Situation management system using electronic unit, management method and service provision system

Abstract

To provide an electronic unit management method and a management system, in which an electronic unit acquires information from a peripheral instrument where the electronic unit itself exists and a system controller collects information acquired by the electronic unit to estimate an ambient environment of the electronic unit.SOLUTION: A first system controller and / or a second system controller according to an embodiment collect sensor information and / or present setting state information from an electronic unit registered in each address information. The system controller estimates / determines a state within a system, in which the electronic unit exists, on the basis of the collected information and / or the present setting state information. The system controller performs inquiry confirmation to a user through an I / F unit on the basis of estimation / determination of the state within the system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a situation management system, a management method, and a service provision system using an electronic unit, and more particularly to an M2M (Machine to Machine) application technology or an IoT (Internet of Things) application technology that can collect information using various sensors installed in, for example, public facilities or households and perform control based on the information.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding the field of M2M or IoT application technologies, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, global standardization work is underway. Here, the aim is to comprehensively integrate and manage information obtained from all kinds of diverse sensors and to establish general-purpose standards for adapting the results to various services.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the past standardization activities as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, it has been premised on collecting information from "sensor-embedded devices" and integrally utilizing the information to lead to the provision of services. Also, due to the general-purpose requirements of standardization, it is necessary to comprehensively handle information obtained from a wide variety of sensors. Furthermore, in order to maintain the utility value of the formulated standard specifications for a long period of time, it is necessary to be able to respond to the future technological progress of sensor-embedded devices and also to the expandability of the types of sensors incorporated into the devices. Thus, ensuring the consistency between the diversity (of sensors) and the generality (of standard specifications), which are mutually contradictory, is not only extremely difficult, but furthermore, the essential contradiction of standardization activities lies in guaranteeing generality, flexibility (to respond to sensor diversity), and expandability even for devices with embedded sensors.

[0005] The following four specific technical issues exist in the current situation. First of all, the accuracy of information collection to be utilized for service provision greatly depends on the power ON / OFF of each sensor-embedded device. That is, in order to select the optimal service content, it is necessary to integrate the information obtained from various sensors and estimate / judge the state within a predetermined system or the behavior and state of the user. However, when the power of most devices in the above network system is turned off, there arises a problem that the amount of information to be collected is too small and the accuracy of the above estimation / judgment is significantly reduced.

[0006] Next, there is a difficulty in coping with future changes to the functions of sensor-embedded devices. For example, the functions of a television used to be limited to receiving broadcast waves and displaying images. Consider the case where a communication standard was established that could only monitor the television display state. In contrast, current high-end televisions in Japan have a built-in recording function. There are also high-end televisions with a data communication function using a network line. Although not yet very widespread, current 3D TVs (3 Dimensional Televisions) can detect the position information of viewers. In the future, there is also a possibility that televisions will be equipped with light sensors (to optimally control the brightness of the display screen). Every time the functions of a television improve in this way, it takes too much time to consider the standards, resulting in a delay in response. On the contrary, if additional response items within the standard are increased in anticipation of future expansion of television functions, the standard itself will become redundant and the response control within the device will become complicated.

[0007] As a third technical issue, since the current communication standard aiming for versatility and expandability is finely hierarchical (for details, refer to FIG. 32), duplication and redundancy occur in communication information. By making the communication standard hierarchical, it is possible to respond to various technical fields by replacing a specific layer, but this leads to an increase in the amount of communication information and complexity of processing. As long as communication is carried out using a personal computer or smartphone equipped with a processor with high processing power, the increase in communication information and complexity of processing have not been a problem. However, these are not suitable for power saving and simplification of processing requirements.

[0008] As a final technical problem, making communication information versatile requires a large amount of processing power, leading to higher costs and greater power consumption. For example, there is a communication method in which communication information is described in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format to provide flexibility and extensibility to the communication information. However, in this case, an XML decoding function (parser) is required on the receiving side, which complicates the receiving-side function. On the other hand, as communication information, there is also a communication method that has different standard tables for each type of device to accommodate the diversity of devices. However, even in this case, the standard table that can accommodate even high-end devices of the same type becomes complex, increasing the burden of communication processing on single-function devices.

[0009] An object of the present embodiment is to provide a situation management system, a management method, and a service provision system that use information from an electronic unit, where the electronic unit acquires information from surrounding devices where it is located at a moved position and performs the operation of the unit itself according to the acquired information content.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] According to one embodiment, a first system controller and a second system controller respectively arranged in a first local network and a second local network, a server arranged in a wide area network, a situation management system using an electronic unit capable of communicating with each other between the server, the first system controller, and the second system controller via the first local network, the second local network, and the wide area network, wherein the first system controller and the second system controller each set a plurality of sections in their respective local area networks and manage the electronic units within each section, and the server, the first system controller, and the second system controller each set a plurality of sections in their respective local area networks and manage the electronic units within each section, and manage the electronic units within each section, wherein the server, the first system controller, and the second system controller Each has a memory unit, and each said memory unit contains shared address information for specifying said electronic unit to conduct communication and, said address information includes at least the IP address of the transmitting side, the IP address of the receiving side, the identification information of the section where the receiving side electronic unit exists, the device type code of the device including said receiving side electronic unit, and the in-device identification code within the same type. Said first system controller and / or said second system controller each has means for collecting sensor information and / or current setting state information from the electronic unit registered in each said address information, means for estimating / judging the state within the system where said electronic unit exists based on said collected information and / or current setting state information, and means for conducting inquiry confirmation to the user within the system via the I / F unit based on the estimation / judgment of the state within the system. A situation management system using an electronic unit having these is provided.

[0011] Said electronic unit is defined as a unit that generalizes a composite module, device, or a hybrid form thereof, and can be managed and controlled in unit units.

[0012] And said unit and the system controller constitute a network system, and the entire network system is controlled by said system controller. Further, said system controller can communicate with the outside of this network system.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the composition of the chapters and sections regarding the description content of this embodiment is shown in the following table of contents.

[0015] Chapter 1 General System Outline in this Embodiment 1.1 Section General Explanation of the Entire System in this Embodiment 1.2 Section Explanation of the Form of the Unit 1.3 Section Explanation of the Configuration within the Composite Module 1.4 Section Explanation of the Structure within the Sensor / Communication Module 1.5 Section Explanation of the Structure within the Drive / Communication Module 1.6 Section Explanation of the Structural Example in the Communication Module - Section 1.7: Explanation of the Overall Structure of the Wide Area Network System in this Embodiment - Section 1.8: Explanation of the Structure of the Local Network System in this Embodiment - Section 1.9: Utilization Example of the Composite Module in the Local Network System - Chapter 2 Overview of the Hierarchical Structure and Data Structure of Communication Information - Section 2.1: Hierarchical Structure of the Network Communication - Related Functions in this Embodiment - Section 2.2: Relationship between the Hierarchical Structure of the Communication - Related Functions and the Communication Information on the Network Line - Section 2.3: Z - Format Data Structure in the Physical Layer and Media Access Layer - Section 2.4: Data Structure of the Internet Protocol Version 6 Layer - Section 2.5: C - Format Data Structure in the Communication Middleware Layer - Section 2.6: E - Format Data Structure in the Communication Middleware Layer - Section 2.7: A - Format Data Structure in the Communication Middleware Layer - Section 2.8: Address Table Used in the System of this Embodiment and Its Utilization Example - Chapter 3: Management / Display Method for Each Unit - Section 3.1: Overview of the Basic Unit Management Method - Section 3.2 Unit Management Means - Section 3.3: Specific Unit Management Examples and Display Examples - Chapter 4: Section Overview within the System of this Embodiment - Section 4.1: Positioning of the Sections within the System of this Embodiment - Section 4.2: Management Method for the Placement Locations of Various Modules and Various Devices within the Sections - Section 4.3: Processing Method from Information Collection to Service Provision for Each Section - Section 4.4: Method for Tracking the Movement between Sections of Various Modules and Various Devices - Section 4.5: Compatibility between Different Systems of Units (Composite Modules and Devices) - Chapter 5: Application Examples for Each Application Field - Section 5.1: Application Examples in the Civilian Field - Section 5.1.1 Application Examples of Wide Area Network Systems in the Civilian Sector Section 5.1.2 Application Examples of Composite Modules in the Civilian Sector Section 5.1.3 Application Examples of Section Division Methods in the Civilian Sector Section 5.2 Application Examples in the Social Infrastructure Sector Section 5.2.1 Application Examples of Wide Area Network Systems in the Social Infrastructure Sector Section 5.2.2 Application Examples of Composite Modules in the Social Infrastructure Sector Section 5.2.3 Application Examples of Section Division Methods in the Social Infrastructure Sector Section 5.3 Application Examples in the Healthcare Sector Section 5.3.1 Application Examples of Wide Area Network Systems in the Healthcare Sector Section 5.3.2 Application Examples of Composite Modules in the Healthcare Sector Section 5.3.3 Application Examples of Section Division Methods in the Healthcare Sector Chapter 6 Smart Home Appliance Automatic Control Method Section 6.1 Relationship between Automatic Control-Compatible Smart Home Appliance Devices and Smart Home Appliance-Related Devices Section 6.2 Overview of the Control Method for Automatic Control-Compatible Smart Home Appliance Devices Section 6.3 Communication Information with Smart Home Appliance-Related Devices Section 6.4 Method for Estimating / Judging User Behavior and Status Section 6.5 Other Embodiments Regarding Automatic Control between Smart Home Appliance Devices Next, according to the above table of contents, the explanations for each chapter / section will be given below.

[0016] Chapter 1 Overall System Overview in this Embodiment Section 1.1 General Description of the Entire System in this Embodiment First of all, the overall overview of the system in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The overall structure of the wide area network system in the entire system of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 1, and the structure of the local network system that constitutes a part of the wide area network system is shown in FIG. 2. Also, the embodiments, service contents, and newly generated effects described with FIG. 1 are directly and exactly applicable to the embodiment system shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, the embodiments, service contents, and newly generated effects described using FIG. 2 (or described later using FIGS. 8A-8B and FIG. 9) are also applicable to the entire wide area network system of FIG. 1.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the wholesalers A_1102 and B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2 that handle predetermined goods or information are referred to as wholesalers A_1102 and B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2. Also, the organizations or groups that provide predetermined services are referred to as service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3. Here, each of the service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3 has one or more servers 1 to n_1116-1 to n. Also, in the system of this embodiment, the above servers 1 to n_1116-1 to n are also referred to as cloud servers or clouds. And these service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3 obtain goods (or information) from wholesaler B1_1104-1 and / or wholesaler B2_1104-2 that handle similar goods (or information), and provide services for each of the domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3. Here, the domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3 indicate a predetermined network space, and one domain 2_1122-2 is composed of one or a plurality of systems α_1132 and β_1134. Therefore, in the following description, in another name for the above systems α_1132 and β_1134, they may be referred to as network systems or client systems. Therefore, the names "network system" or "client system" that appear in the following description mean the same as the above "systems α_1132 and β_1134". Also, as described above, one domain 2_1122-2 may be composed of a plurality of different systems α_1132 and β_1134. Therefore, in the following description text, the above domain 2_1122-2 may be referred to as a composite client system. Therefore, the name "composite client" that appears in the following description text indicates the same as "domain 2_1122-2".

[0018] Therefore, the wholesalers A_1102 and B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2, the service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3, and the domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3 are each network-connected. Moreover, not only that, but the service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3 are also network-connected to each other, and information sharing or resource cooperation 1114 is possible among them.

[0019] The system α_1132 shown in FIG. 1 means the smallest network system unit with its internal components connected to each other by a network. Also, in the system α_1132, one system controller α_1126 is often installed. And this system controller α_1126 manages or operates within the (network) system. A single system β_1134, which is the smallest network system unit, may be composed of only one system controller β_1128. Also, the system α_1132 and the system β_1134 that make up the same domain 2_1122-2 may exist physically separated from each other. Furthermore, cooperative processing between different systems α_1132 and β_1134 within the same domain domain 2_1122-2 is also possible.

[0020] In the system of this embodiment, sections 1 to m_1142-1 to m are defined as the predetermined service units provided to users within the same system α_1132. Moreover, not limited to this, units related to the integration, management, or control of information collected within the same system α_1132 may be defined as sections 1 to m_1142-1 to m. And naturally, the service unit for users and the integration / management / control unit of information may be combined within the same section 1 to m_1142-1 to m. By providing services and collecting / managing information in units of sections 1 to m_1142-1 to m in this way, the effects of improving the efficiency of service provision and information collection / management and the convenience for users are achieved.

[0021] The structure of the local network system formed by the system α_1132 in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. A processor 1230 and a memory section 1232 are built into the system controller α_1126, and network communication within the system α_1132 is performed via a communication module 1202-3. In parallel, the system controller α_1126 can also perform network communication with the outside via the same communication module 1202-3.

[0022] In the system of this embodiment, within the network system α_1132, basic units having a network communication function other than the above system controller α_1126 are defined as units 1 to 7_1290 - 1 to 7. And in this embodiment, various predetermined functions scattered within the network system α_1132 are managed or controlled in unit units. Thereby, regardless of the physical form of the units, integrated management / control of various functions within the same network system α_1132 becomes easy. As a form for realizing the network communication function in each of the units 1 to 7_1290 - 1 to 7, FIG. 2 shows an example in which communication modules 1202 - 4 to 10 are built in for each of the units 1 to 7_1290 - 1 to 7. However, the means for realizing the network communication function is not limited thereto. For example, a part within a predetermined module or a part within a device may have a network communication function. Or a network communication function may be realized as a part of the function within specific software.

[0023] Basically, in the system of this embodiment, the system controller α_1126 is responsible for the management / operation / control of network communication within the network system α_1132. And this system controller α_1126 is often physically installed within the network system α_1132 as shown in FIG. 2. And in this case, each of the units 1 to 7_1290 - 1 to 7 in FIG. 2 can individually communicate information directly with the above system controller α_1126. However, it is not limited thereto. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, a system controller β_1128 physically installed outside the network system α_1132 may perform the management / operation / control of network communication within the network system α_1132. Also, it is not limited thereto. Under the management of the system controller α_1126 or the system controller β_1128, independent information communication can also be performed between different units 1 to 7_1290 - 1 to 7.

[0024] 1.2 Section Description of Unit Forms The feature that various predetermined functions scattered within system α_1132 are managed or controlled in unit form by system controller α_1126 was already described in the previous section. That is, as shown in Figure 2, since many means for realizing various functions are scattered within the same network system α_1132, conventionally, there has been a great deal of complexity in their integrated management and control. Furthermore, the physical forms of the units that realize various functions cover a wide variety, such as device 1250, composite module 1295 (the description of this composite module will be given later in 1.3 section), sensor module 1260, drive module 1270, etc. Therefore, the integrated management and control become even more complex.

[0025] As a countermeasure against this increasing complexity, in the system of this embodiment, it is characterized in that it manages / controls as units based on the network communication function for the various means for realizing functions scattered within network system α_1132 (taking the means for realizing each individual network communication function as the basic unit). That is, it encompasses in a common and generalized concept of a unit a single function or a set of various functions that can be realized in cooperation with a minimum network communication function. Also, as described above, each individual unit can take various physical forms, but management, control, or information collection is performed with a common and generalized unit not depending on the specific physical form as the basic unit. By defining a unit that does not depend on individual functions or physical forms as the management unit (or control / information collection unit) within network system α_1132 in this way, there is an effect that the management or control / information collection within network system α_1132 by system controller α_1126 or system controller β_1128 can be greatly simplified. (Specific examples of management / control using units will be described later in Chapter 3.) Therefore, as a specific physical form example of the unit, as shown in FIG. 2, the entire device 1_1250-1 may correspond to the unit 4_1290-4, or the entire composite modules 1_1295-1 and 7_1295-7 existing independently may correspond to the units 1_1290-1 and 7_1290-7 respectively. Moreover, not limited thereto, the composite modules 6_1295-6, 2_1295-2, and 3_1295-3 that constitute a part within the devices 2_1250-2 and 5_1250-5 may correspond to the units 6_1290-6, 2_1290-2, and 3_1290-3 respectively. In FIG. 2, the units 2_1290-2 and 3_1290-3 overlap at the communication module 1202-10. Thus, in this embodiment, partial overlap between different units 2_1290-2 and 3_1290-3 is allowed. Furthermore, there may be an inclusion relationship between different units (a state where one unit is completely included within the other unit).

[0026] Although a specific example is shown in FIG. 2, generally, the forms that the unit can take will be described with reference to FIG. 3A. In the unit form shown in FIG. 3A(a), the entire device 1250 having a network communication function corresponds to one unit 1290. Here, if this device 1250 has complex multiple functions, the above unit 1290 is also managed or controlled / information-collected within the network system α_1132 as a basic unit having complex multiple functions.

[0027] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3A(b), the composite module 1295 (specific details will be described later in Section 1.3) existing independently within the network system α_1132 may correspond to one unit 1290. Furthermore, as another management form (or control / information-collection unit form), the whole obtained by adding or connecting a predetermined composite module 1295 to a specific device 1250 (which may or may not have a network communication function alone) may be regarded as one unit 1290 as shown in FIG. 3A(c).

[0028] The unit form defined within the device 5_1250-5 shown in FIG. 2 will be clearly explained with reference to FIG. 3B. As shown in FIG. 3B, within the device 5_1250-5, there is one sensor module 1260-9 having a sensor function, and two drive modules 1_1270-5 and 2_1270-6 having different drive functions or operating functions built therein. Further, a communication module 1202-10 having a network communication function with the system controller α_1126 within the network system α_1132 is also incorporated. And within the device 5_1250-5, there is a device controller 1240-3 that integrally controls the operations of these modules and integrally collects and manages the status information of these modules and the sensor information obtained therefrom. Here, the information acquired or independently generated by the device controller 1240-3 can be stored in the memory unit 1246.

[0029] As described above, as a reference unit for optimal management or control / information collection within the network system α_1132, the system controller α_1126 or the system controller β_1128 can appropriately set (define) the unit form. For example, when the system controller α_1126 or the system controller β_1128 wants to control / collect information in detail about the individual sensor functions and drive (operating) functions within the device 5_1250-5 via the network (that is, via the communication module 1202-10), a unit 2_1290-2 is set as shown in FIG. 3B(a). In this case, the unit 2_1290-2 is composed of the sensor module 1260-9, the two drive modules 1_1270-5 and 2_1270-6, and the communication module 1202-10. And the system controller α_1126 (or the system controller β_1128) can perform fine control on the individual modules within the unit 2_1290-2.

[0030] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3B(b), unit 3_1290-3 is composed of only communication module 1202-10 and device controller 1240-3. Therefore, when system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) communicates with unit 3_1290-3, advanced control integrating the entire device 5_1250-5 or integrated information collection becomes possible. And for information communication with unit 3_1290-3, fine-grained information communication processing for each module as in the case of information communication with unit 2_1290-2 is not required. Therefore, when unit 3_1290-3 is set (defined), the processing within system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) is greatly simplified and the processing efficiency is improved. As described above, when the form (configuration) of unit 1290 changes, the communication information content between unit 1290 as seen from system controller α_1126 (system controller β_1128) changes.

[0031] As described above, the unit takes the form of a predetermined function realized in cooperation with a minimum network communication function. Therefore, the unit has a minimum network communication function. As an example of the implementation form of this network communication function, when communication module 1202-10 is configured as shown in Fig. 3B, communication module 1202-10 is included in the unit. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3B(c), communication module 1202-10 overlaps between unit 2_1290-2 and unit 3_1290-3 with the common part.

[0032] If the specific form of unit 1290 within network system α_1132 can be flexibly set, such as enabling multiple different units with overlapping same functional parts as described above, the degree of freedom of management (or control / information collection) of system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) is improved.

[0033] 1.3 Configuration description of the composite module As one form of the configuration description unit 1295 in the composite module, the configuration of the composite module 1295 is shown in Fig. 3A(b). In this embodiment, the composite module is defined as a functional module capable of realizing communication functions and other functions other than communication functions. In particular, there are features in that the communication function is involved in realizing the other functions. And the information communication between the outside (outside the composite module 1295) and the other functions is performed via this communication function. That is, using the communication function in the composite module 1295, it is possible to collect information obtained as a result of implementing the specific functions of the composite module 1295 from the outside (outside the composite module 1295). On the other hand, using the communication function in the composite module 1295, it may be possible to control from the outside (outside the composite module 1295) the specific functions of the composite module 1295.

[0034] Here, as specific examples of the other functions, a sensor function, a drive (or operation) function, a control (process) function, a memory function, a display function, etc. can be mentioned. However, it is not limited to this, and the composite module may have any function other than the communication function. In particular, a composite module having a sensor function is called a sensor / communication module 1460, and a composite module having a drive (or operation) function is called a drive / communication module 1470. Further, a composite module having a control (process) function is called a processor / communication module 1465, a composite module having a memory function is called a memory / communication module 1475, and a composite module having a display function is called a display / communication module 1478.

[0035] Next, the differences between the composite module described here and the unit described in Section 1.2 will be explained. The composite module 1295 can be a part of the device 1290 as a predetermined module. Also, within the network system, the composite module 1295 may exist independently. In contrast, the unit 1290 means the basic unit for management / control / information collection within a network system that generalizes various forms such as the device 1290, the composite module 1295, or their combined forms. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3A(b), there is an inclusion relationship where one or more composite modules 1295 can be included within one unit 1290. As a specific example, compared to the device 1290 corresponding to one form of the unit 1290, the composite module 1295 is only a part of the device 1290. Here, in the above inclusion relationship, the means for realizing the communication function described above is commonly owned within both the unit 1290 and the composite module 1295. So, in Section 1.2, it was explained that the system controller α_1126 is not included in the unit 1290. On the other hand, there is also a significant difference from the unit 1290 in that a part of the system controller α_1126 can be set in the composite module 1295.

[0036] The means for realizing the communication function and other functions within the composite module can be either software (program) or hardware (circuit), or a combination of software and hardware (realizing part with hardware and the rest with software). Also, in either software or hardware, there is no need to separate the above communication function and other functions, and the means for realizing both functions can be mixed on software or hardware, or there can be some overlap or inclusion relationship. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the means for realizing both functions to be directly connected on software or hardware. That is, a configuration where the means for realizing the communication function and the means for realizing other functions are separated and arranged at a large distance on hardware or in the program, and the means for realizing both functions can cooperate through some link means is also acceptable.

[0037] For convenience of explanation, the configuration within the composite module is shown in a block structure in FIGS. 4A to 4F. This block may be a predetermined circuit (hardware) or a program (software) having a predetermined grouping. Also, it is not always necessary for each block to be separated either on the software or hardware side, and there may be, as described above, mixing / distributed point presence / partial duplication (shared use) / inclusion relationships, etc. between the blocks.

[0038] The configuration of the basic composite module 1295 is shown in FIG. 4A. As a means for realizing the communication function within the composite module 1295, it owns a communication module 1660. In FIG. 4A(a), the antenna 1480 for wireless signal transmission and reception is separately arranged and shown to be connected to the communication module 1660. On the other hand, in FIG. 4A(b), the antenna for wireless signal transmission and reception is built into the communication module to form an antenna-integrated communication module 1666. Furthermore, this antenna-integrated communication module 1666 has a structure that is functionally connected to other function modules (functions other than communication) 1440 that realize functions other than the communication function (both cooperate to function). As shown in FIG. 4A(b), it is not necessarily required that the antenna-integrated communication module 1666 and the other function module 1440 are directly connected. As long as a link is formed between the functions of the two in some form. As an example of such link formation, as shown in FIG. 4A(a), the communication module 1660 and the other function module (function other than communication) 1440, which are separated from each other at a remote distance, have a configuration that can be connected by a long-distance cable or the like, and the two may remotely cooperate 1444. (For example, when the composite module is configured by software and the program constituting the communication module 1660 and the program constituting the other function module 1440 are arranged on servers in remote locations, the two programs may cooperate through link data (such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) corresponding to the remote cooperation 1444.) For example, when it is desired to operate the other function module (function other than communication) 1440 in a special environment where wireless transmission and reception (communication function realization by the communication module 1660 using the antenna 1480) is impossible, such as underground, deep underwater, or deep inside a steel building, the above-mentioned remote cooperation 1444 has the effect of enabling the composite module 1295 to function stably even in a special environment. Also, configurations other than the configuration of FIG. 4A are not prohibited as the configuration of the composite module. For example, the antenna-integrated communication module 1666 and the other function module (function other than communication) 1440 may be remotely arranged, and the two may remotely cooperate 1444 with each other through a long-distance cable or the like.

[0039] As an example of the composite module 1295, a configuration example when the sensor / communication module 1460 is used is shown in FIG. 4B. The portion of the other functional module (functions other than communication) 1440 in FIG. 4A becomes the sensor module 1260 in FIG. 4B. This sensor module 1260 means a sensor functional unit having a quantitative or qualitative information collection function or signal detection function within a predetermined system α_1132. And this sensor module 1260 can be installed within the predetermined system α_1132 or has an attribute of being movable (portable), and can contribute to the state measurement and observation within the corresponding system_1132.

[0040] Specific examples of objects to be sensed include common human information such as body temperature, pulse, heart rate, and respiratory rate, identifiable information such as a person's expression, individual face shape and appearance, size information such as height and width, physical information such as illuminance (brightness), acceleration, temperature, humidity, power / current / voltage, flow rate (such as water and gas), the number of people present and congestion status or human presence detection information within a predetermined section 1142, movement information such as the passing situation of people and vehicles, and structure information such as the temperature, strain, shape, number of cracks, and internal cavity volume of a structure. However, it is not limited thereto, and any detectable object may be accommodated.

[0041] As the next example of the composite module 1295, a configuration example when the drive / communication module 1470 is used is shown in FIG. 4C. The portion of the other functional module (functions other than communication) 1440 in FIG. 4A becomes the drive module 1670 in FIG. 4C. Also, the external antenna 1480 and the communication module 1660 may be connectable (FIG. 4C(b)), or may be configured by an antenna-integrated communication module 1666 including an antenna for wireless signal transmission and reception (FIG. 4C(a)). Further, in the example of FIG. 4C(a), the antenna-integrated communication module 1666 and the drive module 1670 are arranged remotely from each other, and both can be remotely coordinated 1444 via a remote cable or the like. However, it is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which the communication module 1660 connectable to the external antenna 1480 and the drive module 1670 are remotely coordinated 1444 may also be used.

