Machine network system and method for recognizing the lineage of the machine network system

Abstract

To provide an appliance network system capable of performing system recognition processing to a plurality of systems simultaneously.SOLUTION: An appliance network system performs system recognition using a signal having a different frequency for each of systems, which enables an appliance receiving the signal to easily determine which system the signal belongs to. Thereby, the system recognition can be performed simultaneously and in parallel in all of the systems, which makes it possible to shorten a time required for the system recognition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device network system for performing high-frequency communication and a method for recognizing the system of the device network system.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding system recognition in communication between devices, for example, in the system recognition method disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-167580), pulses having a frequency lower than the frequency used in communication are used, and depending on whether or not the pulses reach the devices, the devices physically connected by wiring are specified.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the above system recognition method, since the determination is made only based on the information of the presence or absence of low-frequency pulses, system recognition processing cannot be performed simultaneously on a plurality of systems, and system recognition has been performed by sequentially switching the systems. Therefore, there has been a tendency that the time until the system recognition is completed increases in proportion to the number of systems.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a problem of enabling system recognition to be performed simultaneously on a plurality of systems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The device network system from the first perspective includes a first network and a second network. The first network includes a first device group having a plurality of devices and a first communication line connecting the devices included in the first device group to each other. The second network includes a second device group having a plurality of devices including at least one device not belonging to the first device group and a second communication line connecting the devices included in the second device group to each other. Also, in the first network, a first system recognition for recognizing a system having a physical connection relationship of the first device group is performed. The first system recognition is performed using a first signal having a first frequency. Further, in the second network, a second system recognition for recognizing a system having a physical connection relationship of the second device group is performed. The second system recognition is performed using a second signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency.

[0006] In this device network system, since system recognition is performed using signals of different frequencies for each system, a device that has received a signal can easily determine which system the signal belongs to. Therefore, system recognition can be performed simultaneously and in parallel for all systems, and the time required for system recognition can be shortened.

[0007] The device network system from the second perspective is the device network system from the first perspective, where the second frequency is a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the first frequency.

[0008] In this device network system, even if the first frequency and the second frequency are set to different frequencies, there may be a case where it cannot be determined that the second frequency is set to an integer multiple of the first frequency. Therefore, by setting at least the second frequency to a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the first frequency, the discrimination between the two systems becomes easy.

[0009] The device network system from the third perspective is the device network system from the first perspective or the second perspective, and a first device that is the subject of the first system recognition is determined from among the first device group. The first device performs the first system recognition using the first signal. When there are a plurality of devices that are candidates for the first device in the first device group, the numerical value of the first frequency is determined in advance for each candidate.

[0010] In this device network system, even when there are a plurality of candidates that are the subjects of system recognition in one system, since the frequency of the signal used for each candidate is determined, it is easy to discriminate the system regardless of which candidate becomes the subject of system recognition.

[0011] The device network system from the fourth perspective is the device network system from the first perspective or the second perspective, and a first device that is the subject of the first system recognition is determined from among the first device group, and the first device determines the numerical value of the first frequency.

[0012] In this device network system, since the first device itself determines the frequency, it is not necessary to set the frequency for the first device in advance.

[0013] The system recognition method of the device network system from the fifth perspective is a system recognition method for a device network system including a first network and a second network. The first network includes a first device group having a plurality of devices and a first communication line connecting the devices included in the first device group to each other. The second network includes a second device group having a plurality of devices including at least one device not belonging to the first device group and a second communication line connecting the devices included in the second device group to each other. In the device network system, a first step, a second step, a third step, a fourth step, a fifth step, a sixth step, a seventh step, and an eighth step are executed. The first step is a step of determining a first device that is the subject of the first system recognition. Here, the first system recognition is to recognize a system having a physical connection relationship of the first device group from among the first device group. The second step is a step of the first device transmitting a first signal having a first frequency to devices other than the first device in the first device group. The third step is a step of the devices in the first device group that have received the first signal responding to the first device. The fourth step is a step of the first device recognizing, as target devices belonging to the first network, the devices that have responded to the first signal transmitted by itself. The fifth step is a step of determining a second device that is the subject of the second system recognition. Here, the second system recognition is to recognize a system having a physical connection relationship of the second device group from among the second device group. The sixth step is a step of the second device transmitting a second signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency to devices other than the second device in the second device group. The seventh step is a step of the devices in the second device group that have received the second signal responding to the second device. The eighth step is a step of the second device recognizing, as target devices belonging to the second network, the devices that have responded to the second signal transmitted by itself.

