JPH0250632A - Information transmission method and device using in-building power wiring - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To keep the communication between communication equipments in any case in the best state to the utmost by preparing a repeater receiving communication information, waveform-shaping the information and retransmitting it and connecting the repeater in each distribution board or in the vicinity of the distribution board. CONSTITUTION:The plugs of repeaters 91, 93 are connected to a receptacle 11 closest to a distribution panel 23-i in a lighting line or a receptacle line after the output of the distribution panel 23-i of some floors among n-floors in total. Each repeater fetches and analyzes a modulation information signal superimposed on a carrier of a receptacle line, waveform-shapes the analyzed data signal and modulates it again and superimposes the data on the carrier of the receptacle line again. That is, the repeater acts like compensating a defect of the information signal superimposed on a carrier of the lighting line or a power wiring line at a line after the output of each distribution panel in which remarkable fluctuation of the line impedance is expected to warrant the communication between communication equipments connected to the output of different distribution panels.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention can be used in various buildings, including high-rise buildings and factories where many companies and business offices are housed, and in some cases, ordinary homes. without installing a dedicated information transmission line,
Regarding systems that transmit information using power lines (light lines) that are naturally installed in buildings, there is a particular problem with energy reduction or omission of the information signal, S/N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio), etc. This invention relates to improvements to prevent deterioration of.

[Conventional technology] Various electrical devices used in buildings have a
In the case of Japan, most of them are made to use 100V AC as a power source, but some loads, such as air conditioners and other items that generally consume large amounts of electricity, are designed to use 100V AC as a power source. In order to reduce the amount of current and reduce the burden on the wiring system, some products are designed to use AC 200V as a power source, and some fluorescent lamp circuits also use AC 200V as a power source.
There are some that use a 00v power supply.

Therefore, while satisfying both of these voltage orders,
Regarding a 100V power supply system, a so-called single-phase three-wire system has traditionally been most preferred as a rational wiring system that allows at least one power supply line to be used in common.

This method itself is well known, but just to be sure, we will borrow Fig. 6, which will be used later to explain the conventional information transmission method using power supply lines, and begin by simply explaining the 1wR for this single-phase three-wire wiring. start.

FIG. 6 assumes an n-story building, where n is a positive integer of 1 or more. Therefore, although Heikeken is included (
n=1), the basement would not be included, but this is merely for illustrative convenience.

If necessary, similarly consider a positive integer m greater than or equal to 1,
The following description in this book can be applied to such a building with n floors above ground and a hierarchical structure with m floors underground.

At an appropriate location in such a building, for example on the first floor, several transformers 20 are installed as necessary, the primary side of which is connected to a drop-in line from the power company's distribution line outside the building. For simplicity, only - is shown, and since it is well known, the primary side wiring system of the transformer 20 is omitted.

The secondary winding of the transformer 20 is wound so as to obtain 100 V AC between each end thereof and the intermediate tap, and the intermediate tap is generally grounded (earth ground). A line called a "neutral line" is usually drawn out from this grounded secondary intermediate tap, and is designated by the symbol L in this book.

On the other hand, each line drawn out from each end of the transformer secondary winding is usually called an "external line," but in this book, these pairs of power lines are designated with symbols L◆ and L-. In some cases, the outside line L+ is called the first outside line, and the outside line 11L- is called the second outside line to distinguish them.

However, "10, -" in these symbols L◆, L- means that when one of them is in positive polarity with respect to the neutral line Ln, the other is in negative polarity, that is, they are sine waves that mutually interact. It means that there is a phase relationship of 18 degrees, and does not mean direct current.

In this way, the three power lines L+, L-, and Ln drawn out from the secondary winding of the transformer 20 first have a built-in main breaker (not shown, simply replaced with terminal symbols). After being connected to the power distribution board 21 and branched into a plurality of trunk lines 22-1 to 2Lo (n-1, 2, ...) within this power distribution board 21, the power distribution boards 2 installed on each floor, for example,
3-1 to 23-o, respectively. Each distribution board 23
-3 to 23-n also have a built-in branch breaker for each output wiring system, but for the sake of simplicity, these are simply represented by terminal symbols and are not shown.

In addition, in the following explanation, it is not necessary to specify any one main line or distribution board, and if one can represent all, 1≦i≦ for the integer n of the above pressure. Using the integer “i” in the relationship n as a suffix, the main line 2
It is written as 2-1 or distribution board 23-5. This suffix “
Of course, i'' corresponds to the code i used to represent any floor from the first floor to the top nth floor, as shown as the i floor in FIG.

In the distribution board 23-i on each i floor, one set of single-phase three-wires on the input side is further branched into multiple sets via the previously mentioned branch breaker (not shown), and these are connected to various lighting lights ( (not shown)
Or, a group of a plurality of outlets 11 is connected. Generally, in this type of field, both the line system that connects the lighting lamps and the line system that connects the outlets 11... are called "light lines" on the output side of the distribution board 23-i. ,
In principle, this is also followed in this book, but in some cases, the power line system to which the outlets 11 are connected may be called an "outlet line" to distinguish them.

In the illustrated case, for simplicity, the top floor distribution board 23-n
The outputs of other distribution boards 23-1 other than 23-1 are only shown for this outlet line, and other power lines such as lighting lines and power line systems that may be installed in some cases are shown. System is omitted. However, for a 200V load, the first and second external lines L÷, L- are drawn out through each distribution board 23-1, and the lines drawn out from inside each distribution board 23 in the direction of the arrow are schematically shown. It was shown to. Also,
Regarding the electricity distribution board 23-n on the top floor, for convenience of explanation later, one other system among the plurality of branch lines of the electricity distribution board output is also shown.

However, in the case of such single-phase three-wire wiring, what I would like to draw attention to in relation to the present invention is that the plurality of outlets 1 each connected to the outlet line after each distribution board 23-1
1..., there are sets that have a so-called "in-phase" relationship and pairs that have an "out-of-phase" relationship.

This is because a normal outlet II that outputs 100V AC in effective value has a pair of terminals, one of which is always connected to the neutral wire Ln of the single-phase three-wire wiring, and eventually becomes the earth ground. , it is not necessarily unambiguously determined which of the pair of external lines L+ and L- the other terminal is connected to.
This is because the load balance on the secondary side of the transformer, etc. is taken into account and is generally allocated during wiring work.

In the case shown in the figure, on each of the first, i, and n floors, the single-phase three-wire L in the outlet line after each distribution board output
+, Ln, and L-, the groups of outlets 11 shown above these lines on the drawing paper and running in parallel on the left and right in appropriate numbers are connected between the neutral line Ln and the first external line] and 10. Therefore, these comrades are in phase relation with each other.

Similarly, a group of multiple outlets 11 shown below the single-phase three-wires L+, Ln, and L- on the drawing paper and lined up on the left and right are also connected between the neutral wire Ln and the second external wire L-. Therefore, it can be said that these are also in phase with each other.

However, wiring path set 1. The electrical outlets, which are vertically separated on the drawing paper with +, Ln, and L- in between, are clearly in a different phase relationship.

In other words, the outlet 11 from which the lines L+ and Ln are drawn out
In the load IO connected to the load IO and the load 10 connected to the outlet 11 from which the lines L- and Ln are drawn out, at each instant other than the point where the alternating current falls, the power supplied to their power input section is Current phases are 180° from each other
, are in a phase leading or slowing relationship.

However, such an argument is meaningless as long as the outlet II is used normally and a device using a normal commercial AC 100V power source is connected to it. There is no need to know which phase group the outlet to which the device is connected belongs, and in practice there is no problem with that.

Copy machines, word processors, personal computers, and other modern OA (office automation) equipment, as well as television sets, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and other devices commonly used in offices and homes. Even in the case of electrical equipment, the point is that it is sufficient to supply the required power with an AC effective value of 100V.

For computers, audio sets, etc., there is some discussion that it is better to align the polarity of the outlets in order to reduce common mode noise, etc., but this is a different matter, and the commercial AC power supply should be connected to the same polarity. It is by no means essential when used solely as electric power.

However, as the present invention aims to improve, in information transmission systems that utilize power wiring within buildings, even if simple single-phase two-wire wiring is used,
When attempting to transmit information by superimposing information on the single-phase three-wire power supply wiring as described above, it is important to ensure that each communication device is not only supplied with power. In reality, the phase relationship between electrical outlets connected to each other for signal superimposition is one of the major concerns.

I will leave this to the section that points out the problems with the conventional method later.
In this article, I will provide an objective explanation of the concept of conventional information transmission systems using power lines.

In fact, the proposal to transmit information using power line wiring systems within buildings is actually quite attractive. Because it does not require a dedicated line for information transmission, it is possible to construct a system without requiring large-scale construction, which is not only inexpensive, but also does not damage the appearance of the building's interior or exterior. It is from. A method of using existing telephone wiring within a building has also been proposed, but this is more advantageous than this method.

In fact, many attempts have been made to date on this power line superimposition system, taking into account the development of its applications and individual improvements.

The present applicant also developed a system for monitoring and controlling air-conditioning cooling towers installed in remote locations, such as on rooftops, from a central control room located in a room (basement, etc.) within a building. An example thereof is disclosed in No.-196546.