[0042] The drive module 1670 defined here refers to a service - providing related functional unit for providing specific services or a state - change control functional unit used for controlling a predetermined state change within the system α_1132. Here, the word "Actuator" used within the term of the drive module is likely to be misunderstood as being limited only to movable parts or operating parts with actual movement, but there is absolutely no necessity for movement. Therefore, as specific functional examples of the above - mentioned drive module, there may be corresponding display functions such as voice and image, functions for maintaining or changing the illuminance of light or the intensity of smell, or a predetermined information transmission function (such as a remote - control function) that undertakes a part of the information - transmission path for controlling them, an information - communication relay function, or a remote - operation function (of a predetermined device 1250), etc.

[0043] The sensor / communication module 1460 and the drive / communication module 1470 described so far often communicate information relatively passively in response to control from the system controller α_1126 (or the system controller β_1128). In contrast, the processor / communication module 1465 shown in FIG. 4D exhibits relatively spontaneous or active functions. In the present embodiment, as means for realizing the control (process) function within the processor / communication module 1465, not only the device controller 1240 within the device 1250 but also the processor 1230 within the system controller α_1126 (FIG. 2) and the processor 1734 within the system controller β_1128 (FIGS. 17A / B) may be included. In particular, in the communication modules 1202-3 within the system controller α_1126 and the system controller β_1128, information communication with devices (for example, the server α_1116-n) installed outside the system α_1132 and the system β_1134 becomes possible. Here, as the composite module 1295, at least the information communication function within the system α_1132 (or the system β_1134) is required. Therefore, in FIG. 4D, the inside of the communication modules 1202-3 is functionally separated into the in-system corresponding communication module 1752 and the out-of-system corresponding communication module 1758, and only the in-system corresponding communication module 1752 forms the processor / communication module 1465. However, it is not limited thereto, and the out-of-system corresponding communication module 1758 may be included within the processor / communication module 1465. Also, when the defined processor / communication module 1465 exists within the device 1250, the out-of-system corresponding communication module 1758 is often not originally included within the device 1250.

[0044] When the above processor / communication module 1465 exhibits relatively spontaneous or active functions within the network system α_1132 (or β_1134), information recorded in the recording area 1740 of management information (table) - related information, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10A / B, is often utilized. Therefore, when the processor / communication module 1465 is required to exhibit spontaneous / active functions, a part of the memory sections 1242 and 1246 in the device 1250, or a part of the memory section 1232 in the system controller α_1126 (FIG. 2), or a part of the memory section 1248 in the system controller β_1128 (FIGS. 17A / B) may be included in the processor / communication module 1465.

[0045] For example, when the system controller α_1126 reads information recorded in the memory section 1242 of the device 1_1250 - 1 in FIG. 2, generally, an advanced communication information exchange is required between the processor 1230 in the system controller α_1126 and the device controller 1240 - 1 in the device 1_1250 - 1. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4E, by having the memory / communication module 1475 composed only of the recording area 1740 of management information (table) - related information in the memory sections 1242, 1246, 1232, 1248 and the corresponding communication module 1752 within the same system, direct information communication between the system controller α_1126 (or the system controller β_1128) and the memory / communication module 1475 becomes possible with a very simplified communication protocol. Therefore, the memory / communication module 1475 has the effect of simplifying the communication of information recorded in the recording area 1740 of the management information (table) - related information therein.

[0046] As for the functions realized by the other function module 1440 in FIG. 4A, only single-function examples are described in FIGS. 4B to 4E. However, as shown in FIG. 4F, a plurality of different functions may be realized within one composite module 1295. For example, a plurality of different sensing functions (corresponding to sensor modules 1_1260-1 and 2_1260-2), a plurality of different driving (operating) functions (corresponding to driving modules 1_1670-1 and 21670-2), and control (process) functions (corresponding to processors 1230, 1734 or device controller 1240), a memory function (corresponding to memory units 1232 and 1248), and a display function (display module 1226) may be simultaneously realized within the composite module 1295. Also, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4F, the sensor module 1_1260-1 and the driving module 1670-2 may be individually arranged at locations far from the location where the antenna 1480 and the communication module 1660 are connected, and a structure may be adopted in which remote cooperation 1444 can be achieved using a long-distance cable or the like.

[0047] In FIG. 4F, the communication module 1660 is individually connected by wiring to each of the other function modules having functions other than communication. However, instead of being connected for each other function module, the communication module 1660 and a large number of other function modules may be connected to a common bus line. And in this case, the other function module directly connected to the communication module 1660 is switched in a time-varying manner based on a selector action or an address specification.

[0048] 1.4 Structural Explanation within the Sensor / Communication Module FIG. 5 shows a more specific and detailed structural example within the sensor / communication module 1460 outlined in FIG. 4B. As a basic structure, the sensor signal or detection information obtained by the sensor module 1260 is transferred to the communication module 1660. This sensor signal or detection information is transmitted via the communication module 1660 to the communication module 1202-3 (FIG. 2) within the system controller α_1126. Here, the processing of the information communicated by the communication middleware layer APL02 compliant with the C-format or the like, which will be described later in Chapter 2 using FIGS. 10A and 10B, is also executed within the communication module 1660 in FIG. 5.

[0049] On the one hand, the power supplied to the sensor module 1260 and the communication module 1660 is obtained from the power storage module (battery) 1554. Furthermore, the sensor / communication module 1460 in FIG. 5 incorporates a power generation module (solar cell) 1552 having a photoelectric conversion function (solar light), and the power generated in the power generation module (solar cell) 1552 with this photoelectric conversion function is stored in the power storage module (battery) 1554. Although FIG. 5 depicts the power generation module (solar cell) 1552 having a photoelectric conversion function as the power generation means, some other energy conversion means may be used instead. As the energy conversion means other than the above photoelectric conversion element, for example, thermoelectric conversion means such as a thermocouple may be used. An end user may wear the sensor / communication module 1460 incorporating such thermoelectric conversion means, and operate the sensor / communication module 1460 by generating power using the body temperature of the end user. Furthermore, as another example, the wireless energy received by the communication module 1660 from the communication module 1202-3 in the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 2 may be converted into power and stored, and the near-field energy received by the near-field communication module 1560 described later from the outside may also be converted into power and stored. By incorporating energy conversion means such as the power generation module (solar cell) 1552 and the power storage module (battery) 1554 in the sensor / communication module 1460 in this way, it becomes possible to operate the sensor / communication module 1460 over a long period without an external power supply.

[0050] When the sensor module 1260 is used to measure light, the external temperature, or the external humidity, or when the sensor module 1260 corresponds to a human presence sensor or the like, this sensor module 1260 is mounted in a form that is exposed on the surfaces of the devices 1_1250-1, 2_1250-2, 5_1250-5 (FIG. 2). At the same time, the power generation module (solar cell) 1552 is also mounted in a form that is exposed on the surfaces of the devices 1_1250-1, 2_1250-2, 5_1250-5.

[0051] If the sensor / communication module 1460 is left in the dark for a long time, the power storage capacity of the power storage module (battery) 1554 will decrease, and there is a risk that sufficient power cannot be supplied to the sensor module 1260 or the communication module 1660. On the other hand, when the output voltage of the power storage module (battery) 1554 or the power storage capacity in the power storage module (battery) 1554 drops below a predetermined reference value, it is notified to the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 2 via the communication module 1660 as appropriate. Specifically, as described in detail in Chapter 2 using FIG. 14, information indicating "low battery level" is notified from a specific sensor / communication module 1460 to the system controller α_1126 in the form of an "alarm notification". When the processor 1230 in the system controller α_1126 detects a decrease in the power storage capacity of the power storage module (battery) 1554 built in the specific sensor / communication module 1460, it notifies the end user via the user I / F unit 1234. By appropriately notifying the system controller α_1126 of the output voltage or power storage capacity of the power storage module (battery) 1554 in this way, it is possible to prevent the operation stop of a specific sensor / communication module 1460 due to a decrease in power storage capacity, and there is an effect of ensuring the operation stability of the entire system of this embodiment.

[0052] Within the sensor / communication module 1460 shown in FIG. 5, a near-field communication module 1560 capable of near-field wireless communication is also incorporated. As the near-field wireless transfer technology used here, for example, TransferJet or FeliCa (registered trademark) (a coined word combining Felicity and Card) of the contactless IC card standard may be applied. In addition to the external power supply described above, the near-field communication module 1560 may be used for detecting the installation location of the sensor / communication module 1460 at the time of initial setting as described below. Specifically, when the composite module 7_1295-7 corresponding to the sensor / communication module is installed alone in the system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 (or when the device 2_1250-2 incorporating the composite module 6_1295-6 corresponding to the sensor / communication module is installed), as an initial setting, a portable external device (not shown) incorporating a GPS (Global Positioning System) function is brought close to communicate with the near-field communication module 1560. The GPS position information at this time is notified to the system controller α_1126 via the communication module 1202-3. As a result, the position information of the composite module 7_1295-7 alone corresponding to the sensor / communication module (or the device 2_1250-2 incorporating the composite module 6_1295-6 corresponding to the sensor / communication module) is registered in the system controller α_1126. This registered information is stored in the memory unit 1232 (FIG. 2) within the system controller α_1126 as information in the format of FIG. 23 described in, for example, Chapter 2. By incorporating the GPS function and performing initial setting by near-field communication using a portable external device in this way, the installation position of the sensor / communication module 1460 can be known, resulting in an effect that enables detailed service provision to the end user.

[0053] 1.5 Structural Explanation within the Drive / Communication Module More specific and detailed structural examples within the drive / communication module 1470 outlined in Figure 4C are shown in Figures 6A - 6D. When using the externally controllable drive / communication module 1470 as part of the circuitry (circuit internal components) within the device 1250, the circuit component functions often utilize the functions of an 'ON / OFF switch', 'predetermined voltage output', or 'variable resistance value'. In this embodiment, the above standard (most commonly used within the circuit) functions are provided as modules within the specific device 1250. This is characterized by reducing the cost of the corresponding device 1250 and improving the ease of assembly. As an example, among the functions described above, the internal structure of the drive / communication module 1470 providing the 'variable resistance value' function is shown in Figure 6A, the internal structure of the drive / communication module 1470 providing the 'ON / OFF switch' function is shown in Figure 6B, and the internal structure of the drive / communication module 1470 providing the 'predetermined voltage output' function is shown in Figure 6C. Among these, in order to provide the functions of 'variable resistance value' and 'ON / OFF switch', input terminal 1602 and output terminal 1604 are required. A structure in which a variable resistance section 1610 is arranged between the two terminals to enable setting of the variable resistance value between the two is shown in Figure 6A. On the other hand, in Figure 6B, a conduction / cutoff switching section 1614 is installed between the two terminals to form an ON / OFF switch between the two. As specific circuit elements for the variable resistance section 1610 and the conduction / cutoff switching section 1614, CMOS (Complementary Metal-oxide-Semiconductor) type FET (Field-effect Transistor) elements may be used. Here, an element with a gentle gamma characteristic (resistance value characteristic between the input terminal 1602 and the output terminal 1604 with respect to the input voltage applied to the variable resistance section 1610 or the conduction / cutoff switching section 1614, i.e., an element with a gentle change in resistance value even when the applied input voltage value is changed significantly) is used for the variable resistance section 1610, and an element with a steep gamma characteristic (an element in which the resistance value rapidly changes from a conduction state close to '0' to a cut-off state with a'very large' resistance value with a slight change in the input voltage around a predetermined threshold) can be used for the conduction / cutoff switching section 1614.However, in this embodiment, not limited to the above CMOS FET element, any circuit element that provides a function of a variable resistance value or an ON / OFF switch function by some control may be used. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, the terminal that outputs the "predetermined voltage" may be a single terminal of the voltage output terminal 1606. The output voltage output from this terminal is connected to the output of the predetermined voltage generation unit 1618 in the drive module 1670. In this embodiment, as a specific circuit example in the predetermined voltage generation unit 1618, an intermediate voltage is extracted from a constant voltage source generated inside the drive / communication module 1470 or a constant voltage supplied from the outside (for example, a power supply voltage) from a variable resistor connected between the ground line (earth line), and the extracted voltage is maintained by a current supply buffer circuit (an electronic circuit capable of supplying a relatively large external current to maintain the output voltage even when the external impedance is low). However, not limited thereto, any method or circuit capable of generating and maintaining a predetermined voltage may be used.

[0054] In any of FIGS. 6A to 6C, the set value is given from the communication module 1660 located outside the drive module 1670. Here, the feature of this embodiment is that the storage part of the set value is internally owned so that the set value does not change even when the power supply of the drive / communication module 1470 is cut off. The locations corresponding to this storage part are the set resistance value storage unit 1620 in FIG. 6A, the set state storage unit 1624 in FIG. 6B, and the set voltage storage unit 1628 in FIG. 6C. These are all composed of non-volatile semiconductor memories such as NAND (Not And) memories as an example. However, not limited thereto, any non-volatile memory may be used to configure the above storage part. That is, in any of FIGS. 6A to 6C, the set value notified from the communication module 1660 is once passed to the set resistance value storage unit 1620 or the set state storage unit 1624, the set voltage storage unit 1628, and is non-volatilely stored in those storage parts. At the same time, the set value stored from those storage parts is output to control the operations of the variable resistance part 1610, the conduction / cutoff switching part 1614, or the predetermined voltage generation part 1618.

[0055] When the drive modules 1270-1 and 1270-6 are used for controlling or changing the setting states of devices such as the device 1_1250-1 or 5_1250-5 in Fig. 2, an extended form of an existing infrared communication remote control may be adopted as the specific form of these drive modules 1270-1 and 1270-6. That is, a drive / communication module 1470 (a type of composite module 1295) is constituted by the drive module 1270-1 and the communication module 1202-4 in the device 1_1250-1, and can be arranged at a distant position outside the device 1_1250-1 as a "new type of remote control". Similarly, a drive / communication module 1470 (a type of composite module 1295) is constituted by the drive module 1270-5 and a part of the communication module 1202-10 in the device 5_1250-5, and may also be arranged at a distant position outside the device 5_1250-5 as a "new type of remote control". As a specific example image, this "new type of remote control" may be used as an extended system (replacement) of a conventional infrared communication remote control attached to an air conditioner, a television, lighting equipment, etc.

[0056] The internal structure of the drive / communication module 1470 conforming to this usage method is shown in Fig. 6D. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6D, it is possible to handle both the control of transitions between binary states such as "ON / OFF switching" (changing the state setting) and the control related to "changing the detailed state setting with multi-value information". Also, the control of transitions between binary states (changing the state setting) received from the communication module 1660 for the communication information exchanged within the network system α_1132 is stored or updated in the setting state storage unit 1624. On the other hand, the control information related to "changing the detailed state setting with multi-value information" sent from the communication module 1660 is stored or updated in the setting voltage storage unit 1628.

[0057] Then, the information stored or updated in the setting state memory unit 1624 and the setting voltage memory unit 1628 is format-converted by the format conversion unit 1644, and then light emission modulation is performed by the infrared light emitting element 1608 via the infrared light emitting drive circuit 1648, and reaches the remote control compatible infrared light receiving unit in the device 1_1250-1 or 5_1250-5. Based on this, without replacing the main bodies of many existing devices 1_1250-1 or 5_1250-5 such as air conditioners, televisions, and lighting facilities, by simply replacing the existing infrared communication remote control with the drive / communication module 1470 shown in FIG. 6D, there is an effect that the existing device 1250 can be inexpensively and easily incorporated into the network system α_1132.

[0058] Here, for the minimum necessary functions required for the existing remote control, it is not always necessary to store the state when controlling the device 1250. However, since the setting state memory unit 1624 and the setting voltage memory unit 1628 are built into the drive module 1670 in the drive / communication module 1460, there is an effect that the system controller α_1126 can later confirm the control history via the communication module 1660. Note that the NAND (Not And) memory or other non-volatile memories may be used for the setting state memory unit 1624 and the setting voltage memory unit 1628 as described above.

[0059] Here, as the communication information transmitted between the system controller α_1126 and the drive / communication module 1470, the C-format described in detail later in Chapter 2 may be used. In the following, based on the C-format, the transfer method in the drive / communication module 1470 of the communication information exchanged with the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 2 will be described. However, it is not limited to this, and information communication processing may be performed with the system controller α_1126 in any format such as the A-format, the E-format, or other formats.

[0060] First, when the system controller α_1126 issues a command (turns on the power) to start the operation of the existing device 1250, the communication access control information 1830 in the communication information (Fig. 14(d)) from the system controller α_1126 to the corresponding drive / communication module 1470 is set to

[0111] (reset instruction), the multi-value transmission data part CTMDT is set to

[0000] , and the value of the binary transmission data part CT2DT is set to [1] (ON). When the communication module 1660 receives the information, the information of [1] (power on) is transferred / stored in the setting state storage part 1624 in the drive module 1670. Also, the information passes through the setting state storage part 1624 and is notified to the format conversion part 1644, and is converted into information indicating power on with the existing remote control. Then, the converted information is transferred to the infrared light emission drive circuit 1648, and the light emission of the infrared light emitting element 1608 is controlled. Then, the converted information is transmitted to the existing device 1250, and the power of the device 1250 is turned on.

[0061] In the C-format shown in Fig. 14(d), for example, the setting (reset) of multi-value information corresponding to changing the set temperature of the air conditioner or changing the illuminance of the lighting equipment can also be performed together. In this case, the communication access control information 1830 in the communication information (Fig. 14(d)) from the system controller α_1126 to the drive / communication module 1470 is set to

[0111] (reset instruction), and the multi-value transmission data part CTMDT is set to a value other than

[0000] . In this case, in the 5-bit information combining the multi-value transmission data part CTMDT and the binary transmission data part CT2DT, the values from 0% to 100% are respectively assigned the values from

[0010] to

[11111] . Next, when the communication module 1660 receives the information, the changed setting value is converted into a percentage. The information after the percentage conversion is then transferred / stored in the set voltage storage part 1628. Also, the information passes through the set voltage storage part 1628 and is notified to the format conversion part 1644, and is converted into information indicating the changed state setting value with the existing remote control. Then, the converted information operates the infrared light emission drive circuit 1648 to control the light emission of the infrared light emitting element 1608, and the setting state of the existing device 1250 is changed.

[0062] Next, a method for checking the state already set within the drive / communication module 1470 by the system controller α_1126 will be described. In this case, first, communication information in which the communication access control information 1830 is set to

[0011] (response (data) request) is communicated from the system controller α_1126 to the drive / communication module 1470. Then, when the communication module 1660 in FIG. 6D receives the response (data) request from the system controller α_1126, the information already stored in the setting state storage unit 1624 and the setting voltage storage unit 1628 is read out. Then, the result is set in the binary transmission data unit CT2DT or the multi-value transmission data unit CTMDT in FIG. 14(d). Here, the communication access control information 1830 in the communication information communicated from the drive / communication module 1470 to the system controller α_1126 is set to

[0010] (response answer).

[0063] Taking into account the ease of explaining the operation of the drive / communication module 1470 in the present embodiment, the operation of the drive / communication module 1470 has been disclosed in the form of hardware (electric circuit) until now. However, not limited thereto, in the system of the present embodiment, the drive / communication module 1470 may be formed as a software module. However, even when the drive / communication module 1470 is formed as a software module in this way, input / output terminals 1602, 1604, voltage output terminal 1606, or infrared light emitting element 1608 as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D are installed. The following describes the case of using a software module. Processors 1960, 1736 are built into the communication modules 1202-4 to 10 in FIG. 2 and the communication module 1660 in FIGS. 6A to 6D, and perform communication control processing according to a predetermined communication control program. As this communication control program, any programming language executable within the processors 1960, 1736 is applicable.

[0064] Hereinafter, the entire communication control program will be referred to as the "main program", and a set of predetermined small programs called from this main program will be described as a "subprogram module". However, not limited to this, terms used in Java will also be described together, taking into account Java (registered trademark) scripts that do not depend on the OS (Operation System) or Java applets corresponding to HTML / HTML5. In the main program (class) that causes the processor built into the communication module 1660 in FIGS. 6A to 6D to process, processing is executed along with a subprogram module (predetermined method) corresponding to the drive module 1670. In this subprogram module (predetermined method), corresponding processing for the input / output terminals 1602, 1604 or the voltage output terminal 1606 is executed based on the set values preset in the subprogram module (predetermined method). Then, when a setting change command from the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 2 to the drive / communication module 1470 is communicated (command issued), another subprogram module (another method) that performs the "setting value change" process is called in the main program (class) to perform the setting value change process. After that, corresponding processing for the input / output terminals 1602, 1604 or the voltage output terminal 1606 is executed based on the changed set value.

[0065] In the above description, the drive / communication module 1470, which is a type of the composite module 1295, was described as an example. However, not limited to this, any composite module 1295 such as the sensor / communication module 1460, the processor / communication module 1465, or the memory / communication module 1475 may be realized by the software module described above.

[0066] Also, for simplicity of explanation, the description in FIGS. 6A to 6D was omitted, but in the drive / communication module 1470 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, energy conversion means such as a (solar power) generation module 1552, a power storage module (battery) 1554, and a near-field communication module 1560 may be built in, similar to FIG. 5.

[0067] 1.6 Structural Example within Communication Module The structural example within the externally attached communication module 1660 of the antenna 1480 that constitutes the composite module shown in FIGS. 4A to 4F is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In the structural examples within the antenna-integrated communication module 1666 and the communication module 1752 corresponding within the same system shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E, the antenna 1480 corresponding to communication within the same system is built into the communication module 1660 shown in FIG. 7A or FIG. 7B.

[0068] Here, a major feature of this embodiment lies in the fact that the same communication module 1660 can be commonly used among the system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) in FIG. 2, the device controllers 1240-1 and 1240-3 within the device 1_1250-1 or device 5_1250-5, and the composite modules 1_1295-1 and 7_1295-7 existing independently. By sharing the same communication module 1660 among many constituent members (system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) and unit 1290) within the same network system α_1132 in this way, the cost of the communication module 1660 can be reduced using the mass production effect.

[0069] As a specific method for realizing the above features, the communication module 1660 is made to have the functions common to all the composite modules 1295 shown in FIGS. 4B to 4F. Here, the functions common to all the composite modules 1295 shown in FIGS. 4B to 4F are: 1) supporting the common communication protocol used within the same network system α_1132; and 2) corresponding to the information communication of all information related to functions other than the communication function. As described in Sections 1.2 and 1.3, within the unit 1290 and the composite module 1295, since the communication module 1660 is always connected to other function modules having functions other than communication, the function of [2] becomes particularly important.

[0070] And the functions for realizing the above [1] and [2] are provided in the communication module 1660. Specifically, the function of the above [1] is mainly realized by the communication control unit 1700 in FIG. 7A. Also, the function of the above [2] is mainly realized within the interface unit 1710 in FIG. 7A. In FIG. 7A, for easy understanding, the communication control unit 1700 / interface unit 1710 and the areas are described separately for each function. However, it is not limited to this, and the circuits for implementing the above two points may be mixed, or some functions may be shared by the same circuit.

[0071] In addition, as a method for making the communication module 1660 have versatility and be shareable within many composite modules 1295 in this embodiment, the structure of the interface unit (I / F unit) between the communication module 1660 and other function modules 1440 also has features. Specifically, the connection part between the communication module 1660 and other function modules 1440 is separated into a content information I / F unit 1950 and an address information I / F unit 1940, and the connection method is made variable according to the type of the other function module 1440 that is the connection partner. Thereby, the versatility for various other function modules 1440 is improved, and an effect that it can be applied to multi-purpose (diverse) composite modules 1295 is produced.

[0072] Regarding the above features, they will be described in detail below. When the composite module 1295 takes the form of the single-function sensor / communication module 1460 shown in FIGS. 4B and 5, or the single-function drive / communication module 1670 shown in FIGS. 4C and 6A - 6D, if only the address information unique to the composite module 1295 and the address information of the system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) are stored, information communication within the network system α_1132 is established. Therefore, when connecting only one sensor module 1260 (FIG. 4B) or only one drive module 1670 (FIG. 4C) as the other function module 1440 (FIG. 4A), the address information I / F unit 1940 in FIG. 7A is not used.

[0073] On the other hand, when used within the system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) as part of the processor / communication module 1465 in the form shown in FIG. 4D, the address information is different for each unit 1290 (or composite module 1295) that serves as a communication partner within the network system α_1132. Therefore, the address information of the communication partner is notified from the processors 1230 and 1734 in FIG. 4D via the bus line 1490 to the corresponding communication module 1752 within the same system. At this time, the address information I / F unit 1940 is used as the above address information transmission means (information transmission input / output terminal).

[0074] Also, when used within the memory / communication module 1475 as shown in FIG. 4E, it is necessary to specify, via the bus line 1490, the address range in which the recording area 1740 of the management information (table) related information is stored within the memory units 1242, 1246, 1232, and 1248 from the corresponding communication module 1752 within the same system. Thus, within the processor / communication module 1465 shown in FIG. 4D and within the memory / communication module 1475 shown in FIG. 4E, both the content information I / F unit 1950 and the address information I / F unit 1940 in FIG. 7A are connected to the bus line 1490.

[0075] On the other hand, at the end of Section 1.3, a method of connecting to a plurality of other function modules using a common bus line instead of FIG. 4F was described. In this case, the corresponding address of the other function module directly connected to the communication module 1660 is specified in a part of the address information I / F unit 1940. Thereby, it becomes possible to switch the other function module directly connected to the communication module 1660 in a time-varying manner.

[0076] When using wireless as the communication media for network communication within the network system α_1132, on the transmitting side, a current is passed through the antenna 1480 to transmit radio waves, and on the receiving side, the weak current flowing through the antenna 1480 is detected to detect a signal. Then, both current supply and signal detection corresponding to the antenna 1480 are performed within the information communication execution unit 3016.

[0077] On the other hand, the communication information exchanged between the information communication execution unit 3016 and another communication module 1660 via the antenna 1480 has the structure shown in Fig. 11(a). (The detailed description of the communication information shown in Fig. 11 will be described later in Section 2.2.) And the communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) shown in Fig. 11(b) among them is processed within the interface unit 1710 of Fig. 7A. That is, the communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) is analyzed within the content extraction unit 1938, and the necessary information is transmitted to other function modules 1440 via the content information I / F unit 1950. As a specific example, when the communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) in Fig. 11(b) includes status setting change information (control information) for the device 1250 and the drive / communication module 1470, the specific content is decoded within the content extraction unit 1938, and the decoding result is notified to the drive module 1670 via the content information I / F unit 1950. Then, the operation (or status setting change) of the drive module 1670 is started corresponding to the notification content.