[0014] In this system recognition method of the device network system, since system recognition is performed using signals of different frequencies for each system, the devices that have received the signals can easily determine which system the signals are from.

[0015] The system recognition method of the device network system from the sixth perspective is the system recognition method of the device network system from the fifth perspective, and the first step and the fifth step are executed simultaneously.

[0016] In this system recognition method of the device network system, in all systems, the determination of the subject of system recognition can be performed simultaneously and in parallel, and the time required for system recognition can be shortened.

[0017] The system recognition method of the device network system from the seventh perspective is the system recognition method of the device network system from the fifth or sixth perspective, and the second frequency is a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the first frequency.

[0018] In this system recognition method of the device network system, even if the first frequency and the second frequency are set to different frequencies, there may be cases where it is impossible to determine that the second frequency is set to an integer multiple of the first frequency. Therefore, by setting at least the second frequency to a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the first frequency, the discrimination between the two systems becomes easy.

[0019] The system recognition method of the device network system from the eighth perspective is the system recognition method of the device network system from the fifth to seventh perspectives. When there are a plurality of devices in the first device group that can be candidates for the first device, the numerical values of the first frequency are determined in advance for each candidate.

[0020] In this system recognition method of the device network system, even when there are a plurality of candidates as the subject of system recognition in one system, since the frequency of the signal used for each candidate is determined, the discrimination of the system becomes easy regardless of which candidate becomes the subject of system recognition.

[0021] The system recognition method of the device network system from the ninth perspective is the system recognition method of the device network system from the fifth to seventh perspectives, and the first device determines the numerical value of the first frequency. In the system recognition method of this device network system, since the first device itself determines the frequency, there is no need to set the frequency for the first device in advance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] (1) Overview of the Device Network System It is a diagram showing the wiring connection relationship among the devices constituting the air conditioning system. In Figure 1, A1 and A2 are central controllers, A3, A4, and B1 are outdoor units, B2 is a collective refrigerant circuit switching unit, B3, C1, D1, and D2 are indoor units, E1 is an individual refrigerant circuit switching unit, and F1 is an indoor unit. Each is called a "node" as one end connected to the device network.

[0024] Figure 2A is a conceptual diagram of system recognition when systems are connected in multiple stages, corresponding to Figure 1. In Figure 2A, the frames indicated by the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F are grouped by physical wiring and are the ranges to be recognized by system recognition, which are called systems on the device network.

[0025] This "system" is the same as the refrigerant system in the air conditioning system, but groupings other than the refrigerant system are also within the scope of recognition. System recognition means recognizing devices grouped by physical wiring.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2A, System A is the system to which nodes A1, A2, A3, and A4 belong, and System B is the system to which nodes A3, B1, B2, and B3 belong. Also, System C is the system to which nodes B2 and C1 belong, and System D is the system to which nodes B2, D1, and D2 belong. Also, System E is the system to which nodes A4 and E1 belong, and System F is the system to which nodes E1 and F1 belong.

[0027] In the initial state, a node does not know which system it belongs to, and it is necessary to identify the system to which it belongs through system recognition. To achieve system recognition, it is necessary to define the role of each node on the device network to be recognized.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2A, as the initial roles of the nodes, there are "recognizing roles" and "recognized roles". Also, there are nodes such as A3, A4, B2, and E1 that have both "recognizing roles" and "recognized roles", and the systems are connected by nodes A3, A4, B2, and E1. Nodes A3, A4, B2, and E1 have the role of "recognized role" with respect to the upstream side and the role of "recognizing role" with respect to the downstream side.

[0029] Specifically, System A and System B are connected by node A3, and System A and System E are connected by node A4. Also, System B is connected to Systems C and D by node B2, and System E and System F are connected by node E1.

[0030] For the connectable systems, there is only one point on the upstream side, and connection to multiple systems is possible on the downstream side.