However, in such a system, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the communication devices 1 to 9 (including the communication device 7° with a dash) that exchanges data is powered by a It would be reasonable and desirable to be configured so that when the power plug is inserted into the existing outlet 11 in the building, it can also be electrically connected to the power line of the signal system, but it is not possible to superimpose data on the power line or outlet line. In addition to general amplitude modulation and frequency modulation, modulation methods for this purpose include spread spectrum modulation (SS: 5p).
The ecLru+a 5pread) modulation method is attracting attention.

Although the above-mentioned conventional example prepared by the present applicant also suggests the use of this method, the principle of this method itself is old and already well known. Just to be sure, this S
Even when following the S method, there are various specific modulation methods, such as direct sequence (DS) modulation, frequency hopping (FH) modulation, pulsed frequency modulation (Pulsed FM), and chirb modulation (CM). The most common method is direct sequence modulation, in which the signal (data) is modulated with, for example, pseudorandom noise (PN code), and the spectrum of the transmission frequency is spread over a wide range.

In this way, the voltage peak value at each frequency value will be small, in some cases below the noise level, but
On the other hand, the total amount of energy within a wide spread frequency band can be large, so it is resistant to interference, and there is little risk of it becoming a source of interference waves, and it requires knowledge of the pseudo-random noise pattern. Since it can never be demodulated,
It is also a type of encrypted communication.

In other words, with this spread spectrum method, the power density per unit frequency of the transmission output power is not increased to an unreasonable level, and it is possible to avoid affecting the various loads normally connected to the outlet 11. Even if the voltage level is suppressed to a sufficiently low level, a sufficient S/N ratio can be obtained, and in principle, the confidentiality of communication can be guaranteed.

However, for demodulation, it is necessary to calculate the correlation coefficient with the same PN code pattern used during modulation, and this is actually a convolution operation, so it is fast and
It requires a large-capacity digital circuit, which is why its widespread use was slow until recently. Recently, not only has it become possible to provide integrated circuits for such convolution integral calculations, but also a surface acoustic wave device called a SAW converter has advanced to the point where analog calculations can be performed in two-dimensional space. The fact that convolution integral calculations can now be easily performed with a single element has spurred the practical application of spread spectrum methods.

In fact, according to this method, as shown in FIG.
It has been found that there is little negative impact on computers and other digital devices that are susceptible to noise interference, and there is no problem with noise interference.

[Invention tries to solve! ! ] As mentioned above, even with information transmission using the power line superimposition method shown in Figure 6, if an appropriate method such as a spread spectrum method is adopted as the signal modulation/demodulation method, there is a prospect of practical use in terms of noise countermeasures. It seemed like he was standing up. However, in reality, this was not always the case, and there were cases where good communication could not be maintained.

What struck me as particularly strange was a pair of communication devices located far apart, for example, communication device 1 on the first floor and communication device 1 on the top floor (nth floor) in Figure 6. Although I was able to achieve satisfactory mutual communication with 7, I was able to communicate with it much closer, for example, on the same floor n, but in a different system with the output of the same distribution board 23-n. However, between communication devices 7 and 7' that are connected to outlets that are in phase with each other, or in some cases between communication devices 7 and 9 that are connected to outlets that are in phase with each other in the same system. Even during this period, a situation occurred where communication became impossible.

For example, if communication devices are connected to outlets with different phase relationships, that is, communication devices 1, 3 with odd codes,
Communication device 2, 4, 6, .
It would be easy to understand if the communication status with any of the 8 was poor, and in reality, communication devices connected to outlets with such different phase relationships sometimes became unable to communicate.

This is because, for example, even though they are on the same floor, the signal emitted from the communication device 4 connected between the outlet lines L- and Ln is transmitted to the communication device 3 connected between the outlet lines L- and Ln. To reach this, if we do not consider the existence of a load lO or a 200μ load that spans both phases, -d,
After passing through the power distribution board 23-1 to the power distribution board 21, and eventually between the outlet lines L+ and Ln via the secondary winding of the transformer, the communication device 4 is connected again via the power distribution board 21 and the power distribution board 23-1. This is because, even if an arbitrary load is connected to an outlet of a different phase, or a 200V load that crosses between both phases is connected, the power supply is formed via the power input side of those loads. This is because the impedance of the signal transmission loop varies depending on the type of load and the situation, and is also extremely susceptible to fluctuation.

For this reason, in fact, various proposals have been made in the past to solve the inability to communicate even between the same phase (especially in the case of different systems), as well as communication between different phases, but most of them are What is common in these methods is that they merely attempt to enhance the amplitude level of the communication device signal.

However, in reality, this method alone often does not solve the problem, and a particular problem is that even though such a type of relay device was inserted, the result was sometimes the same as if it were not inserted. be.

To be more precise, depending on the position where the relay device is inserted, it may be recognized that this is indeed working, but the relay device inserted in other positions may cause unnecessary flops as described above. In some cases, the same relay device may or may not function properly.

The present invention has been made in view of these conventional circumstances. The purpose of this invention is to disclose a specific basic configuration that can maintain communication between communication devices as well as possible under any circumstances.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the inventors of the present invention obtained the following knowledge as a result of various studies.

As mentioned above, although normal communication is possible between communication devices that are located far apart, after the output of a certain distribution board,
Even if the power lines are connected in the same phase to the same power line, or at least have different power lines with the same distribution board output, communication becomes impossible between communication devices connected to outlets in the same phase relationship. I thought that changes in the impedance of the power line may have a large effect.

Based on this idea, further experiments and demonstrations revealed that this was the correct reasoning.

In other words, if we take the communication devices 7, 7', and 9 in an in-phase relationship on the nth floor in FIG. However, depending on the type of load connected to these and whether or not to connect these loads,
Communication between the communication device 7.7' and the communication device 7.9 was enabled and disabled.

This is ultimately due to the change in impedance that such a load lO brings to the power line. In particular, depending on the load lO, the line impedance may be reduced to an extremely low value. Even if you adopt a method that shows sufficient capability at the signal level,
If this continues, signal transmission will become impossible.

Of course, these problems are not limited to single-phase three-wire wiring systems.
It can also occur in a simple single-phase two-wire system.

However, on the other hand, as mentioned above, for example, despite the considerable distances and the substantial lengths of the power lines over which the signals are transmitted, and the different Despite being connected to the distribution board output, satisfactory communication can be performed between such communication devices, for example, between communication device 1 and communication devices 3, 7, etc. in Fig. 6. There were more.

However, this cause was also mainly due to line impedance. Distribution board 21 and each distribution board 23-1
In other words, the impedance of each main line 22-5 is extremely stable, and regardless of the load connected to each outlet after the distribution board output, it can be used for a considerable distance.
Even when the signal is transmitted on this main line 22-5, the loss can be kept sufficiently low.

In view of this knowledge, the present invention provides a communication method in which communication information of each communication device is superimposed on the in-building power wiring, which includes preparing a relay device that receives this communication information, shapes the waveform, and then retransmits it, We also propose a system configuration in which this relay device is connected within each distribution board or near the distribution board.

It is also particularly desirable that each communication device and relay device have a plug that can be inserted into a normal outlet, and by inserting this plug into the outlet,
It is preferable that it is possible to supply power to itself and to superimpose signals on the power line or take in signals from the power line.

Furthermore, in principle, as far as the most basic configuration of the present invention is concerned, the modulation and demodulation method of the signal is not specified, but it is most desirable to adopt the spread spectrum method for the reasons mentioned above, and how to use the relay equipment. In particular, when using a plurality of relay devices, the method of operating each relay device is essentially arbitrary, and there are several desirable methods as seen in the embodiments described later. It is convenient to set a concept of "wait time" of a different length for each relay device.

In other words, for each relay device, the time from receiving the above communication information or a specific data part within this communication information (for example, a polling signal specifying a communication device, etc.) until retransmitting the communication information. is set as a standby time, and the retransmission function is activated only when other communication information or a specific data part within the communication information is not received within this waiting time. If the retransmission function is configured to stop when other communication information or its specific data part is received within a certain period of time, even if each relay device does not remember the communication sequence etc., due to the operation and reason described below, A reliable relay function can be performed.

[Operations and Effects] As in the present invention, connecting a relay device to a power line in or near each distribution board exclusively means that
This is meant to compensate for damage to the information signal superimposed on the power line or power wiring for the portion where the line impedance is expected to vary significantly after each distribution board output.

In addition, in this way, if a so-called backup function for such signals is provided for each communication device that does not know which outlet it is connected to after each distribution board, then the input terminal of the distribution board Since signal transmission through mutual main lines is almost always satisfied by stable impedance as mentioned above, it also guarantees communication between communication devices connected to the outputs of different distribution boards. It becomes possible.

Furthermore, when sending a signal from a communication device connected to a distribution board output to a communication device connected to another distribution board output, the distribution board to which the transmitting side communication device is connected must be installed in advance. The fact that the signal emitted by the transmitting communication device can be further waveform-shaped within or near the transmitter and then sent to the main line with stable impedance means that the communication devices are connected to outlets that are in an out-of-phase relationship with each other. However, compared to a communication system having a conventional structure that does not have the structure of the present invention, the possibility of achieving better communication increases. - If a 200V load is connected numerically, modulation information can be routed through the temporary side of this load, and it can also be transmitted from the distribution board to the secondary winding of the transformer via a stable main line. This is because the impedance of the signal line that wraps around to the out-of-phase side through the line is similarly stable.