[0078] In addition, information input from other functional modules 1440 via the content information I / F unit 1950 is format-converted within the content setting unit 1934 to generate communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT). As a specific example, when the connection destination of the content information I / F 1950 is the sensor module 1260, the sensor information obtained within the sensor module 1260 is converted into communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) within the content setting unit 1934. Then, the communication information is communicated to the system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) via the information communication execution unit 3016 and the antenna 1480.

[0079] The information from FIGS. 11(c) to 11(f) within the structure of FIG. 11(a) is processed within the communication control unit 1700 of FIG. 7A. That is, within the physical layer frame generation unit 1914, the information from FIGS. 11(c) to 11(f) is generated, combined with the information of FIG. 11(b) generated within the content setting unit 1934, and transferred to the information communication execution unit 3016 for transmission of communication information. On the other hand, in the reception of communication information, analysis is performed on the communication information having the structure of FIG. 11(a) within the physical layer frame analysis unit 1918, and the information of FIG. 11(b) extracted there is sent to the content extraction unit 1938.

[0080] Also, when the address information I / F unit 1940 is connected during transmission, the address information of the transmission partner is notified via the address information I / F unit 1940. Then, address information conforming to the format of FIG. 11(a) is generated within the address information generation unit 1924, and the communication information of FIG. 11(a) is generated within the physical layer frame generation unit 1914.

[0081] And when the address information I / F unit 1940 is connected during reception, the information from FIGS. 11(c) to 11(f) is selected within the physical layer frame analysis unit 1918 and transferred to the address information extraction unit 1928. Then, only the predetermined address information is extracted within the address information extraction unit 1928 and passed to the address information I / F unit 1940.

[0082] When this communication module 1660 is used within a single - function sensor / communication module 1460, instead of using the address information I / F section 1940, the address information of the transmission - destination system controller α_1126 (system controller β_1128) is pre - stored in the address information generation section 1924. Thereby, the sense information can be automatically communicated to the system controller α_1126 (system controller β_1128).

[0083] Also, when this communication module 1660 is used within a single - function drive / communication module 1470, instead of using the address information I / F section 1940, its own address information is pre - stored in the address information extraction section 1928. That is, all the wireless information detected in the information communication execution section 3016 is transferred to the content extraction section 1938 and the address information extraction section 1928 via the physical - layer frame analysis section 1918, with each corresponding piece of information. Then, it is sequentially determined whether the received - side address information extracted in this address information extraction section 1928 matches its own address information. Here, if the received - side address information does not match its own address information, the information temporarily stored in the content extraction section 1938 is appropriately discarded. And only when the received - side address information matches its own address information, it is determined as communication information for the corresponding composite module 1295, and the information temporarily stored in the content extraction section 1938 is transferred to the content information I / F 1950.

[0084] The above - described series of processes is controlled by the processor 1960. Although the description of the connection lines of the processor 1960 is omitted in FIG. 7A, it may be the wiring in FIG. 7B where the processor 1736 is directly connected to a bus line BUS or the like, or the processor 1960 and each part may be directly connected individually.

[0085] Another embodiment within communication module 1660 is shown in FIG. 7B. In FIG. 7B, there is a major feature in that a memory section 1790 is built into the communication module 1660. Thereby, when the unit 1290 incorporating the communication module 1660 is moved into another system (for example, when moving from system α_1132 to system β_1134), an effect is produced such that it becomes easy to seamlessly adapt to different systems.

[0086] Where the external module connection section 1778 in FIG. 7B corresponds to the content information I / F section 1950 and the address information I / F section 1940 in FIG. 7A. Also, the signal processing section 1780 in FIG. 7B corresponds to the content extraction section 1938 and the content setting section 1934 in FIG. 7A. And not limited thereto, the signal processing section 1780 in FIG. 7B may further be made to correspond including the address information extraction section 1928 and the address information generation section 1924 in FIG. 7A, or may further be made to correspond including up to the information communication execution section 3016, the physical layer frame analysis section 1918, and the physical layer frame generation section 1914.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7B, the communication module 1660 shown is utilized by being attached, embedded, adhered, or mounted to another functional module 1440 having functions other than communication as shown in FIG. 4A. And by the attachment, embedding, adhesion, or mounting of the communication module 1660, a composite module 1295 is constituted. And as shown in FIG. 3A(b) or (c), a unit 1290 including this composite module 1295 is constituted. And this unit 1290 can take various forms such as parts, products, goods, devices, materials, commodities, etc. Therefore, the communication module 1660 is utilized by being attached, embedded, adhered, or mounted to an integrated object such as any parts, products, goods, devices, materials, commodities, etc. (unit 1290).

[0088] Specifically, the above communication module 1660 has various functional blocks constructed using an integration technology on an insulating substrate 1660-1. The communication module 1660 includes an antenna connection portion 1774 for connecting an antenna ANT_1772 for transmitting and receiving radio 1770. Here, the antenna ANT_1772 may be configured on the insulating substrate 1660-1 of the communication module 1660. And the above communication module 1660 includes an external module connection portion 1778, and can be connected to, for example, a plurality of other functional modules 1766-1, 1766-2, ··· 1766-n through this external module connection portion 1778. Examples of the other functional modules 1766-1, 1766-2, ··· 1766-n include a sensor module 1260 and / or a drive module 1670, a processor module 1680, a memory module 1680, a display module 1226, and the like.

[0089] There are various sensors as the sensor module 1260 used in the other functional modules 1766-1 - 1766-n. The sensors include sensors for temperature detection, humidity detection, pressure detection, strain detection, water quality detection (such as those using scientific reactions, those using filtration, etc.), gas detection (those using scientific reactions), light and dark detection, ultrasonic detection, color detection, pulse detection, etc. One or more of them are selectively set according to the usage environment of the communication module 1660. Also, according to the order, different types of sensors may be prepared in combination. Some sensors are connected to the external module connection portion 1778 via wireless (radio waves, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc.).

[0090] As specific forms of the drive module 1670 used in the other functional modules 1766-1 - 1766-n, an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, a light emitter, a heat emitter, a displacement object (shape memory medium), a stretchable body (rubber), etc. are arbitrarily selected according to the usage purpose.

[0091] Here, one or more of the other function modules 1766-1, 1766-2, ··· 1766-n may be configured on the insulating substrate 1660-1. Also, some of the other function modules may be additionally connected optionally via the external module connection part 1778.

[0092] In addition, the communication module 1660 has a power supply unit 1776 and can be connected to a power source via the power supply unit 1776. The power source may be arranged at a position away from the communication module 1660. Also, a power source mounting part may be provided on the insulating substrate 1660-1, and the power source may be integrated with the communication module 1660.

[0093] By the way, various methods for accumulating electric power in a power source (not shown) are possible as described below. As an example of the method, there is a method in which a current from a power generation element that generates power by sunlight is charged to an accumulation part. And this method corresponds to the combination of the (sunlight) power generation module 1552 and the power storage module (battery) 1554 in FIG. 5. Also, as another method, there is a method in which a current induced in a coil by the influence of an electromagnetic wave is charged to an accumulation part. And this method corresponds to the combination of the near-field communication module 1560 and the power storage module (battery) 1554 in FIG. 5. Further, there is a method in which a voltage generated in a piezoelectric element is current-converted and charged to an accumulation part by applying mechanical vibration to the piezoelectric element. As the mechanical vibration, for example, pressure / vibration by sound, pressure / vibration by a gas (wind, gas, etc.), pressure / vibration by a liquid (water, oil, etc.), etc. can be selectively used. Depending on the usage environment of the communication module 1660, any one method or a combination of a plurality of methods is selected.

[0094] The antenna connection part 1774, the external module connection part 1778, and the power supply part are connected to the signal processing part 1780. Also, inside the communication module 1660, the processor 1736, the memory part 1790, and the signal processing part 1780 are connected via the bus BUS so that they can communicate with each other. Here, based on the application stored in the application storage part 1792 of the memory part 1790, the processor 1736 controls the overall operation of the communication module 1660.

[0095] Then, the above-mentioned processor 1736 and signal processing part 1780 operate based on the application, and perform operations such as capturing the output from the sensor module 1260, outputting control signals to the drive module 1670 and the display module 1226, performing cooperative control processing with the processor module 1666, inputting and outputting recorded information to and from the memory module 1690, supplying transmission signals to the antenna ANT_1772, capturing received signals from the antenna ANT_, writing data to the memory part 1790, or reading data from the memory part 1790.

[0096] Inside the memory part 1790, there are an application change software storage part 1791 and a security target data storage part 1799. Furthermore, inside the memory part 1790, there are a drive module management data storage part 1792, a sensor module management data storage part 1796, a self-attribute data storage part 1793, a lifespan management data storage part 1794, and an operation period management data storage part 1795.

[0097] The drive module management data storage part 1792 inside the memory part 1790 stores the management data of the drive module 1670 connected via the external module connection part 1778. Also, the sensor module management data storage part 1796 stores the management data of the sensor module 1260 connected via the external module connection part 1778.

[0098] For example, during the inspection of the communication module 1660, or when the communication module 1660 is inspected at the time of factory shipment. When a test device (not shown) gives a predetermined command to the communication module 1660 via the antenna ANT_1772 during the inspection, the management data of the drive module 1670 stored in the drive module management data storage unit 1792 and / or the management data of the sensor module 1260 stored in the sensor module management data storage unit 1796 are read out. The read management data is transmitted to the test device via the antenna ANT_1772. Thereby, the test device can know the sensing ability and driving ability of the communication module 1660.

[0099] Although the description in FIG. 7B is omitted, a processor module management data storage unit for storing the management data of the processor module 1680, a memory module management data storage unit for storing the management data of the memory module 1690, or a display module management data storage unit for storing the management data of the display module 1226 may be set inside the memory unit 1790.

[0100] Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of different systems (system α_1132 and system β_1134) are formed within the same domain 2_1122-2. Similarly, within domain 1_1122-1 and domain 3_1122-3, one or more systems (usually a plurality of systems) are formed respectively. Furthermore, for example, differences in the application target fields and usage purposes of each system, such as those corresponding to the consumer field, the social infrastructure field, and the healthcare field, are also allowed. And even when the composite module 1295 or unit 1290 incorporating the communication module 1660 in FIG. 7B moves across a plurality of systems with different application target fields and usage purposes, optimal operation according to each system is possible. That is, between different systems α_1132 and β_1134 within the same domain 2_1122-2, or when the composite module 1295 or unit 1290 moves between different systems within different domains 1_1122-1, 2_1122-2, and 3_1122-3, the operation of the composite module 1295 or unit 1290 is appropriately switched so as to be optimized according to the application target field and usage purpose of the system α_1132 (or system β_1134) to which it belongs. This is a major feature of this embodiment. And to enable that feature, the memory unit 1790 internally includes at least any one of an application storage unit 1792, an application change software storage unit (application change software) 1791, a security target data storage unit 1799 or a self-attribute data storage unit 1793, a lifespan management data storage unit 1794, and an operation period management data storage unit 1795. As a result, there is an effect that flexible system compatibility and general-purpose use of the composite module 1295 or unit 1290 in this embodiment can be achieved.

[0101] As already described, the communication modules 1660 and 1202 shown in FIG. 7B are incorporated to form a composite module 1295 (see FIG. 4) or a device 1250 (see FIG. 2), which is then made into a unit 1290 (FIG. 3A). At the stage of this unit 1290, information may be pre-recorded in at least any one of the above-described application storage unit 1792, security target data storage unit 1799, self-attribute data storage unit 1793, lifespan management data storage unit 1794, and operation period management data storage unit 1795 using external radio waves. Moreover, without being limited thereto, when the user purchases the unit 1290, during the check-in process or plug-in process (described later in Section 4.2) that is executed, the system controller α_1126 may write the above information.

[0102] The above application change software storage unit 1791 is used when there are circumstances such as corrections or changes in the application that controls the operation of the communication module 1660. For example, when the composite module 1295 or unit 1290 incorporating this communication module 1660 moves into a system different from the conventional one (for example, when moving from within system β_1134 to within system α_1132), as described later in Section 4.2, a "plug-in process" is executed each time the belonging system changes. And when there are significant differences in the applicable fields and usage purposes between the system β_1134 before the movement and the system α_1132 after the movement, software for executing a new application is sent from the system controller α_1126 (or system controller β_1128) that manages / controls / operates the system α_1132 after the movement via the communication module 1202-3 in FIG. 2. And the software for executing this new application is appropriately stored in the above-described application change software storage unit (application change software) 1791. And since the processing of the processor 1736 is executed based on the software for executing the new application, when the composite module 1295 or unit 1290 moves to the system α_1132 where the applicable fields and usage purposes are completely different, optimal operation in that system α_1132 becomes possible.

[0103] Here, there are cases where the communication module 1660 requests a new application and cases where an application change command is given from the outside (for example, the system controller α_1126). The timing of application change includes when the communication module 1660 is manufactured and shipped from the factory, or when it is necessary to switch the operation mode during use, when the usage environment of the communication module 1660 is changed (such as moving between systems α_1132 and β_1134), when the usage period of the communication module 1660 expires, and many other cases can be considered. By providing an application change software storage unit (application change software) 1791 inside the memory unit 1790 in this way, the communication module 1660 can freely change, add, or update applications according to the above changes in the usage environment and usage purposes.

[0104] On the other hand, the application storage unit 1792 in the memory unit 1790 in FIG. 7B contains common application software that does not depend on system changes. Therefore, even when the composite module 1295 or unit 1290 incorporating the communication module 1660 moves between different systems, the common application software pre-stored in the application storage unit 1792 is stored / continued to be used without being changed.

[0105] The application software stored in the above-mentioned application change software storage unit (application change software) 1791 and the application storage unit 1792 is described in a predetermined programming language or script language (including machine language). And the application software 3050 may include a predetermined API command 3045 corresponding to a predetermined OS_3030 (or a predetermined one) as described later with reference to FIG. 18B. Moreover, it is not limited to this, and it may be described in Java script as described later with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, or it may be described in machine language and its similar languages. Furthermore, it may be described in a web-related language such as HTML (Hyper-text Markup Language) or XML (Extensible Markup Language).

[0106] The security target data storage unit 1799 can be used when storing highly important information such as personal information. Also, the security target data storage unit 1799 may be used as a part for storing arbitrary data personally.

[0107] For example, as a scenario where the communication module 1660 is used, the communication module 1660 may be embedded in an individual's medical record holder in a hospital. In such a case, personal information (name, age, disease name, medical examination process, etc.) may be stored in the security target data storage unit 1799. Here, the above-mentioned medical record holder is not necessarily used permanently and may be discarded. Moreover, it is not limited to this, and it may be replaced with a new medical record holder. In such a case, the security target data in the communication module of the old medical record holder needs to be erased.

[0108] There are various ways to determine the timing for erasing security target data. For example, there may be a case where the communication module 1660 has not communicated with the system controller α_1126 for a certain period of time or more. In this case, it is determined that the communication module 1660 has been independently discarded or replaced, and the erasure process of the security target data is executed. Also, there may be a case where the system controller α_1126 actively requests the communication module 1660 to erase the security target data. Furthermore, when the sensor module 1260 connected to the communication module 1660 detects a specific atmosphere and / or detection element (e.g., pressure, heat, humidity, liquid, etc.), the erasure process of the security target data may be executed. That is, when the sensor module 1260 detects a specific atmosphere and / or detection element (e.g., pressure, heat, humidity, liquid, etc.) in this way, the processor 1736 automatically determines that the environment has changed to an environment different from the normal self-use environment, and the erasure process of the security target data is executed. Also, not limited thereto, the erasure process of the security target data may be executed when various predetermined conditions are satisfied.

[0109] On the other hand, for example, when it is necessary to move the security target data of an old medical record holder to a new medical record holder when the old medical record holder is replaced with a new one, the system controller α_1126 may perform control such as inheritance or transfer of the security target data.

[0110] In the self-attribute data storage unit 1793, attribute data regarding the handling (e.g., attachment, adhesion, mounting, or embedding) of units (products, parts, materials, commodities, etc.) to which the communication module 1660 is attached, adhered, mounted, or embedded is stored. The specific attribute data may include identification data (e.g., product name, part name, product name) of the corresponding unit, and identification data such as the manufacturing location and manufacturer.

[0111] For example, the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) including the communication module 1660 may be adhered to or embedded in an aluminum beverage can. After use, the aluminum beverage can is discarded and transported to a recycling factory. If information such as "the material of the object adhered to or embedded is aluminum" is stored as attribute data, the beverage can can be automatically classified and processed in the aluminum processing section within the recycling factory. In this case, the entire recycling factory corresponds to the system α_1132, and the classification device within the recycling factory corresponds to the system controller α_1126. Then, the classification device corresponding to the system controller α_1126 sends a specific command to the communication module 1660 to read its own attribute data. Based on the own attribute data, it can be determined what the beverage can is made of.

[0112] On the other hand, the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) including the communication module 1660 may be embedded in a plastic beverage bottle. In this case, the classification device sends a specific command to the communication module 1660 to read its own attribute data and detects that the beverage can is made of plastic. As a result, the classification device can easily and automatically classify and process the beverage can in the plastic processing section. Therefore, not limited to the above example, the own attribute data may be used for any integrated object (parts, products, goods, devices, materials, goods, etc.) to which the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) including the communication module 1660 is attached, embedded, adhered, or mounted.

[0113] When the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) including the communication module 1660 moves across different systems, the environment in which it is placed may change. And the content of the self-attribute data may change progressively according to the environmental change. For example, when the beverage can is displayed in the storefront, the selling price of the beverage can, the display location in the storefront, or the product category may be stored in the memory unit 1790 as the self-attribute data. And in this case, the system controller α_1126 that manages the storefront may use the above self-attribute data to perform inventory management and settlement processing for customers.

[0114] As another example, the case of using the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) as a tag attached to fish will be described. The fish lifted from the sea is transported to the port by a fishing boat, bought by a dealer at the port's wholesale market, transported by car, displayed in the storefront of a supermarket, and purchased by consumers.

[0115] The case where a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for quality control are installed as the sensor module 1260 in the tag (composite module 1295 / unit 1290) integrated with the above fish will be described. At this time, the self-attribute data includes the appropriate temperature range data, the appropriate humidity range data, and the expiration date data. Here, the crew of the fishing boat and the market manager input the above self-attribute data.

[0116] When the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment exceed the appropriate range during the transportation or storage of the fish, the communication module 1660 can output a first warning signal to the system controller α_1126 installed in the fishing boat or the transport truck. Also, when the expiration date is approaching or has passed, the second warning signal and the third warning signal can be output via the antenna 1772.

[0117] Also, at the time of in-store display, sales price, in-store display location, or product category, etc. are added as self-attribute data. In this case, the above self-attribute data is automatically stored in the memory unit 1790 from another system controller α_1126 installed in the store. Then, using this self-attribute data, inventory management and settlement processing for customers can be performed.

[0118] According to the movement of the system to which the composite module 1295 / unit 1290 is arranged (belongs) as described above, the system controller α_1126 that manages / controls / operates the system α_1132 can automatically append or update the above self-attribute data 1793, which is also a feature of the system of this embodiment. Based on this, there is an effect that the flexibility and versatility of using the corresponding composite module 1295 and unit 1290 are greatly improved. That is, by using the above appended / updated self-attribute data, the system controller α_1126 can execute the optimal processing for the system α_1132.

[0119] Moreover, not limited to this, the self-attribute data may be used as data for the communication module 1660 to respond to a specific command (request signal) and output a response signal indicating the presence of the communication module 1660. For example, the communication module 1660 may be embedded in a surgical instrument or an inspection tool for an aircraft or a train. In this case, the work site is regarded as a specific system α_1132, and the system controller α_1126 installed at the work site requests a response from the communication module 1660. Then, based on the presence or absence of a response in the work site (system α_1132), the presence or absence of forgotten items such as surgical instruments and inspection tools at the work site can be determined. In this way, by using the information communication processing related to the self-attribute data, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of forgotten items after surgery or inspection.

[0120] As an example of the use of the self-attribute data 1793 other than the above, owner information of the corresponding unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295 or the device 1250) may be recorded in this area. When the unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295 or the device 1250) in which this self-attribute data 1793 is recorded is commercially available, it is displayed at the storefront as described above. At this time, the inside of the store where it is displayed corresponds to one system β_1134. When the user purchases the above unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295 or the device 1250) and moves it to his / her home, the inside of the user's home where the purchased item is located corresponds to the system α_1132 (see Fig. 1). Therefore, the system in which the unit 1290 is placed changes before and after the purchase of the above unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295 or the device 1250). When this unit 1290 is placed inside the user's home, the system controller α_1126 that manages / operates / collects information inside the new system α_1132 performs the check-in process described later in Section 4.2. At this time, the system controller α_1126 records user information regarding the owner in a part of the above self-attribute data 1793. This user information may be any of the owner's name, the user's ID information, the user's address information, the telephone number information, the email address information, etc., not limited to the owner's name. By recording the user information recorded in a part of the self-attribute data 1793 in this way, it becomes easier to search for the corresponding unit 1290 when it is left outside.

[0121] The above-mentioned owner is not limited to the direct owner of the unit 1290. That is, it includes a person, organization, or company related to the use of the unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295 or the device 1250). It may also be a person, organization, or company related to the use of a product, part, or material in which the composite module 1295 in which this self-attribute data 1793 is recorded is installed, inserted, or mixed in.

[0122] As an example, a tablet or powdered medicine into which the composite module 1295 in which the self-attribute data 1793 is recorded is inserted or mixed is described. For example, when the above medicine is taken in a hospital, facility, or at home, the system controller α_1126 records the name of the person who took the medicine and the date and time of taking it in the self-attribute data 1793. Also, the name of the medicine is recorded in advance in the self-attribute data 1793. Then, even at the destination of the user who took this medicine, the system controller β_1134 installed at the destination can manage "who took what medicine at what time?". For a person with an illness, taking medicine regularly is very important but easy to forget. If the system controller β_1134 manages the medicine-taking situation at all times as described above, it is difficult to forget to take the medicine, which has a beneficial effect.

[0123] By recording a plurality of mutually related pieces of information as the self-attribute data 1793 as described above, an effect is produced in which it becomes easier to manage the usage status of the composite module 1295 (unit 1290) in which the self-attribute data 1793 is recorded with high accuracy.

[0124] Lifetime management data for managing the lifetime of the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) incorporating the communication module 1660 can be stored in the lifetime management data storage unit 1794. This lifetime management data indicates the lifetime period when the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) incorporating the communication module 1660 becomes used up. When this lifetime period has elapsed, the communication module 1660 automatically converges its operation and stops. As a result, unnecessary radio waves are not emitted after the lifetime period.

[0125] For example, regarding the beverage can after disposal or the fish after cooking described above, the use of the corresponding tag (composite module 1295 / unit 1290) becomes unnecessary. By having the lifetime management data storage unit 1794 in the memory unit 1790 and automatically stopping the activity after the lifetime period as described above, generation of unnecessary radio waves in the system α_1132 can be prevented. And by preventing the generation of unnecessary radio waves, an effect is produced in which the information communication efficiency in the system α_1132 is improved.

[0126] Data for setting the operating period of the communication module 1660 can be stored in the operating period management data storage unit 1795. Having an operating period and a sleep period for the communication module 1660 according to the usage environment and usage conditions can improve the power saving effect and also prevent interference with surrounding devices. As the above operating period management data, for example, the operating period and the sleep period can be set in time units, or the operating period and the sleep period can be set according to the sensor output.

[0127] 1.7 Explanation of the overall structure of the wide area network system in this embodiment. The overview of the system in this embodiment has already been described in section 1.1. In contrast, in this section, the structure of the entire wide area network system in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the service provider B_1112-2 obtains goods (or information) from the wholesalers B1_1104-1 and (or) B2_1104-2 that handle similar goods (or information) and provides services.

[0128] Here, the wholesalers A_1102, B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2 mean the original contracting institutions or organizations that handle predetermined goods or information. Specific examples of the said institutions or organizations include not only merchants related to private profit organizations such as incorporated foundations and business corporations, but also public organizations such as countries, local governments, public corporations, and public interest corporations. Therefore, the positioning of the said wholesalers from the viewpoints of the service providers A~C_1112-1~3 is not limited to only the 'commercial transaction partner', but may also correspond to the 'predetermined service consignment destination' or the 'guidance, permission, or approval partner for the predetermined service'. For example, when the said wholesaler corresponds to the commercial transaction partner of the service providers A~C_1112-1~3, the goods handled by the wholesaler may correspond not only to public consumption materials such as electricity, gas, water, and gasoline, but also to general consumption materials, liquid assets such as money, bonds, and precious metals, fixed assets such as real estate, or information with commodity value that is difficult to obtain through ordinary Internet (market research information, information specialized for specific individuals or specific regions (weather information and traffic information limited to a very narrow area, etc.)).

[0129] Next, service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3 in the system of this embodiment mean organizations or groups that provide predetermined services. In particular, these service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3 also have the characteristic of performing "integrated management regarding predetermined services". Further, the services provided by the service provider may correspond to all kinds of services that utilize the information obtained from the sensor module 1260 described later. In particular, some of the information obtained via the network from the sensor modules within domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3 and information related thereto are transmitted to server n_1116-n within this service provider B_1112-2, and based on this, service provider B_1112-2 has a characteristic in that it can provide a predetermined service. Thus, in the system of this embodiment, it is possible to perform an operation of sucking up products and information from within domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3 by service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3. Further, this service provider B_1112-2 owns a plurality of servers 1 to n_1116-1 to n and manages databases 1118-1 to n for each of servers 1 to n_1116-1 to n. Also, cooperative distributed processing is performed among servers 1 to n_1116-1 to n to achieve high-speed processing. Although omitted in FIG. 1, servers and corresponding databases are similarly installed within service provider A_1112-1 and service provider C_1112-3.

[0130] As one specific example of the actual operation of the service provider, products and information unloaded from wholesaler A_1102 or wholesaler B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2 are circulated (including both inflow and outflow) within domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3. This specific service example is shown below.