[0031] (2) System recognition procedure Here, taking Systems A and B in Figure 2A as examples, the system recognition procedure will be described. In System A, there are two nodes, A1 and A2, which can serve as the "recognizer" on the recognition side. Also, there is a node A3 that can serve as the "recognized entity" for the upstream System A and the "recognizer" for the downstream System B. Furthermore, there is a node A4 that can serve as the "recognized entity" for the upstream System A and the "recognizer" for the downstream System E.

[0032] On the other hand, in System B, there are two nodes, A3 and B1, which can serve as the "recognizer". There is a B2 that can serve as the "recognized entity" for the upstream node A3 or node B1 and the "recognizer" for the downstream Systems C and D.

[0033] Here, the nodes that can serve as the "recognizer" are called "recognizer candidates". Also, a prerequisite for system recognition is that a high-frequency communication network is established before entering the control of system recognition.

[0034] The system recognition procedure will be described below with reference to the flowchart of system recognition in Figure 3.

[0035] (Step S1) In the initial state, since the node does not know which system it belongs to, a system recognition start request is notified to the entire system, and all nodes are requested to start system recognition.

[0036] (Step S2) Figure 2B is a state diagram when the node serving as the "recognizer" is performing system recognition. In Figure 2B, in System A, each of the two "recognizer candidate" nodes, A1 and A2, can transmit a detection signal.

[0037] The detection signal is, for example, a low-frequency pulse having a frequency of 200 Hz or less. Although the frequency of the detection signal varies for each system, in this case, the frequency fa of the detection signal of system A is not made an integer multiple of the frequency fb of another system B. Specifically, the frequency fb is preferably set to a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the frequency fa.

[0038] Two nodes A1 and A2 start transmitting the detection signal after a random waiting time has elapsed. However, if another "recognition candidate" has already transmitted the detection signal, the detection signal is not transmitted. By introducing a random waiting time, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of signal collisions caused by multiple "recognition candidates" transmitting the detection signal simultaneously.

[0039] For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, in system A, if node A2 receives the detection signal transmitted from node A1 during the waiting time, node A1 becomes the "recognizing role", and node A2 does not transmit the detection signal and transitions to the "recognized role".

[0040] Also, in system B, two nodes A3 and B1, which are "recognition candidates", transmit the detection signal after a random waiting time has elapsed. For example, in system B, if node A3 receives the detection signal transmitted from node B1 during the waiting time, node B1 becomes the "recognizing role", and node A3 does not transmit the detection signal and transitions to the "recognized role".

[0041] The detection signal transmitted by node A1 of system A must not propagate to nodes B1, B2, and B3 of system B, which is a different system, and must only propagate to nodes A2, A3, and A4 of system A, which is the same system.

[0042] Similarly, the detection signal transmitted by node B1 of system B must not propagate to nodes A1, A2, and A4 of system A, which is a different system, and must only propagate to nodes A3, B2, and B3 of system B, which is the same system.

[0043] Therefore, a high-pass filter (HPF) is arranged between System A and System B, and is configured such that a detection signal, which is a low-frequency pulse, does not propagate to other systems (see Fig. 5).

[0044] (Step S3) The "recognition candidate" determines the presence or absence of signal collision. Since each of the plurality of "recognition candidates" transmits a detection signal after the elapse of a random waiting time, the occurrence of signal collision should be suppressed.

[0045] However, since the waiting time is random, the transmission timings of detection signals from a plurality of "recognition candidates" may rarely coincide, so it cannot be said that there is no occurrence of signal collision. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the presence or absence of signal collision.

[0046] If a signal collision occurs, the node that detected the signal collision notifies a retry request, returns to Step S1, and all nodes re-perform system recognition from the beginning. When the occurrence of signal collision is not detected, proceed to Step S4.

[0047] (Step S4) Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that in System A, Node A1 first transmits a detection signal and becomes the "recognizer", and in System B, Node B1 first transmits a detection signal and becomes the "recognizer". The "recognizer" not only transmits a detection signal but also periodically transmits a detection signal transmission start notification, which includes the communication address of the transmission source (the "recognizer"). However, the communication address may also be attached to the detection signal.

[0048] The "recognized party" monitors whether a detection signal is being transmitted from the "recognizer", and if it cannot detect the transmission of the detection signal even after a certain period of time has elapsed, it times out and detects it as a reception error.