However, as a more active configuration to allow this communication between different phases, a short-circuit line equivalently represented by a capacitor may be connected between the first and second external lines, or an embodiment of the present invention will be described later. It is preferable to provide a power line selection device on the input side of the switchboard as shown in the figure.

In any case, according to the present invention, the problem of unnecessary installation of relay devices is avoided in the first place, and at least the relay devices connected to the power lines in or near each distribution panel are
It has a reliable signal recovery and repair function and will never go to waste.

Furthermore, the connection of this relay equipment and communication equipment to the power line,
If this can be done simply by connecting a plug in the same way as when connecting a load to a normal outlet, no special construction is required and it will be extremely practical. Some conventional technologies required a circuit system in series with the power line, but this required construction work, and in fact, this often hindered its widespread use. .

Furthermore, when the present invention is applied, the most desirable results can be obtained if a spread spectrum method is adopted as the modulation/demodulation method. The spread spectrum method is theoretically more resistant to impedance changes and noise in the transmission line than other amplitude modulation methods, frequency modulation methods, or even pulse modulation technologies such as the PCM method. This is because not only the effects of the transmission are best exhibited, but also the output level of each relay device and each communication device needs to be the lowest for each frequency, and the negative effects on various loads are minimized. Of course, the confidentiality of information provided by this method is often advantageous.

In addition, when using a plurality of relay devices, if a standby time is provided for each relay device as described above, the following rational operation can be expected, for example.

Generally, in this type of communication system, when one communication device specifies another communication device and sends information, the specified communication device receives the information and then sends some data to the calling communication device. Although it is often configured to be sent back,
Now, as a basis for explanation, we will consider a first communication device in such a system, and from the perspective of this first communication device, the second communication device will also be connected via the first relay device. A third communication device is connected via each power distribution system via the second relay device, and the first relay device is located closer to the second relay device in terms of transmission distance, and It is assumed that the standby time set for one relay device is longer than the standby time set for the second relay device.

Here, if the first communication device specifies a third communication device and transmits specific information only to this third communication device, including polling data superimposed on the power line. , if this information signal reaches each communication device directly, among both the second and third communication devices that received the information issued by the first communication device, only the third communication device to which it is designated responds to this and sends some data back to the first communication device.

Therefore, in consideration of the time required for each communication device to receive data specifying itself in this way and send out specific data as a response as a response, the settings for each relay device described above are set. Even if the standby time is the shortest among the standby times, if it is set longer than this time, even if the relay device with the shortest standby time is not required, as mentioned above, Since a signal is received again between when the relay device receives some communication device information and when it retransmits it, this relay device does not perform the retransmission function unnecessarily, and therefore it can not communicate properly again. There is no possibility of unexpected interference in the signal relationship directly transmitted and received between devices.

On the other hand, if a third communication device located far away from the first communication device is in a position where it cannot directly respond to a call from the first communication device, the first communication device The information signal containing the polling data specifying the third communication device from is received by both the first and second relay devices, and from that point on, both the first and second relay devices enter a standby mode.

However, in the above assumption, the second relay device is the one whose waiting time expires first, so the second relay device times out and effectively transmits the signal received from the first communication device. At the time when the waveform was shaped and the information was superimposed on the power line (outlet line) again, the first relay device, which was still in standby mode, received some communication device information during the standby time (the second relay There is no need to know that the signal is from the device), so it cancels its own standby mode and waits for the next signal to be received. Information containing the same content is transmitted from the second relay device to a nearby third communication device as expected.

Of course, this information may also be conveyed to the second communication device, but since the polling data does not specify this second communication device, it is possible to prevent any harmful response effects from occurring.

In this way, if information from the first communication device is transmitted to the third communication device, the reply information from the third communication device to the first communication device will be sent via the completely opposite route to the above. and is transmitted to the first communication device.

Furthermore, even if the information is transmitted to the first relay device located close to the first communication device, but the signal is not sufficiently transmitted to the second relay device, the above-mentioned The first relay device whose standby mode has been released functions effectively and acts as an intermediary to deliver information issued by the first communication device to the second relay device.

In other words, unless the information including the polling data specifying the third communication device issued by the first communication device is transmitted to the second relay device, the second relay device will naturally not enter the standby mode.

Therefore, when the standby time for the first relay device, which is set longer than that of the second relay device, has elapsed, the information that this first relay device had previously received from the first communication device will be transferred to the first relay device. The waveform is shaped by the device and output again to the power line, and since this information is not directly from the distant first communication device, it can also be made to reach the second relay device.

In this case, the second relay device receives the signal via the first intermediate fiber device and then transmits the received information again to the third communication device after the standby time set for itself has elapsed. It can be directed to the device and output via the power line. Of course, the information emitted by the first relay device is also transmitted to the second communication device, but as a result of decoding the received signal, the second communication device can understand that it is not polling data that specifies itself, so You can also prevent response actions from occurring.

As a result, if only the third communication device performs the predetermined response operation and issues a reply signal, follow the same procedure as above,
However, the reply data can be transmitted to the first communication device specified by the third communication device using the reverse route.

This operation is extremely useful considering that the transmission line system within the building in which the system of the present invention is installed is not uniform but varies. If the facility standards are generally unambiguous for any building, and for example, the installation positions of multiple relay devices are roughly specified in accordance with the most basic idea of the present invention, then Even if the conditions of the power line distribution system vary, and even if the communication equipment that emits information differs from time to time, if there is a relay device that does not need to operate at that time, then that relay device It does not operate in vain, and therefore eliminates inconveniences such as accidentally sending out signals that cause interference.On the other hand, it eliminates the need for relay devices that cannot directly respond to certain communication devices. However, other relay devices can also function as a relay stage between them without causing unexpected interference.

Moreover, as is clear from the above operation, if this is done, data specifying the relay device itself, data regarding the communication sequence or the order of communication between communication devices, etc. can be changed simply by setting the standby time. Since this method does not require a circuit to store or process the data within the relay device itself, the circuit of the relay device itself can be simplified, and in the end, the circuit of each communication device can be simplified. The burden can also be reduced.

However, especially for relay devices connected to different systems or outputs of different transformers, or for every few relay devices, the standby times set may be equal to each other, and there are many cases in which there is no problem in general.

On the contrary, when the number of relay devices increases, it may be undesirable to make all the standby times different because the longest standby time will be considerably longer, which will lead to an effective reduction in the communication device speed of the entire system.

Of course, the above operation can also be applied to a system that does not require a reply operation, and for example, a system in which all communication devices can receive information sent from a certain communication device at a certain point in time, in other words, especially in a system that does not require a reply operation. - Can be applied to systems that do not have the concept of data.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a conceptual configuration of an example of an information transmission system using in-building power wiring constructed according to the present invention.

However, as is clear, this figure is shown as an improved example of the wiring system shown in Figure 6, in order to facilitate comparison with the conventional example described above, and therefore the symbols in the figure, etc.
Fig. 1.6 shows the corresponding components and corresponding components, and regarding the general single-phase three-wire wiring illustrated as an example of power wiring in a building, the correspondence is based on the previous Fig. 6. Use the explanation part. The 200V load wiring system in such a case is also shown only by arrows drawn out from inside each distribution board as in FIG. 6, but it may naturally have a 200V outlet, etc.

The features of the system shown in the first diagram are as follows:
In the power line or outlet line after the output of the distribution board 23-1 on several floors, plugs of relay devices 91 and 93 (not shown in this figure) are connected to the outlet 11 located closest to the distribution board 23-1. In other words, each relay device 91, 93 can supply power to itself by inserting its own regular plug into a regular outlet 11. This makes it possible to output modulation information to the outlet line.

However, according to the spirit of the present invention, as described above, each relay device is installed near the distribution board output, preferably at the outlet 11 which is the closest to the outlet.
It is desirable that the connection be made by simply inserting a plug into the terminal, but the invention is not limited to this. It may be connected to the outlet line by simple construction inside the panel 23-n.

In any case, each relay device connected to the outlet line in this way takes in and analyzes the modulated information signal superimposed on the outlet line, and after waveform shaping and remodulation of the analyzed data signal, It has the function of superimposing data on the outlet line again. However, in addition to the circuit devised by the inventor described below, a circuit configuration that satisfies this function itself can be created by using existing circuits, depending on the modulation/demodulation method, and by using computers, memory, etc., if necessary. Various configurations can be considered that can be easily assembled by those skilled in the art using the above technology, and in fact, some of the circuit parts including the transmitter/receiver section, that is, the modem, and the coupling section for connecting the modem to the power line are manufactured. Some are crystallized.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the case of the single-phase three-wire wiring shown in the figure, as will be described later, in order to assist communication between communication devices having different phase relationships, the first , the second external line L♦, and a signal jumper 99 between different phases, which is represented by an equivalent capacitor connected between L-, is also schematically shown in the distribution board 23- on the i floor. In other words, this cross-over device 99 is provided so as to cross over a pair of lines representing 200 volts of alternating current between them.