[0131] α) Retail services for end users of products and information handled by wholesaler A_1102 and wholesaler B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2 β) Services that independently process products and information handled by wholesaler A_1102 and wholesaler B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2 and provide the processed results to end users γ) Providing services determined to be optimal based on information obtained from the sensor module δ) Combinations of the above [α] to [γ] Here, the products handled by the service provider are not limited to the retail of public consumption materials such as electricity, gas, water, and gasoline, but may also include the retail of general consumer goods, the retail of current assets and fixed assets, etc. Moreover, not limited thereto, as the information (products) handled, information with commodity value that is difficult to obtain through ordinary Internet (market research information and information specialized for specific individuals or specific regions (weather information and traffic information limited to a very narrow area, etc.)) may be handled as products.

[0132] On the other hand, service provider A_1112-1 obtains different products (or information) from wholesaler A_1102 than wholesaler B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2 and provides different types of services. Here, between service provider A_1112-1 and service provider B_1112-2, or between service provider B_1112-2 and service provider C_1112-3, information sharing or resource cooperation and lending 1114 are carried out to improve the efficiency and sophistication of the services. Also, within service provider A_1112-1, a predetermined product storage unit 1154 for storing products obtained from wholesaler A_1102 is installed. And in the predetermined product generation unit 1152 within service provider A_1112-1 shown in FIG. 1, new products are manufactured using the products to be obtained from wholesaler A_1102 as materials, or the products (or information) obtained from wholesaler A_1102 are processed to produce new products (or new information). Although omitted in FIG. 1, a predetermined product storage unit 1154 and a predetermined product generation unit 1152 are also installed within service provider B_1112-2 and service provider C_1112-3.

[0133] The predetermined product generation unit 1152 shown in FIG. 1 means a place for generating unique products with unique added value. As a specific example of the form of generating such unique products, processing of raw materials purchased from wholesaler A_1102 can be cited. For example, in the manufacturing industry, a product manufacturing factory or the like corresponds to the predetermined product generation unit 1152. Further, in this embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, a power generation plant that owns solar cells, wind turbines, thermal power generators, geothermal power generators, etc., or a substation or a power transmission station as related peripheral equipment thereof may be corresponded. Further, the system of this embodiment is not limited to the above, and production places of other public consumption materials such as gasoline refineries and water storage facilities can also be corresponded to the form example of the predetermined product generation unit 1152. Furthermore, as another product form other than that, a place for generating "unique information created within service provider A" may be corresponded to the predetermined product generation unit 1152. For example, analysis information newly obtained as a result of analyzing various information publicly available on the Internet, such as market trend information and weather prediction information, also corresponds to one form of the above products.

[0134] In the predetermined product storage unit 1154 shown in FIG. 1, temporary storage of any of the following products (including information) is performed.

[0135] α) Products or information unloaded from wholesaler A_1102 or wholesaler B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2. β) Products or information generated by the predetermined product generation unit 1152. γ) Products or information sucked up from domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3. δ) Combinations of the above [α] to [γ]. For example, when the product for which temporary storage is performed is electricity, the predetermined product storage unit 1154 is composed of a storage battery, a charge / discharge amount monitor unit (corresponding to the smart meter 1124 in system α_1132), and a charge / discharge amount control unit. On the other hand, when the product for which temporary storage is performed is tap water or city gas, it is composed of a water or gas tank, a storage / discharge amount monitor unit, and a storage / discharge amount control unit.

[0136] The side that receives services from the above-mentioned service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3 will be the domain 2_1122-2 or its internal system α_1132 (details will be described later). And it is a system that directly pays the consideration for the service provision to the service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3. As shown in Figure 1 here, the server n_1116-n in the service provider B_1112-2 and the predetermined commodity storage unit 1154 in the service provider A_1112-1 are directly network-connected to the smart meter 1124 installed in the domain 2_1122-2 and the system controller α_1126 described later. Also, as described by the dashed line in Figure 1, the smart meter 1124 is also network-connected to the wholesaler A_1102 and can communicate directly. So in Figure 1, the recipients of the measurement values communicated by the smart meter 1124 are the server n_1116-n in the service provider B_1112-2, the system controller α_1126 in the same system α_1132, or the wholesaler A_1102. However, it is not limited to this, and the measurement values of this smart meter 1124 may be communicated to the system controller β_1134 belonging to a different system β_1134 that exists within the same domain 2_1122-2 or other devices within the same domain 2_1122-2.

[0137] This smart meter 1124 means a device that measures the incoming and outgoing amounts of (similar) commodities entering and leaving between the inside and outside of the domain 2_1122-2 (or the system α_1126) at predetermined time intervals. It mainly refers to the measurement of the incoming and outgoing amounts related to public consumption materials such as electricity meters, gas meters, water supply meters, and sewer meters. In particular, it has the feature that the amount flowing out from the inside to the outside (for example, sold to the outside) can also be collected as a measurement value in parallel with the amount flowing in from the outside to the inside (or consumed inside). However, in the system of this embodiment, it is not limited to the incoming and outgoing amounts of the above-mentioned public consumption materials. For example, the incoming and outgoing amounts of general consumption materials purchased through mail-order sales, etc., liquid assets, or specific information may be measured by the smart meter 1124 and the results may be communicated.

[0138] In particular, in the system of this embodiment, a communication module 1202-1 is built into the smart meter 1124 (Fig. 8A), and it has the function of communicating the measured values of the smart meter at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, the time interval for the above communication can be appropriately changed by the server n_1116-n, the system controller α_1126, the wholesaler A_1102, etc. Also, the timing of communicating the measured values obtained from the smart meter 1124 is not limited to every predetermined time, and it may be communicated appropriately according to the requests of the system controller α_1126, the server n_1116-n, or the wholesaler A_1102. Moreover, not limited to that, it may communicate when the smart meter 1124 spontaneously determines that external communication is necessary.

[0139] An example of the service form provided by the service provider A1102 using this smart meter 1124 will be described below. In this example, predetermined goods and predetermined information pre-stored in the predetermined goods storage unit 1154 in the service provider A1102 are supplied into the domain 2_1122-2 (or within the system α_1132) via the system controller α_1126 or the smart meter 1124. Conversely, the surplus goods remaining in the domain 2_1122-2 (or within the system α_1132) may be returned to the predetermined goods storage unit 1154 via the smart meter 1124. In this case, the difference value between the amount of goods supplied from the predetermined goods storage unit 1154 into the domain 2_1122-2 (or within the system α_1132) and the amount of goods returned to the predetermined goods storage unit 1154 via the smart meter 1124 is used as the amount of goods consumed, and the service provider A_1112-1 issues a charge for it.

[0140] In parallel, goods (or information) may also be directly received using the infrastructure and distribution systems owned or managed by wholesaler A_1102 and wholesaler B1 / 2_1104-1 / 2. That is, following the dashed line connecting from wholesaler A_1102 in Figure 1 to smart meter 1124, goods (or information) handled by wholesaler A_1102 may be directly received within domain 2_1122-2 or within system α_1132 therein via smart meter 1124. Also in this case, information regarding the content and quantity of the goods (or information) received within domain 2_1122-2 is sequentially notified from smart meter 1124 to server n_1116-n within service provider B_1112-2, and based on that notification information, service provider B_1112-2 periodically bills the user. Here, the feature of the system of this embodiment shown in Figure 1 lies in the fact that there are multiple supply routes of goods from wholesaler A_1102 to smart meter 1124, which serves as a window for supplying predetermined goods within domain 2_1122-2 or within system α_1132 (the direct route of the "dashed line" from wholesaler A_1102 to smart meter 1124 and the route via service provider A_1112-1), enabling the provision of a new unique service relying on service provider A_1112-1. The unique effects resulting from leveraging this feature will be described in detail in Section 5.2.1.

[0141] Next, an explanation will be given of domain 2_1122-2 or system α_1132 therein from which services can be received via a wide area network from service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 1, one domain 2_1122-2 is composed of one or more systems α / β_1132 / 1134, and system controllers α / β_1126 / 1128 are individually installed within systems α / β_1132 / 1134. Also, the system controllers α / β_1126 / 1128 are network-connected directly or via server n_1116-n to each other or to the smart meter 1124, enabling information communication therebetween. And within system α_1132, division into a plurality of sections 1 to m_1142-1 to m is allowed (the sections will be described in detail in Chapter 4).

[0142] As described above, the system of this embodiment is characterized in that it allows the coexistence of a plurality of different systems (client systems) at the same time. That is, taking into account the content shown in FIG. 2, a composite client system (corresponding to domain 2_1122-2 in FIG. 1) including a plurality of client systems α_1132 (and β_1134) having a unit 1290 that has a function of acquiring or creating and communicating information and a system controller α_1126 (and β_1128) that acquires and manages the information from the unit 1290. The system controller α_1126 that manages the client system α_1132 included in the composite client system (domain 2_1122-2) divides a plurality of units 1295-1 to -7 to be managed into sections (section 1_1142-1, section 2_1142-1, and section m_1142-m in FIG. 2), and holds information (section information in FIG. 23) regarding the section to which each unit belongs.

[0143] Therefore, the above domains 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3 mean a network space composed of one or a plurality of systems cooperating with each other. In particular, the domain in the system of this embodiment corresponds to "a network space to be the target of various state observations" or "a network space to be the target of a predetermined operation or execution or (related to a specific service) operation execution". Here, in order to participate and act within a specific domain, it may be necessary to have domain-specific identification information ID (Identification Information) and a unique password. Therefore, when one system α / β_1132 / 1134 is corresponded to a specific area that is physically or geographically close, one domain 1 to 3_1122-1 to 3 corresponds to a predetermined area on the network that is managed / used by the constituent members of a specific group that transcends the physical or geographical space.

[0144] Next, the above system α_1132 means the smallest network system unit in which the internal components are interconnected by a network and one system controller α_1126 is installed inside. Also, this network system is managed or operated by the aforementioned system controller α_1126. In particular, the physical or geographical range of one system α_1132 can be positioned as a specific area (for example, an area defined within the action range of one or more specific users within a predetermined time) that is physically or geographically close and related to one or more specific users. Also, one system α_1132 in the system of this embodiment can be specifically associated with a network unit identified by predetermined identification information, such as a PAN (Personal Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or WAN (Wide Area Network). For example, in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.15.4, the setting of individual identification information PANID (Personal Area Network Identifier) for each individual PAN is defined. One PAN defined by this specific PANID may be associated with one system in this embodiment. As another specific example of expression, one system may be associated with one home, the interior of one vehicle, the space around one mobile terminal, or one work station area, etc.

[0145] The above-described system controller α / β_1126 / 1128 refers to a device that is arranged with one or more units within one system and performs communication control, management, and operation within a network system corresponding to the above system α / β_1132 / 1134. Also, as described above, it is connected to a wide-area network outside the system α / β_1132 / 1134 (a network used for information communication with service providers A to C_1112-1 to 3) via the above system controller α / β_1126 / 1128. Further, the above system controller α / β_1126 / 1128 incorporates a processor for collecting signals and information obtained from one or more sensor modules (sensor module 1260 described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 9) within the same system α / β_1132 / 1134 and performing appropriate processing. Specific examples of the system controller may include a single PC (Personal Computer), mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablets, and mobile phones, a distribution board with a built-in processor, a refrigerator with a built-in processor, or a TV or a recorder capable of recording or a recorder that only records audio. Also, a processor may be built into the smart meter 1124 itself to give the smart meter 1124 the function of the system controller α_1126, or a processor and a communication module (communication module 1202 described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 9) may be built into a remote control for an air conditioner, TV, lighting fixture, etc. and used as a system controller. However, not limited thereto, in this embodiment, any processor-built device with a program set to collect signals and information obtained from sensor modules within the system and provide appropriate services to the user may be made to correspond to the system controller. Also, one system controller may be configured based on the combined / cooperative operation of a physically plurality of devices (Devices).

[0146] Particularly, when a remote controller with a built-in processor and communication module used as a system controller is fixed to a wall or a shelf by screwing or temporarily placed in a movable manner, a unique usage method (and the resulting effects) will emerge. However, in this case, it is necessary to fix or place it in a location where infrared communication is possible with main devices such as air conditioners, televisions, and lighting fixtures. Furthermore, sensor / communication modules related to temperature sensors, wind sensors, or short-range human presence sensors (described later with reference to FIG. 8B) are installed throughout the room to enable in-system communication within System α_1132 between the above remote controller (system controller α_1126). As a result, it is possible to provide efficient services to users, such as preferentially and accurately controlling the temperature only in places where multiple users are present in the room, or controlling the display method of a naked-eye TV so that it can be seen stereoscopically simultaneously at the locations of multiple users. This results in the effect that by simply replacing the existing remote controller with the remote controller with the above system controller function, the existing main devices (such as air conditioners, televisions, and lighting fixtures) that have already been installed can be operated more efficiently without being replaced.

[0147] In the conventional technologies called M2M (Machine to Machine) or IoT (Internet of Things), all signals and information obtained from the in-home sensor modules of each household were collected by a cloud server (corresponding to the servers n_1116-n in FIG. 1), and in many cases, services were directly provided to end-users from the cloud server. In this case, the system controller α_1126 only functioned as a gateway or router shown in FIG. 9 to relay the transmission of signals and information on the network. In such a conventional technology, (1) since the user's personal information was easily transmitted to the relatively public servers n_1116-n, there was a problem from the perspective of protecting the user's personal information. (2) There was a problem with the vulnerability of the entire system that when a trouble occurred in the communication line between the system controller α_1126 or the smart meter 1124 and the servers n_1116-n, the service to the end-user would be delayed. In this embodiment, the system controller α_1126 is not limited to the function of relaying the transmission of signals and information on the network as a gateway or router, but also performs specific processing including the determination, integration, processing of signals and information from the sensor modules collected by the built-in processor, or the unique service to the user based on them. Thereby, in this embodiment, (1) Since the system controller α_1126 independently determines whether each signal or information can be transmitted to the servers n_1116-n, the protection of the user's personal information is ensured. (2) Based on the signals and information collected from the sensor modules, the system controller α_1126 can provide a unique service to the user according to its judgment, and moreover, this service can be executed regardless of the presence or absence of communication line trouble with the servers n_1116-n, so the robustness of the entire system is improved. Effects such as the following occur. In particular, the system controller α_1126 in the present embodiment integrates the information obtained from the sensor module 1260 to determine / estimate the user's actions (such as the presence or absence of the user and actions such as sleep / wakefulness) and situations (for example, whether the user is a child / adult), and further has a function that can even estimate the user's requests. As a result, even in the absence of the servers n_1116-n, an effect is produced in which it is possible to independently provide a comfortable service to the user within the domain 2_1122-2.

[0148] Also, a major feature of the system of the present embodiment is that collaborative work is possible among a plurality of system controllers α / β_1126 / 8 within the same domain 2_1122-2. Therefore, one system controller α_1126 can collect signals and information obtained from all sensor modules (not shown, including sensor modules arranged within the system β_1134) existing within the same domain 2_1122-2. As a result, the system controller α_1126 has the effect of being able to provide the optimal service within the system α_1132 to the user by integrating and using the information within the same domain 2_1122-2.

[0149] In the system of this embodiment, as an intensive operation mode among a plurality of system controllers α / β_1126 / 8 within the same domain 2_1122-2, as shown in FIG. 1, there are, for example, a network path for directly exchanging information between system controllers α / β_1126 / 8 using wireless communication or the like, and a network path for indirectly exchanging information between system controllers α / β_1126 / 8 via server n_1116-n using, for example, the Internet path. There are two such network paths, which is a characteristic. As a result, an effect is produced in which the user can receive a variety of services. For example, when the system controller α_1126, which is a home PC, and the system controller β_1128 corresponding to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet are physically close, information can be exchanged at high speed via WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or WPAN (Wireless Personal Local Area Network). On the other hand, by using an Internet line including a wired connection in the middle, an effect is obtained in which information exchange between the two is guaranteed regardless of how far apart they are physically. Also, on the other hand, by directly exchanging information between the two, a private service can be obtained independently without involving server n_1116-n, so the risk of personal secret information leaking to server n_1116-n with relatively high publicity can be prevented. On the other hand, server n_1116-n can obtain information that cannot be obtained within domain 2_1122-2, such as regional weather forecast information and traffic congestion information, by using another network path. Therefore, by indirectly exchanging information between system controllers α / β_1126 / 8 via server n_1116-n, a variety of services utilizing the information uniquely owned by server n_1116-n can be provided to the user. By appropriately switching the network communication path in this way, an effect is also produced in which more diverse services desired by the user can be provided. Here, as described above, since the system controller α_1126 itself can estimate the user's behavior and state or the user's desires / requirements, the connection path between system controllers α / β_1126 / 8 can be switched according to the independent judgment of system controller α_1126.

[0150] 1.8 Explanation of the Local Network System Structure in this Embodiment. In Section 1.1, an overview of the structural example within the local network system configured within System α_1132 included in Domain 2_1122-2 shown in FIG. 1 has already been given with reference to FIG. 2. In this 1.8 section, application examples of other embodiment systems other than FIG. 2 described above will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8A to 9.

[0151] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, each device (Device) 1250-1 to 3 incorporates communication modules 1202-4 to 6, enabling information communication within the same System α_1132. Also, sensor modules 1260-1 to 5 or drive (Actuator) module 1270-1 are incorporated within devices (Device) 1250-1 to 3. In contrast, in FIG. 8B, the related state between communication modules 1202-4 to 6 and sensor modules 1260-1 to 5 is grasped or managed under the concept of sensor / communication modules 1460-1 to 5. Similarly, the related state between communication module 1202 and drive module 1270 is grasped or managed under the concept of drive / communication modules 1470-1 to 2. Moreover, not limited thereto, as described in Section 1.3, it is comprehensively managed under the concept of a composite module 1295 that collectively refers to concepts such as processor / communication module 1465, memory / communication module 1475, display / communication module 1478, etc. Thus, a single composite module may exist alone, such as sensor / communication module 1460-5 in FIG. 8B.

[0152] In the system of this embodiment, a smart meter 1124 is installed to automatically measure the usage amount (or integrated amount) of public consumption materials such as electricity, gas, and water supply / sewerage used in total within one system (for example, within system α_1132) at each predetermined time, and to automatically transmit the measurement data periodically. Actually, different smart meters 1124 are installed individually for each public consumption material such as electricity, gas, and water supply / sewerage, but only one smart meter 1124 is shown as a representative in FIGS. 8A / B. Also, not limited to the above, the usage amount (or integrated amount) of the above public consumption materials for each of the sections 1_1142-1 and 2_1142-2 described later may be automatically measured / automatically transmitted.

[0153] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, a discharge amount monitor unit 1206 (for example, a sold electricity measurement unit) is installed separately from the inflow amount monitor unit 1208 (for example, a purchased electricity measurement unit) in the smart meter 1124. Then, using this discharge amount monitor unit 1206, the amount of discharge (sold electricity) of the surplus of public consumption materials in system α_1132 to the wholesaler A_1102 is measured. And each measured value (or integrated value) obtained in the smart meter 1124 is periodically reported to the server n_1116-n via the communication module 1202-1. Also, in parallel, it is reported to the wholesaler A_1102.

[0154] The communication module 1202 shown in FIG. 8A or FIG. 9 indicates a communication functional unit capable of communicating information using wired or wireless means. As for the wired communication corresponding to this communication functional unit, all communication methods may be involved, starting from local video signal transmission lines and audio signal transmission lines and reaching Ethernet (registered trademark)-compatible communication related to telephone lines and the Internet. As for the wireless communication corresponding to the above communication functional unit, all wireless communication methods may be involved, including short-distance wireless methods such as ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), and Z-Wave, medium-distance wireless methods such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) and EnOcean, and long-distance wireless methods such as 2G / PDC, GSM (registered trademark) (Second Generation / Personal Digital Cellular, Global System for Mobile Communications), 3G / CDMA (Third Generation / Code Division Multiple Access), and WiMAX (World wide Interoperability for Microwave Access).

[0155] Particularly in the system of this embodiment, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 10A, the communication modules 1202 and 1660 have the function of executing the minimum necessary process processing. Thereby, the processing and execution of the communication protocol (communication information) having the structure from FIG. 11 to FIG. 15B as described later in Chapter 2 are process-processed within the above communication modules 1202 and 1660. As this process processing, for example, process processing conforming to a basic (standard) application with versatility such as a Java script that does not require a specific OS may be applicable. Moreover, it is not limited thereto, and process processing corresponding to ECMA Script, or the decoding function of HTML (Hyper-text Markup Language) or HTML5 and the execution of a Java applet corresponding thereto may be applicable. Furthermore, not limited to the above-mentioned existing general-purpose scripts, an original process method may be adopted.

[0156] In FIGS. 8A and 9, the communication module 1202 is built into the system controller α_1126, the smart meter 1124, and various devices 1250 in common, enabling information communication with each other. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, a sensor module 1260 or an actuator module 1270 is built into the various devices 1250.

[0157] In the system of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, a plurality of devices 1250-1 to 3 installed in the same system α_1132 communicate with the system controller α_1126 via the built-in communication modules 1202-4 to 6 and the communication module 1202-3, respectively. Here, as shown in FIG. 8A, devices 1250-2 and 3 that incorporate only one or more (plural) sensor modules 1260-3 to 5, device 1250-1 that incorporates both one or more (plural) sensor modules 1260-1 and 2 and an actuator module 1270-1, and a device 1250 (not shown) that incorporates only the actuator module 1270 are allowed to exist. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, a mixed arrangement of device 1250-1 that incorporates a device controller 1240-1 and has a memory unit 1242 capable of sequentially storing / managing history information regarding the sensor modules 1260-1 and 2 and the actuator module 1270-1 and devices 1250-2 to 3 that do not have them is possible.

[0158] Therefore, similar to within service provider A_1112-1 described in Section 1.7 using FIG. 1, by having a function equivalent to the predetermined product generation unit 1152 or a function equivalent to the predetermined product storage unit 1154 within system α_1132, it becomes possible to secure and temporarily hold the surplus of the above-mentioned public consumption materials. In FIGS. 8A / B, as an example of the function corresponding to the predetermined product storage unit 1154, an example of the use of the (car) battery 1220 is shown. However, not limited thereto, in the system of this embodiment, any device having the function of the predetermined product generation unit 1152 or the predetermined product storage unit 1154 may be installed within system α_1132. For example, a battery center or a water storage tank (such as a storage device) may be installed on a building-by-building or area-by-area basis to temporarily hold the surplus of the public consumption materials generated within the building or area.

[0159] In FIGS. 8A / B, as a specific example for convenience, an example of using a (car) battery 1220 will be described. Here, one vehicle interior space is made to correspond to one section 1_1142-1 described later. Therefore, all information detected inside the vehicle (for example, gasoline consumption, engine speed, vehicle interior temperature, individual human body information of the passengers, etc.) is detected by the sensor module 1222, and the result is transmitted to the system controller α_1126 via the communication module 1202-2. Similarly, inside this section 1_1142-1 (inside the vehicle), an inflow amount monitor unit 1218 for measuring the amount of charge to the (car) battery 1220 and an outflow amount monitor unit 1216 for measuring the amount of electric power discharged (sold) from the (car) battery 1220 to the outside are installed, and each measured value is transmitted to the system controller α_1126 via the communication module 1202-2. Particularly in the system of this embodiment, an outflow amount control unit 1212 that can accurately control the amount of electric power discharged (sold) from the (car) battery 1220 to the outside and an inflow amount control unit 1214 that can accurately control the amount of electric power charged to the (car) battery 1220 are installed. Both are connected to the system controller α_1126 via the communication modules 1202-2 and 3. Therefore, the system controller α_1126 can feedback the amount of discharge (sold) electric power sequentially measured by this discharge amount monitor unit 1216 to the discharge amount control unit 1212 to accurately control the amount of electric power discharged (sold) to the outside. Similarly, the system controller feedbacks the amount of inflow (purchased) electric power sequentially measured by this inflow amount monitor unit 1218 to the inflow amount control unit 1214 to accurately control the amount of electric power charged to the (car) battery 1220.

[0160] In Section 1.7, it has already been described that the system controller α_1126 performs communication control, communication state management, and operation within the corresponding system α_1132 (network system). As shown in FIG. 8A, this system controller α_1126 incorporates a processor 1230. This processor 1230 collects information from all the sensor modules 1222, 1260-1 to 5 within the same domain 2_1122-2 and sequentially stores it as history information in the memory unit 1232. Similarly, the command information for the drive module 1270-1 is also stored as history information. Furthermore, the system controller α_1126 has a user I / F unit 1234 inside, enabling direct input of requests from the user and display of the current progress status to the user. However, it is not limited to this, and the user I / F unit 1234 may be installed outside the system controller α_1126 and connected via the communication module 1202-3.

[0161] Particularly in the system of this embodiment, instead of automatically transferring all the information regarding all the sensor modules 1222, 1260-1 to 5 and the drive module 1270-1 within the domain 2_1122-2 to the server n_1116-n, a major feature lies in that the system controller α_1126 (the processor 1230 inside) autonomously selects and transmits only the necessary information to the server n_1116-n. As a result, the effect of protecting the user's personal information is achieved. Also, not limited to the above selection of information, some processing or analysis may be performed on the above information, and only the results may be notified to the server n_1116-n. Thereby, since the server n_1116-n can collect only the minimum necessary information, it also has the effect of improving the efficiency of the integrated management process performed within the service provider B_1116-1.

[0162] Furthermore, in the system of this embodiment, the system controller α_1126 (the processor 1230 therein) can collect unique information from the server n_1116-n via the communication module 1202-3 and store it in the memory unit 1232. This unique information means information that cannot be obtained from within the domain 2_1122-2, such as traffic congestion information, regional weather prediction information, and time-varying price information of public consumption materials. The system controller α_1126 (the processor 1230 therein) analyzes / analyzes the information accumulated in the memory unit 1232 in this way to estimate / judge the behavior, state, or requirements of the end user. Then, based on this estimated / judged content, the system controller α_1126 (the processor 1230 therein) controls within the system α_1132 (or the domain 2_1122-1) to provide the optimal service to the end user. As an example of this service provision method, the drive module 1270-1 in FIG. 8A may be remotely operated. In this way, the system controller α_1126 (the processor 1230 therein) can integrally analyze / analyze the information collected from the sensor modules 1222, 1260-1 to 5 and the server n_1116-n and the command history to the drive module 1270-1, so that it is possible to provide unique services such as fine-grained services to users within the domain 2_1122-2, which was difficult in the past. Furthermore, such unique services within the domain 2_1122-2 can be stably provided even in a communication failure state with the server n_1116-n due to system troubles, thus ensuring the robustness of the services provided to the end user.

