires information about the amount of power stored in the power storage element 320 that accumulates power for operating the multiple inspection terminals 200. In addition, the stored power amount acquiring unit 113 stores the acquired information about the stored power amount in the stored power amount information DB 122.

[0044] The charge amount determination unit 114 determines the charge amount P B Based on the total operating power amount P2, the amount of stored power in the storage element 320 is determined. B As shown in the following formula (3), it is determined whether or not the total operating power amount is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount. [Number 3] P B ≧P2=P Ri ×M×(N+1)+P c (3)

[0045] The terminal control unit 115 detects the amount of stored power P B However, if the total operating power amount is equal to or greater than P2, the control signal for operating the multiple inspection terminals 200 is sent to the multiple inspection terminals 200.

[0046] The inspection terminal 200 performs the inspection process in response to a control signal transmitted from the communication control device 100. For example, the inspection terminal 200 may be configured to be in a sleep state as described above, and to cancel the sleep state and start the inspection process in response to a control signal from the communication control device 100. When the inspection process starts, the inspection terminal 200 checks the attachment of the exterior parts (clips) of the wire harness 600, and transmits the inspection results to the management device 400.

[0047] 6 is a diagram for explaining the amount of stored power in the communication control system 10 according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the amount of stored power P B The graph shows the change in the amount of stored energy after the total operating power reaches P2 when (A) there is no communication, (B) the amount of power generation is sufficient, and (C) the amount of power generation is low.

[0048] As shown in (A) of FIG. 6, if there is no communication with the test terminal 200 after time T2, the power generated by the power generation unit 310 is accumulated, and at time T3, the storage element 320 has a sufficient amount of stored power.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6B, if the amount of power generated by power generation section 310 is sufficient after time T2, power storage element 320 will also have a sufficient amount of stored power at time T3.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6C, even if the amount of power generated by power generation section 310 is small after time T2, power storage element 320 will have the required amount of power P1 at time T3.

[0051] (Outline of processing flow of communication control device 100) Next, the flow of processing in the communication control device 100 will be shown using the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. The series of operations of the communication control device 100 shown in the flowchart in Fig. 7 starts when the communication control device 100 is started, and ends when the operation is completed. The processing in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 also ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the processing. In the following explanation of the flowchart, the same contents as those described in the above explanation of the communication control system 10 and the communication control device 100 will be omitted or simplified.

[0052] In step S701, the terminal information acquisition unit 111 acquires information on the operating power and the planned number of communications of the inspection terminal 200. The inspection terminal 200 corresponds to a communication terminal. The operating power of the inspection terminal 200 is the power required for the inspection performed in the inspection terminal 200 and for transmitting the inspection results to the management device 400. The planned number of communications is the number of times including the planned number of retransmissions that is assumed in advance when transmitting the inspection results from the inspection terminal 200 to the management device 400, which is the transmission destination of the inspection results. The terminal information acquisition unit 111 stores the acquired operating power and the planned number of communications of the inspection terminal 200 in the terminal information DB 121.

[0053] In step S702, the operating power calculation unit 112 calculates the total operating power amount of the multiple test terminals 200 based on information on the operating power and the planned number of communications of the test terminals 200. The total operating power amount may also include power required for the operation of the communication control device 100.

[0054] In step S703, the stored power amount acquiring unit 113 acquires information on the amount of power stored in the power storage element 320 that accumulates power for operating the multiple inspection terminals 200. The stored power amount acquiring unit 113 also stores the acquired information on the amount of stored power in the stored power amount information DB 122. Note that P2 corresponds to the total operating power amount.

[0055] In step S704, the charge amount determination unit 114 determines the charge amount of the power storage element 320 based on the charge amount of the power storage element 320 and the total operating power amount.B As shown in the above formula (3), it is determined whether or not the total operating power amount is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount.

[0056] In step S705, the terminal control unit 115 determines the amount of stored power P B However, if the total operating power amount is equal to or greater than P2, the control signal for operating the multiple inspection terminals 200 is sent to the multiple inspection terminals 200.

[0057] As described above, the communication control device 100 according to the present embodiment is a communication control device 100 that controls the power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals. The communication control device 100 includes a terminal information acquisition unit 111 that acquires information on the operating power and the scheduled number of communications of the communication terminals. The communication control device 100 also includes an operating power calculation unit 112 that calculates a total operating power amount indicating the power required for the operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on information on the operating power and the scheduled number of communications. The communication control device 100 also includes a stored power amount acquisition unit 113 that acquires information on the amount of power stored in the storage element 320 that stores power for operating the plurality of communication terminals. The communication control device 100 also includes a stored power amount determination unit 114 that determines the amount of power stored in the storage element 320 based on the amount of power stored and the total operating power amount. The communication control device 100 also includes a terminal control unit 115 that sends a control signal to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals when the amount of power stored is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount. In this embodiment, the communication terminal corresponds to the inspection terminal 200.