In the case shown in the first diagram, as well as in the case shown in the sixth diagram described above, an appropriate number of communication devices 1 to 9 (communication devices 7° that have the same distribution board output but are connected to different systems) are used. ) and an appropriate number of loads 10 are provided by appropriately inserting their plugs into each outlet on each floor, among which:
Odd-numbered communication devices 1, 3, 5, 7, 7°,
9 is connected to the outlet 11 from which the neutral wire Ln and the second external wire L- are drawn out, and therefore these devices are communication devices having an in-phase relationship, and are similarly represented by even numbers 2, 4, and 6.8. The communication devices are also connected to the outlet 11 from which the neutral wire Ln and the first external wire + are drawn out, so they are communication devices that are in the same phase relationship, but there are communication devices with an odd number code and a communication device with an even number code. They have a different relationship with communication devices. The communication device 7.9 and the communication device 7° are in phase with each other, but are located in different outlet line systems as outputs of the same distribution board 23-n.

Further, regarding the relay devices 91, 92, 93 provided in or near the distribution board according to the present invention, the relay devices 91, 93 with odd numbers are connected to the neutral line Ln and the second external line L- The relay devices 91 and 93 are connected to each other, so they are in phase with each other, but the relay device 92, which is given an even number and is shown with an imaginary line in the distribution board, is connected to the first outside line + Since it is connected to the neutral wire Ln,
They are in a different relationship.

Each of the communication devices 1 to 9 is powered by a normal AC 100V, as already described in the description of the conventional example based on FIG.
It is assumed that the device is configured so that it can supply power to itself and superimpose and capture information signals on the power line by inserting a plug of the type provided for a normal load into the system outlet. In fact, in addition to the circuit examples described below, the communication device itself having such a function can be assembled using known and existing circuit techniques for each modulation/demodulation method.

In such a system, the following operations can be realized.

Consider mutual communication between communication devices connected to the same branch line from the same distribution board, for example, in the illustrated case, communication device 7 and communication device 9 or communication device 7°.

If the data to be sent by the communication device 7 is superimposed on the outlet line after the distribution board output via the outlet 11 into which its own plug is inserted using an appropriate modulation method such as a spread spectrum method, the main In the system of the invention, this data is first taken in by a relay device 93 near the distribution board, demodulated and waveform-shaped, and then modulated again and superimposed on the outlet line as sufficient signal energy. In this way, the communication devices 7 and 9 can receive data via the relay device 93.

However, since the communication device 7 and the communication device 9 are installed relatively close along the outlet line, no matter what kind of load IO is connected to the outlet 11 located between them, the quality of the communication between them will be degraded. If it is guaranteed that the data will not be transmitted, the present invention does not need to be particularly applied to this part, and the modulated data issued by the communication device 7 is directly received by the communication device 9. Alternatively, in addition to applying the present invention, a separate relay device may be further installed between the communication devices 7 and 9 using known ideas.

However, if a relay device is installed according to the idea of the present invention,
Even if the output level of the relay device is made higher than that of the communication device, the relative power consumption of each communication device, which may be overwhelmingly large in number, can be sufficiently reduced.

In other words, if the output level of the relay equipment, which is relatively small in number, is set to a sufficiently high level (though this is only true when using the spread spectrum method),
This means that the output level of the communication device can be quite low, and in that case, for example, the output level between communication device 5 and communication device 9, no matter how close they are in FIG. Even if the output level (and therefore the input sensitivity) of each of these communication devices is kept low to the extent that communication is impossible with these communication devices alone, even if the power consumption is reduced, the relay device 93 will amplify this relatively small signal. If they have these functions, there is even a possibility that they can communicate with each other without any problems.

These points also apply to other communication devices connected to the same distribution board output that are in phase with each other, that is, communication devices 3 and 5 and communication devices 6 and 8 in Figure 1. .

As seen in a more practical example below,
Even if the devices that communicate with each other are different from time to time, it is desirable that the communication procedure be standardized.In particular, as in the present invention, by providing a relay device near or within the distribution board, As explained below, in order for the effect to appear even between communication devices connected to different distribution board outputs or between communication devices in an out-of-phase relationship, it is necessary to use time-sharing communication and as described above. It is preferable that the operation of the relay device always intervenes in the communication sequence.

In other words, the communication equipment shown on the first floor
is a communication device for collecting information, and other communication devices 2 to 2
9 constitute a communication device that transmits some kind of manual information to this information collection device 1, etc., communication devices connected to different main line systems or outlet line systems, or even out-of-phase relationships. When considering mutual communication between communication devices in the present invention, the installation position of the relay device and its intervening operation have great significance.

Considering an example of a communication sequence in such a case, first, communication device 1 serving as an information collection station selects one of the other terminal communication devices 2 to 8, which are ordered in advance according to a predetermined allocation, at that point in time. The distribution board 23 uses a predetermined modulation method, such as a spread spectrum method, to poll the communication device that has been identified as having information to be obtained.
-1 output line between the second external line L- of the outlet line and the neutral line Ln.

This polling data is transmitted from the first trunk line 22-1 through the wiring in the switchboard 21 to all other trunk lines having an in-phase relationship, and some of it is transmitted through the transformer 20 or as described above. So, the first and second external lines 1. +, 1. - It is also placed on the main line having an out-of-phase relationship via a signal overpasser 99 between different phases using a capacitor or the like that short-circuits the signal at a predetermined frequency or higher in an alternating current manner.

At this time, at least for the main lines that have an in-phase relationship,
As mentioned above, the impedance in this main line is sufficiently stable, so even if this polling signal is transmitted over a fairly long distance, no significant loss will occur. This is even more so when a spread spectrum method is adopted.

In this way, the polling signal transmitted via each main line to the distribution board 23-1 on each i floor is sent to the inside of each distribution board 23-I or to a location near it, particularly preferably. is a relay device 91 in which both power supply and signal coupling are satisfied by inserting the plug into the nearest outlet.
, 92 and 93.

Each relay device 91, 92, 93 has a modem according to each modulation method, and can demodulate the sent polling signal. Although the demodulated polling signal has little loss in the trunk system, it rarely maintains a perfect signal waveform, and even if there is no problem with the amplitude,
Since so-called dullness may occur, in order to repair this, the waveform is shaped in each relay device 91, 92, 93, and then modulated again, and each outlet after each distribution board output superimposed on the track.

In this way, after each distribution panel output, a polling signal whose waveform has been sufficiently shaped is sent to each communication device, so that each communication device can know the contents by demodulating it.

As a result, if the communication device supported by the polling signal at that time is, for example, the communication device 5, only the communication device 5 can use an appropriate modulation method to unplug the data stored in itself. and sends out to the outlet line.

This modulated data first goes through the processes of demodulation, waveform shaping, and remodulation as described above at the relay device 91 in the system to which the communication device 5 is connected, and then goes through the process of demodulation, waveform shaping, and remodulation as described above.
Sent on 2-5. In other words, even if the modulated data is damaged in energy or waveform to some extent due to the influence of the load IO etc. connected between the communication device 5, the communication device 3, and the relay device 91, Before being loaded onto the main line, the waveform can be reshaped and sent out again. On the other hand, as mentioned many times before, the main line system has relatively stable impedance, so This data can be sent to the communication device 1 as expected even over a considerable distance or via the switchboard 21 along the way.

In this case, the communication device polled first is communication device 5.
If each of the other communication devices and other relay devices knows and remembers this by analyzing the data content following the previous demodulation stage, then from the communication device 5 to the communication device 1. At the communication timing of , the other communication devices and relay devices may be configured not to operate, that is, so that no signal is transmitted from them.

In particular, the above operation can be achieved by introducing the concept of "wait time" to each relay device and setting different wait times for each relay device, so that multiple relay devices retransmit received information either at the same time or at a slightly different time. It is possible to prevent defects such as interfering with each other due to operation, and at the same time, it is possible to transmit information by rationally using relay equipment in between, even in distant locations where signals cannot reach everyone. Transmission becomes possible.

The waiting time is defined as the waiting time after each relay device receives some kind of information signal, or as in the above case, after receiving a polling router that specifies some communication device (which (There is no need to know whether the signal is real or not), this is the time intentionally provided before the waveform is shaped, remodulated, and retransmitted, and during this waiting time, the relay device receives some signal again. In this case, the relay device cancels the standby mode and is configured to be able to enter the standby mode again upon reception of the next signal without remodulating or retransmitting the received signal.

Then, such a waiting time is made different for each relay device, for example.

For example, the standby time TWI set for the relay device 91 on the i floor, which is located closer to the communication device 1 on the first floor, is longer than the wait time TWI set for the relay device 91 on the top floor.
It is assumed that the waiting time is set longer than the waiting time Tw□, which is set to 3 (Tw+ > Twz).

Here, if the communication device 1 specifies the communication device 7 and emits communication information including polling data to transmit specific information only to this communication device 7 by superimposing it on the power line, this information signal If the information reaches each communication device directly, among all the communication devices that have received the information issued by the communication device 1, only the communication device 7 to which it is designated will respond and communicate some data. A reply is sent to device 1.