[0163] An application example of the system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 8A is shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, a processor 1330 or device controllers 1240-1 to 2 are built into all devices 1250-1 & 4 within the domain 2_1122-2 except for the smart meter 1124 and the router (gateway) 1300, and direct information exchange with the server n_1116-n is possible via the router (gateway) 1300 with a built-in battery.

[0164] Here, the processor 1330 built into section 1_1142-1 (inside one vehicle) not only controls the amount of power charged / discharged from the (car) battery 1220, but also performs all kinds of controls such as air-conditioning management inside the vehicle and combustion control of an engine with good fuel efficiency. These related information can be transmitted to server n_1116-n via the router (gateway) 1300 (or directly). Also, all communication modules 1202-1 to 7 are network-connected to server n_1116-n via the router (gateway) 1300. Here, in the application example shown in FIG. 9, the router (gateway) 1300 does not perform any discrimination or selection, and automatically transfers all information from devices 1250-1 / 4 to server n_1116-n, which is a significant functional difference from the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 8A.

[0165] On the other hand, in the application example shown in FIG. 9, memory units 1244 and 1246 are built into all devices 1250-1 / 4 within domain 2_1122-2. Then, the signals and information detected by sensor modules 1260-1 to 7 at all times are sequentially stored in memory units 1244 and 1246 in chronological order. Also, the command information appropriately issued from device controllers 1240-1 to 2 to drive modules 1270-1 to 3 is sequentially stored in memory units 1244 and 1246. And using the information stored in these memory units 1244 and 1246, device controllers 1240-1 to 2 can provide unique services for each of devices 1250-1 to 4 to the end user. When providing this service, using the history of the detection signals and measurement information from sensor modules 1260-1 to 7 that change every moment and are stored in memory units 1244 and 1246, the actions, states, or requests of the end user are estimated / judged within device controllers 1240-1 / 2, and drive modules 1270-1 to 3 are controlled (details will be described later in Sections 4.2 to 4.4).

[0166] The feature of the application example shown in FIG. 9 is that the management or control of the entire corresponding network communication system α_1132 is performed from outside the physical space area formed by the “network communication system α_1132” or that there is a place within the physical space area formed by the “network communication system α_1132” that does not have the system controller α_1126 for performing the management or control of the entire corresponding network communication system α_1132. From such a perspective, the management and operation of information communication within the in-system network line 1782 formed between the devices 1250-1 and 4 within the system α_1132 via the battery-integrated router (gateway) 1300 may be performed by the system controller β_1128 installed at a position physically separated from the system α_1132 instead of the servers n_1116-n.

[0167] As a further application example, a "hybrid form" may be adopted between the embodiment system shown in FIG. 2 or FIGS. 8A / B and the embodiment system shown in FIG. 9. In this case, as relay means inside and outside the system α_1132, both the system controller α_1126 and the router (gateway) 1300 with a built-in battery may be provided. Also, the management, operation, or control of the entire network communication system α_1132 may be performed in cooperation by both this system controller α_1126 and the system controller β_1128, or usually only by the system controller α_1126. And frequent information exchange is performed between this system controller α_1126 and this system controller β_1128, and all the information necessary for information collection for each of sections 1_1142-1 to m_1142-m and service provision to users is shared between the two companies. In this case, the related files stored in the memory section 1232 in the system controller α_1126 are appropriately copied mutually with the corresponding memory section 1248 in the system controller β_1128 by mirroring. The description of the address table in FIG. 23, the estimation / judgment collation table in FIG. 27, and the time-series information tracking table in FIG. 28, which are examples of the information necessary for information collection for each of sections 1_1142-1 to m_1142-m and service provision to users, will be described later. By appropriately sharing information between the system controllers α_1126 and β_1128 in this way, processing within the stable system α_1132 can continue without crosstalk even if the subject of management / operation or control is switched (or mixed) midway. Also, not limited to this, the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n may cooperate to perform the management, operation, or control of the entire network communication system α_1132. And in this case, in the same manner as above (using mirroring, etc.), all the information necessary for information collection for each of sections 1_1142-1 to m_1142-m and service provision to users may be shared between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n. By performing the management, operation, or control of the entire network communication system α_1132 with a plurality of devices arranged at different positions in this way, it is possible to respond flexibly in the event of an emergency, etc., and thus there is an effect of improving the stability and reliability of the network communication system α_1132.For example, if the system controller α_1126 shuts down due to some unexpected situation, or all the information stored in the memory unit 1232 is destroyed due to a head crash or the like, as an emergency measure, it will automatically switch to the system controller β_1128 or the server n_1116-n, and the processing of the system α_1132 can continue stably without giving any stress to the user. Moreover, not only that, for example, since the user can operate the system controller β_1128 from a remote location to collect information from the network communication system α_1132 and control within the network communication system α_1132, the convenience of the user is improved. Also, within the system α_1132 in this case, devices 1250-1, 4 incorporating the device controller 1240 and the memory unit 1242, devices 1250-2, 3 without the device controller 1240 and the memory unit 1242, or composite modules collectively referred to as, for example, the sensor / communication module 1460 and the drive / communication module 1470 described later may be mixed.

[0168] A supplementary explanation regarding the above-mentioned "hybrid form" will be given. As shown in FIG. 5, the composite module 1295 (or unit 1290) arranged within the network system α_1132 often has a power storage module (battery) 1554. Therefore, even if a power outage occurs within the system α_1132, most of the composite modules 1295 (or units 1290) will continue to operate without being affected. Furthermore, in the system of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, since a battery is built into the router (gateway) 1300 that relays information communication inside and outside the system α_1132, it is not affected by the power outage within the network system α_1132. Therefore, if means for backing up the management / control within the network system α_1132 are set when unexpected events such as power outages and failures occur, the information communication within the system α_1132 can continue smoothly without being affected by the unexpected events themselves such as power outages and failures.

[0169] As already explained in Section 1.1, "The only system controller α_1126 manages / controls / operates / collects information for information communication within the network system α_1132." During normal operation, the system controller α_1126 manages / controls / operates / collects information for information communication within the network system α_1132. However, in the event of an unexpected situation such as a power outage or a failure, the system controller β_1128 temporarily takes over the management / control / operation / information collection of information communication within the network system α_1132. Ordinarily, the system controller β_1128 may be treated as one unit 1290 belonging to the network system α_1132.

[0170] Also, as already explained in Section 1.1 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system controller α_1126 that manages / controls / operates / collects information for information communication within the network system α_1132 communicates with each unit 1290 within the network system α_1132 for information communication within the network system, and also conducts information communication outside the system with servers n_1116 - n (cloud or cloud server) existing outside the network system α_1132. When the system controller β_1128 temporarily takes over from the system controller α_1126 in the event of an unexpected situation such as a power outage or a failure, it is desirable that information communication with each unit 1290 and the servers n_1116 - n be carried out in the same communication information format as before the temporary takeover. This is because by using the same communication information format, the temporary takeover process can be carried out smoothly and seamlessly.

[0171] As will be described later in Section 2.1 with reference to FIG. 10A, the communication information in the communication middleware layer APL02 between the system controller α_1126 and the composite module 1295 can use the C-format. On the other hand, the communication information in the communication middleware layer APL06 between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n (cloud or cloud server) may use the A-format, E-format, W-format, etc. Therefore, when the system controller β_1128 performs the substitution process instead of the system controller α_1126, it is desirable to perform the same information communication. That is, the communication information in the communication middleware layer APL02 between the system controller β_1128 and the composite module 1295 uses the C-format, and the A-format, E-format, W-format, etc. are used for the communication information with the server n_1116-n (cloud or cloud server).

[0172] In this way, the features of the client system resulting from combining the content described later in Section 2.1 using FIGS. 10A and 17A with the system of the present embodiment described above are summarized below. That is, this client system (system α_1132) can be connected to an external cloud (server n_1116-1 in FIG. 1) via the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 10A, the router (gateway) 1300 in FIG. 17A, or the system controller β_1128. Furthermore, this client system (system α_1132) includes a first system controller α_1126 that acquires and manages the information from a unit 1290 (or a composite module 1295) having a function of communicating information acquired or created independently, and a second system controller β_1128 different from the first system controller α_1126 that acquires and manages the information from the unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295). The first system controller α_1126 divides and manages a plurality of units 1290 (or composite modules 1295) into sections 1142 (FIG. 1) and holds information regarding the sections to which each unit belongs (the address table in FIG. 23 or the time-series information tracking table in FIG. 28 described later in Section 4.3). It is an electronic device system, and the communication between the second system controller β_1128 and the plurality of units 1290 (or composite modules 1295) uses a first data format (C-format in FIG. 17A), and the communication between the second system controller β_1128 and the cloud (server n_1116-1 in FIG. 1) uses a second data format (A / E / W-format in FIG. 17B).

[0173] It has already been described that the system controller β_1134 may treat a single unit 1290 belonging to the network system α_1132, which the system controller α_1126 manages / controls / operates / collects information, as a single unit during normal operation. Also, in the system of this embodiment, information communication between different units 1290 within the same network system 1132 is possible via the network system α_1132. And as described above, when information communication occurs between the system controller α_1126 and the unit 1290, the communication information in the communication middleware layer APL02 can use the C-format. Therefore, even when information communication occurs between the system controller α_1126 and the system controller β_1128, using the C-format for the communication information in the communication middleware layer APL02 has the effect of facilitating the management / control / operation / information collection of the system controller α_1126.

[0174] On the other hand, even when the system controller β_1134 normally communicates information with the server n_1116-n (cloud or cloud server), it is desirable to use the A-format, E-format, or W-format for the communication information in the communication middleware layer APL06. Thereby, when the use of the system controller α_1126 becomes impossible due to a power outage or a failure, etc., the effect is produced that the temporary substitute processing regarding the management / control / operation / information collection of the network system α_1132 can be performed smoothly and seamlessly.

[0175] In other words, it can be expressed as follows. That is, this client system (system α_1132) can be connected to an external cloud (server n_1116-1 in FIG. 1) via the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 10A, the router (gateway) 1300 in FIG. 17A, or the system controller β_1128, and further includes a first system controller α_1126 that acquires and manages the information from the unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295) having the function of communicating the information uniquely acquired or created, and a second system controller β_1128 that is different from the first system controller α_1126 and acquires and manages the information from the unit 1290 (or the composite module 1295). The second system controller β_1128 communicates with the plurality of units 1290 via the first system controller α_1126 using a first data format (such as the C-format), and uses a second data format (the A / E / W-format in FIG. 17B) for the communication between the second system controller β_1128 and the cloud (server n_1116-n in FIG. 1).

[0176] Therefore, in many cases, the previous rephrasing was made with the awareness of the cooperative processing or alternative processing between the relatively system controller α_1126 and the system controller β_1128. However, not limited to this, the features of the single embodiment system in FIG. 9 where the system controller α_1126 does not exist from the beginning can also be described as follows. That is, this client system (system α_1132) can be connected to an external cloud (server n_1116-1 in FIG. 1) via (the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 10A or the router (gateway) 1300 in FIG. 17A or the system controller β_1128), and further has a unit 1290 (or a composite module 1295) that has the function of communicating information obtained or created independently, a system controller β_1128 that acquires and manages the information from the unit 1290 (device 1250 in FIG. 9), and a gateway 1300 that has the function of communicating between the unit 1290 (device 1250 in FIG. 9), the system controller β_1128. The system controller β_1128 divides and manages a plurality of units 1290 (devices 1250 in FIG. 9) into sections 1_1142-1 and 2_1142-2, and holds information (the address table in FIG. 23 or the time series information tracking table in FIG. 28 to be described later in Section 4.3) regarding the sections 1_1142-1 and 2_1142-2 to which each unit 1290 (device 1250 in FIG. 9) belongs. It is an electronic device system that uses a first data format (such as C-format) for communication between the system controller β_1128 and the plurality of units 1290 (devices 1250 in FIG. 9), and uses a second data format (A / E / W-format in FIG. 17B) for communication between the system controller β_1128 and the cloud (server n_1116-n in FIG. 1).

[0177] 1.9 Utilization Examples of Composite Modules in a Local Network System In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A or 9, the basic communication partners of the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 8A or the server n_1116-n in FIG. 9 are devices 1250-1 to 4. Conventionally, since the basic functions were predetermined for each device, the content of the network communication information (communication protocol or exchange information 1810 in the communication middleware layer APL described in Chapter 2) adapted to the basic function of each device was predefined in the standard specification. However, as each device evolves / develops and diversifies over time, it becomes difficult to quickly adapt the standard specification to the equipped functions of each device that change moment by moment. For example, the basic function of a television is "to receive broadcast waves and display the content to the user". However, current high-end televisions in Japan have not only the above basic function but also a data communication function or a recording function using a network line. Also, although not very popular yet, a naked-eye 3DTV (3 Dimensional Television) has a function to detect the position information of the viewing user. Furthermore, in the future, there is also a possibility that a light sensor will be built into the television (to optimally control the brightness of the display screen). Considering such diversification and expandability of each device, if the communication information format (exchange information 1810) or communication protocol with devices 1250-1 to 4 has versatility, it will lead to the drawback of increasing the price of devices 1250-1 to 4 with high-performance device controllers 1240-1 to 2 built in to decode the communication information. That is, it is difficult for devices 1250-2 or 1250-3 in FIG. 8A to decode complex communication information with versatility, and it is necessary to build in a device controller 1240 for performing various controls within the device according to the decoding and the decoding result.

[0178] As a countermeasure, in FIG. 8B, it is possible to install sensor / communication modules 1460-1 to 5 or drive / communication modules 1470-1 to 2 belonging to the composite module 1295 either inside or outside the devices 1450-1 to 4 in a standalone state.

[0179] For the sake of convenience of explanation, all the devices 1450-1 to 4 in FIG. 8B have a structure incorporating the sensor / communication modules 1460-1 to 4 and the drive / communication modules 1470-1 to 2 belonging to the composite module 1295. However, it is not limited to this, and the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A(c) may be adopted. That is, for example, the above composite modules 1295 (sensor / communication module 1460 or drive / communication module 1470) may be additionally incorporated in the devices 1250-1 to 4 shown in FIGS. 8A and 9. In this case, information communication regarding the basic function of each device (for example, the function of "receiving a broadcast wave and displaying its content to the user" in the previous example) is handled within the devices 1250-1 to 4 shown in FIGS. 8A and 9. And information communication regarding the newly developed and diversified additional new functions is directly borne by the newly additionally incorporated composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470. And regarding the entire functions possessed by the highly diversified / evolved device 1250, integrated management / grasping and control are performed within the system controller α_1126. As a result, a new effect is produced that facilitates the expandability (expandability of built-in sensor / drive types) when adding new functions to conventional existing devices. Furthermore, since the functions of each of the above composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470 are very limited and simplified, a further effect is also produced that the communication information exchanged between the above composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470 and the outside can be greatly simplified. When the communication information exchanged with the outside is thus greatly simplified, it becomes unnecessary to incorporate the high-performance device controllers 1240-1 to 2 for decoding / control of complex communication information, and it becomes easy to reduce the cost and size of the above composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470.

[0180] In the description example of FIG. 8B, the device 1450-1 and the device 1450-2 are arranged in the section 2_1142-2, and the devices 1450-3 to 4 are arranged in the section m_1142-m. However, the installation locations of the devices 1450-1 to 4 do not necessarily have to be fixed, and the end user may carry any of the specific devices 1450-1 to 4 and shift them into another section.

[0181] Similarly, in the embodiment system of FIG. 8B, within the smart meter 1124 and also within section 1_1142-1 (for example, corresponding to an entire vehicle), the sensor modules and drive modules are individually integrated with the communication module. As a result, as shown within the smart meter 1124 in FIG. 8B, the emission monitor / communication module 1406 and the inflow monitor / communication module 1408 are configured and are individually network-connected to the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n. Similarly, section 1_1142-1 is composed of the emission monitor / communication module 1416, the inflow monitor / communication module 1418, the emission control / communication module 1412, and the inflow control / communication module 1414, and each is individually network-connected to the system controller α_1126 (processor 1230 therein) via the communication module 1202-3. Here, the emission monitor / communication module 1406, the inflow monitor / communication module 1408, and the emission monitor / communication module 1416 and the inflow monitor / communication module 1418 correspond to the sensor / communication module 1460. Also, the emission control / communication module 1412 and the inflow control / communication module 1414 correspond to the drive / communication module 1470. In this case, the system controller α_1126 collectively collects (and stores in the memory unit 1232) all the detection signals and measurement information obtained from the sensor / communication modules 1460-1 to 5 within the system α_1132 or the emission monitor / communication modules 1406, 1416 and the inflow monitor / communication modules 1408, 1418. Also, for all the drive / communication modules 1470-1 to 2 within the system α_1132 and the emission control / communication module 1412 and the inflow control / communication module 1414, the system controller α_1126 collectively controls (issues commands). As a result, with a single system controller α_1126, efficient integrated management and control of all the devices 1450-1 to 5 within the system α_1132 and high-quality service provision to the end user become possible.

[0182] Furthermore, in the example of the embodiment system shown in FIG. 8B, there is an effect that devices 1450-1 to 5 can be manufactured at a very low cost. That is, by mass-producing a large number of standard composite modules 1460 and 1470 with versatility, these composite modules 1460 and 1470 can be manufactured at a significantly low cost. And there is no need for any new interface part connecting between these composite modules 1295, 1460, and 1470, and it can be incorporated into the corresponding devices 1450-1 to 5 very easily and inexpensively at just the physical arrangement level. And when it becomes possible to supply the drive / communication modules 1470-1 to 2 at a low cost, the number of drive / communication modules 1470-1 to 2 incorporated into the devices 1450-1 to 5 can be increased compared to the example of FIG. 8B. Furthermore, as a method of incorporating the composite modules 1295, 1460, and 1470 into the devices 1450-1 to 5, it is not limited to screw fixing. For example, provisional fixing using double-sided tape or adhesive tape by the end user may be performed. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8B, one sensor / communication module 1460-4 to 5 is built into each of the devices 1450-1 and 1450-3, and a plurality of sensor / communication modules 1460-2 to 3 are built into the device 1450-2. However, by using the method described above, it becomes easy for the end user to reattach a specific sensor / communication module 1460-2 to 5 to another device 1450.

[0183] In the system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, instead of the sensor / communication module 1460-5 being built into the device 1450, it is installed alone at an arbitrary location within a specific section 1142 (or within the domain 1122). As a method of installing such a sensor / communication module 1460-5 (or the composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470) alone, for example, the user may use a fixing member such as tape, adhesive, or a staple to fix the sensor / communication module 1460 (or the composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470) to the wall, roof, or floor, or may mix it into the paint and paint it onto the wall, roof, or floor. Furthermore, although not shown, the drive / communication module 1470 may be installed alone at an arbitrary location within a specific section 1142 (or within the domain 1122) (for example, in the form of a remote control for controlling an air conditioner, television, lighting equipment, etc.).

[0184] As another example of the system of this embodiment, the composite modules 1295, 1460, and 1470 may be movable with the user, and the change history of the positions of the composite modules 1295, 1460, and 1470 may be measured to collect the user's behavior history information. Further (not shown), the drive / communication module 1470 may be movable with the user, and the state change (e.g., change in air conditioning or brightness) within the section 1142 (or within the domain 1122) may be controlled from the location where any user is present within the section 1142 (e.g., controlling an air conditioner, a TV, lighting equipment, etc.). Here, as a method of making the composite modules 1295, 1460, and 1470 movable with the user, for example, they may be temporarily fixed or attached to portable items such as glasses, typing devices, shoes, and wallets that the user usually wears, using tape or adhesive. Or they may be firmly fixed with screws, etc., or may be incorporated inside the portable items.

[0185] Chapter 2: Overview of the Hierarchical Structure and Data Structure of Communication Information In Chapter 1, the structure of the entire system of this embodiment was described using FIGS. 1 to 9. In this Chapter 2, an explanation will be given regarding the characteristics and detailed content of the data structure (communication protocol content) of the communication information that is communicated with each other within the scope of this embodiment described in Chapter 1.

[0186] 2.1 Hierarchical Structure of Network Communication - Related Functions in This EmbodimentRegarding the network communication used in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A / B and FIGS. 16 to 17B, it has a significant feature in that it has a hierarchical structure for each function. In the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06 corresponding to the lowest physical functions shown in FIGS. 10A / B and FIGS. 16 to 17B, regulations regarding the physical communication media necessary for network communication are made. When using cabled or wired Ethernet as a specific example of this physical communication media, cables and connectors having the shapes and characteristics defined by the standard specifications of the above physical layer PHY06 are used. On the other hand, when using wireless as this physical communication media, it is adapted to the frequencies, channels, modulation methods, basic communication frame configurations, etc. defined by the standard specifications of these physical layers PHY02 and PHY06.

[0187] In the media access layers MAC02 and MAC06 corresponding to the access functions on the communication media located above these physical layers PHY02 and PHY06, information necessary for correctly transmitting communication information between nodes connected to the network (device 1250 in FIG. 8A or composite modules 1460 and 1470 in FIG. 8B) is defined. Also, in the top - level extended application layer EXL06 and communication middleware layers APL06 and APL02, various service provisions using network communication (corresponding to various service - providing functions using communication) are defined.

[0188] By providing such a hierarchical structure corresponding to each function, it becomes possible to select / combine the optimal format for each layer according to the characteristics and performance of the communication partner. As a result, the present embodiment system as a whole can achieve the effect of reducing the cost (of the composite modules 1460 and 1470 shown in FIG. 8B) while enhancing the functionality of communication information (with the device 1250 shown in FIG. 8A). A specific example of this effect will be described below. First, in the physical layer PHY02 and the media access layer MAC02, a Z-format corresponding to short-range wireless communication, which is optimal for "power saving" required for the composite modules 1460 and 1470 (details will be described later in Section 2.3), can be adopted. Further, in order to optimize for "cost reduction" required for the composite modules 1460 and 1470, a C-format in which "communication information is simplified" (details will be described later in Section 2.5) may be adopted in the communication middleware layer APL02. On the other hand, in order to conform to the enhanced functionality of communication required between the server n_1116-n and the device 1250-1, an A-format (details will be described later in Section 2.7), an E-format (details will be described later in Section 2.6), or a W-format that enables communication of multiple pieces of information simultaneously may be used in the communication middleware layer APL06, and the communication information in the extended application layer EXL06 may also be utilized.

[0189] Also, as an intermediate layer of communication information having the above hierarchical structure (a layer higher than the media access layers MAC02 and MAC06 and lower than the communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06), the present embodiment has the following feature in a place where information defined by the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 corresponding to the Internet communication (internet protocol) function can be communicated "commonly". Here, "communicable commonly" means that communication information defined by the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 (details will be described later in Section 2.4) can be communicated commonly during communication with all nodes connected to the network within all the system embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 8B (which means communication objects corresponding to the communication source and destination of network communication, and specific examples in the present embodiment include device 1250 in FIG. 8A, servers n_1116-n, wholesaler A_1102, or composite modules 1460, 1470 in FIG. 8B, etc.). Explaining this situation in another way, it is as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, the communication information used (transmitted) in the external network line 1788 and the internal network line 1782 (detailed content will be described later) of the system to be described later may commonly include information defined by a standard corresponding to the same Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6. Here, the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 defines communication protocols on the Internet and performs address management and communication route management on the Internet. Therefore, according to the standard defined by this Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6, regardless of the types of nodes such as wholesaler A_1102, servers n_1116-n, system controller α_1126, devices 1250-1, composite modules 1460, 1470, etc., it is possible to set unique IP addresses (Internet Protocol Addresses) for each and every node (communication object). Thus, when communicating between different systems within the same domain 2_1122-2 in the system of the present embodiment (when communicating between system α_1132 and system β_1134 in FIG. 1), the use of the above IP addresses results in the effect that the management of communication partners is greatly simplified (details will be described later in Section 2.8).As a specific example of the effect, for instance, from a business trip destination overseas (corresponding to the location of system β_1134 in FIG. 1), using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet (corresponding to system controller β_1128 in FIG. 1), it becomes possible to collect necessary information from the sensor / communication module 1460 in the home (corresponding to the location of system α_1132 in FIG. 1), or to operate the drive / communication module 1470, greatly improving the convenience for the user. Also at this time, since the business trip destination (system β_1134) and the home (system α_1132) are protected within the same domain 2_1122-2 where intrusion from other external sources is impossible, sufficient strong security protection is provided.

[0190] First, using the embodiment system model shown in FIG. 8B, the hierarchical structure (architecture) for each function related to network communication is shown in FIG. 10A. Here, in FIGS. 10A and 10B, since the embodiment system model shown in FIG. 8B is kept in mind, the composite modules 1460 and 1470 are described as the network nodes on the right end. Further, instead of the composite modules 1460 and 1470 as the network nodes on the right end arranged within the in-system network line 1782, the communication modules 1202-5 and 6 (and sensor modules 1260-3 to 5) within the devices 1250-2 and 3 that do not incorporate the device controller 1240-1 described in FIG. 8A may be corresponded.

[0191] Here, the left side of FIG. 10A shows the hierarchical structure (architecture) for each function related to the communication between the server n_1116-n in FIG. 8B and the system controller α_1126. Also, the right side of FIG. 10A shows the hierarchical structure (architecture) for each function related to the communication between the system controller α_1126 in FIG. 8B and each of the composite modules 1460 and 1470.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 1, in the system of this embodiment, the server n_1116-n can be installed at a location physically outside the area where the system α_1132 to which the system controller α_1126 belongs exists. Therefore, as shown on the left side of FIG. 10A, communication between the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126 uses the off-system network line 1788. And for this off-system network line 1788, an Internet line via wired or wireless may be used. However, it is not limited thereto, and the use of a network line used within a relatively narrow range such as a LAN (Local Area Network) is also possible.