[0058] This allows the communication control device 100 to appropriately adjust the amount of charge required for the operation of the system. For example, in an inspection system having multiple inspection terminals 200, the communication control device 100 enables appropriate inspection without interrupting communication or other processing.

[0059] Furthermore, in the communication control system 10, the total operating power amount may include the amount of power required for the operation of the communication control device 100. This enables the communication control device 100 to more appropriately calculate the total operating power amount of the system.

[0060] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the present embodiments are not limited to the contents described in the above embodiments. The components described above include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described above can be appropriately combined. Various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the power required for processing by the inspection terminal 200 is P Ri The embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the operating power P required for processing of each inspection terminal 200 is changed according to the distance between the inspection terminal 200 and the management device 400, which is the transmission destination. Ri may be different. That is, in the communication control system 10, the operating power may be different for each inspection terminal 200 (each communication terminal). For example, the inspection terminal 200 provided on the fixture plate 500 may change the transmission power, modulation method, etc. according to the distance from the management device 400. That is, the operating power of the inspection terminal 200 may be different according to the distance from the destination of the data transmitted from the inspection terminal 200.

[0062] Thus, the operating power, P Ri By configuring the power consumption of the inspection terminal 200 differently for each inspection terminal 200 (each communication terminal), a system more suited to the configuration of the communication control system 10 can be constructed, and the amount of charge required for the operation of the system can be appropriately adjusted. Also, by configuring the operating power of the inspection terminal 200 differently depending on the distance to the destination of data transmitted from the inspection terminal 200, an appropriate system that takes into account the power required for communication can be constructed, and the amount of charge required for the operation of the system can be appropriately adjusted.

[0063] Specifically, the side closer to the management device 400 (the inspection terminal 200C2 in the example shown in FIG. 1) keeps the transmission power low, and the side farther from the management device 400 (the inspection terminal 200C n In the case of the above, the transmission power may be increased. The power required for the operation of each test terminal 200 may be changed according to the number of obstacles in the communication path to the management device 400.

[0064] In this way, when the power required for operation differs for each test terminal 200, the total operating power amount P2 and the stored power amount P B The determination formula can be expressed by the following formula (4).

number

[0065] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in order to improve the efficiency of communication from the jig board 500, data may be aggregated in one inspection terminal 200 provided on the jig board 500, or an inspection terminal 200 that cannot directly communicate with the management device 400 may use a relay via another adjacent inspection terminal 200. In this case, since the set number of communication times differs for each inspection terminal 200, the calculation of the charge amount for operating the inspection terminal 200 can be shown by the above formula (4). That is, in the communication control system 10, the planned number of communications may be configured to be different for each inspection terminal 200 (each communication terminal). In this way, by configuring the planned number of communications to be different for each inspection terminal 200 (each communication terminal), it is possible to build a system that is more suitable for the configuration of the communication control system 10 and appropriately adjust the charge amount required for the operation of the system.

[0066] Generally, the storage element 320 such as a battery deteriorates with use, and the amount of charge decreases. In this embodiment, the amount of decrease in the amount of stored power due to deterioration of the storage element 320 is defined as the deterioration amount P D This deterioration amount P D The total operating power P2 and the storage power P B The determination formula can be expressed by the following formula (5).

number

[0067] For example, the deterioration amount P of the storage element 320 D is stored in advance in the storage amount information DB 122 of the storage unit 120. D Alternatively, the value obtained by performing periodic battery refresh may be updated as needed in the stored power amount information DB 122. In this way, by including the deterioration amount indicating the amount of decrease in the stored power amount due to deterioration of the storage elements 320 in the total operating power amount P2, it is possible to obtain a more accurate stored power amount.

[0068] In addition, since the deterioration of the storage element 320 increases with the duration of use, the communication control device 100 is equipped with a clock that measures the accumulated time from the start of use, and the deterioration amount P D In this case, if the elapsed time is ΔT, the total operating power amount P2 and the stored power amount P B The determination formula for this can be expressed by the following formula (6). Note that the unit degradation amount Pd in ​​formula (6) indicates the degradation amount per unit time. d indicates the amount of power that changes over time.

number

[0069] In this way, the unit deterioration amount P d By setting the amount of power that changes over time, it is possible to obtain a more accurate amount of stored power that reflects the passage of time.