Therefore, in consideration of the time required for each communication device to receive data specifying itself in this way and send out specific data as a response as a response, the settings for each relay device described above are set. If the standby time is set to a medium or shortest standby time (in this case TW2) to a long value, even if the relay device 93 with a short standby time does not require the intervention of the relay device as described above, After the communication device 7 receives some communication device information and before retransmitting it, the communication device 7
Since the relay device receives signals from the communication device, the relay device does not function in vain, and does not cause unexpected interference with the signal relationship that is normally transmitted and received directly between the communication devices.

On the other hand, if the communication device 7 located quite far away from the communication device 1 cannot directly respond to the call from the communication device 1, the communication device 7 from the communication device 1
The information signal containing the polling data specifying is received together at each relay device, for example the illustrated relay devices 91 and 93, and from that point on, both relay devices 91 and 93 enter a standby mode.

However, in the above assumption, the relay device 93 with the waiting time TV2 is the one whose waiting time expires first. At the time when the waveform is reshaped and the information is superimposed on the power line (outlet line) again, the relay device 91 which is still in the standby mode changes the standby time TW.
Relay device 93 that wants to receive some communication device information during I
(There is no need to know that the signal was sent by the communication device 1), so it cancels its own standby mode and waits for the reception of the next signal. Information containing the same content is now transmitted as expected from this relay device 93 to the communication device 7 located sufficiently close.

Of course, this information may be transmitted to other communication devices 2 to 8, including communication device 9 and communication device 7'.
Since the polling data specifies only the communication device 7, other communication devices can be prevented from causing any harmful response effects.

In this way, when information from the communication device 1 is transmitted to the communication device 7, the reply information to the communication device 1 as a response operation of the communication device 7 is sent via the completely opposite path to the above. The information is transmitted to the communication device 1.

Furthermore, even if the information is transmitted to the relay device 9 located close to the communication device 1, but the signal is not sufficiently transmitted to the relay device 93 on the nth floor, the above method will still work. The relay device 91 whose standby mode is canceled midway through effectively functions and serves as an intermediary for delivering information issued by the communication device 1 to the relay device 93.

In other words, unless the information including the polling data specifying the communication device 7 issued by the communication device 1 is transmitted to the relay device 93 on the nth floor, the relay device 93 will not even enter the standby mode.

Therefore, the waiting time TwI for the relay device 91 is set longer than that of the relay device 93 in the non-responsive state.
After , this relay device 91 shapes the waveform of the information received in advance from the communication device l and outputs it to the power line, and since this information is not directly from the communication device 1 located far away, n It may also be possible to reach the relay device 93 on the floor.

In this case, after the relay device 93 receives the signal via the relay device 91 and the standby time TW2 set for itself has elapsed, the relay device 93 uses the received information again to perform the intended communication at this point. It can be output to the device 7 via a power line.

As a result, if the communication device 7 is able to perform a predetermined response operation and issues a reply signal based on this, the communication device 7
The reply data can be transmitted to the communication device 1 designated by the user.

In this way, simply depending on the setting of the waiting time,
Regarding data that specifies the relay device itself, data regarding the communication sequence or the order of communication between communication devices, etc., there is no need for a circuit to store or process the data within the relay device itself. The circuit of the relay device itself can be simplified, and the circuit load on each communication device can be reduced.

Furthermore, it is also possible to avoid the possibility of mutual interference or erroneous data modulation as a result of, for example, a plurality of relay devices retransmitting the received information all at once at the same time or with slight lag.

However, especially for relay devices connected to different systems or outputs of different transformers, or for every few relay devices, the standby times set may be equal to each other, and there are many cases in which there is no problem in general.

On the contrary, when the number of relay devices increases, it may be undesirable to make all the standby times different because the longest standby time will be considerably longer, which will lead to an effective reduction in the communication device speed of the entire system.

Of course, operations based on polling from the communication device 1 to other communication devices, and vice versa, can also be made similar to the above.

Further, as in the case shown in the first diagram, the distribution board 23-1 to which the first communication device 1 is connected has a relay device referred to in the present invention installed inside it and in its vicinity. No, but
Even if such a relay device is not installed, for example, if a relay device is installed in or near each distribution board for other trunk lines, it may be sufficient, and until such time, This is to schematically represent that it is not necessary to install relay devices on all trunk lines.

In other words, when conditions arise that require a relay device, it is possible to install a relay device with a waveform shaping function within the distribution board or in the vicinity of the distribution board output, according to the idea of the present invention. This means that it is the most effective and rational method, even if it is not limited to the communication example above.Simply put, having a relay device at the terminal of a main line with sufficiently stable impedance is the most effective and rational way to use such a main line. Taking advantage of the characteristics, and
This is the most rational installation position to ensure unstable line conditions after the distribution board output.

In fact, in the system according to the configuration of the present invention as described above, communication can be satisfactorily performed between each communication device, and even without using the signal cross-over device 99 between different phases, unlike the conventional system, In contrast to systems in which there is no specific installation location for the relay device, and rather the basic condition is that the relay device be installed between communication devices, it is often possible to perform communication between different phases. Naturally, when using the Eclipse 99, practically satisfactory results were obtained.

Of course, in this case as well, according to the idea of the present invention, if each system having a different phase relationship is also provided with a relay device, the data emitted from the communication device 3, for example, will be waveform-shaped by the relay device 91, and After going around to the different phase line via the signal multiplier 99, the signal is routed again from the switchboard 21 via the main line.
The relay device 92 on the nth floor is manually operated, and since the signals are in an out-of-phase relationship, even if the signal loss is greater than when the signals are in the same phase, the waveform is reshaped once more and the signal is fully present. It becomes possible to input the data to the communication device 6 or 8 as data.

In addition, if the waveform shaping function of such a relay device is sufficient, the interphase signal crossover device 99 may be installed only at one suitable location as shown in the figure, or conversely, it may be necessary to install it at a suitable location. , the same type of overpass device 99 may be attached to each or some main lines or outlet lines.

Furthermore, although not shown, when it is necessary to provide signal input/output functions to equipment using 200V AC,
The first and second external lines 1. remain as shown in the first diagram. +, 1. - It is also possible to obtain information from a communication device connected between them, and to send information to this communication device.

Naturally, even for the same distribution board output, multiple branch lines are generally provided, as shown in the two lines on the nth floor in Figure 1, so communication devices 7, 7', 9, etc. To be,
It is conceivable that each of them may be equipped with a communication device, and even in such a case, if a relay device is installed near the output of each or some of the distribution boards or within the distribution board, the distribution board can Also, depending on the building, there may be multiple transformers 20, and in such cases, the transformer 20 may be used in accordance with the transformer 99 to the extent that it does not adversely affect the power supply system. The system of the present invention can be extended to the entire building by intervening a high-frequency short-circuit line having a similar configuration or a power line selection device devised by the present inventors, which will be described later.

In addition, considering the use of public telephone lines, for example, information from multiple communication devices installed in multiple buildings can be compiled at a single communication station, and the data can be sent to an information center via public telephone lines. It also becomes possible to collect and manage information in a unified manner.

Considering such a case, more specific examples will be described below.

This may seem a little off-topic, but large buildings often have many vending machines inside. Considering the current situation where there are multiple vending machines on each floor of a building that are under the control of the same management company,
Generally, such vending machines are operated by dispatching service personnel from a management company.

In other words, unless service personnel actually go to each vending machine, they will not be able to obtain sales information or malfunction information for each machine. On the other hand, if sales information and malfunction information for each vending machine were known before the visit, it would greatly improve efficiency. Filling work for items - In the past, items were prepared based on forecasts and considering how much inventory would be consumed for each number, but if the required types and quantities were known in advance, the burden at the point of distribution could be reduced. It also reduces the risk.

The same goes for breakdowns; if you know the nature of the breakdown in advance, you can prepare the necessary parts and tools and dispatch the right person to repair it.

It is true that if we consider only individual vending machines, they have counter circuits that count the amount of products sold, indicator lights that display malfunction information, and in some cases, they also have built-in computers. Vending machines that can perform complex data processing have already been developed, but even with such machines, the data held by the vending machine can be visually inspected by going to the vending machine. If you do not go through the trouble of connecting the computer to the specified input/output device,
The management company cannot manually handle this data group.

In such a case, by applying the system of the present invention, data regarding each vending machine can be obtained in advance.

Therefore, first, returning to Figure 1, communication device 1 is the information gathering station, and other communication devices 2 to 9 are attached to each vending machine, and these communication devices 2 to 9 are used to collect information. If the data of each vending machine is to be sent to the communication device 1 which is an information collection station, each terminal communication device 2 to 9, the communication device 1 which is an information collection station, and the relay device are considered to be desirable. Each configuration example of 91, 92, and 93 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2.3.4.

FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of a terminal communication device 3o on the information acquisition side that can be used for each of the communication devices 2 to 9 in FIG. 1, and a configuration based on the known configuration of a vending machine 5o from which data is retrieved. An example is shown.