[0193] As the above physical communication media using wired connections, fiberoptic cables may be used. However, it is not limited to this, and as other physical media corresponding to the above wired connections, any of the signal transmission means such as electric cords, telephone wires, or power lines may be used. Also, as the signal form to be transmitted above, either analog signals or digital signals may be used. Not only the physical form of such communication media and the difference in the signal form transmitted therein, but also the communication standards at the physical layer PHY06 differ depending on the communication line management company and the country or region that manages / supervises the communication. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, all communication standards at the physical layer PHY06 via an existing line are collectively referred to as the "L-format". On the other hand, when wireless is used at the physical layer PHY06 as the external network line 1788 of the system, communication standards of long-distance wireless systems such as 2G (Second Generation) or 3G (Third Generation), or WiMAX (World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access) may be used. Furthermore, not limited to this, in the system of this embodiment, communication information conforming to any wireless communication standard including medium-distance wireless systems can be used. And all wireless communication standards from such long-distance wireless systems to medium-distance wireless systems are collectively referred to here as the "G-format".

[0194] In contrast, all of the composite modules 1460 and 1470 shown in FIG. 8B are commonly arranged within the system α_1132 managed by the system controller α_1126. And the physical formation range of this system α_1132 is limited to a relatively narrow area. Therefore, information communication between the system controller α_1126 and the composite modules 1460 and 1470 is performed using the in-system network line 1782 in FIG. 10A. And to distinguish it from the communication standards such as the "G-format" and "L-format" used in the out-of-system network line 1788 described above, the communication standard used in the physical layer PHY02 of the information communicated within the in-system network line 1782 is collectively referred to as the "Z-format". In the system of this embodiment, either wireless or wired (or a mixture thereof) may be used as the in-system network line 1782 described above.

[0195] On the other hand, the standards used in the media access layer MAC02 / 06 shown in FIG. 10A are often studied / proposed by the same standard-setting organization together with the physical layers PHY02 / 06. Therefore, within the media access layer MAC06 transmitted on the out-of-system network line 1788 between the server n_1116-2 and the system controller α_1126, the "L-format" or "G-format" can be used in accordance with the physical layer PHY06. Similarly, the "Z-format" can be used within the media access layer MAC02 transmitted on the in-system network line 1782 between the system controller α_1126 and the composite modules 1460 and 1470. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the Z-format may be used for the physical layer PHY02, and the L-format or G-format may be used for the media access layer MAC02. Alternatively, the L-format or G-format may be used for the physical layer PHY06, and the Z-format may be used for the media access layer MAC06.

[0196] The processing of information related to each function from the physical layer PHY06 to the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 described above (mainly communication control processing) is executed by communication modules 1768 and 1202-3 in the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126. Among the communication modules 1660 in the composite modules 1460 and 1470 whose internal structures were described in FIGS. 5 and 66, at least functionally, it may be divided into a communication control unit 1700 and an interface unit 1710 in common. And within this communication control unit 1700, the processing of information related to each function from the physical layer PHY02 to the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 (mainly communication control processing) is performed.

[0197] The information related to each function from the physical layer PHY06 to the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 until now was mainly related to communication control and had little relation to, for example, the functions, operations, and performance of the device 1450. On the other hand, the communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06 and the extended application layer EXL06 in FIG. 10A are related to various service provision functions using network communication. And the processing of communication information related to the functions of the communication middleware layer APL06 and the extended application layer EXL06 (mainly processing related to service provision to users) is executed by processors 1738 and 1230 in the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126. In contrast, the information related to the functions of the communication middleware layer APL02 communicated via the in-system network line 1782 within the same system is processed within the interface unit 1710 in the communication module 1660 in the composite modules 1460 and 1470. In this way, the feature of the system of this embodiment is that all communication information communicated via the in-system network line 1782 can be processed within the above communication module 1660 without using an expensive processor in the composite modules 1460 and 1470. By not requiring the built-in of an expensive processor in this way, the effect of being able to provide the composite modules 1460 and 1470 at low cost is produced.

[0198] Among the information communicated via the off-system network line 1788, the major feature of the system of this embodiment lies in that unique information that can be used only on specific application software installed on both the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126 is stored in the extended application layer EXL06 and can be communicated. Thereby, differentiation between the application software installed on both the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126 becomes possible. As a result, competition-based development among the application software of each company is promoted, which can promote the progress of application software technology and also improve the convenience for users. Furthermore, by using the unique information stored in the extended application layer EXL06, the quality of the services provided by the application software to users can also be improved. When the performance and additional extended functions of the devices 1250-1 and 2 shown in FIGS. 8A and 9 improve / develop in the future, there will be a need to sequentially upgrade the standard specifications of the A-, E-, and W-formats used in the communication middleware layer APL06 accordingly. However, since a very complicated operation is required for the version upgrade of the standard specifications, there arises a problem that it is difficult for this standard version upgrade to keep up with the performance improvement and additional function extension of the devices 1250-1 and 2. On the other hand, by the application software vendor utilizing the above-mentioned extended application layer EXL06, there is also an effect that the performance improvement and additional function extension of the devices 1250-1 and 2 can be easily coped with without waiting for the standard version upgrade. Since the information stored and communicated in the extended application layer EXL06 can be freely set depending on a specific software vendor in this way, there is no need to prescribe in advance the description format of the communication information here as a world standard.

[0199] In contrast, for communication information related to the service provision function of the communication middleware layer APL02 / APL06, information conforming to a standardized format such as, for example, A-, E-, W-, or C-format may be used. When the communication information related to the service provision function of the communication middleware layer APL02 / APL06 conforms to a predetermined standard format in this way, the compatibility between the servers 1116, between the system controllers 1126 / 1128, and between the composite modules 1460 and 1470 becomes easier to achieve.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 25, both the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126 have a large-capacity memory unit 1232 (and database 1118-n) and a high-speed and powerful processor 1738 / 1230. Therefore, a wide variety and large amount of communication information corresponding to various service provisions can be set in the communication middleware layer APL06 transmitted between the two. In contrast, it is difficult to incorporate a processor capable of corresponding to various service provisions within the composite modules 1460 and 1470. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment in response to the above situation, for information communication with the composite modules 1460 and 1470, a format different from the format (such as A-format, E-format, W-format, etc.) used in the communication middleware layer APL06, such as C-format, may be used in the communication middleware layer APL02. In particular, by relatively simplifying the C-format (details will be described later in Section 2.5) used in the communication middleware layer APL02, not only can the processing burden within the composite modules 1460 and 1470 be reduced to enable cost reduction, but also the consumption of the built-in power storage module (battery) 1554 can be reduced by improving the relative processing speed and shortening the processing time. However, the system of this embodiment is not limited thereto, and A-format, E-format, or W-format, etc. may be used for information communication with the composite modules 1460 and 1470.

[0201] Here, the switching (conversion) process between the information used within the communication middleware layer APL02 included in the communication information using the in-system network line 1782 and the information used within the communication middleware layer APL06 included in the communication information using the out-of-system network line 1788 is processed within the system controller α_1126. Here, within the communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06 of the system of this embodiment, the communication information used within the in-system network line 1782 and the communication information used within the out-of-system network line 1788 do not necessarily have to completely match, and they may be partially different from each other. This processing method will be described below. As already described in Sections 1.1 and 1.7 and as further shown in FIG. 8B, the system controller α_1126 manages and operates the network communication within the network system α_1132. And all the information detected by all the sensor / communication modules 1460 obtained sequentially in real time through the in-system network line 1782 and all the state information controlled (set) by the drive / communication module 1470 are appropriately stored as management information 1744 in the memory unit 1232 within the system controller α_1126. Here, the above management information 1744 may be stored in a table format as a management table. Further, when taking a form in which FIGS. 8A and 8B are mixed, the system controller α_1126 also stores the information (such as detection information and current state information) of all the devices 1250 at the same time as a part of the above management information 1744. And this system controller α_1126 extracts only the specific information within the above management information 1744 within the range where the personal information of the user is protected, and communicates the information to the server n_1116-n via the in-system network line 1788. And the information communicated to the server n_1116-n is stored in the database 1118-n as management information 1748 (which may be in the form of table-formatted information) managed by the server n_1116.In this way, by having the system controller α_1126 perform the conversion (information switching) between the communication information used within the communication middleware layer APL02 and the communication information used within APL06, not only is the user's security protected, but also the processing of the servers n_1116 - n is simplified by pre-screening and receiving only the minimum necessary information.

[0202] Combining the content described above with the overall overview of the system of this embodiment already described in Section 1.1, the following features arise for the client system. That is, it is connectable to an external cloud (the servers n_1116 - n in FIG. 1), and includes a system controller α_1126 for managing information, and a unit (units 1_1290 - 1 to 7_1290 - 7 in FIG. 2) having a function of acquiring, creating, or transmitting information provided to this system controller α_1126. This system controller α_1126 divides a plurality of existing units into sections (sections 1_1142 - 1 to m_1142 - m in FIG. 1) to be managed, and is an electronic device system that holds information regarding the sections to which each unit belongs. The communication between the system controller and the plurality of units (composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470 which are a type of the plurality of units) uses a first data format (corresponding to the C - format or Z - format in FIG. 10A), and the communication between the system controller α_1126 and the cloud (the servers n_1116 - n in FIG. 10A) uses a second data format (corresponding to the A / E / W - format or L / G format). In particular, the first data format and the second data format are different data formats.

[0203] And as will be described later in Section 2.2, the first data format consists of a header (corresponding to the physical layer header PHYHD in FIG. 11), a first data (data from the MAC layer header MACHD to the TCP header TCPHD in FIG. 11), and in addition to the first data, a second data (communication middleware data APLDT).

[0204] When performing communication processing of communication information having the above characteristics with the above system controller α_1126 in between, it has the following characteristics. That is, the system controller α_1126 converts the communication information obtained from the above unit (the composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470 which are a kind of the above unit) into the above second data format (the A / E / W-format or L / G-format in Fig. 10A) and transmits it to the above cloud (server n_1116-n), and changes the information communicated from the above cloud (server n_1116-n) into the above first data format (C-format or Z-format) and transmits it to the above unit (the composite modules 1295, 1460, 1470 which are a kind of the unit).

[0205] Here, the unit has a function of transmitting information provided to the system controller (performed by the communication module 1660 shown in Fig. 4A), a function of detecting external environment information (such as temperature, illuminance, etc.) as the above information (performed by the sensor module 1260 in Fig. 4B), or a state change function of changing the state of the unit itself which is the basis of the information to be transmitted (performed by the drive module 1670 in Fig. 4C). Therefore, the unit acquires or creates information in the above first data format as part of the above communication function.

[0206] For the sake of convenience of explanation, in Figs. 4A to 4C, the communication module 1660, the sensor module 1260, and the drive module 1670 are described separately. However, it is not limited to this, and in this embodiment, they may be used interchangeably or some functions may overlap. In that case, the above detecting function or the above state change function in the unit and the above communication function will be used interchangeably.

[0207] Also, when the communication module 1660 has the structure in Fig. 7A, the function of the communication module 1660 may be realized by a combination of all functional circuits without using the processor 1960 described in Fig. 7A. In this case, the unit will not have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for processing the above information in the unit.

[0208] Next, regarding the description of the feature comparison between each communication information used (transmitted) within the same system network line 1782 and outside the system network line 1788 in the same communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06, FIG. 10B is used. For communication between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n via the system external network circuit 1788, communication information conforming to the A-format or E-format may be used. In the system of this embodiment, the A-format includes any format described in a broad text format as communication information related to the communication middleware layer APL. On the other hand, as will be described later in section 2.6, the E-format includes any format using the form of storing setting codes in a predetermined area within the area of the communication middleware data APLDT (see section 2.2). In particular, the A-format and E-format have the feature that "information including plural items can be communicated (transmitted) at once". Here, the system external network circuit 1788 used for this information communication has a risk that the network line may be temporarily congested depending on the usage status of other users. Therefore, if a method of repeating communication between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n very frequently is adopted, there is a risk that communication between the two companies will stagnate only during the period when the network line is abnormally congested. In contrast, as shown in this embodiment, by adopting a format that can communicate information with multiple contents at once, the communication frequency between the two can be reduced and the risk of communication stagnation can be reduced. However, in the system of this embodiment, not limited to this, communication information conforming to the C-format or W-format may be used for communication between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n.

[0209] In the above A-format or E-format, a plurality of tables in a template format defined in advance are specified according to the type of exchange information 1810 communicated between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n. Information indicating which type of table preset as a template is to be adopted is included in the exchange information 1810 as the type identification information 1840 of the exchange information. By sharing the thus-communicated exchange information (table) 1810 between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n, the efficiency of information processing between the two companies is improved. That is, by installing application software including the processing routine of the above exchange information (table) 1810 on both the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n, it becomes possible to provide a high-level service to the user.

[0210] On the other hand, information indicating the purpose of use of the exchange information (table) 1810 to be notified to the receiving party is included in the above exchange information (table) 1810 as communication access control information 1830. For example, as the above communication access control information 1830 in the E-format, codes corresponding to "write request", "read request", "notification request", "write / read request", "write response", "notification", "read response", "notification response", "write / read response", etc. to the receiving party are respectively set. Also, in the above communication access control information 1830 in the A-format, "(meaning a state setting instruction to the receiving party or notification of the sender's state to the receiving party) 'WRITEONLY'", "(meaning a request for an answer regarding the current state of the receiving party) 'READONLY'", or "READWRITE" etc. can be described in the exchange information (table) 1810 in the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format.

[0211] Although not shown in FIG. 10B, as another method of information communication via the off-system network line 1788, the World Wide Web may be used. This method corresponds to the W-format of FIG. 10A, and the server n_1116-n or the system controller α_1126 also has the function of a web server. In this case, the transmission side of the communication information (either the server n_1116-n or the system controller α_1126) designates the receiving party (the opposite side of the server n_1116-n or the system controller α_1126) based on the URL (Uniform Resource Location), and automatically writes the communication information into the writing field specified in the form format within the homepage. When the information communication is completed, the receiving side stores the received information (or its processing result) in the management information 1744 or 1748 according to a program preset by PHP (a term obtained by recursively abbreviating Hypertext Preprocessor) or a Java applet. Here, by providing a plurality of writing fields specified in the form format within the same homepage, it is possible to set a situation where "information of multiple contents can be communicated (transmitted) at once", and the above-described effects can also be exhibited in the W-format. Therefore, the W-format in the system of this embodiment includes any format in which "the transmission side fills in the writing field specified in advance by the receiving side to perform information communication". Moreover, not limited thereto, any format in which "tags unique to HTML or HTML5 are described" may also be classified as the W-format.

[0212] As described above, in the information communication between the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126 via the off-system network line 1788, measures are taken to reduce the communication frequency. In contrast, in the same-system network line 1782, since the system controller α_1126 manages and operates the communication lines within the network system, there is no risk of network line congestion and communication stagnation. Moreover, in order to conform to the cost reduction and miniaturization of the composite modules 1460 and 1470, simplification of communication information in the communication middleware layer APL02 for the composite modules 1460 and 1470 is achieved. As a specific example, information communication in any of Cases 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 10B can be performed. In this Case 1, for example, a command (command issuance) 1852 for changing the setting state (state control) of the drive / communication module is issued from the system controller α_1126, and the execution result of the command 1852 is answered from the drive / communication module. On the other hand, in Case 2, for the purpose of collecting sense information (detection information) by the sensor / communication module 1460, a request 1872 is issued from the system controller α_1126, and the sensor / communication module 1460 answers with the sense information (detection information) as the response 1874. Also, when the sensor / communication module 1460 notifies the system controller α_1126 of the sense information (detection information) at an arbitrary timing (or a preset regular timing), periodic / non-periodic reporting 1894 may be performed as in Case 3.

[0213] Note that in the system of this embodiment, the information communication method is not limited to the above, and other communication methods may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when a device 1250-1 incorporating a device controller 1240-1 and a memory unit 1242 is installed in the system α_1132, for information communication on the in-system network line 1782 between this device 1250-1 and the system controller α_1126, as shown in FIG. 16, communication middleware layer APL06 or extended application layer EXL06 compliant with A-format, E-format, or W-format may be used. As an example of the embodiment in this case, application software that can utilize the above extended application layer EXL06 may be pre-installed in the server n_1116-n. Then, after obtaining the user's permission via the user I / F unit 1234 (described in FIG. 8A), the system controller α_1126 may automatically perform an installation process of the above application software on both the system controller α_1126 itself and the corresponding device 1250. At this time, the system controller α_1126 accesses the server n_1116-n and transfers the application software pre-stored in the database 1118-n. In this way, by relaying the system controller α_1126, the out-of-system network circuit 1788 and the in-system network circuit 1782 are connected to enable automatic installation of the application software up to the corresponding device 1250, so that an environment where the above extended application layer EXL06 can be utilized can be automatically constructed without imposing a burden on the user, and an effect of ensuring the ease of correspondence and flexibility within the network system of the newly functionally extended latest device 1250 is produced. However, in the system of this embodiment, it is not limited to the above. For example, for information communication in the communication middleware layer APL06 between the system controller α_1126 and the device 1250 shown in FIG. 16, communication information compliant with C-format may be used.

[0214] When devices 1250-1 and 4 are directly connected to servers n_1116-n via router (gateway) 1300 as shown in Fig. 9, router (gateway) 1300 is placed between devices 1250 and servers n_1116-n instead of system controller α_1126 in Fig. 16. In the extended application layer EXL06 and communication middleware layer APL06 in this case, the same communication information is used both within the external network circuit 1788 of the system and within the internal network circuit 1782 of the same system. Furthermore, in this case, since unique IP addresses are set for each of devices 1250 and servers n_1116-n, direct information communication can be performed between devices 1250 and servers n_1116-n using the transmission-side IP address information SIPADRS and reception-side IP address information DIPADRS set within the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer (details will be described later in Section 2.4 using Fig. 13). Also, for information communication in the communication middleware layer APL06 between devices 1250 and servers n_1116-n in this case, communication information conforming mainly to the E-format or A-format is used. However, the system of this embodiment is not limited thereto, and the C-format or W-format may also be used. By using the same communication information both within the external network circuit 1788 of the system and within the internal network circuit 1782 of the same system in this way, there is an effect of significantly reducing the relay processing load of router (gateway) 1300. However, different formats may be used in the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06 and media access layers MAC02 and MAC06 (in the example of Fig. 16, the Z-format is used for the network line 1782 within the same system, and the L-format or G-format is used for the external network line 1788 of the system). And in this case, format conversion is performed within router (gateway) 1300.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 1, when information communication is performed between system controllers α_1126 and β_1128 that belong to the same domain 2_1122-2 but different systems α_1132 and β_1134, a communication method similar to that between the system controller α_1126 and the server n_1116-n shown on the left side of FIG. 10A may be used. In this case, the same communication information as that on the external network line 1688 of the system may be used in all layers from the physical layer PHY06 to the extended application layer EXL06. In this case, similar to the above description, automatic installation of application software may also be performed for the system controller β_1128. Therefore, for information communication in the communication middleware layer APL06 in this case, communication information compliant mainly with the E-format or A-format is used. However, in the system of this embodiment, it is not limited thereto, and the C-format or W-format may be used. And the formats used in the physical layer PHY06 and the media access layer MAC06 in this case are: ○ When the distance between systems α_1132 and β_1134 is far, the L-format or G-format is used; ○ When the distance between systems α_1132 and β_1134 approaches, the Z-format may be used. Here, the L-format and G-format enable information communication anywhere in the world, but on the other hand, the communication time is relatively long. Instead, the Z-format has a characteristic that the communication range is limited while the relative communication time is short. Therefore, by switching the format used according to the distance between the two, the effect of being able to appropriately utilize the advantages between the two formats is produced.

[0216] Next, consider a case where FIG. 1 and FIG. 8B are mixed as an application example of the system according to this embodiment. In this case, it may be possible to directly access the composite modules 1460 and 1470 in the system α_1132 from the system controller β_1128 (FIG. 1) in a different system β_1134. The communication method in this case is to arrange the system controller β_1128 shown in FIG. 1 instead of the server n_1116-n in FIG. 10A, and rewrite it to a network line within the same domain instead of the off-system network line in FIG. 10A. Therefore, in this case, L-format, G-format, A-format, E-format, or W-format may be used as the communication information in the network line 2082 within the same domain. Furthermore, in the system according to this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and for example, Z-format or C-format may be used. Similarly to the above, automatic format switching may be performed between Z-format and L / G-format according to the distance between the composite module (in the system α_1132) and the system controller β_1128. The detailed method using the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 in this case will be described in detail in Section 2.8 later.

[0217] 2.2 Relationship between the hierarchical structure of communication-related functions and communication information on the network line Figure 11 shows the relationship between the function-based hierarchical structure shown in FIGS. 10A and 16 to 17B and the specific communication information content communicated within the actual network line. Whether the network communication media is wired or wireless, communication information is intermittently transmitted in units of one block on these physical communication media. And this block corresponds to the physical layer frame PPDU in FIG. 11(f). Here, in the case of a single channel (single responder), when the above-mentioned block (physical layer frame PPDU) is transmitted on the above-mentioned network communication media, other communication information cannot be communicated. Therefore, if the size of the above-mentioned block (physical layer frame PPDU) is too large, the occupancy time of the above-mentioned network communication media will become long, and there is a risk of inhibiting other communications. To solve the above problems, in the system of this embodiment, the data size of one physical layer frame PPDU is set to 127 bytes or less. Thereby, there is an effect of reducing the adverse effect of inhibiting other information communications by one physical layer frame PPDU communication in the network system. Also, within this one physical layer frame PPDU, as shown in FIG. 11(a), in the transmission order from the transmission side to the reception side (in the order from the front or in the order of earlier timing of sending out information), the physical layer header PHYHD, MAC layer header MACHD, IPv6 header IPv6HD, TCP header TCPHD, communication middleware data APLDT, extended data EXDT, error check CRC are arranged in this order. On the other hand, from the perspective of FIG. 11(f), it can also be said that "the physical layer header PHYHD is arranged at the head of the physical layer frame PPDU, followed by the physical layer data or physical layer payload PSDU, and the MAC layer header MACHD, IPv6 header IPv6HD, TCP header TCPHD, communication middleware data APLDT, extended data EXDT, error check CRC are sequentially stored in this physical layer data / payload PSDU".

[0218] Therefore, within the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06 shown in FIGS. 10A and 16 to 17B, the entire physical layer frame PPDU is processed. Here, the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06 represent concepts that abstract the "functions for dealing with physical communication media." In contrast, the actual processing corresponding to each function from the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06 to the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 is executed inside the communication modules 1768, 1202-3 and the communication control unit 1700 (FIG. 10A). Therefore, in this Section 2.2, to facilitate the explanation of the relationship between the functions of each layer and the communication information communicated on the network line, the detailed information transfer procedure for each layer will be described. However, it is not limited to this, and the communication information may be created by partially omitting the information transfer for each layer. For example, during transmission, inside the communication modules 1768, 1202-3 and the communication control unit 1700 (FIG. 10A), the communication middleware data APLDT and the extended data EXDT (or only the communication middleware data APLDT) given from the communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06 (substantially given from the processors 1230, 1738 in FIG. 10A or the interface section in the communication module 1660) may directly create the information (data structure) shown in FIG. 11(a) and transmit (send) it from the network lines 1782, 1788. Also, during reception, inside the communication modules 1768, 1202-3 and the communication control unit 1700 (FIG. 10A), only the necessary physical layer frame PPDU is selectively extracted from the network lines 1782, 1788, and the communication middleware data APLDT and the extended data EXDT (or only the communication middleware data APLDT) are extracted and passed to the communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06 (substantially the processors 1230, 1738 in FIG. 10A or the interface section in the communication module 1660).

[0219] As detailed receiving functions performed by the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06, the content of the physical layer header PHYHD arranged at the head position in the received physical layer frame PPDU is identified, and the entire physical layer data or physical layer payload PSDU arranged immediately after that is delivered to the media access layers MAC02 and MAC06. Therefore, from the perspective of the media access layers MAC02 and MAC06, the entire physical layer data or physical layer payload PSDU corresponds to the MAC layer frame MPDU. On the other hand, as detailed transmitting functions performed by the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06, the MAC layer frame MPDU received from the media access layers MAC02 and MAC06 is stored in the physical layer data or physical layer payload PSDU, and the physical layer frame PPDU configured by adding the physical layer header PHYHD at the head is transmitted over the network lines 1782 and 1788.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 11(e), the MAC layer frame MPDU is composed of, in order from the head, the MAC layer header MACHD, the MAC layer data / payload MSDU, and the error check CRC. And within the media access layers MAC02 and MAC06 during reception, access control on the communication medium is performed using the communication information stored in the MAC layer header MACHD within the MAC layer frame MPDU passed from the physical layers PHY02 and PHY06. Specifically, only the MAC layer data / payload MSDU related to the corresponding device 1250, composite modules 1460 and 1470, or system controller α_1126 is extracted and delivered to the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer - IPv6. On the other hand, during transmission, the information passed from the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer - IPv6 is stored in the MAC layer data / payload MSDU, and the MAC layer frame MPDU with the MAC layer header MACHD added is configured and delivered to the MAC layer frame MPDU side.

[0221] By using the error check CRC (Fig. 11(e)) added to the rearmost position within the MAC layer frame MPDU, it becomes possible to check for the presence or absence of data errors (or extract the locations where data errors occur) within the MAC layer frame MPDU. Specifically, as the error check CRC in this embodiment, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Checksum) code is used. This is calculated as the remainder value in binary representation when the MAC layer header MACHD and the entire MAC layer data / payload MSDU, which are represented in binary within the MAC layer frame MPDU (“1” or “0” sequences), are divided by a predetermined code. Then, at the time of transmission, the error check CRC calculated by the above method is added to the rearmost position within the MAC layer frame MPDU. Also, at the time of reception, the remainder value when the obtained MAC layer header MACHD and the entire MAC layer data / payload MSDU are divided by the above code is compared with the error check CRC obtained at the time of reception. If both match, it is regarded as “no error”. If there is a “error”, the error location can be extracted by performing an inverse operation from the error check CRC obtained at the time of reception. Here, the error correction ability (i.e., the size of the error correction possible region within the entire error correction target data including this error check CRC (here, the entire MAC layer frame MPDU)) is determined by the data size of the error check CRC. Therefore, when the data size of the error check CRC is fixed, the smaller the data size of the entire error correction target data (MAC layer frame MPDU) including this error check CRC, the higher the relative error correction ability, and thus the data reliability of the MAC layer frame MPDU (when error correction is also considered) is improved.