[0049] When the "recognized device" confirms that a detection signal has been sent from the "recognizing device", it identifies the source from the frequency of the detection signal and retains the information of the source as the ID of the system in which it participates.

[0050] Since each "recognized device" has data associating the frequency of the detection signal with the "recognizing device" (hereinafter referred to as "association data"), the source can be identified from the frequency of the detection signal. Also, even if it does not have the association data, if the communication address of the "recognizing device" is included in the detection signal, it can respond to the "recognizing device" which is the source of the detection signal by communication.

[0051] The "recognized devices" of Node A2, A3, and A4 that received the detection signal from Node A1 identify Node A1, which is the "recognizing device" as the source, from the frequency of the detection signal, and retain, for example, the lower 8 bytes of the communication address of Node A1 as the ID of the system in which they participate. Node A2, A3, and A4 return a response to Node A1 by communication and participate in the group (System A) of Node A1.

[0052] Similarly, the "recognized devices" of Node A3, B2, and B3 that received the detection signal from Node B1 identify Node B1, which is the "recognizing device" as the source, from the frequency of the detection signal, and retain, for example, the lower 8 bytes of the communication address of Node B1 as the ID of the system in which they participate. Node A3, B2, and B3 return a response to Node B1 by communication and participate in the group (System B) of Node B1.

[0053] (Step S5) Node A1, which is the "recognizing device", recognizes that the "recognized devices" of Node A2, A3, and A4 that responded belong to devices in the same system, and stores the information.

[0054] Similarly, Node B1, which is the "recognizing device", recognizes that the "recognized devices" of Node A3, B2, and B3 that responded belong to devices in the same system, and stores the information.

[0055] (Step S6: Completion of system recognition) In this embodiment, the "recognition role" stops the periodic notification of the detection signal transmission start notification after the elapse of the first predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) since the detection signal is transmitted. When the second predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed after the detection signal transmission start notification is no longer notified from any of the "recognition roles", it is determined that the system recognition has been successful, and the control of the system recognition is completed. The success of the system recognition includes the case where the detection signal is not received and thus the device does not participate in the group (system).

[0056] When the "recognized role" detects a reception error of the detection signal, it returns to step S1 and executes the system recognition again.

[0057] Further, FIG. 4 is a system map created based on the form of FIG. 2B. The system map of FIG. 4 is created by collecting information on the systems to which the nodes participate, but it is not necessary for all nodes to hold it. For example, for node A3, only the map on its downstream side needs to be held.

[0058] (3) Low-frequency signal detection method In the present application, high-frequency communication is adopted for communication, and a low-frequency signal that is sufficiently far from the frequency used for communication is used as the signal for system recognition. This is called the low-frequency signal detection method. It is a method of recognizing devices in the same system by making the low-frequency signal propagate only to the devices in the same refrigerant system and detecting this.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of the low-frequency signal detection method. In FIG. 5, the outdoor unit serves as the "recognized role" for the upstream central controller and the "recognition role" for the downstream indoor units.

[0060] The outdoor unit that can serve as either the "recognizing party" or the "recognized party" is provided with a control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as MCU), a communication circuit PHY, a low-frequency signal transmission circuit PS, two low-frequency signal reception circuits PD, a high-frequency transmission filter HPF, and two low-frequency transmission filters LPF. The high-frequency transmission filter HPF inhibits the propagation of low-frequency signals and passes high-frequency signals. The low-frequency transmission filter LPF passes only pulses and does not pass the communication signals of the communication circuit PHY.

[0061] The indoor unit of the "recognized party" is provided with an MCU, a communication circuit PHY, a low-frequency signal reception circuit PD, and a low-frequency transmission filter LPF.

[0062] The node of the "recognizing party" (for example, the central controller) is provided with an MCU, a communication circuit PHY, a low-frequency signal transmission circuit PS, a low-frequency signal reception circuit PD, and a low-frequency transmission filter LPF.

[0063] However, when there are multiple central controllers in the same system, the central controller becomes a node that can serve as either the "recognizing party" or the "recognized party", so another low-frequency signal reception circuit PD and a low-frequency transmission filter LPF will be added.