As already explained, the communication device 30 connects the neutral wire Ln and the first and second outside wires L÷, among the single-phase three-wire wiring after the distribution board.
Existing outlet 11 connected to either one of L-
The output of this plug 31 is connected to a power supply device 32 for extracting the power required to operate the communication device itself, and a power supply device 32 for superimposing modulated data on the outlet line or for superimposing modulated data on the outlet line. A coupling device 33 is connected to take in transmitted modulated data.

The power supply device 32 has a half-wave rectifier diode and a capacitor in order to take out a DC 14V output and a 5V output on the secondary side.
Although it has a rectifier circuit made of wood, this is merely a simple and schematic representation of a normal power supply.

The coupling device 33 includes a coupling capacitor 34 configuring a high bus filter with an appropriate cutoff frequency so as to separate it from the power supply frequency and enable input/output of only the modulation signal.
A transformer 35 has both ends of its primary winding connected to a pair of outlet lines via a wire 34, and a signal transmitter 36 is connected to the secondary side of the transformer 35.
, and a receiving section 37.

The transmitter 36 and the receiver 37 are both connected to an SS-modem 38. That is, this embodiment is based on the premise that a spread spectrum method is adopted for data modulation, and "SS-modem" is an abbreviation for spread spectrum modem. However, as mentioned above, there are various types of spread spectrum modulation, including direct sequence (DS) modulation, frequency hopping (FH) modulation, and pulsed frequency modulation (PFM).
) and Chilb modulation (CM). In principle, any modulation method may be used, but the most commonly considered method is direct sequence modulation.

SS-modem 38 has a built-in microcomputer 39
Naturally, this microcomputer 3
In order to operate the computer 9, a clock 41 and a memory 40 necessary for storing processing data such as operating programs and manual data are provided.

The microcomputer 39 also has an information acquisition device 42
However, this information acquisition device 42 constitutes, so to speak, an interface circuit with a data terminal provided on the side of the vending machine 50, and therefore, an appropriate circuit configuration for the data terminal on the side of the vending machine. It is said that

For example, the vending machine 50 shown in FIG. 2 has a data processing circuit 51 using a microcomputer in some cases, and a sales select switch 52 that is operated by a purchaser when purchasing a desired product. When any one of the items in the group is operated, the processing device 51 stores in a built-in memory (not shown) that one corresponding item has not been newly purchased, and records the total sales amount of the corresponding item or Update inventory quantity data.

In addition, input data from the power supply circuit and various sensors allows
A fault finding circuit 53 for finding a corresponding fault is also built in, and fault information of each part is also stored in the memory in the processing circuit 51, including the time of occurrence as the case may be.

The cash settlement circuit 54 calculates the total sales amount, the remaining amount of change,
The denomination, change information based on the denomination, etc. are updated each time a product is provided, and the processing circuit 51 similarly stores and holds this information.

The counter 55 is used to store the quantity of products offered separately from the sales select switch, but if the processing device 51 includes a microcomputer as described above, each sales select switch Since such quantity data can be obtained based on the operation information of the switch 52 and the coin accounting information from the cash settlement circuit 54, such a counter 55 may not be particularly provided.

If the vending machine 50 has its own data processing function due to its internal circuit configuration, such a vending machine is generally equipped with a portable microcomputer brought by a service person. Since it has an appropriate interface circuit to connect and retrieve the stored data, the information acquisition device 42 provided in the terminal communication device 30 on the information side can also be configured to conveniently connect with this. good.

On the other hand, in a vending machine that does not have the information processing circuit 51, each time the vending select switch 52, cash clearing circuit 54, counter 55, etc. , the information manual device 42 may be configured so that such data can be stored in the memory 40 within the communication device 30.

Furthermore, even if there are existing vending machines that do not take such data processing into consideration, each vending selection and selection process can be incorporated into the system of the present invention.
It is difficult for engineers of this type to make modifications such as incorporating a circuit into the vending machine that outputs pulses in response to the operation of a switch, or adding a counter to obtain the total quantity. This is something that can be achieved without any problem.

However, the terminal communication device 30 shown in FIG.
By connecting the vending machine 50 as described above, the sales quantity related to the vending machine stored in the memory 40 under the control of the built-in microcomputer 39,
Various data such as items, cash payment status, etc. are sent to SS-modem 3.
8 can be modulated by the spread spectrum method and can be superimposed on the outlet line from the transmitting section 36 via the coupling transformer 35. Also, as will be explained later, the signal can be emitted from the communication device 1, which is an information gathering station, and similarly By receiving a spread spectrum modulated data signal from the coupling transformer 35 via the receiving section 37 and demodulating it with the SS-modem 38, the command represented by the data can be followed.

FIG. 3 can be used as the communication device 1 in FIG. 1, and functions as an information collection station from each communication device 2 to 9 connected to each vending machine, as assumed in this embodiment. By using the internal configuration of the communication device 60 and the public telephone line 70, the vending machines in each building A to C can be collectively operated in the information center building owned by the vending machine management company. It also shows a system that can be managed.

The system shown in Figure 1 is shown in Building A in Figure 3.
Let's say it was an internal system. Although not shown in detail, it is assumed that buildings B and C also have an information transmission system using power lines similar to that in building A.

First, the communication device 60 that constitutes the information collection station in each building A to C will be explained.Although it is only in the building A, as the internal configuration is shown in some detail, this information collection The station 60 also has an internal configuration similar to the terminal communication device 30 coupled to each vending machine described above with reference to FIG.

Therefore, if the corresponding constructors are given the same symbols,
For the outlet 11 connected to the neutral line Ln and either the first or second external line L+ or L- in the outlet line after the distribution board output, perform the same operation as for equipment using normal commercial AC power. This plug 3 has a plug 31 that is inserted into the
On the output side of 1, there is a power supply device 32 for obtaining the power necessary for operating this communication device or information gathering station 60, and a power supply device 32 for superimposing a spread spectrum modulated signal on the outlet line, or for superimposing a spread spectrum modulated signal on the outlet line. A coupling device 33 for extracting the modulated signal is provided.

The internal configuration of these devices 32 and 33 is also similar to that of the terminal communication device 30 shown in the second figure, and the coupling device 33 includes a coupling transformer 35 that couples the primary side to the outlet line via capacitors 34 and 34, and A transmitting unit 3 on the secondary side suitable for inputting and outputting modulated signals to and from the SS-modem 38
6. It has a receiving section 37.

The SS-modem 38 operates under the control of a microcomputer 39, and necessary data etc. are stored in the memory 4o. Of course, a clock 41 is also provided.

However, in the case of this embodiment, the terminal communication device 30 shown in the second diagram
The biggest difference is that data collected from the terminal communication device side can be sent to the public telephone line 70 as described later, and conversely, data sent via the public telephone line 70 can be sent to the public telephone line 70. By being configured so that it can also receive
For this purpose, a telephone line modem 61 and a so-called NCU are required.
It has a connection circuit 62 to a telephone line called .

A similar configuration has been adopted in other buildings B and C, and the information center building owned by the vending machine management company also has a line connection unit (NCU) 62 and a telephone. A computer 39 for exchanging information via a line modem 61, and a memory 40 for storing each data.
, a clock 41, etc., is installed.

The output device 81 provided in this information center 80 is a display device for visually displaying the data being processed to the operator, or a hard printout for recording and outputting data on paper. This is a device concept that includes a writing device to a magnetic tape, an external nonvolatile memory, etc., and these devices may be used selectively as necessary.

FIG. 4 shows each relay device 91 in the configuration shown in the first diagram,
A relay device that can be used as 92 and 93 is shown as a representative by reference numeral 9o, and except for an output device 94 and a portable microcomputer 95 shown by phantom lines, the communication devices 30 and 60 described above are also similar to each other. Similar to internal configuration.

In other words, the plug 31 connected to the existing outlet 11
The output of this plug 31 is connected to a power supply device 32 for extracting the power necessary for operating the relay device 90 itself;
A coupling device 33 is connected to superimpose modulated data on the outlet line and to take in modulated data transmitted on the outlet line.

The coupling device 33 is connected to a capacitor 34 in order to separate it from the power supply frequency and to enable input/output of only the modulation signal.
, 34, the transformer 35 has both ends of the primary winding connected to a pair of outlet lines, and a signal transmitter 3 is connected to the secondary side of the transformer 35.
6. It has a receiving section 37, and both the transmitting section 36 and the receiving section 37 are connected to an SS-modem 38.

On the other hand, the SS-modem 38 is controlled by a built-in microcomputer 39, and of course is also equipped with a clock 41 and a memory 40 required for storing processing data, manual data, etc. in order to operate this microcomputer 39. There is.

However, first, an example of a communication sequence within each building using such terminal communication device 30, information collection station 60, and relay device 90 will be described.

The communication device 1 in FIG. 1, which serves as the information collection station 60, functions to poll each terminal communication device 30 in order and manually collect information on each vending machine obtained through them.

For this purpose, for example, the communication device 1 constituting the information collection station 60, under the control of the built-in microcomputer 39,
A polling signal for calling one of the terminal communication devices 30 is spread spectrum modulated via the SS-modem 38 together with various data required for communication, and then the plug 31 is connected to the outlet 11 via the transmitter 36 and the coupling transformer 33. This modulated signal is then superimposed on the outlet line.