[0070] Furthermore, the operations of the communication control device 100 and the inspection terminal 200 in the communication control system 10 are not limited to those performed according to the charge amount of the power storage element 320, and may be started when the jig plate 500 moves to a location where the inspection work is performed. For example, the communication control system 10 may be configured such that a start switch is installed on the line.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, which is a top view of Fig. 9A, a fixed post 520 may be installed on the line, and a retractable bar 510 linked to a start switch may be provided on the jig plate 500. When the retractable bar 510 comes into contact with the fixed post 520 on the line, the retractable bar 510 falls and the start switch is turned on. By linking the retractable bar 510 with the start switch, it is possible to turn on the switch without disrupting the flow of the line.

[0072] Furthermore, a computer program (communication control program) that causes a computer to execute the processing (communication control method) in the communication control device 100 described above, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, are included in the scope of this embodiment. Any type of computer-readable recording medium may be used. Furthermore, the computer program is not limited to one recorded on the recording medium described above, and may be one transmitted via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, or the like.

[0073] The features of the communication control device 100 are described below.

[0074] The communication control device 100 according to the first aspect is a communication control device 100 that controls the power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals. The communication control device 100 includes a terminal information acquisition unit 111 that acquires information about the operating power and the scheduled number of communications of the communication terminals. The communication control device 100 also includes an operating power calculation unit 112 that calculates a total operating power amount indicating the power required for the operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on the information about the operating power and the scheduled number of communications. The communication control device 100 also includes a stored power amount acquisition unit 113 that acquires information about the amount of power stored in the storage element 320 that accumulates power for operating the plurality of communication terminals. The communication control device 100 also includes a stored power amount determination unit 114 that determines the amount of storage of the storage element 320 based on the amount of storage and the total amount of operating power. The communication control device 100 also includes a terminal control unit 115 that sends a control signal to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals when the amount of storage is equal to or greater than the total amount of operating power.

[0075] According to the above configuration, the communication control device 100 can appropriately adjust the amount of charge required for the operation of the system. For example, in an inspection system having a plurality of inspection terminals 200, the communication control device 100 enables appropriate inspection without interrupting communication or other processing.

[0076] The total operating power amount of the communication control device 100 according to the second embodiment may include the power amount required for the operation of the communication control device 100.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the communication control device 100 can more appropriately calculate the total operating power amount of the system.

[0078] The total operating power amount of the communication control device 100 according to the third embodiment may include a deterioration amount indicating a reduction in the stored power amount due to deterioration of the power storage element 320.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the communication control device 100 can obtain a more accurate stored power amount by including the deterioration amount indicating the amount of stored power that is reduced due to deterioration of the storage element 320 in the total operating power amount P2.

[0080] The amount of deterioration of the communication control device 100 according to the fourth embodiment may indicate the amount of power that changes over time.

[0081] According to the above configuration, the communication control device 100 can obtain a more accurate amount of stored power that reflects the passage of time by treating the deterioration amount PD as the amount of power that changes with the passage of time.

[0082] The scheduled number of communications of the communication control device 100 according to the fifth aspect may be different for each communication terminal. In this embodiment, the test terminal 200 corresponds to a communication terminal.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the communication control device 100 is configured so that the planned number of communications is different for each test terminal 200 (each communication terminal), thereby constructing a system that is more suitable for the configuration of the communication control system 10 and making it possible to appropriately adjust the amount of charging required for system operation.

[0084] The operating power of the communication terminal of the communication control device 100 according to the sixth aspect may be different for each communication terminal. In this embodiment, the inspection terminal 200 corresponds to the communication terminal.

[0085] According to the above configuration, the communication control device 100 operates with P Ri By configuring each test terminal 200 (communication terminal) differently, a system suitable for the configuration of the communication control system 10 can be constructed, and the amount of charging required for system operation can be appropriately adjusted.

[0086] The operating power of the communication terminal of the communication control device 100 according to the seventh aspect may be different depending on the distance to the destination of data transmitted from the communication terminal. In this embodiment, the inspection terminal 200 corresponds to the communication terminal.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the communication control device 100 takes into account the power required for communication, and a system suitable for the configuration of the communication control system 10 is constructed, making it possible to appropriately adjust the amount of charge required for system operation.