[0064] The detection signal output from the low-frequency signal transmission circuit PS of the central controller is input to the low-frequency signal reception circuit PD on the central controller side of the outdoor unit, but is blocked by the high-frequency transmission filter HPF so as not to flow out to the indoor unit side.

[0065] The detection signal output from the low-frequency signal transmission circuit PS of the outdoor unit is input only to the low-frequency signal reception circuit PD of the indoor unit, but is blocked by the high-frequency transmission filter HPF so as not to flow out to the central controller side.

[0066] In the device network system of the present disclosure, the high-frequency transmission filter HPF prevents the detection signal from flowing out to other systems, but communication is not inhibited, so communication can be performed between all devices.

[0067] Also, in this embodiment, since the frequencies of the detection signals transmitted from the "recognition unit" are different for each system, system recognition is simultaneously performed in all systems.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a table comparing, in a time chart of system recognition, the case where the frequencies of the detection signals are the same in all systems and the case where the frequencies of the detection signals are different for each system, based on FIG. 2B. In FIG. 6, the left column of the table is the time chart of "the case where the frequencies of the detection signals are the same in all systems (hereinafter referred to as pattern 1)", and the right column is the time chart of "the case where the frequencies of the detection signals are different for each system (hereinafter referred to as pattern 2)". In FIG. 6, for each system, the time length from when the "recognition unit" transmits a detection signal to the "recognized unit" until the "recognized unit" that has received the detection signal returns a response to the "recognition unit" is displayed. Taking system A as an example, node A1 transmits a detection signal with frequency fo to nodes A2, A3, and A4, and responses from nodes A2, A3, and A4 that have received the detection signal are received by node A1, and the system recognition of system A is completed.

[0069] In pattern 1 in the left column of the table, first, after the system recognition of system A is completed, the system recognitions of systems B and E are started, and after they are completed, the system recognitions of systems C, D, and F are started.

[0070] Thus, in pattern 1, when there is an upstream - downstream positional relationship between systems, system recognition cannot be performed simultaneously in those systems. Because, in pattern 1, whether it belongs to the system of the "recognition unit" is determined based on whether the "recognized unit" can receive the detection signal. So, if detection signals of the same frequency are transmitted simultaneously, a node connecting the upstream - side system and the downstream - side system cannot determine from which system node the detection signal is. Therefore, it is necessary to perform system recognition in order, and the time until all system recognitions are completed becomes longer.

[0071] In contrast, in Pattern 2 in the right column of the table, system recognition is performed simultaneously for all systems from System A to System F. This is because since the frequency of the detection signal is different for each system, the node connecting the upstream system and the downstream system can determine from which system node the detection signal is based on the frequency of the detection signal. Therefore, system recognition can be performed simultaneously, and the time until all system recognitions are completed is shorter than that of Pattern 1.

[0072] (4) Application to an air conditioning system FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning system. In FIG. 7, the air conditioning system is composed of a central controller, an outdoor unit, and an indoor unit, and a unit physically connected by wiring is called a system.

[0073] In System K1, in order to control across a plurality of Systems K2, K3, and K4, Systems K2, K3, and K4 are connected by an inter-system connection wiring, and a central controller 101 is connected to the inter-system connection wiring. Specifically, the central controller 101, outdoor units 201, 301, 401 as devices belonging to the first device group 100 are connected by wirings 111, 112, 113 belonging to the first wiring group 110, and the first network 10 is configured.

[0074] In System K2, the outdoor units 201, 202, 203, and indoor units 204, 205, 206 as devices belonging to the second device group 200 are connected by wirings 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 belonging to the second wiring group 210, and the second network 20 is configured.

[0075] In System K3, the outdoor units 301, 302, and indoor units 303, 304, 305 as devices belonging to the third device group 300 are connected by wirings 311, 312, 313, 314 belonging to the third wiring group 310, and the third network 30 is configured.

[0076] In system K4, an outdoor unit 401, and indoor units 402, 403, and 404, which are devices belonging to the fourth device group 400, are connected by wirings 411, 412, and 413 belonging to the fourth wiring group 410, thereby forming the fourth network 40.

[0077] Communication between devices is performed at a high frequency of 100 kHz or more. System recognition is performed by a central controller, an outdoor unit, and indoor units to recognize which of the systems K1, K2, K3, and K4 they belong to.