The data that has undergone this modulation passes through the same outlet line or distribution board 23-1, and then passes through each relay device 91, 92.
, 93, is demodulated by the SS-modem 38, and each data content is read and then stored in the memory 40 built into the relay device.

Along with this, the microcomputer 39 in the relay device analyzes each data, modulates each necessary data again by the SS-modem 38 according to the command issued from the communication device 1 in this case, and connects the data. This modulated signal is superimposed on the outlet line via the device 33. This means that at this point, waveform shaping has been applied to each data issued by the information collection station 60 (communication device 1) that is the transmission source.

However, as mentioned above, each relay device 91 , 92 , 9
3. Once data is received for the first time, the remodulation and retransmission operations described above are performed only if no other data is received during the standby time set for each. In other words, if other data is received during the waiting time,
When each relay device is configured to exit the standby mode and return to a state where it waits for reception of the next signal, it simply stores the demodulated data contents in the memory 40, even if it does not have a function to analyze the received data. It's good to just put it in there.

In this case, which relay device 91. which received the data normally and communicated the standby time earliest.・92
, 93 are transmitted to each terminal communication device 2 to 93.
9 via the coupling device 33 and the SS-modem 38
The data is demodulated and its contents are read out or received again by another relay device.

If a specific terminal communication device directly designated by the polling data is able to receive the signal emitted by the relay device, only the specified terminal communication device can receive the signal from the attached vending machine 50 periodically in advance. Read, memory 4
The SS-modem 38 performs spread spectrum modulation on the various information data described above, which has been stored in the SS-modem 38 or read out from the attached vending machine 50 in response to a command from the information collection station 60 accompanying this polling, and then combines the data. Via the device 33,
It functions by superimposing it on the outlet line.

As a result, even if another relay device is in standby mode at this time, that relay device is released from standby mode and enters the state of waiting for the next received signal again.

On the other hand, if the terminal communication device directly specified by the polling data above is unable to receive the data, another relay device receives it, and after the waiting time has elapsed, this relay The data can be sent to the polling destination communication device as a signal from the device. In this case, while the information is finally transmitted to the polling destination communication device, relay operations of several relay devices are interposed in order of shortest waiting time by repeating the same mechanism as above. There is also.

In any case, by the above operation, it is possible to transmit the specified information to the target terminal communication device, and as a result, the information collection It contains polling data that calls the station 60 or the communication device 1, and this signal is sent to the information gathering station 6 on the reverse route through the same relay function as before.
It reaches 0.

That is, the transmission data is transmitted through the outlet line or the distribution board 23-1 and then to each relay device 91, 92,
received via the receiving unit 37 of the coupling device 33 in 93,
The data is demodulated by the SS-modem 38, and each data content is read and then stored in the built-in memory 40.

Along with this, the microcomputer 39 built in each relay device analyzes each data, and in response to the command issued from any one of the terminal communication devices in this case, transmits the necessary data to the SS-modem again. 38 and superimpose this modulated signal on the outlet line via the coupling device 33, or the data that has been taken into the memory 40 from the one with the shortest standby time is read again when the standby time is up. The SS changes and overlaps with the outlet line. Here again, the data originating from the source has been subjected to appropriate waveform shaping.

The modulated waves emitted from all of the relay devices 91 , 92 , and 93 or from any relay device with a short standby time are transmitted by other terminal communication devices other than the source and the information collection station 60.
It is received via each coupling device 33, demodulated by the SS-modem 38, and its contents are read out or further received and stored in another relay device.

In this case, the polling data in this data specifies the information collection station 60, so even if another terminal communication device receives the data, the information collection station 60 can function without causing a response operation. , the information data demodulated by the SS-modem 38 is stored in its own memory 40. Of course, before the information reaches the information gathering station, a plurality of relay devices with appropriately different waiting times may perform the relay function in sequence as described above.

Thereafter, the above sequence is repeated in order for other terminal communication devices.

However, in this case, regardless of the case where all the relay devices 90 according to the spirit of the present invention are provided inside each distribution board 23-1 or near its output, if such relay devices are not provided at unnecessary locations. In this case, the above-mentioned polling signal is a signal that can distinguish between a communication device and a relay device, and especially for a specific terminal communication device that can communicate with the information collection station 60 without going through a relay device, it is a signal that can be used directly to distinguish between a communication device and a relay device. On the other hand, if the information always goes through a relay device, only that particular relay device may be made to function effectively.

On that point, as mentioned above, if different waiting times are set for each relay device, each relay device does not need a circuit to store or process the data involved in such polling procedures. In addition to simplifying the specifications required for each communication device,
By having a plurality of relay devices transmit signals at least simultaneously or unintentionally with slight deviations, there is no risk of mutual interference or signal damage.

In any case, in this way at least −
Information from each vending machine 50 located in each building is concentrated in the information collection stations 60 installed in these locations.Thus, although not shown in FIG. If you attach an appropriate output device such as a display or printout device to the display, it will be possible to
It is possible to efficiently provide necessary services to each vending machine at any given time. For example, regarding product replenishment, etc., if the person monitoring the information collection bureau 60 separately gives desired instructions to the management company over the phone, the management company will make efficient preparations and then You can visit the building.

Further, as shown in the third diagram, the public telephone line network 70
Information center 80 owned by the vending machine management company via
If we could communicate with them, there would be no need for maintenance in buildings where vending machines are installed.

For example, an information center 80 installed in an information center building periodically connects a telephone line modem 61 and a line connection unit (NCU) 62 under the control of a built-in computer 39.
, the information collection bureau 60 of each building is called in turn using the public telephone line M70, and in accordance with the command data, each vending machine data collected up to that time is similarly released to the public. All you have to do is use the telephone line network 70 and have it sent out.

In this case, in actual operation, the information center building collects information from each building once a day, if not periodically.
It is sufficient to do this at a fixed time in the middle of the night, but conversely, the information collection station 60 in each building should always be operated according to instructions from this information center as the main office, and the terminal communication device attached to each vending machine should be operated at all times. The information from 30 may be retrieved each time according to a command from the central office.

In addition, when using the public telephone line 70 in this way, in a sense, such vending machine data is information that is worth keeping secret. It is also extremely desirable to adopt the spread spectrum modulation method described above with regard to communication via the same. Moreover, it is good not only for secrecy, but also for protecting such valuable communication data from the public telephone line network 70, which has unstable impedance and is prone to noise.

Note that the computers in the information center 80 installed in the information center building are given the same reference numeral 39 as used in each communication device and relay device, but at least the computers installed in this information center 80 are as follows: Depending on the number of buildings to be managed, and by extension the total number of vending machines, and considering the various sales data related to them, it is conceivable that a fairly large amount of data will have to be processed.
Of course, there is a possibility that it will be large.

Of course, in the above explanation, the data format involved in the communication between the information collection station and the terminal communication device in the building is an arbitrary matter, and as recognized in normal two-way time-sharing communication, various May contain control data.

Regarding polling data, in special cases, it may include simultaneous broadcasting, that is, data that sends the same predetermined information to all vending machines or their attached communication devices; It can be seen that by simply modifying the vending machines themselves, it is possible to have each vending machine display an appropriate display from the information collection station 60 via the communication network configured according to the present invention.

In addition, in FIG. 4 showing the relay device, an output device 94 and a portable heater 95 are shown with virtual lines because if such a circuit is provided to the relay device 90, more convenient services will be provided. This suggests that it can be done.

For example, if an abnormality occurs in the communication system for some reason, each relay device 90
At that time, it may be possible to determine the vending machine from the built-in data, and even in such a case, the service personnel can directly read the data of each vending machine and take appropriate measures. Even when the communication system is normal, a service person who happens to be near a relay device on a certain floor can obtain information about the vending machine on that floor without having to go to the information collection station. The simple reason is that it can be read on the spot, but it can also be used for convenient purposes.

Finally, in the power line-based communication system that is the object of the present invention, as a device that is more reliable than the signal overpasser 99 described above, especially regarding different-phase open signal transmission in the case of single-phase three-wire wiring, A power line selection device 100 for signal transmission developed by the present inventor will be described with reference to FIG.

In the case shown in Figure 5, it is not only possible to transmit a different-phase open signal on the output side of a single transformer, but also when the distribution system in the same building includes two or more transformers, as shown in Figure 1. This shows that the system according to the present invention described above can be constructed, and the case where there are two transformers is representative, and signal transmission between these different transformer systems will also be explained.

In FIG. 5, the transformer 20 shown in the upper part of the drawing paper may be considered to be the same as the transformer 20 in the power distribution system shown in FIG.
1. Each distribution board 23-2 and its output branch lines or outlet lines also correspond to those shown in the first diagram.

In FIG. 5, the second transformer 20° shown downward on the drawing paper is similar to the first transformer 20, and this transformer 20° also has a dedicated switchboard 20. ' is provided, and a plurality of main lines 22°-I of each output from this switchboard are provided.
Each of the distribution boards 23'-1 is similarly equipped with a distribution board 23'-1, and from each distribution board 23'-1 there are a plurality of outlet lines and fixed installations (not shown) for fluorescent lamps, etc. Light lines, power lines for power system loads, and 200V load lines as needed are drawn out.

