JP2009273014A - Monitoring system, television, wireless handset, and control method of monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption of a monitoring system equipped with a television, a wireless master unit and wireless handsets. <P>SOLUTION: This monitoring system 1 includes: a digital television 10; a master set 32 connected to the digital television 10 through an HDMI cable 20; and a first handset 36a, a second handset 36b and a third handset 36c each carrying out wireless communication with the master set 32. Each handset acquires data used as an output object of the digital television 10 from an apparatus of a connection destination such as a temperature sensor 50, and carries out wireless transmission. The digital television 10 transmits a control instruction to the master set 32 to cause the master set to transmit an instruction to change wireless transmission frequency of each handset in accordance with a power supply state (operation mode) to each part of the digital television 10. Each handset receives the instruction transmitted by the master set 32 based on the control instruction, and changes the wireless transmission frequency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a monitor system including a wireless module and a television that displays an image corresponding to a signal from the wireless module, and more particularly to power saving of the monitor system.

  Currently, a plurality of electric devices are often used in combination. For example, a system combining a television and a device such as a disk player is widely used. Conventionally, a number of techniques for reducing the power consumption of such a system have been proposed.

  A video playback device (for example, a disc player) disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-274296) allows an external device to transmit an external signal to an input terminal via a digital interface cable, The display device (for example, a television receiver) includes a detection circuit that detects a connection state in which a signal output from the output terminal can be received. When the standby mode is set and the connection state is detected by the detection circuit, the signal switching circuit is turned on. When the detection state is not detected by the detection circuit, the signal switching circuit is turned on. Turn off the power. According to the video playback device described in Patent Literature 1, it is possible to suppress power consumption when the video playback device is in the standby mode.

  The television broadcast receiver disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-290252) is a power supply that controls the power supply to each part of the television broadcast receiver based on the connection state with an external device. Control means for controlling the means is provided. According to the invention described in Patent Document 2, for example, when the connection between a television broadcast receiver and an external display device is not perfect, the circuit is partially powered down to control the television broadcast receiver. Power consumption can be reduced.

  Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-135683) discloses a detection device that detects power on / off of a television receiver. The detection apparatus includes a detection unit (for example, a loop antenna) that can receive an oscillation signal oscillated from a video signal circuit or an audio signal circuit in the television receiver when the power of the television receiver is on. The power state of the television receiver is determined based on whether or not there is.

  Incidentally, in recent years, it has been proposed to construct a system (referred to as a monitor system) that combines an electric device and a television and displays the state of the electric device on the television for the operation of various electric devices in the home.

  Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-324780) discloses a television receiver that is wirelessly connected to various devices and displays the current state and setting contents of the various devices during remote operation of the various devices. Yes.

Patent Document 5 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-69462) is connected to a plurality of devices via a bus in a residence, and includes means for confirming and setting operation states of a plurality of connected devices. A television receiver is disclosed.
JP 2007-274296 A JP 2002-290252 A JP 2002-135683 A JP 2003-324780 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-69462

  Even in a system including a television and a wireless module as described in Patent Document 4, reducing power consumption is an important issue. In particular, there is a wireless module slave unit that is driven by a dry cell so that it can be installed in a place without a power source. When such a slave unit is used, it is important to reduce the power consumption of the slave unit of the wireless module in order to reduce the trouble of replacing the dry battery.

  However, even if the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are used, it is difficult to save power in a system including a television and a wireless module. The techniques described in these documents do not realize power saving of wirelessly connected devices.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of a monitor system including a television, a wireless master device, and a wireless slave device.

  The present invention according to one aspect is a monitor system including a television, a wireless master device connected to the television, and a wireless slave device, the television receiving a display data from the wireless master device; A display, a first control unit for causing the display to display an image based on display data, a television, a power-on mode in which power is supplied to the display and the first control unit, a display, and the first Control commands are transmitted and received between the power supply unit that is driven in one of a plurality of operation modes including a standby mode in which power is not supplied to the control unit, the mode detection unit that detects the operation mode, and the wireless master unit. When the operation mode is the power-on mode, a control command for causing the wireless slave unit to transmit display data at a predetermined frequency is transmitted to the TV command unit to be performed and the TV command unit. And a second control unit that causes the wireless slave unit to transmit a control command for transmitting display data at a frequency lower than a predetermined frequency when the operation mode is the standby mode. A base unit command unit that transmits and receives control commands between the base unit, a base unit communication unit that wirelessly transmits a base unit command based on the control command and wirelessly receives display data from the wireless slave unit, and a display received from the wireless slave unit A data transmission unit that transmits data to a television, and the wireless slave unit is configured to obtain a data acquisition unit that acquires display data from a device connected to the wireless slave unit, and a frequency at which the base unit command is wirelessly received and wirelessly transmitted. And a slave unit communication unit that wirelessly transmits the display data acquired by the data acquisition unit by changing based on the master unit command.