[0078] In FIG. 7, in system K1, there is one central controller 101 as a "recognition candidate". In system K2, there are three outdoor units 201, 202, and 203 as "recognition candidates".

[0079] Also, in system K3, there are two outdoor units 301 and 302 as "recognition candidates". Further, in system K4, there is one outdoor unit 401 as a "recognition candidate".

[0080] After a random waiting time has elapsed for each of these seven "recognition candidates", detection signals of different frequencies are transmitted. A low-frequency pulse of 10 kHz or less is used for the detection signal. The system recognition processes for each system are executed simultaneously. Hereinafter, the system recognition processes for each system will be described in order from system K1.

[0081] (4-1) System recognition in system K1 Since there are no other "recognition candidates" for the central controller 101, which is the "recognition candidate" in system K1, it inevitably becomes the "recognition device". After a random waiting time has elapsed, the central controller 101 transmits a detection signal of frequency f1. The detection signal propagates only to the outdoor units 201, 301, and 401 of system K1, which is the same system.

[0082] Next, the outdoor units 201, 301, and 401 of the "recognized party" that received the detection signal identify the transmission source from the frequency f1 of the detection signal. The outdoor units 201, 301, and 401 return a response to the centralized controller 101, which is the transmission source of the detection signal, via communication and participate in the system K1, which is a group of the centralized controller 101.

[0083] Then, the centralized controller 101, which is the "recognizing party", recognizes the outdoor units 201, 301, and 401 of the "recognized party" that responded as devices belonging to the same system and stores the information.

[0084] (4-2) System recognition in system K2 Each of the three outdoor units 201, 202, and 203, which are "candidates for the recognizing party" in system K2, transmits a detection signal with a frequency f2 after a random waiting time has elapsed. The detection signal propagates only to the devices of system K2, which is the same system.

[0085] Here, when the outdoor units 201 and 203 receive the detection signal transmitted from the outdoor unit 202 during the waiting time, the outdoor unit 202 becomes the "recognizing party", and the outdoor units 201 and 203 stop transmitting the detection signal and transition to the "recognized party".

[0086] Next, the outdoor units 201, 203, and the indoor units 204, 205, and 206 of the "recognized party" that received the detection signal from the outdoor unit 202 identify the transmission source from the frequency f2 of the detection signal. The outdoor units 201, 203, and the indoor units 204, 205, and 206 return a response to the outdoor unit 202, which is the transmission source of the detection signal, via communication and participate in the system K2, which is a group of the outdoor unit 202.

[0087] Then, the outdoor unit 202 that has become the "recognizing party" recognizes the outdoor units 201, 203, and the indoor units 204, 205, and 206 of the "recognized party" that responded as devices belonging to the same system K2 and stores the information.

[0088] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the outdoor unit 201 also receives the detection signal from the centralized controller 101 of the system K1. Since the detection signal from the centralized controller 101 and the detection signal from the outdoor unit 202 have different frequencies, it is possible to distinguish and return a response.

[0089] (4-3) System recognition in system K3 Each of the two outdoor units 301 and 302, which are "recognition candidate" in the system K3, transmits a detection signal of frequency f3 after a random waiting time has elapsed. At this time, the detection signal propagates only to the devices of the same system K3.

[0090] Here, when the outdoor unit 301 receives the detection signal transmitted from the outdoor unit 302 during the waiting time, the outdoor unit 302 becomes the "recognition unit", and the outdoor unit 301 does not transmit the detection signal and transitions to the "recognized unit".

[0091] Next, the outdoor unit 301, indoor units 303, 304, and 305 that received the detection signal identify the transmission source from the frequency f3 of the detection signal. The outdoor unit 301, indoor units 303, 304, and 305 return a response to the outdoor unit 302, which is the transmission source, by communication and participate in the system K3, which is the group of the outdoor unit 302.

[0092] Then, the outdoor unit 302 that has become the "recognition unit" recognizes that the outdoor unit 301, indoor units 303, 304, and 305 that responded are devices belonging to the same system and stores that information.

[0093] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the outdoor unit 301 also receives the detection signal from the centralized controller 101 of the system K1. Since the detection signal from the centralized controller 101 and the detection signal from the outdoor unit 302 have different frequencies, it is possible to distinguish and return a response.