In this figure, for explanation, each outlet line is shown in each transformer system, and each phase thereof, that is, the neutral line Ln and the first external line L÷, and the neutral line Ln and the second external line L illustrating each - outlet 11 between -,
Connected to each of these outlets 11 are communication devices 1 to 4, which can correspond to any of the communication devices 1 to 9 described with reference to FIG. 1.2.3.

Here, although the communication device 1 and the communication device 2 are in the system of the same transformer 20, they are in an out-of-phase relationship with each other, and similarly the communication device 3 and the communication device 4 are in the system of the same transformer 20'. Although they are in the lineage of , they are also different from each other.

The set of communication devices 1 and 2 and the set of communication devices 3.4 are
Except for a common earth ground, they do not have any line systems that would normally connect to each other to form a closed loop.

In such a case, communication devices 1.
In order to ensure communication between 2 (3, 4) and also enable communication between different transformer systems, the method shown in the figure is used to select the optimal power line for signal transmission at each time. Power line selection device]00.

In the illustrated case, a power line selection device 100 for the signal transmission
has a signal input/output coupling device 33 similar to that previously explained with respect to each communication device 30, 60 and relay device 90, and one end of the primary side of the three coupling transformers is connected to a coupling capacitor 34. A common ground line for each system, that is, a neutral line L drawn out from the midpoint tap of the transformer secondary winding
The other end is connected to a movable contact of a switching circuit 101, which is schematically shown as a mechanical rotary switch configuration, through a capacitor 34.

Switching circuit selectively selected by movable contacts
The fixed contacts T1 to T4 of the ot have the first,
Second outside line 1. + and L- are drawn out from the output of the transformer or the input of each switchboard and connected, and in the case shown, the first external wire of the transformer 20, + is connected to the fixed contact T, and the second external wire L- is fixed. The first external line + of the transformer 20° is connected to the fixed contact T3, and the second external line R1 is connected to the fixed contact T4.
are connected to each other. However, in practice, such switching circuits are comprised of multiplexers or the like using suitable semiconductor switching devices.

The switching circuit 101 is controlled by a communication control device or a microcomputer 39 having a clock 41, and the switching control is performed by demodulating, analyzing and internalizing data from the coupling device 33 via the SS-modem 38. This is done by referring to the communication data, especially its polling data, and the built-in correlation data memory 103.

This correlation data memory 103 includes information for each communication device 1 to 4.
The device 100 can operate as follows.

Now, the communication device 1 is a communication device that controls other communication devices 2 to 3, such as an information collection station as described above, and first, the communication device 1 tries to send information to the communication device 2. Suppose we did. In this case, as explained above, the data transmitted from the communication device 1 to the neutral line Ln and the second external line L- of the outlet line after being subjected to spread spectrum modulation includes:
Polling data specifying the communication device 2 as the communication destination is loaded.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the illustrated power line selection device 100 always selects the fixed contact T2 in a steady state (standby state).

Then, the information emitted by the communication device 1 returns from the distribution board 23-1 to the distribution board 22-1 via the neutral line Ln in the system of the first transformer 20 and the outlet line by the second outside line relay.
Furthermore, since it is transmitted to the transformer 20, in the process, this data is transmitted to both ends of the coupling device 33, which is the input section of the power line selection device 100, as a level signal appearing between the ground and the terminal T2. SS- is applied from the receiving section 37.
Via modem 38, the contents can be demodulated.

This demodulated data is once stored in the built-in received data memory 10.
However, in the demodulated data, information indicating that the first communication device 1 is in the data transmission mode toward the second communication device 2 is included as polling data. Therefore, the built-in communication control device 39 refers to the table in the correlation data memory 103 and reads out the system and phase to which the second communication device 2 is connected.

In this case, since the second communication device 2 is connected to an outlet in the system of the first transformer 20 but in a different phase relationship with the communication device 1, the communication control device operates the switching circuit based on the read information. and issues a command to select the fixed contact T1.

Thereafter, the communication control device 39 transfers the received data memory 10
The data group temporarily stored in 2 is modulated again by the SS-modem 38, and transmitted from the transmitter 36 via the coupling device 33 to the now selected first transformer system first external line + and neutral. Data to be sent to the second communication device 2 is sent out between the line Ln and the second communication device 2.

As a result, due to the mechanism already described, the communication device 2
responds and, for example, sends various data acquired from the vending machine that it is monitoring together with polling data to the communication device 1, and exactly the same operation occurs in the power line selection device 100, Again, fixed contact T
2 is selected, the data to be transmitted is less lossy,
As expected, it is given to the communication device l.

Thereafter, even when transmitting a signal from the communication device 1 to the communication device 3.4 belonging to the system of another transformer 20'', or conversely receiving data, the power line selection device 100 uses the above mechanism. First, a fixed contact suitable for the transmission source is selected for the transmission source signal and taken into the reception data memory 102, and then a fixed contact suitable for the transmission destination is selected, re-modulated, and optimally selected. All you have to do is send the data to the railway line.

As is clear from such a mechanism, when the power line selection device 100 as shown in FIG. This means that a transmission system can be constructed.

Although the spread spectrum method in the configuration shown in Figure 5 is preferable, it is not limited to this, and the modem part may be changed as appropriate for the modulation/demodulation method used. Of course, a power supply device similar to the power supply device 32 in the device may also be provided in the present device 100.

Furthermore, in the previous case, the communication device 1 is used as a so-called mask communication device, and each slave communication device 2 to 4 is connected based on this command.
Although the manner in which the device operates has been shown, it is also possible to perform communication in a sequence based on commands from the device 100, and to have the relay device and the communication device operate in accordance with the sequence. Of course, if there is no need to take into account the problems between different transformer systems, the number of fixed contacts can be reduced to two in principle.

Note that it is most rational to provide this device 100 on the input side of a power distribution board. This is because the functions of this device can be demonstrated for all subsequent branch lines, and construction is easy.

Last but not least, the communication devices (2 to 9) on the terminal side in the communication examples described above may be provided with a wireless communication system for the purpose of obtaining information. Needless to say, this is not limited to the vending machines mentioned above.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power line-based information transmission system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a communication device that can be used in the system of the present invention. Figure 3 is also an explanatory diagram of the schematic configuration of a communication device that can be used as an information collection station in this system and system expansion using public telephone lines. Figure 4 is a diagram of a relay device that can be used in this system. A schematic configuration diagram of one configuration example. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a signal transmission power line selection device that becomes even more meaningful when used in conjunction with this system. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional power line-based information transmission system. It is. In the figure, 1 to 9 are communication devices, IO is a load using a normal commercial AC power supply, 11 is a normal outlet, 20° and 20° are transformers, 21 and 21' are switchboards, 22-, , 22'
−. 2L, , 23'-, distribution board; 30, terminal communication device; 31, plug that can be inserted into a normal outlet; 32, power supply; 33, coupling device; 38, SS-modem; and 39, computer. , 40 is a memory, 42 is an information acquisition device, 50 is a vending machine, 51 is a processing device, 60 is an information collection station, 61 is a telephone line modem, 62 is a line connection unit, 70 is a public telephone line network, 80 is a Information center, 8
1 is a collected data output device, 90 , 91 , 92 ,
93 is a relay device, 99 is a cross-over device for transmitting d signals between different phases, 1
00 is a power line selection device that selects an appropriate power line for signal transmission at any given time; 101 is a switching circuit; 1
02 is a reception data memory, and 103 is a correlation data memory.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) The secondary side power output of the transformer that connects the power company distribution line to the primary side is divided into multiple main lines at the distribution board and supplied to each distribution board, and the output of each distribution board is When transmitting information from any communication device connected to the power line after the output of the above-mentioned distribution board to another communication device using the power wiring in the building to which the power outlet is connected, the transmission side and A communication device modulates the information to be transmitted using a predetermined modulation method, and then superimposes the modulated information on the power line, and the communication device that receives the modulated information transmits the modulated information from the power line. The information transmission system demodulates the information using a predetermined demodulation method after the information is extracted; After shaping the waveform of An information transmission system using in-building power wiring characterized by; (2) Each communication device superimposes the above modulation information on the power line at the same time as it receives power supply to itself via a plug inserted into a normal outlet, or modulation information superimposed on the power line. The relay device is configured to take in the modulated information for demodulation, and at the same time receives power supply to itself through a plug inserted into a normal outlet near the distribution board, the relay device transmits the modulated information to the power line. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to superimpose or capture modulation information superimposed on the power line for demodulation. (3) The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method involved in the modulation and demodulation is a spread spectrum method. (4) A plurality of relay devices are used; each relay device receives the modulated information superimposed on the power line or the specific data part of the information, and then repeats the above-mentioned method again. Accordingly, different waiting times are set between modulating the received and demodulated information and outputting the information to the power line; During the waiting time, further information or specific information in the information is set. Only when the data portion is not received, the relay device performs the above-mentioned information output operation again; while when receiving other information or a specific data portion of the information during the waiting time, the relay device A claim characterized in that by terminating the standby operation for that time, the above-mentioned re-outputting function for that time is stopped, and the state is set to wait for reception of the next information or a specific data part in the information; An information transmission system using the in-building power wiring described in any one of Items 1 to 3.