  Preferably, the first control unit selects an input port for image data to be displayed on the display from a plurality of input ports, and the second control unit sets the television command unit to operate in the power-on mode. And when the selected input port is a data receiver, the wireless slave unit transmits a control command for transmitting display data at the first frequency, the operation mode is a power-on mode, and When the selected input port is not a data receiver, the wireless slave unit is caused to transmit a control command for transmitting display data at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and when the operation mode is a standby mode, The slave unit is caused to transmit a control command for causing display data to be transmitted at a third frequency lower than the second frequency.

  Preferably, the security sensor further includes a security sensor connected to the wireless slave unit, and when the security sensor detects a predetermined abnormality, the security sensor outputs an abnormality detection signal, the data acquisition unit receives the abnormality detection signal, and the slave unit communication unit When the data acquisition unit receives the abnormality detection signal, it transmits an abnormality notification signal, the base unit communication unit receives the abnormality notification signal, and the base unit command unit operates on the television based on the abnormality notification signal. Is switched to the power-on mode, and the command control unit controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the switching command.

Preferably, the wireless slave unit is driven by a dry battery.
Preferably, the wireless master device and the wireless slave device are Zigbee devices.

Preferably, the television and the wireless master device are connected by an HDMI cable.
More preferably, the control command is a CEC signal.

  The invention of the present application according to another aspect is a television, wherein a wireless receiver receives display data acquired from a device connected to the wireless slave, a display, and a display. A first control unit for displaying an image based on display data, a television, a power-on mode in which power is supplied to the display and the first control unit, and power to the display and the first control unit A power supply unit that is driven in one of a plurality of operation modes including a standby mode that is not performed, a mode detection unit that detects an operation mode, and a television command unit that transmits and receives control commands to and from the wireless master unit; When the operation mode is the power-on mode, the television command unit is caused to transmit a control command for causing the wireless slave unit to transmit display data at a predetermined frequency. When a mode, and a second control unit for transmitting a control command for transmitting display data less frequently than a predetermined frequency to the radio personal station.

  The present invention according to still another aspect is a wireless slave device that transmits display data to be displayed on a television, a data acquisition unit that obtains display data from a device connected to the wireless slave device, a television display, and a display When the power is supplied to the first control unit for displaying an image on the TV, the TV transmits, a control command for causing the wireless slave device to transmit display data at a predetermined frequency, and the wireless slave device Based on a control command for transmitting display data at a frequency lower than a predetermined frequency, the wireless master device creates, wirelessly receives the wirelessly transmitted parent device command, and uses the display data acquired by the data acquisition unit as the parent device command And a slave unit communication unit that wirelessly transmits at a frequency based on the frequency.

  The present invention according to still another aspect is a method for controlling a monitor system including a television, a wireless master device connected to the television, and a wireless slave device, so that the television displays an image on the display and the display. Determining whether driving is in a power-on mode in which power is supplied to the first control unit or a standby mode in which power is not supplied to the display and the first control unit; Is in the power-on mode, the TV transmits a control command for transmitting display data to the wireless slave unit at a predetermined frequency, and when the operation mode is the standby mode, A step of causing the wireless slave unit to transmit a control command for causing the wireless slave unit to transmit display data at a frequency lower than a predetermined frequency. Comprising the steps of the master unit orders based on the instruction transmitted by radio, the radio personal station at a frequency based on the master unit instruction wirelessly received, and a step for wirelessly transmitting the display data data acquisition unit has acquired.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the communication frequency from the wireless slave device to the wireless master device in accordance with the operation mode of the television. As a result, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the monitor system including the television, the wireless master device, and the wireless slave device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(1. System overview)
With reference to FIG. 1, the outline | summary of the monitor system 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of a monitor system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The monitor system 1 includes a digital television 10, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable 20, a wireless module group 30, a home appliance 40, a temperature sensor 50, and a security sensor 70 installed in a house 60 (FIG. 1). (Not shown).