[0094] (4-4) System recognition in system K4 In the system K4, since there is no other "recognition candidate" for the outdoor unit 401 which is the "recognition candidate", it will inevitably become the "recognizer". After a random waiting time has elapsed, the outdoor unit 401 transmits a detection signal of frequency f4. At this time, the detection signal propagates only to the indoor units 402, 403, and 404 of the same system K4.

[0095] Next, the indoor units 402, 403, and 404 which are the "recognized candidates" that received the detection signal identify the transmission source from the frequency f4 of the detection signal. The indoor units 402, 403, and 404 return a response to the outdoor unit 401 which is the transmission source through communication and participate in the system K4 which is the group of the outdoor unit 401.

[0096] Then, the outdoor unit 401 which is the "recognizer" recognizes that the indoor units 402, 403, and 404 which responded are devices belonging to the same system and stores that information.

[0097] (5) Features (5-1) In the device network system of the present disclosure, since system recognition is performed using signals of different frequencies for each system, the device that received the signal can easily determine which system the signal is from. Therefore, system recognition can be performed simultaneously and in parallel for all systems, and the time required for system recognition can be shortened.

[0098] (5-2) In the device network system of the present disclosure, even if different frequencies are set for each system, for example, when it is impossible to determine that the frequency f2 of the detection signal of system K2 is set to an integer multiple of the frequency f1 of the detection signal of system K1, at least the frequency f2 is set to a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the frequency f1.

[0099] (5-3) The system recognition method of the device network system of the present disclosure executes the first step to the eighth step. The first step is a step of determining a first device that is the main body of the first system recognition. The second step is a step of the first device transmitting a first signal having a first frequency to devices other than the first device in the first device group. The third step is a step of the devices in the first device group that have received the first signal responding to the first device. The fourth step is a step of the first device recognizing the devices that have responded to the first signal transmitted by itself as target devices belonging to the first network. The fifth step is a step of determining a second device that is the main body of the second system recognition. The sixth step is a step of the second device transmitting a second signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency to devices other than the second device in the second device group. The seventh step is a step of the devices in the second device group that have received the second signal responding to the second device. The eighth step is a step of the second device recognizing the devices that have responded to the second signal transmitted by itself as target devices belonging to the second network. As a result, since system recognition is performed using signals of different frequencies for each system, the devices that have received the signals can easily determine which system the signals are from.

[0100] (5-4) By simultaneously executing the first step and the fifth step, in all systems, the determination of the main body of system recognition can be performed simultaneously in parallel, and the time required for system recognition can be shortened.

[0101] (6) Variation (6-1) First Variation In the above embodiment, the frequency of the detection signal is different for each system, but it is not limited thereto, and the frequency of the detection signal may be different for each node. Also in this case, it is preferable that the frequency of the detection signal of a certain node is set to a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 times the frequency of the detection signal of other nodes.

[0102] Even if the frequencies are different at each node, since the "recognized entity" has "association data" that associates the frequency of the detection signal with the "recognizing entity", it is possible to identify the source from the frequency of the detection signal and surely respond to the "recognizing entity" of the source.

[0103] Also, even if it does not have the association data, when the communication address of the "recognizing entity" is included in the detection signal, even if the frequencies are different at each node, when the "recognized entity" receives the detection signal, it can surely respond to the "recognizing entity" that is the source of the detection signal.

[0104] (6-2) Second Variant Example In the above embodiment, the frequency of the detection signal is set in advance for each system, but it is not limited thereto. When there are a plurality of candidates that are the main bodies of system recognition in one system, the frequency of the signal used for each candidate may be determined in advance. As a result, it is easy to discriminate the system regardless of which candidate becomes the main body of system recognition.

[0105] Even if the frequencies are different at each node, since the "recognized entity" has "association data" that associates the frequency of the detection signal with the "recognizing entity", it is possible to identify the source from the frequency of the detection signal and surely respond to the "recognizing entity" of the source.

[0106] Also, even if it does not have the association data, when the communication address of the "recognizing entity" is included in the detection signal, even if the frequencies are different at each node, when the "recognized entity" receives the detection signal, it can surely respond to the "recognizing entity" that is the source of the detection signal.