[0222] In consideration of the above situation, as shown in Fig. 11(e), the feature of this embodiment lies in that the error check CRC is arranged at the rearmost position within the MAC layer frame. As described in Section 2.3 with reference to Fig. 12A, the physical layer header PHYHD contains a relatively large amount of highly robust information. That is, even if some error bits are mixed in the physical layer header PHYHD, it is possible to take measures for automatic correction. On the other hand, the data accuracy required for the information within the MAC layer frame MPDU handled by the media access layer MAC02, MAC06 and above is extremely high. Therefore, by removing the relatively highly robust physical layer header PHYHD and adding an error correction function for the entire MAC layer frame to improve the relative error correction ability, there is an effect of relatively improving the reliability of the entire communication information (physical layer frame PPDU).

[0223] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(d), an IPv6 header IPv6HD is arranged at the head, and the information composed of the subsequent IPv6 data / payload IPv6DU is stored in the MAC layer data / payload MSDU. In the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 during transmission, a set of the TCP header TCPHD, communication middleware data APLDT, and extended data EXDT is stored in the IPv6 data / payload IPv6DU, and an IPv6 header IPv6HD is added and passed to the media access layer MAC02, MAC06. Also, during reception, the IPv6 header IPv6HD is extracted from the MAC layer data / payload MSDU passed from the media access layer MAC02, MAC06 for unique processing, and finally, the communication middleware data APLDT and extended data EXDT (or only the communication middleware data APLDT) are passed to the communication middleware layer APL02, APL06 side.

[0224] Then, the communication middleware data APLDT and the extended data EXDT shown in FIG. 11(b) (or only the communication middleware data APLDT) are processed within the communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06. Regarding the various service provision functions using the network communication borne by the communication middleware layers APL02 and APL06, they are realized by various processes performed by the interface units within the processors 1230, 1738, 2030 and the device controller 1240 or the communication module 1660 shown in FIGS. 10A and 16 to 17B.

[0225] 2.3 Physical Layer and Media Access Layer: Data Structure of Z-Format in the Same System FIG. 12A shows examples of the specific data structures within the physical header PHYHD and the MAC layer header MACHD based on the Z-format (see FIGS. 10A and 16) that can be used in the physical layer PHY02 and the media access layer MAC02 corresponding to the network circuit 1782 within the same system. Note that the Z-format described below is merely an example used within the system of this embodiment, and other formats corresponding to the network circuit 1782 within the same system may be used. Also, it is not limited to the hierarchical structures such as the above physical layer PHY02 and media access layer MAC02, and information having no hierarchical structure or information corresponding to another hierarchical structure as the information communicated on the network circuit 1782 within the same system may be used.

[0226] First, the data structure of FIG. 12A(c) transcribed the content of FIG. 11(a) as it is. Then, as shown in FIG. 12A(b), the physical layer header PHYHD is composed of a synchronization header SYNC arranged in the first 5 bytes and a physical layer data / payload length information LPSDU arranged in 1 byte immediately after that. Therefore, the data size of this physical layer header PHYHD is 6 bytes (5 + 1). Here, this physical layer data / payload length information LPSDU represents the data size of the physical layer data / payload PSDU in FIG. 11(f) and is set in byte units. As already explained at the beginning of Section 2.2, the maximum data size of the entire physical layer frame PPDU is set to 127 bytes. Therefore, a value of 121 bytes (127 - 6) or less is set in this physical layer data / payload length information LPSDU.

[0227] Next, as shown in FIG. 12A(a), the above synchronization header SYNC is composed of a 5-byte preamble PRM arranged first and a 1-byte physical layer frame start information SFD next. And as this preamble PRM, [00000000h] (where "h" indicates a hexadecimal value) is set. Here, since the direct sequence spread spectrum method is directly adopted for signal modulation, a synchronization signal can be obtained from the above preamble PRM part all of which is "0". And [A7h] is set in the area of the physical layer frame start information SFD. And when converting [A7h] indicated by the hexadecimal value to binary representation, it becomes "10100111".

[0228] The method of using the communication information in the physical layer header PHYHD within the communication control unit 1700 or communication modules 1768, 1202-3 in FIG. 10A, or communication modules 1202-4, 2002 in FIGS. 16 to 17B will be described. Mainly, the communication information in the physical layer header PHYHD is used for chip synchronization and bit synchronization on the receiving side. That is, the above communication module incorporates an oscillator (PLL circuit: Phase Lock Loop Circuit) that can automatically synchronize in terms of frequency and phase. And this oscillator (PLL circuit) automatically synchronizes the frequency and phase in accordance with the above preamble PRM (chip synchronization). Next, for example, the position of the physical layer frame start information SFD is detected by a method such as pattern matching. When it is recognized that (1) the Z-format is used in the physical layer PHY02, the start bit position of the MAC layer header MACHD is detected from the continuous binary bits 1 / 0 (bit synchronization).

[0229] As shown in FIG. 12A(d), within the MAC layer header MACHD, in the transmission order from the transmitting side to the receiving side (in the order from the front or in the order of earlier timing of sending out information), it is composed of areas for storing the control information MACNTL of the MAC layer frame, the sequence number MASQNM of the MAC layer, and the address information MADRS respectively.

[0230] Within the area of the control information MACNTL of the first MAC layer frame, information for controlling the entire MAC layer frame MPDU (FIG. 11(f)) is stored in 2 bytes. And as detailed information within the control information MACNTL of the MAC layer frame, information indicating the type of the MAC layer frame MPDU is stored in the first 3 bits. Here, as specific types, identification information such as "beacon", "data", "ACK (Acknowledgement)", and "command frame type" is stored. And in the next 1 bit, information on the presence or absence of security is stored. Further, in the next 1 bit, information on the presence or absence of pending data is stored, and in the 1 bit immediately after that, information on the presence or absence of the above Acknowledgement message request is stored.

[0231] And in the next bit, information indicating whether the corresponding information communication is limited to communication within a PAN (Private Area Network) or communication across a plurality of PANs is stored. As already described with reference to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8A, in the system of this embodiment, one PAN may correspond to one system α_1132 or one section 1142. Therefore, depending on which one it corresponds to, the method of setting the above information may be changed. However, when using the Z-format for information communication within the in-domain network line 2082, information corresponding to "communication across a plurality of PANs" may be stored in this information area. Because, as shown in FIG. 1, in the system of this embodiment, a situation where the distance between the system controller α_1126 and the system controller β_1128 within the same domain 2_1122-2 is greatly separated (extends out of one PAN) is allowed. Therefore, in this case, information corresponding to "communication across a plurality of PANs" is stored in the above storage area. On the other hand, when the portable system controller β_1128 is moved closer to the system controller α_1126 (when moved within the same PAN), information corresponding to "communication within a PAN" is stored in the above storage area.

[0232] Then, the last 2 bits of the 2 bits immediately after that and the control information MACNTL (2 bytes) of the MAC layer frame store the address mode information of the receiving side and the transmitting side respectively. Here, as the Z-format, the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS may be specified, or a shortened address may be specified. In the system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A(e), the feature is that the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS are used as the above address mode information for both the receiving side and the transmitting side. In the system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, not only network communication is performed via the communication modules 1202-3 to 6 built in the system controller α_1126 and the devices 1250-1 to 3, but also, as shown in FIG. 8B, network communication is possible via composite modules such as the sensor / communication modules 1460-1 to 5 and the drive / communication modules 1470-1 and 2. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, by using the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS in this address mode, it is easy to identify whether it is the communication modules 1202-3 to 4 or the composite modules 1460-1 to 5 and 1470-1 and 2 at the level of the media access layer MAC02 (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 12B(e)). This enables (1) high-speed switching of the communication middleware layer APL02 on the receiving side (C-format or other format), and (2) has the effect of facilitating the discovery of an error on the transmitting side that may occur (recognition of the communication modules 1202-3 to 4 or the composite modules 1460-1 to 5 and 1470-1 and 2).

[0233] Next, an explanation will be given regarding the information storage area of the sequence number MASQNM of the MAC layer with a data size of 1 byte described in FIG. 12A(d). As described above, in the system of this embodiment, the data size of the entire physical layer frame PPDU is set to 127 bytes or less. Therefore, when the combined data size of the communication middleware data APLDT and the extended data EXDT (see FIG. 11(b)) becomes large, only one physical layer frame PPDU is not sufficient for the communication (transmission) of this information. In particular, when using the A-format or E-format as the communication middleware layer APL06, this risk becomes higher. As a countermeasure, in the system of this embodiment, the above communication middleware data APLDT and extended data EXDT are divided into 256 (2 to the 8th power) physical layer frames PPDU and can be transmitted (communicated). Specifically, the communication middleware data APLDT and the extended data EXDT are divided into a plurality and sequentially transmitted (communicated) on the network line. Also, in this case, the physical layer header PHYHD and the IPv6 header IPv6HD (and the TCP header TCP) shown in FIG. 11(a) all have the same information content. And in accordance with the transmission (communication) order on the network line, values incremented by 1 starting from "0" are stored in the area of the sequence number MASQNM of the MAC layer. As a result, since the divided transmission order of the above communication middleware data APLDT and extended data EXDT is determined, there is an effect that stable information communication is possible even if the reception order of the physical layer frame PPDU is swapped due to a network trouble.

[0234] Since the data structure shown in (c) of FIG. 12B below is exactly the same as that in FIG. 12A (e), the address information MADRS in the MAC header MACHD will be described with reference to FIG. 12B. In the system of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one system α_1132 may be formed as the only PAN (Private Area Network), or may be formed by a combination of a plurality of PANs. Moreover, without being limited thereto, each section 1142-1 to m within the same system α_1132 may be formed by one or more PANs. When one system α_1132 is thus composed of a plurality of PANs, the system controller α_1126 must manage the above-mentioned plurality of PANs. And information communication across different PANs within the same system α_1132 is performed. To be able to handle this situation as well, the system controller α_1126 assigns PAN-specific identification information to each PAN, and sets an area for storing the PAN-specific identification information DPANID and SPANID regarding the PANs including the receiving and transmitting nodes as shown in FIG. 12B (c) within the address information MADRS storage area.

[0235] On both the receiving side and the transmitting side, within the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS, it is composed of a storage area for each piece of information including a 1-byte extended IEEE extended address EXEXADRS and an 8-byte IEEE 802.15.4 compliant chip-specific setting address ADRSIEEE. Here, this IEEE 802.15.4 compliant chip-specific setting address ADRSIEEE means a unique number pre-assigned to each composite module such as all communication modules 1202-3 to 6, sensor / communication modules 1460-1 to 5, and drive / communication modules 1470-1 and 2 that comply with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard worldwide. And this unique number does not overlap at the world level among different communication modules or composite modules. Now, this unique number is assigned before the shipment of the communication modules 1202-3 to 6 and composite modules, but not limited to this, it is also possible to directly apply to the IEEE to obtain a unique number. And when the IEEE or a predetermined official organization issues this unique number, the issuing organization of the above unique number obtains information such as the individual performance and functions of the composite module, and the types of communication information (category and template type used for information communication) when communicating in C-format according to it. Therefore, not only can the individual functions and performance of the target composite module be known from the information of this IEEE 802.15.4 compliant chip-specific setting address ADRSIEEE, but also the types of communication information using the C-format can be formally predicted, so there is an effect that the preparatory work for the corresponding processing in the communication middleware layer APL02 can be carried out quickly and easily.

[0236] Next, a data structure example in the expanded IEEE extension address EXEXADRS (Expanded IEEE Extension Address) in the system of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 12B(e). The first 1 bit in this is an area where module structure information MST can be stored. When this 1 bit is [0], it represents the communication modules 1202-3 to 6 built in the system controller α_1126 or the devices 1250-1 to 3. On the other hand, when this bit is [1], it indicates that the corresponding node has a composite module structure. Further, the information stored in the next 1-bit area means composite module structure information CMST. When this bit is [0], the corresponding node indicates a sensor / communication module, and when this bit is [1], the corresponding node indicates a drive / communication module.

[0237] The sense information transmitted from the sensor / communication module starts from binary optical levels (whether the lighting is ON or OFF) or multi-valued optical levels (corresponding to illuminance), and extends to various types such as human presence and temperature. Also, as described in Section 1.5 using FIGS. 6A to 6D, the information for controlling the drive / communication module also extends to various types such as binary ON / OFF values, multi-valued values, or remote control information for devices. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, an area is provided where information for identifying the types of the above-mentioned sensor / communication module 1460 and drive / communication module 1470 corresponding as nodes can be recorded as 6-bit composite module type identification information CMTID. Regarding the method of setting information CNTID for identifying the type of each of these composite modules 1460 and 1470, in the A-format as a method of identifying the type of device 1250

[0238]

[0239]

[0240]

[0241]

[0242]

[0243]

[0244]

[0245]

[0246]

[0247]

[0248]

[0249]

[0250]

[0251]

[0252]

[0253]

[0254]

[0255]

[0256]

[0257] Using the number attribute within the Element (refer to the description in Section 2.7 using Fig. 15B), in the E - format, the type identification information EPC of the exchange information is used (refer to the description in Section 2.6 using Fig. 15A(f)). Therefore, this composite module type identification information CMTID may be used as the type identification information 1840 of the exchange information shown in Fig. 10B. Thereby, similar to the A - format and E - format, by using this composite module type identification information CMTID, it has the effect of facilitating the semantic interpretation of the data stored in the multi - value / 2 - value transmission data parts CTMDT and CT2DT (described later in Section 2.5 using Fig. 14(d)) that conform to the C - format. Furthermore, by comparing this module structure information MST, composite module structure information CMST, and composite module type identification information CMTID with the target node functions predicted from the per - chip setting address ADRSIEEE compliant with IEEE802.15.4, the reading accuracy and reliability of the address information MADRS are also improved. That is, if the transmitting side accidentally records different information in the storage areas of this module structure information MST, composite module structure information CMST, and composite module type identification information CMTID, or if a bit shift (incorrect reproduction) of the reproduced information occurs accidentally during reproduction on the receiving side, error detection can be easily performed by the above - mentioned comparison. (In this case, an alarm notification is sent from the receiving side to the transmitting side. As an example, set

[0000] in the communication access control information 1830 of Fig. 14(d), and set

[0011] for the combined multi - value transmission data part CTMDT and 2 - value transmission data part CT2DT. Details will be described later in Section 2.5.) Section 2.4 Data Structure of the Internet Protocol Version 6 Layer In this Section 2.4, the data structure in the communication information corresponding to the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 will be described using Fig. 13. Here, there is a major feature in the area that stores the IP address information SIPADRS and DIPADRS of the transmitting side and receiving side, each described in 16 - byte units as shown in Fig. 13(b). This IP address is set separately for each communication module and composite module in the world. And the IP addresses set for each communication module and composite module in the world do not overlap with each other.Therefore, by enabling the communication of information including the IPv6 header IPv6HD (Fig. 13(a)) within the system of this embodiment, if it is within the same domain 2_1122-2 (Fig. 1), the effect that information communication can be carried out between any location in the world and a specific communication module or a specific composite module is produced. Within the first 8-byte region shown in Fig. 13(b) within the above-mentioned IPv6 header IPv6HD, IP packet-related information IPPKT is stored. And as shown in Fig. 13(c), it is composed of regions where the start information SIPHD, the IPv6 data / payload length information LIPv6DU, the identification information NXHD of the header type following immediately after the IPv6 header, and the remaining number of passable nodes information HPLMT are stored respectively, and they are arranged in the above-mentioned order. This IPv6 data / payload length information LIPv6DU indicates the data size of the IPv6 data / payload IPv6DU shown in Fig. 11(d), and the region for storing this information has a size of 2 bytes. Next, an explanation of the identification information NXHD of the header type following immediately after the above-mentioned IPv6 header will be given. As shown in Fig. 11(a), various headers are sequentially stored within one physical layer frame PPDU. And the identification information NXHD of the header type following immediately after the above-mentioned IPv6 header designates the header type following immediately after the IPv6 header IPv6HD. Therefore, in the example described in Fig. 11(a), "TCP header TCPHD" is designated as the identification information NXHD of the header type following immediately after the IPv6 header. And the identification information NXHD of the header type following immediately after this IPv6 header enables the designation of the communication path setting method on the communication network (on the Internet). However, in the system of this embodiment, the information content stored within the physical layer frame PPDU is not limited to Fig. 11(a), and other information may be stored. For example, as another application example, another type of header information may be arranged immediately after the IPv6 header IPv6HD. As a specific example, instead of TCP (Trasmission Control Protocol) shown in Fig. 13, UDP (User Datagram Protocol) may be used, and a UDP header may be arranged immediately after the IPv6 header IPv6HD. Further, as an additional application example, communication middleware data APLDT may be arranged / stored immediately after the IPv6 header IPv6HD.For example, when using the E-format for this communication middleware data APLDT, as described later in Section 2.6 with reference to Fig. 15A(b), the information of the E-format header E-HD is arranged / stored at the beginning of this communication middleware data APLDT. Therefore, in this case, information for identifying the "E-format header E-HD" is specified by the identification information NXHD of the header type following immediately after the IPv6 header. In the information communication between the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126 using the off-system network line 1788 shown in Fig. 10A or in the information communication between the system controller α_1126 and the system controller β_1128 using the in-domain network line 2082, as described in Fig. 10A, direct information communication between the two is rare. In many cases, information communication occurs via a plurality of relay points (relay nodes) in the middle of the off-system network line 1788 or in the middle of the in-domain network line 2082. The maximum number of relay points (relay nodes) allowed in the communication circuit between the transmitting node and the receiving node is indicated by a positive value (integer) including zero in the passable node remaining number information HPLMT in Fig. 13(c). For example, when communicating information between the above two, the value of the passable node remaining number information HPLMT is first set in the transmitting node. Next, each time this communication information passes through (is relayed by) a relay point (relay node) in the communication circuit, the value of the passable node remaining number information HPLMT is decremented by "1" (that is, when passing through a relay point (relay node) once, the value of the passable node remaining number information HPLMT after passing is updated to the value obtained by subtracting "1" from the value of the passable node remaining number information HPLMT before passing). And when the value of the passable node remaining number information HPLMT becomes "0", information communication on the network is discarded. Since this passable node remaining number information HPLMT is described in 1 byte, it is possible to pass through up to 256 (2 to the 8th power) relay points (relay nodes). However, the more the number of these relay points (relay nodes) increases, the longer the communication time required to reach the receiving side from the transmitting side (the time required for information transmission) becomes. On the other hand, for example, in the transmission of urgent information such as "alarm notification", it is necessary to shorten the communication time.Considering the information transfer time at this relay point (relay node), it is necessary to set the number of relay points (relay nodes) to 100 or less, preferably 10 or less. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, in information communication using the external network line 1788 or the in-domain network line 2082, the set value of the remaining number of passable nodes information HPLMT at the transmission side is characterized by being set to 100 or less, preferably 10 or less. Naturally, the value of the remaining number of passable nodes information HPLMT that is reset (updated) within the relay point (relay node) passed through on the way of the external network line 1788 or in the middle of the in-domain network line 2082 applied to the system of this embodiment is also 100 or less, preferably 10 or less. When the value of the remaining number of passable nodes information HPLMT becomes small in this way, the router arranged at the relay point (relay node) on the way of the external network line 1788 or the in-domain network line 2082 automatically searches for the shortest path to reach the receiving node, preventing the interruption of information communication on the way. As described above, the communication time between the server n_1116-n and the system controller α_1126 or between the system controller α_1126 and the system controller β_1128 can be shortened, and there is an effect that rapid communication of information that requires urgency such as "alarm notification" becomes possible. On the other hand, as an information communication form using the in-system network line 1782 in the system of this embodiment, information communication between the system controller α_1126 and the composite modules 1460 and 1470 shown in FIG. 10A and information communication between the system controller α_1126 and the device 1260 shown in FIG. 16 are possible. And as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of sections 1142 constitute one system. For example, when different PANs (Personal Area Networks) are used for each section 1142, network communication across a plurality of PANs is necessary. And in this case, information transfer processing at the relay point (relay node) is necessary every time the communication information crosses adjacent different PANs. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, even in information communication using the in-system network line 1782, it is necessary to define the upper limit value of the relay point (relay node) that relays between the transmission-side node and the reception-side node.As shown in FIG. 5, the composite module used in the system of this embodiment receives power supply from the built-in power storage module (battery) 1554. And each time communication information transfer processing is performed as a relay point (relay node), the power stored in the power storage module (battery) 1554 is consumed. Therefore, in information communication using the in-system network line 1782 within the same system, it is necessary to reduce the number of communication information transfer times at the relay point (relay node) as much as possible. Considering the relationship between the amount of power consumed for one transfer of communication information and the power storage amount of the power storage module (battery) 1554, it is appropriate to set the number of relay points (relay nodes) in the middle to 30 or less, preferably 10 or less. Therefore, when performing information communication on the in-system network line 1782 in the system of this embodiment, there is a major feature in that the value of the above-mentioned remaining number of passable nodes information HPLMT is set to 30 or less, preferably 10 or less, within the transmitting node. Thereby, unnecessary waste of the power storage amount in the power storage module 1554 built in the composite module is prevented, and there is an effect that network communication within the system of this embodiment can be stably maintained over a long period. As shown in FIG. 13(d), the area of the header information SIPHD in the IPv6 header IPv6HD is composed of areas where the version information IPVRS, the traffic class information IPCLS, and the communication type label information IPLBL are respectively stored, and are arranged in the above order from the beginning. Here, the area where the version information IPVRS is stored is composed of 4 bits, and the value of "6" (in binary notation, "0110") is stored as the Internet Protocol version number. And it is set immediately before the area where the above-mentioned IPv6 data / payload length information LIPv6DU is stored, and the communication type label information IPLBL is stored in an area composed of 2.5 bytes. When the data size of the combined communication middleware data APLDT and extended data EXDT (FIG. 11(b)) becomes large, the method of dividing them and dispersing (storing) them in a plurality of physical layer frames PPDU for communication was described in Section 2.3. At this time, a method of storing sequentially incremented values in the area of the MAC layer sequence number MASQNM in the MAC layer header MACHD so that the transmission order between the plurality of physical layer frames PPDU can be known was described.In parallel, in the system of this embodiment, in order to identify the entire communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) when it is distributed and stored in a plurality of different IPv6 data / payloads IPv6DU (see Fig. 11(d)), the above communication type label information IPLBL is used. Here, the content of this communication type label information IPLBL is set first (before network communication) in the transmitting node. Therefore, when a set of (a series of) communication information contents of communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) related to the same service provision are distributed and arranged (stored) in a plurality of IPv6 data / payloads IPv6DU and communicated, the same label information is commonly stored and communicated in the storage areas of all corresponding communication type label information IPLBL. Here, in the system of this embodiment, information communication between server n_1116-n and system controller α_1126 using the off-system network line 1788 shown in Fig. 10A, information communication between system controller α_1126 and device 1250 using the in-system network line 1782 shown in Fig. 16, or information communication between system controller α_1126 and system controller β_1128 using the in-domain network line 2082 is possible. And by changing the content of the "communication type label information IPLBL" for each communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) related to different service provisions, an effect is produced such that communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) related to a plurality of different service provisions can be communicated between the two at the same time. As a result, since information communication related to a plurality of different service provisions can be performed simultaneously between server n_1116-n and system controller α_1126 (or between system controller α_1126 and device 1250, or between system controller α_1126 and system controller β_1128), a variety of services for users can be provided simultaneously. Furthermore, by combining this "communication type label information IPLBL" with the information of the MAC layer sequence number MASQNM in the MAC layer header MACHD described above, another effect is produced in which the reliability confirmation accuracy of communication information at the time of reception is further improved.As another application example, for communication middleware data APLDT (and extended data EXDT) related to the same service provision, the same information commonly stored in "communication type label information IPLBL" may be used as the "encryption key". The communication class information IPCLS described in FIG. 13(d) is used to indicate the communication class during network communication. In particular, this communication class information IPCLS is assumed to be mainly used in layers higher than the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 in FIG. 10A (i.e., the communication middleware layers APL02, APL06, and the extended application layer EXL06). The extended IEEE extended address EXEXADRS has already been described in Section 2.3 using FIGS. 12B(d) and (e). As an application example of the system of this embodiment, ○ abolish the storage area of the extended IEEE extended address EXEXADRS in the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS on the receiving side and the transmitting side ○ In the storage areas of the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS on the receiving side and the transmitting side, only the information of the chip-by-chip setting address ADRSIEEE compliant with IEEE802.15.4 is stored respectively (i.e., the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS on the receiving side and the transmitting side are made to coincide with the chip-by-chip setting address ADRSIEEE compliant with IEEE802.15.4) ○ Store the information of the chip-by-chip setting address ADRSIEEE compliant with IEEE802.15.4 in the storage area of the above communication class information IPCLS (i.e., make the above communication class information IPCLS coincide with the chip-by-chip setting address ADRSIEEE compliant with IEEE802.15.4) may be performed. As already described in Section 2.2 using FIG. 10A, the functions of the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6 are borne by the communication control unit 1700 in the communication modules 1768, 1202-3 or the communication module 1660. And the service provision functions corresponding to the communication middleware layers APL02, APL06 and the extended application layer EXL06 are borne by the interface unit 1710 in the processors 1738, 1230 or the communication module 1660.Therefore, the information before the TCP header TCPHD, including the IPv6 header IPv6HD in FIG. 11, is processed in the communication control unit 1700 within the communication modules 1768, 1202-3 or the communication module 1660. Similarly, the communication middleware data APLDT (and the extended data EXDT) is processed in the interface unit 1710 within the processors 1738, 1230 or the communication module 1660. When the physical layer frame PPDU is received, first, the above communication class information IPCLS is processed in the communication control unit 1700 within the communication modules 1768, 1202-3 or the communication module 1660, and then the communication middleware data APLDT (and the extended data EXDT) is delivered to the interface unit 1710 side within the processors 1738, 1230 or the communication module 1660. Therefore, by storing the enlarged IEEE extended address EXEXADRS described in FIGS. 12B(d)(e) within the IPv6 header IPv6HD (in the communication class information IPCLS storage area), it becomes possible to prepare in advance for the corresponding composite module within the processors 1738, 1230 or the communication module 1660 before receiving the communication middleware data APLDT (and the extended data EXDT). As a result, there is an effect of improving the processing speed of the system controller α_1126 for the communication information transmitted from the composite module. 2.5 C-Format Data Structure in the Communication Middleware Layer The "C-format" used within the system of this embodiment mainly focuses on being used within the communication middleware layer APL02 for information communication with the composite modules 1460, 1470 on the in-system network line 1782 using FIG. 10A in Section 2.1. Moreover, not limited thereto, as described at the end of Section 2.1, this C-format may be used during information communication between the system controller β_1128 within a different system β_1134 and the communication modules 1460, 1470 within the system α_1132. Furthermore, it may also be used for information communication with the device 1250. Here, in this C-format, the extended application layer EXL06 (refer to FIG. 10A) is not defined and is only used within the communication middleware layer APL02.In order to minimize the processing load on the communication modules 1460 and 1470 as much as possible, it is characterized in that the C-format data structure is simplified as much as possible. As a specific method for simplifying the data structure, a data structure is adopted that maximally avoids information duplication in the region from the physical layer header PHYHD to the TCP header TCPHD in FIG. 11(a). (The detailed content and its effects will be described later.) As a specific example, instead of having the size information of this communication middleware data APLDT in the communication middleware data APLDT, the IPv6 data / payload length information LIPv6DU in the IPv6 header IPv6HD is used. Here, this IPv6 data / payload length information LIPv6DU indicates the data size of the IPv6 data / payload IPv6DU in FIG. 11(d). Since the data size of the TCP header TCPHD is predetermined, as shown in FIGS. 14(c) and (d), the data size of the communication middleware data APLDT is automatically determined from this IPv6 data / payload length information LIPv6DU. The basic data size of the communication middleware data APLDT in the C-format is defined as 1 byte. However, depending on the communication information content between the composite modules 1460 and 1470, as shown in FIG. 14(d), an extended transmission data CEDT may be added to the end to extend the data size of the communication middleware data APLDT beyond 1 byte. As already explained in Section 2.1 using FIG. 10B, in the A-format or E-format, the exchange access control information 1830 is included in the exchange information (table) 1810 used for information communication. And even in the C-format, this exchange access control information 1830 can be stored in "3-bit format". In particular, by describing it in 3 bits (=describing 8 types of control information), there is an effect that various exchange access control information 1830 can be identified. As a specific control method, at the time of the command (command issuance) 1852 described in Case 1 of FIG. 10B, a reset instruction of