  The wireless module group 30 includes a parent device 32, a relay device 34, a first child device 36a, a second child device 36b, and a third child device 36c. Assume that each device included in the wireless module group 30 is a Zigbee (registered trademark) device that performs wireless communication based on the Zigbee (registered trademark) standard that consumes less power for wireless communication. In addition, the first slave unit 36a, the second slave unit 36b, and the third slave unit 36c are driven by dry batteries.

  The base unit 32 transmits a radio signal and comprehensively controls the operations of the relay unit 34, the first handset 36a, the second handset 36b, and the third handset 36c included in the wireless module group 30. . The master unit 32 receives radio signals from the relay unit 34, the first slave unit 36a, the second slave unit 36b, and the third slave unit 36c. Further, the parent device 32 communicates with the digital television 10 via the HDMI cable 20.

  The relay device 34 relays the radio signal from the parent device 32 to the first child device 36a and the second child device 36b. Also, radio signals from the first slave unit 36 a and the second slave unit 36 b are relayed to the master unit 32. The relay device 34 relays the wireless signal, thereby realizing communication between the child device installed in a place where the wireless signal from the parent device 32 cannot be directly received and the parent device 32. Note that the relay device 34 is not necessarily required depending on the positional relationship between the parent device 32 and the child device. In addition, here, a case where there is one repeater 34 is shown, but a plurality of repeaters 34 may be provided. Wireless communication between the parent device 32 and the child device may be performed via the plurality of relay devices 34.

  The first child device 36a, the second child device 36b, and the third child device 36c are connected to a home appliance 40, a temperature sensor 50, and a security sensor 70 installed in the house 60, respectively. In the following, the first slave unit 36a, the second slave unit 36b, and the third slave unit 36 are referred to as “slave unit 36” when they are not distinguished from each other.

  The first slave unit 36a acquires data (referred to as device data) related to the home appliance 40 including settings and states of the home appliance 40 output by the home appliance 40. Moreover, the 1st subunit | mobile_unit 36a transmits the radio signal containing the information about the state and setting of the household appliances 40. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, examples of the home appliance 40 include a refrigerator 40a, a television 40b, a microwave oven 40c, a washing machine 40d, and an audio 40e. However, the home appliance 40 is not limited to these. For example, an interphone, a telephone, a monitoring camera, or the like can be used as the home appliance 40.

  Here, the “setting” of the home appliance 40 refers to a parameter that is set in the home appliance 40 itself and determines the operation of the home appliance 40. For example, “setting” includes the internal temperature setting of the refrigerator 40a, the volume setting of the television 40b and the audio 40e, and the like.

  Here, the “state” of the home appliance 40 is not set to the home appliance 40 itself, but refers to data acquired by a sensor provided in the home appliance 40. For example, the actual temperature in the refrigerator 40a, whether there is anything in the microwave oven 40c, etc. are included in the “state”.

  The 2nd subunit | mobile_unit 36b acquires the temperature which the temperature sensor 50 detected. Moreover, the 2nd subunit | mobile_unit 36b transmits the radio signal containing the information about the temperature which the temperature sensor 50 detected.

  The 3rd subunit | mobile_unit 36c acquires the information around the security sensor 70 which the security sensor 70 detected. Moreover, the 3rd subunit | mobile_unit 36c transmits the radio signal containing the information about the state of the security sensor 70 periphery.

  In addition, the number of the subunit | mobile_units 36 contained in the monitor system 1 does not need to be three. The monitor system 1 only needs to include at least one slave unit 36.

  When the slave unit 36 transmits a wireless signal including information about the setting and state of the home appliance 40, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50, or the state around the security sensor 70, the master unit 32 transmits the transmitted wireless signal. A signal is received, and information about the setting and state of the home appliance 40, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50, and the state around the security sensor 70 is transmitted to the digital television 10 via the HDMI cable 20. Digital television 10 displays a screen representing information received from parent device 32. That is, when the present monitor system 1 is used, information about the home appliance 40, the temperature sensor 50, and the security sensor 70 in a remote place can be obtained by the digital television 10.