[0088] The communication control system 10 according to the eighth aspect is a communication control system 10 including a plurality of communication terminals, a power storage element 320, and a communication control device 100. The communication control device 100 has a terminal information acquisition unit 111 that acquires information on the operating power and the planned number of communications of the communication terminals. The communication control device 100 also has an operating power calculation unit 112 that calculates a total operating power amount indicating power required for the operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on information on the operating power and the planned number of communications. The communication control device 100 also has a stored power amount acquisition unit 113 that acquires information on the amount of power stored in the power storage element 320 that stores power for operating the plurality of communication terminals. The communication control device 100 also has a stored power amount determination unit 114 that determines the amount of power stored in the power storage element 320 based on the amount of power stored and the total amount of operating power. The communication control device 100 also has a terminal control unit 115 that sends a control signal to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals when the amount of power stored is equal to or greater than the total amount of operating power.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the communication control system 10 can appropriately adjust the amount of charge required for the operation of the system. For example, in an inspection system provided with a plurality of inspection terminals 200, the communication control system 10 enables appropriate inspection without interrupting communication or other processing.

[0090] A communication control method according to a ninth aspect is a communication control method executed by a computer, which controls power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals. The communication control method acquires information on the operating power and the planned number of communications of the communication terminals. The communication control method also calculates a total operating power amount indicating power required for the operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on the information on the operating power and the planned number of communications. The communication control method also acquires information on the amount of power stored in a power storage element 320 that stores power for operating the plurality of communication terminals. The communication control method also determines the amount of power stored in the power storage element 320 based on the amount of power stored and the total amount of operating power. Furthermore, the communication control method sends a control signal to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals when the amount of power stored is equal to or greater than the total amount of operating power.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the communication control method can appropriately adjust the amount of charge required for the operation of the system. For example, the communication control method enables an appropriate inspection without interruption of communication or other processing in an inspection system having a plurality of inspection terminals 200. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10. Communication Control System 100 Communication control device 110 Control section 111 Terminal information acquisition unit 112 Operating power calculation unit 113 Storage capacity acquisition unit 114 Charge amount determination unit 115 Terminal control unit 120 Storage section 121 Terminal Information DB 122 Electricity storage amount information DB 200, 200C1, 200C2, 200C n Inspection terminal 201 Radio 202 Control terminal 203 CF 204 Antenna 300 power supply 330 Power Bus 331 Power line 332 GND line 400 Management device 500 Jig plate 510 Folding bar 520 Fixed column 600 Wire Harness

Claims

1. A communication control device that controls power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals, a terminal information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding an operating power and a scheduled number of communications of the communication terminal; an operating power calculation unit that calculates a total operating power amount indicating power required for operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on information regarding the operating power and the scheduled number of communication attempts; a power storage amount acquiring unit that acquires information regarding a storage amount of power stored in a power storage element that accumulates power for operating the plurality of communication terminals; a storage amount determination unit that determines the storage amount of the storage element based on the storage amount and the total operating power amount; a terminal control unit that transmits a control signal to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals when the stored power amount is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount; A communication control device comprising:

2. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the total operating power amount includes a power amount required for operation of the communication control device.

3. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the total operating power amount includes a deterioration amount indicating a reduction in the amount of stored power due to deterioration of the power storage element.

4. The communication control device according to claim 3 , wherein the deterioration amount indicates an amount of power that changes over time.

5. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the scheduled number of communications is different for each of the communication terminals.

6. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the operating power of the communication terminals varies depending on the communication terminals.

7. The communication control device according to claim 6 , wherein the operating power of the communication terminal varies depending on a distance from the communication terminal to a destination of data transmitted from the communication terminal.

8. A communication control system including a plurality of communication terminals, a power storage element, and a communication control device, The communication control device includes: a terminal information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding an operating power and a scheduled number of communications of the communication terminal; an operating power calculation unit that calculates a total operating power amount indicating power required for operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on information regarding the operating power and the scheduled number of communication attempts; a storage amount acquiring unit that acquires information regarding the amount of power stored in the power storage element that accumulates power for operating the plurality of communication terminals; a storage amount determination unit that determines the storage amount of the storage element based on the storage amount and the total operating power amount; a terminal control unit that transmits a control signal to the plurality of communication terminals to operate the plurality of communication terminals when the stored power amount is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount; A communication control system having the above configuration.

9. A communication control method executed by a computer to control power of a system including a plurality of communication terminals, comprising: Acquire information regarding the operating power of the communication terminal and the scheduled number of communication attempts; calculating a total amount of operating power indicating power required for operation of the plurality of communication terminals based on information regarding the operating power and the scheduled number of communication attempts; acquiring information regarding an amount of power stored in a power storage element that stores power for operating the plurality of communication terminals; determining the amount of stored power in the storage element based on the amount of stored power and the total amount of operating power; A communication control method comprising: transmitting, when the stored power amount is equal to or greater than the total operating power amount, to the plurality of communication terminals, a control signal for operating the plurality of communication terminals.

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