[0111] is set as this exchange access control information 1830.When responding to the result report (status) 1854, set the response answer of

[0010] , report notification, or acknowledgment notification of

[0001] as this exchange access control information 1830. In the system of this embodiment, the threshold value (reference level when converting to a binary signal) for converting the signal detected analogously by the sensor unit in the sensor / communication module 1460 into binary information for information communication can be set externally. When setting this threshold value, set the threshold level setting instruction of

[0110] as the exchange access control information 1830 corresponding to the command (command issuance) 1852 in Case 1 of FIG. 10B. On the other hand, corresponding to the response request (request) 1872 in Case 2 of FIG. 10B, set the response (data) request of

[0011] as this exchange access control information 1830. And in its response (response) 1874, set the response answer / report notification of

[0010] as this exchange access control information 1830. Also, corresponding to the periodic / aperiodic report 1894 independently performed from the composite modules 1460 and 1470 side in Case 3 in FIG. 10B, set the response answer / report notification of

[0010] as this exchange access control information 1830. And when an abnormality is detected in the composite modules 1460 and 1470, set

[0000] in the exchange access control information 1830 as the above-mentioned aperiodic report to perform an alarm notification. Also, when the composite modules 1460 and 1470 side independently performs a periodic report, the time interval (interval) for periodically reporting from the system controller α_1126 side can be set. In this case, set

[0101] in this exchange access control information 1830 to give an instruction regarding the report interval. For example, consider the case where, as the smart meter 1124 in FIG. 8A, for example, the amount of electricity used (public consumption material) is reported to the system controller α_1126, the server n_1116-n, or the wholesaler A_1102 at the above-specified time interval (interval). In this case, there are a method of reporting the instantaneous value of the instantaneous amount of electricity used (public consumption material) and a method of reporting the value integrated every predetermined period. Corresponding to this situation, in the system of this embodiment, set

[0100] in this exchange access control information 1830 to give an instruction regarding the data accumulation interval.Here, when

[0000] is specified for the area that stores the transmission data set immediately after the storage area of this exchange access control information 1830, the instantaneous usage amount (usage amount of public consumption materials such as power consumption) is reported from the composite module for each specified time interval (interval). As shown in FIG. 14(d), the storage area of the multi-value transmission data part CTMDT composed of 4 bits and the storage area of the binary transmission data part CT2DT composed of 1 bit, which are set immediately after the storage area of this exchange access control information 1830, are used to transmit binary or multi-value transmission data. Here, there is a feature in that there is no special information storage area indicating either binary or multi-value for the transmission data, and the binary / multi-value identification is made by the above transmission data. That is, when the transmission data is binary, all the values of the 4-bit multi-value transmission data part CTMDT are set to "0" (i.e.,

[0000] ). Here, when indicating the ON state or OK state, [1] is set in this binary transmission data part CT2DT. Also, when indicating the OFF state or NG (No) state, [0] is set in this binary transmission data part CT2DT. On the other hand, a method for setting the transmission data when an abnormal situation occurs in the composite modules 1460 and 1470 and an alarm notification (where

[0000] is set in this exchange access control information 1830) is sent to the system controller α_1126 will be described. In this case,

[0000] is set in the above multi-value transmission data part CTMDT. And in the case of an abnormal situation in the composite modules 1460 and 1470, such as a detection abnormality of the sensor or a drive system abnormality (uncontrollable / difficult to control) of the drive unit, [1] is set in this binary transmission data part CT2DT. As shown in FIG. 5, since a power storage module (battery) 1554 is built into the sensor / communication module 1460 or the drive / communication module, there is always a risk of depletion of the power storage amount (running out of the remaining amount). Therefore, when the remaining amount in this power storage module (battery) 1554 decreases, [0] is set in this binary transmission data part CT2DT to notify the system controller α_1126 of the decrease in the battery remaining amount. On the other hand, when communicating information using multi-values as the transmission data, the multi-values are represented by a 5-bit signal combining the multi-value transmission data part CTMDT and the binary transmission data part CT2DT.For example, when storing multi-valued information from 0% to 100% as transmission data, the multi-values from 0% to 100% are converted into values divided into 30 parts and expressed as values from

[0010] (corresponding to 0%) to

[11111] (corresponding to 100%). However, the system of this embodiment is not limited to this, and in combination with the multi-valued transmission data part CTMDT and the binary transmission data part CT2DT, multi-valued information may be expressed by other methods. Also, for example, in the communication of high-precision sense information where the expression is insufficient with values divided into 30 parts such as the detection of temperature and humidity or the change in illuminance of lighting equipment, or the high-precision setting of thresholds or control values, an area for storing extended transmission data CEDT is added immediately after the area for storing the binary transmission data part CT2DT to improve the expression accuracy of multi-valued information. Also, the number of bits used for expressing multi-values at this time is indicated based on the IPv6 data / payload length information LIPv6DU in the IPv6 header IPv6HD as described above. In this way, by not having a binary / multi-valued identifier in particular and identifying binary / multi-values by the content of the transmission data, an effect of reducing the data size of the communication middleware data APLDT is produced. As a result, information communication congestion (congestion) on the network line 1782 within the same system is alleviated, and the processing within the composite modules 1460, 1470 (particularly within the interface part 1710 shown in FIG. 10A) is simplified and the cost of the composite modules 1460, 1470 can be reduced. Also, the information indicating the meaning of the transmission data expressed in multi-values does not have an area for storage within the communication middleware data APLDT conforming to the C-format. Instead, as the information indicating the meaning of the transmission data expressed in multi-values, the feature of the system of this embodiment lies in utilizing the information of the chip-specific setting address ADRSIEEE conforming to IEEE802.15.4 in FIG. 12B(d). As already explained in section 2.3, the issuing agency of this chip-specific setting address ADRSIEEE conforming to IEEE802.15.4 grasps the functions and performance of the composite modules 1460, 1470 corresponding to the above address. By publicly disclosing this information on the Internet, the meaning of the transmission data corresponding to the composite module corresponding to this chip-specific setting address ADRSIEEE conforming to IEEE802.15.4 can be understood.Furthermore, from the description in Section 2.3 using FIG. 12B(e) and the description in Section 2.4 using FIG. 13(d), the composite module type identification information CMTID can be stored in the IEEE extended addresses DEXADRS and SEXADRS on the receiving and transmitting sides in the MAC layer header MACHD, or in the communication class information IPCLS in the IPv6 header IPv6HD. Therefore, by combining the chip-by-chip setting address ADRSIEEE compliant with IEEE802.15.4 described above and this composite module type identification information CMTID, the meaning and the interpretation method of the transmission data CTMDT, CT2DT, CEDT (for example, expressed in multiple values) communicated between the composite modules 1460 and 1470 can be accurately understood. Since the meaning and the interpretation of the transmission data CTMDT, CT2DT, CEDT can be used in this way, the above composite module type identification information CMTID is related to the type identification information 1840 (see FIG. 10B) of the exchange information corresponding to each of the composite modules 1460 and 1470. That is, the above composite module type identification information CMTID is in the A-format described later in Section 2.7.

[0258]

[0259]

[0260]

[0261]

[0262]

[0263]

[0264]

[0265]

[0266]

[0267]

[0268]

[0269]

[0270]

[0271]

[0272]

[0273] It can be used for the same purpose as the number attribute in the Element (see Fig. 15B(b)). On the other hand, the type identification information 1840 of this exchange information corresponds to the type identification information EPC of the exchange information in the E-format (see the description in Section 2.6 using Fig. 15A(f)). In this way, in both the E-format and the A-format, the type identification information 1840 of the exchange information in Fig. 10B is included in the communication middleware data APLDT. Compared with the above E-format and A-format, in the C-format, as information related to the type identification information 1840 of the exchange information in Fig. 10B, information in the MAC layer header MACHD (the composite module type identification information CMTID in Fig. 12B(e)) or information in the IPv6 header IPv6HD (information in the communication class information in Fig. 13(d) based on the description in Section 2.4) can be used, which is a major feature. As already explained in Section 2.2, at the time of reception, the communication information is processed in order from the layer located on the lower layer side of Fig. 10A. Therefore, not only can it be identified whether the target node is the sensor / communication module 1460 or the drive / communication module 1470 at the functional level of the relatively lower layer side media access layer MAC02 or the functional level of the Internet Protocol Version 6 layer IPv6, but also the type of the composite module can be known in advance. Before the communication middleware data APLDT is passed from the communication control unit 1700 in the communication module 1660 (shown in Fig. 10A) to the interface unit 1710, the effect that the interface unit 1710 can perform C-format correspondence preparation in advance is produced. Thereby, the speedup of communication information processing on the receiving side can be achieved. Also, as described above, in the C-format, the information defined in other layers is used in combination to minimize the data size of the communication middleware data APLDT. Thereby, the information communication congestion on the network line 1782 within the same system is alleviated, and the simplification of the processing within the composite modules 1460 and 1470 (especially within the interface unit 1710 shown in Fig. 10A) and the cost reduction of the composite modules 1460 and 1470 can be achieved. Next, a specific data example of the communication middleware data APLDT in the C-format along the method described above is shown.For example, when the system controller α_1126 issues a "stop operation" command (command issuance) 1852 (Fig. 10B) to the drive / communication module 1470, the communication access control information 1830 is set with "

[0111] Reset instruction", the multi-value transmission data section CTMDT is set with "

[0000] Binary data designation", and the binary transmission data section CT2DT is set with "[0] OFF designation". Also, when the sensor / communication module 1460 notifies (reports) the system controller α_1126 of, for example, a situation where the current used amount of public consumables is 50%, the communication access control information 1830 is set with "

[0010] Report notification", and "

[10001] 50%" is set in the 5-bit area combining the multi-value transmission data section CTMDT and the binary transmission data section CT2DT. Another specific data example is shown. As will be described later in Section 4.3, for an adult with thick fingers, stable user input is possible even if the sensitivity of the touch pad or capacitive button is low, while for a child or woman with thin fingers, there are cases where they do not respond unless the sensitivity of the touch pad or capacitive button is increased. In response to this, after estimating / judging the user state (finger thickness) according to Section 4.3, an example of sensitivity setting from the system controller α_1126 to the sensor / communication module 1460 corresponding to the touch pad or capacitive button is shown. In this case, the communication access control information 1830 is set with "

[0110] Threshold level setting instruction". Then, considering the case of increasing the sensitivity of the touch pad or capacitive button from 25% to 73%,

[11000] corresponding to 73% is specified in the 5-bit area combining the multi-value transmission data section CTMDT and the binary transmission data section CT2DT. In the above embodiment, the communication timing of binary information such as ON / OFF and the communication timing of multi-value information such as state setting are separated, and the information set in the multi-value transmission data section CTMDT is used to identify whether the communication information is binary or multi-value based on the availability of

[0000] . However, it is not limited to this, and as another embodiment, binary data such as ON / OFF and multi-value data such as state setting may be communicated together at the same timing. In this case, 1 bit of binary value may be set in the binary transmission data section CT2DT, and multi-value may be set with 4 bits in the multi-value transmission data section CTMDT.In this way, by communicating binary data and multi-value data such as status settings simultaneously at the same timing, for example, "specifying a status setting value (such as a set temperature) at the same time as starting the operation", the information communication frequency between the system controller α_1126 and the composite modules 1460 and 1470 can be reduced, and the communication congestion in the in-network line 1782 (Figure 10A) within the same system can be alleviated. It has already been explained that by combining the chip-by-chip setting address ADRSIEEE compliant with IEEE802.15.4 and this composite module type identification information CMTID, the communication accuracy and communication stability can be improved. And in the unlikely event that an error occurs in the system controller α_1126 and the functions of the communication partner composite modules 1460 and 1470 are misidentified, this error can be discovered by comparing the information between the above two. If the composite modules 1460 and 1470 discover the error in the system controller α_1126, the system of this embodiment supports the function of notifying the error from the composite modules 1460 and 1470 to the system controller α_1126. In this case, "

[0000] Alarm Notification" is set in the communication access control information 1830 of Figure 14(d). Then,

[0011] is set in the 5-bit area combining the next multi-value transmission data part CTMDT and the binary transmission data part CT2DT to notify the target misrecognition notification. In this way, the system of this embodiment supports the function of notifying the error occurring in the system controller α_1126 from the composite modules 1460 and 1470 or the device 1250, which has the effect of improving the stability and reliability of information communication on the in-network line 1782 within the same system. 2.6 Data Structure of E-Format in the Communication Middleware Layer The "E-Format" used within the system of this embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 16 in Section 2.1, mainly focuses on being used within the communication middleware layer APL06 for information communication with the device 1250 and the servers n_1116-n. Moreover, not limited thereto, it may also be used for information communication between different system controllers α_1126 and β_1128, and may also be used for information communication with the composite modules 1460 and 1470.Also, as already described in Section 2.1 with reference to FIG. 10B, in the E - format, information communication is basically performed by exchanging the exchange information (table) 1810 between the transmitting node and the receiving node. Therefore, this exchange information (table) 1810 (or a part thereof) is stored in the IPv6 data / payload IPv6DU as a part of the communication middleware data APLDT shown in FIG. 11(a). As will be described later in Section 2.7, the A - format has a feature of being described in a broad - sense text format. In comparison, the E - format has a feature of storing correspondence information in a preset predetermined area in the form of setting codes. Therefore, the E - format is defined as a format for “storing setting codes in a predetermined area within the area of the communication middleware data APLDT”. Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, any format for sequentially storing setting codes in a preset predetermined area is included in the E - format. At the head of the communication middleware layer data APLDT based on the E - format, the E - format header E - HD shown in FIG. 15A(b) is stored in a 2 - byte area. And the value of this E - format header E - HD is set to [1081h] ("h" indicates a hexadecimal value, and in binary representation, it is [0001000010000001]). And in the next 2 - byte area, the association identification information TID between the request transmission and the response reception is stored. Here, this association identification information TID between the request transmission and the response reception means a parameter for associating between the response (request) transmitted in advance by the response request (request) transmission - side when receiving the response (response) and the received response (response). (The sequence of the response (response) 1874 to this response request (request) 1872 corresponds to the sequence shown in Case 2 of FIG. 10B.) And the code stored in this area can be arbitrarily specified by the response request (request) transmission - side node as appropriate. Next, when the receiving - side node of the response request (request) makes its response (response), the same code as the code set by the previous response request (request) transmission - side node is stored in this area.Based on the determination of the degree of match of the identification information TID for the association between the request transmission and response reception, it is determined whether the received information indicates a response to the previous answer request (request). And the E-format data E-DT stored within the next area shown in FIG. 15A(b) corresponds to the exchange information 1810 described in Section 2.1 using FIG. 10B. And as shown in FIG. 15A(c), within this E-format data E-DT, it is composed of 3 bytes of the identification information SEOJ of the transmitting device, 3 bytes of the identification information DEOJ of the receiving device, 1 byte of the communication access control information ESV, and the control / processing related information CM1, and is arranged in the order described above. Here, the 1-byte communication access control information ESV corresponds to the communication access control information 1830 described in Section 2.1 using FIG. 10B. Also, as shown in FIG. 15A(d), both the identification information SEOJ of the transmitting device and the identification information DEOJ of the receiving device are composed of 1 byte of the device type group code DTGC, 1 byte of the device type code DTC, and 1 byte of the in-type device identification code DIDC, and are arranged in the order described above. This device type group code DTGC represents a group of device types, for example, indicating which group among a sensor-related device group, an air-conditioning-related device group, a housing / facility-related device group, a cooking / housework-related device group, etc. the target device belongs to. The next device type code DTC represents a device type such as a TV, an air conditioner, etc. When a plurality of different devices 1250 corresponding to the same device type are installed within the same system α_1132 (for example, when a plurality of air conditioners are installed in one house), the in-type device identification code DIDC is set to identify each device 1250. When considering an air conditioner as an example of the device 1250, there are setting states regarding a plurality of items such as "set temperature", "set air volume", "set air direction", "set timer time (auto ON / auto OFF)", etc., and it is possible to simultaneously change the settings (state change control) for a plurality of items. Therefore, within the exchange information (table) 1810 shown in FIG. 10B, even for a single device, "states regarding a plurality of items" or "simultaneous setting change instructions (state change control information) regarding a plurality of items" are defined, and these information can be described in a list form.Therefore, within the control / processing related information in Fig. 15A(c), as shown in Fig. 15A(e), state change control corresponding to the simultaneous collection of status information and setting changes can be performed for multiple items. And the number of items of status information to be collected simultaneously or the number of items for which state change control (setting change) is to be performed simultaneously is described in 1 byte by the control / processing number NCM. And for the number of items set by the control / processing number NCM, the control / processing information CM-1 to n from the first time to the nth time is arranged in the above order. And each control / processing information CM-1 to n is composed of the type identification information EPC of 1-byte exchange information, the data size PDC of 1-byte individual exchange information, and the individual exchange information EDT, and is arranged in the above order. And the "status information to be collected", "status information to be answered", or "state change (setting change) control information" stored for each item corresponding to each device 1250 is stored as the above-mentioned individual exchange information EDT. Also, the data size information for each individual exchange information EDT is stored as the data size PDC of the individual exchange information. Therefore, depending on the type of the corresponding device 1250 (that is, based on the content of the device type code DTC described above), the item content representing the state and the item content for state change control (setting change) are different. Therefore, in the E-format, for each type of the corresponding device 1250 (the content of the device type code DTC), the items of information to be collected for the state and the information representation format, or the items to be state change controlled (set) and the control information representation format are determined in advance, and a template and an item code (template code) along the representation format for each item are prepared in advance. And the item code set for each type of the corresponding device 1250 (the content of the device type code DTC) is stored as the type identification information EPC of the exchange information. Also, this type identification information EPC of the exchange information corresponds to the type identification information 1840 of the exchange information shown in Fig. 10B. Here, taking the case of controlling the setting change (state change control) of a household air conditioner from the system controller α_1126 as an example, the information in the E-format data E-DT corresponding to the exchange information (table) 1810 will be described. Now, the command (command issuance) for setting change (state change control) in the E-format corresponds to the "write request" described in Section 2.1.Therefore, as the communication access control information ESV(1830) in Fig. 15A(c), [60h] (= when no response is required) or [61h] (= when a response is required) is set. (For reference, when the setting code of the communication access control information ESV(1830) is "read request", [62h] corresponds, when it is "notification", [73h] corresponds, and when it is "read response", [72h] corresponds respectively.) And the device type group code DTGC of the household air conditioner corresponds to [01h] which means the air-conditioning related device group. Also, the device type code DTC becomes [30h]. Here, when assigned to the first air conditioner in the system α_1132, the same device type device identification code DIDC is [01h]. Therefore, when the system controller α_1126 issues a state change control command 1852 (corresponding to case 1 in Fig. 10B) to this household air conditioner, the identification information of the receiving device in Fig. 15A(c) becomes [013001h]. And when the system controller α_1126 controls to change the corresponding air conditioner to the operating state, the type identification information EPC of the exchange information is [80h], the data size of the individual exchange information is [01h] (= 1 byte), and the individual exchange information EDT is [30h]. Therefore, the first control / processing information CM-1 combined with these information can be represented as [800130h]. Next, when the set temperature is set and changed to 26°C as the nth control / processing, the type identification information EPC of the exchange information is [B3h], the data size of the individual exchange information is [01h] (= 1 byte), and the individual exchange information EDT is [1Ah] which means 26°C. Therefore, the nth control / processing information CM-n combined with these information is expressed as [B3011A]. 2.7 Data Structure of A-Format in the Communication Middleware Layer As described with reference to Fig. 16 in Section 2.1, the "A-format" used in the system of this embodiment mainly focuses on being used in the communication middleware layer APL06 for information communication with the device 1250 and the server n_1116-n. Also, not limited to this, it may be used for information communication between different system controllers α_1126 and β_1128, and may also be used for information communication with the composite modules 1460 and 1470.Also, as already described in Section 2.1 with reference to FIG. 10B, in the A-format, information communication is basically performed by the exchange process of the exchange information (table) 1810 between the transmitting node and the receiving node. Therefore, this exchange information (table) 1810 (or a part thereof) is stored in the IPv6 data / payload IPv6DU as a part of the communication middleware data APLDT shown in FIG. 11(a). In the A-format, as shown in FIG. 15B as an example, the communication middleware data APLDT may be described in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. In this specification, a method of describing the content in a text-based manner such as the above XML or HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is called a "text format in a broad sense". For example, in HTML, tags are always described in the description text. However, in the "text format in a broad sense" mentioned here, the above tag description is not necessarily essential, and any text format description in a broad sense is included in the "text format in a broad sense". Therefore, for example, programs such as Java applets, Java scripts, or C language are also included in the above text format in a broad sense. By describing the communication middleware data APLDT in the text format in a broad sense in this way, there is an effect that the versatility and extensibility as the communication middleware data APLDT can be ensured. Therefore, the A-format in the system of this embodiment is defined as "a format described in a text format in a broad sense as communication information related to the com...

Claims

1. A first system controller and a second system controller respectively arranged in a first local network and a second local network, A server arranged in a wide area network, The first local network, the second local network, and the wide area network A situation management system using an electronic unit capable of communicating between the server, the first system controller, and the second system controller via the network, wherein the first system controller and the second system controller Each set a plurality of sections in their respective local area networks and manage the electronic units within each section. The server, the first system controller, and the second system controller each have a memory section, and each memory section contains shared address information for specifying the electronic unit to communicate. The address information includes at least a transmission-side IP address, a reception-side IP address, identification information of the section where the reception-side electronic unit exists, a device type code of the device including the reception-side electronic unit, and an in-device identification code within the same type. The first system controller and / or the second system controller Means for collecting sensor information and / or current setting state information from the electronic units registered in the respective address information, Means for estimating / judging the state within the system where the electronic unit exists based on the collected information and / or the current setting state information, Means for making an inquiry confirmation to the user within the system via the I / F section based on the estimation / judgment of the state within the system. A situation management system using an electronic unit comprising these means.

2. The electronic unit includes, as its types, a sensor module having a sensor, a drive module having a driving means, a sensor / drive module in which the sensor and the driving means are integrated, and a drive / communication module in which the driving means and the communication means are integrated. The situation management system using the electronic unit according to Claim 1.

3. The situation management system using the electronic unit according to Claim 1, wherein the plurality of the electronic units also include those that can be moved from under the management of the first system controller to under the management of the second system controller.

4. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A first system controller and a second system controller respectively arranged in a first local network and a second local network, A server arranged in a wide area network, The first local network, the second local network, and the wide area net A situation management method using an electronic unit capable of communicating between the server, the first system controller, and the second system controller via the work, wherein the first system controller and the second system controller Each set a plurality of sections in their respective local area networks and Manage the electronic units within each section, The server, the first system controller, and the second system controller Each is provided with a memory unit, and each of the memory units contains shared address information for designating the electronic unit to perform communication The address information includes at least a transmission-side IP address, a reception-side IP address, identification information of the section where the reception-side electronic unit exists, a device type code of the device including the reception-side electronic unit, and an in-device identification code within the same type, The first system controller and / or the second system controller Collect sensor information and / or current setting state information from the electronic units registered in the respective address information, Estimate / judge the state within the system based on the collected information and / or the current setting state information, A situation management method using an electronic unit that makes an inquiry confirmation to a user within the system via an I / F unit based on the estimation / judgment of the state within the system.

5. A first system controller and a second system controller respectively arranged in a first local network and a second local network, A server arranged in a wide area network, A service providing system using an electronic unit capable of communicating between the server, the first system controller, and the second system controller via the first local network, the second local network, and the wide area network, wherein the first system controller and the second system controller ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Each local area network sets a plurality of sections respectively, and manages the electronic units within each section. The server, the first system controller, and the second system controller each include a memory unit, and each of the memory units contains shared address information for specifying the electronic unit to perform communication. The address information includes at least the IP address of the transmission side, the IP address of the reception side, the identification information of the section where the reception side electronic unit exists, the device type code of the device including the reception side electronic unit, and the in-device identification code within the same type. The first system controller and / or the second system controller each include means for collecting sensor information and / or current setting state information from the electronic units registered in the respective address information, means for estimating / judging the state within the system where the electronic unit exists based on the collected information and / or the current setting state information, and means for providing a service for confirming an inquiry to a user within the system via the I / F unit based on the estimation / judgment of the state within the system. A service providing system using an electronic unit having these means is provided.

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