(2. Configuration of digital TV)
The hardware configuration of the digital television 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the digital television 10.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the digital television 10 includes a main microcomputer 210, a detection circuit 212, a RAM 220, a ROM 230, a receiver 240, a CEC circuit 250, a sub microcomputer 252, a sub RAM 254, a sub ROM 256, A power supply circuit 258, an HDMI terminal 260, a display 270, an LVDS (Low voltage differential signaling) transmitter 272, a speaker 280, an amplifier 282, and a remote control light receiving unit 290 are included.

  The main microcomputer 210 controls the operation of each unit of the digital television 10 in accordance with a signal from the remote control light receiving unit 290 and the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, main microcomputer 210 also selects an input port for inputting data to be output to display 270 or speaker 280. Although only the HDMI terminal 260 is shown as an input port of the digital television 10 in FIG. 2, the digital television 10 includes a plurality of input ports, and the main microcomputer 210 is based on a signal from the remote control light receiving unit 290. The input port to be used (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a channel) is selected. When the HDMI terminal 260 is selected as the input port, the display 270 displays a screen corresponding to the information acquired by the slave unit 36. In addition, the main microcomputer 210 stores information (referred to as HDMI channel selection) specifying the selected input port in the ROM 230. The detection circuit 212 detects a current supplied to the main microcomputer 210.

  The RAM 220 temporarily stores data as the main microcomputer 210 performs processing. The ROM 230 stores firmware and the like necessary for the operation of the main microcomputer 210.

  The receiver 240 receives data from the parent device 32. The CEC circuit 250 transmits and receives CEC signals. The receiver 240 and the CEC circuit 250 are connected to the HDMI terminal 260. The HDMI cable 20 can be connected to the HDMI terminal 260. The digital television 10 transmits / receives signals or data to / from a device to which the HDMI terminal 260 is connected (in this case, the parent device 32) via the HDMI cable 20.

  The remote control light receiving unit 290 receives radio waves transmitted from the remote control 292 in response to an input by the user. Then, a signal corresponding to the received radio wave is sent to the main microcomputer 210. If the received radio wave is an instruction to switch the power state of the digital television 10, the remote control light receiving unit 290 sends a signal corresponding to the radio wave to the sub-microcomputer 252.

  Display 270 displays an image based on data from parent device 32. The LVDS transmitter 272 transmits the video signal to the display 270.

  The speaker 280 outputs sound. The amplifier 282 amplifies the audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 280.

  The power supply circuit 258 supplies power to each part of the digital television 10. The power supply circuit 258 supplies power to each unit in a plurality of forms. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the digital television 10 operates in a power supply state (hereinafter referred to as an operation mode) in either a power-on mode or a standby mode according to a power supply mode. In the power-on mode, the power supply circuit 258 supplies power to all parts of the digital television 10 so that the data received from the parent device 32 can be displayed immediately. In the standby mode, the power supply circuit 258 supplies power to the CEC circuit 250, the sub-microcomputer 252, the sub-RAM 254, and the sub-ROM 256 so that at least an instruction can be transmitted to the parent device 32. It is assumed that power is not supplied to the main microcomputer 210, RAM 220, ROM 230, display 270, LVDS transmitter 272, speaker 280, and amplifier 282. In the present embodiment, power supply circuit 258 supplies power also to remote control light receiving unit 290 in the standby mode.

  However, the power supply circuit 258 may supply power to a part of the main microcomputer 210, the RAM 220, the ROM 230, the display 270, the LVDS transmitter 272, the speaker 280, and the amplifier 282 even in the standby mode. It can be determined as appropriate according to the power consumption to be reduced, the switching time from the standby mode to the power-on mode, and the like. Of course, when power is not supplied to any of the main microcomputer 210, RAM 220, ROM 230, display 270, LVDS transmitter 272, speaker 280, and amplifier 282, power consumption in the standby mode can be minimized.

  The sub-microcomputer 252 determines the operation mode of the power supply circuit 258. In this embodiment, the operation mode is determined based on the detection signal of the detection circuit 212. Further, the determination result is stored in the sub RAM 254.

  In this embodiment, sub-microcomputer 252 switches the operation mode in accordance with a signal from remote control light receiving unit 290. However, the switching of the operation mode may be realized by other means. For example, the power supply circuit 258 may include an operation mode changeover switch, and the user may operate the changeover switch to change the operation mode.