[0107] (6-3) Third Variant Example In the above embodiment, the frequency of the detection signal is set in advance for each system, but it is not limited thereto. A device that is the main body of system recognition of the system may be determined from among a group of devices of one system, and the device may determine the numerical value of the frequency of the detection signal.

[0108] However, since a frequency range that can be determined in advance is assigned to each device, the device that becomes the main body of system recognition can determine a numerical value within the frequency range assigned to itself.

[0109] In such a case, since the device itself that becomes the main body of system recognition determines the frequency, there is no need to set the frequency for each system in advance, nor is there a need to set the frequency for each device.

[0110] Even if the frequencies are different at each node, since the "recognized party" has "association data" that associates the frequency range corresponding to the frequency of the detection signal with the "recognizing party", the transmission source can be specified from the frequency range corresponding to the frequency of the detection signal, and a response can be surely made to the "recognizing party" of the transmission source.

[0111] Also, even if it does not have such association data, when the communication address of the "recognizing party" is included in the detection signal, even if the frequencies are different at each node, when the "recognized party" receives the detection signal, it can surely respond to the "recognizing party" that is the transmission source of the detection signal.

[0112] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0113] 10 First Network 101 Central Controller (First Device Group) 201, 301, 401 Outdoor Units (First Device Group) 111, 112, 113 Wiring (First Communication Line) 20 Second Network 201, 202, 203 Outdoor Units (Second Device Group) 204, 205, 206 Indoor Units (Second Device Group) 122, 212, 213, 214, 215 Wiring (Second Communication Line)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0114]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A first network (10) including a first group of devices (101, 201, 301, 401) having a plurality of devices and a first communication line (111, 112, 113) connecting the devices included in the first group of devices to each other, a second network (20) including a second group of devices (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) having a plurality of devices including at least one device not belonging to the first group of devices and a second communication line (211, 212, 213, 214, 215) connecting the devices included in the second group of devices to each other, comprising, a first system recognition for recognizing a system (K1) having a physical connection relationship of the first group of devices in the first network is performed using a first signal having a first frequency, a second system recognition for recognizing a system (K2) having a physical connection relationship of the second group of devices in the second network is performed using a second signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, a first device that is the subject of the first system recognition is determined from the first group of devices, the first device performs the first system recognition using the first signal, when there are a plurality of devices that are candidates for the first device in the first group of devices, numerical values of the first frequency are determined in advance for each of the candidates, a device network system.

2. The second frequency is a frequency other than an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the first frequency, The device network system according to Claim 1.

3. A first network (10) including a first group of devices (101, 201, 301, 401) having a plurality of devices and a first communication line (111, 112, 113) connecting the devices included in the first group of devices to each other, a second network (20) including a second group of devices (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) having a plurality of devices including at least one device not belonging to the first group of devices and a second communication line (211, 212, 213, 214, 215) connecting the devices included in the second group of devices to each other, in a device network system comprising, a first step of determining a first device that is the subject of a first system recognition for recognizing a system (K1) having a physical connection relationship of the first group of devices from the first group of devices, a second step of the first device transmitting a first signal having a first frequency to devices other than the first device in the first group of devices, A third step in which devices of the first device group that have received the first signal respond to the first device; A fourth step in which the first device recognizes, as target devices belonging to the first network, devices that have responded to the first signal transmitted by the first device itself; A fifth step of determining a second device that is the subject of second system recognition for recognizing a system (K2) having a physical connection relationship of the second device group from among the second device group; A sixth step in which the second device transmits a second signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency to devices other than the second device in the second device group; A seventh step in which devices of the second device group that have received the second signal respond to the second device; An eighth step in which the second device recognizes, as target devices belonging to the second network, devices that have responded to the second signal transmitted by the second device itself; is being executed, When there are a plurality of devices in the first device group that can be candidates for the first device, numerical values of the first frequency are determined in advance for each of the candidates, A method for system recognition of a device network system.

4. The first step and the fifth step are executed simultaneously. The method for system recognition of a device network system according to claim 3.

5. The second frequency is a frequency other than a frequency that is an integer multiple of 2 to 5 of the first frequency. The method for system recognition of a device network system according to claim 3 or claim 4.

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