  Note that the operation mode determination method by the sub-microcomputer 252 is not limited to the above-described one. For example, a detection circuit that detects the current supplied to the display 270 may be provided in the digital television 10, and the operation mode may be determined based on the detection signal of the detection circuit. Further, when the sub-microcomputer 252 is configured to switch the operation mode in accordance with a signal from the remote control light receiving unit 290 as in the present embodiment, the sub-microcomputer 252 receives the signal from the remote control light receiving unit 290, The operation mode may be determined based on the content of the signal from the remote control light receiving unit 290 received last.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital television 10. Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the digital television 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The digital television 10 includes a control unit 310, an output unit 320, an output control unit 322, an input unit 330, a storage unit 340, a communication unit 350, a power supply control unit 360, and a power supply unit 370.

  The control unit 310 controls the output unit 320, the storage unit 340, and the communication unit 350 based on instructions received by the input unit 330.

  The input unit 330 receives an instruction from the outside. The communication unit 350 communicates with other devices. Communication unit 350 includes a receiving unit 352 that receives commands and data from other devices, and a transmission unit 354 that transmits commands and data to other devices.

  The output unit 320 outputs audio or video to the outside. The output control unit 322 controls audio or video output by the output unit 320. The output control unit 322 also selects an input port for inputting data to be output to the output unit 320.

  The storage unit 340 is information on the main program 342 that controls the operation of the main microcomputer 210, the sub program 344 that controls the operation of the sub microcomputer 252, the operation mode 346, and the input port selected by the output control unit 322. A certain HDMI channel selection 348 is stored.

  The power supply unit 370 supplies power to the output unit 320, the control unit 310, the output control unit 322, the input unit 330, the storage unit 340, the communication unit 350, and the power supply control unit 360. The power control unit 360 controls the power supply by the power supply unit 370.

(3. Configuration of wireless module group)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the wireless module group 30. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the wireless module group 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a base unit 32 and a third handset 36 c connected to the security sensor 70 in the wireless module group 30.

  The base unit 32 includes a microcomputer 410, a memory 420, a wireless communication circuit 430, a CEC circuit 440, a transmitter 445, and an HDMI terminal 450.

  The microcomputer 410 controls the operation of each unit of the parent device 32 based on a command received by the CEC circuit 440, a wireless signal received by the wireless communication circuit 430, and the like.

  The memory 420 stores temporary data associated with the processing of the microcomputer 410, firmware necessary for the operation of the microcomputer 410, and the like.

  The wireless communication circuit 430 transmits a wireless signal to each slave unit or relay unit 34. Further, it receives a radio signal from each slave unit or repeater 34.

  The CEC circuit 440 transmits and receives CEC signals. The transmitter 445 transmits data. The CEC circuit 440 and the transmitter 445 are connected to the HDMI terminal 450. The HDMI cable 20 can be connected to the HDMI terminal 450. Master device 32 transmits / receives signals or data to / from a device to which HDMI terminal 450 is connected (in this case, digital television 10) via HDMI cable 20.

  The third slave unit 36 c includes a microcomputer 510, a memory 520, a wireless communication circuit 530, and a data acquisition circuit 540.

  The microcomputer 510 controls the operation of each part of the security sensor 70 based on a wireless signal received by the wireless communication circuit 530.

  The memory 520 stores temporary data associated with the processing of the microcomputer 510, firmware necessary for the operation of the microcomputer 510, and the like.

  The wireless communication circuit 530 transmits a wireless signal to the parent device 32 or the relay device 34. In addition, a radio signal from the base unit 32 or the relay unit 34 is received.

  The data acquisition circuit 540 reads data from the security sensor 70 at a predetermined timing.

  The security sensor 70 includes an abnormality detection circuit 710 and a monitoring sensor 720. The monitoring sensor 720 detects whether there is an abnormality in the monitoring target, and outputs an abnormality detection signal when the abnormality occurs. The specific configuration of the monitoring sensor 720 varies depending on the type of the security sensor 70. For example, a sensor that detects the open / closed state of a window, a sensor that detects surrounding people using infrared rays, or the like can be used as the monitoring sensor 720.

  The abnormality detection circuit 710 creates a signal according to the output state of the monitoring sensor 720. For example, the abnormality detection circuit 710 creates a digital signal indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality according to the output of the monitoring sensor 720. Note that the abnormality detection circuit 710 may create a signal including the type of abnormality according to the output of the monitoring sensor 720. The abnormality detection circuit 710 determines the presence or absence or type of abnormality according to, for example, the magnitude of a signal or a change over time.

  In the present embodiment, the abnormality detection circuit 710 transmits an abnormality detection signal to the data acquisition circuit 540 when the monitoring sensor 720 detects an abnormality. When the monitoring sensor 720 detects opening / closing of a window, the abnormality detection circuit 710 outputs an abnormality detection signal when the window is opened illegally (for example, when the security mode is set). To do. When the monitoring sensor 720 detects a person around by infrared rays or the like, the abnormality detection circuit 710 outputs an abnormality detection signal when detecting the person around.

  Here, the hardware configuration of the slave unit 36 has been described by taking the slave unit 36c as an example, but the configurations of the slave unit 36a and the slave unit 36b are substantially the same as the configuration of the slave unit 36c. The subunit | mobile_unit 36b to which the temperature sensor 50 is connected acquires the surrounding temperature which the temperature sensor 50 measured from the temperature sensor 50 instead of the abnormality detection circuit 710 in the security sensor 70. FIG. The subunit | mobile_unit 36a acquires the state and setting of household appliances from the household appliance 40. FIG. The subunit | mobile_unit 36a acquires the setting of household appliances from the memory which records the setting of the household appliances 40 with which the household appliance 40 was equipped, for example. Moreover, the subunit | mobile_unit 36a shall acquire the state of household appliances from the sensor with which household appliances are equipped and which monitors the state of household appliances. As such a sensor, for example, a circuit for detecting a power supply state, an internal thermometer of the refrigerator 40a, or the like can be used.

(4. Determination of instructions by digital television)
With reference to FIG. 5, the flow of processing performed by the digital television 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the digital television 10.

  In step S101, the sub-microcomputer 252 determines whether or not the operation mode of the digital television 10 is the power-on mode. As already described, in this embodiment, the sub-microcomputer 252 determines the operation mode based on the output of the detection circuit 212.

  If the operation mode is not the power-on mode, that is, if the operation mode is the standby mode (No in step S101), the sub-microcomputer 252 proceeds to the process of step S105.

  If the operation mode is the power-on mode (Yes in step S101), the sub-microcomputer 252 determines a channel in step S103. That is, based on the HDMI channel selection 348 stored in the ROM 230, it is determined whether the selected input port is the HDMI terminal 260 connected to the wireless module group 30. After determining the channel, the sub-microcomputer 252 proceeds to the process of step S105.

  In step S105, the sub-microcomputer 252 controls the CEC circuit 250 and transmits a command based on the operation mode determination result in step S101 and the channel determination result in step S103 to the parent device 32.

  Specifically, when the operation mode is the power-on mode and the selected input port is the HDMI terminal 260, the sub-microcomputer 252 wirelessly transmits the sensor output result to each slave unit at the first frequency. The first instruction for causing the CEC circuit 250 to transmit is sent to the CEC circuit 250. Further, when the operation mode is the power-on mode and the selected input port is not the HDMI terminal 260, the sub-microcomputer 252 outputs the sensor output result to each slave unit at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. A second instruction for wireless transmission is transmitted to the CEC circuit 250. In addition, when the operation mode is the standby mode, the sub-microcomputer 252 sends a third command to the CEC circuit 250 to cause each slave unit to wirelessly transmit the sensor output result at a third frequency lower than the second frequency. Send it. Here, the frequency of wireless transmission refers to the time interval of wireless transmission.

  In step S107, the sub-microcomputer 252 determines whether or not the operation mode has been changed after transmitting the command in step S105. For example, it is determined that the operation mode has changed when the amount of change in the detection signal of the detection circuit 21 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, when the sub-microcomputer 252 receives a signal for switching the operation mode from the remote control light receiving unit 290, it may be determined that the operation mode has been changed.

  If the operation mode has been changed (Yes in step S107), the sub-microcomputer 252 proceeds to the process of step S111.

  If there is no change in the operation mode (No in step S107), it is determined in step S109 whether or not the channel has been changed. For example, the sub-microcomputer 252 reads the HDMI channel selection 348 from the ROM 230 at a predetermined time interval. If the read HDMI channel selection 348 is different from the previous one, it is determined that the channel has been changed. Alternatively, the sub-microcomputer 252 determines that the channel has been changed when the command for setting the channel is transmitted from the remote control light receiving unit 290.

  If the channel has been changed (Yes in step S109), the sub-microcomputer 252 proceeds to the process of step S111.

  In step S111, the sub-microcomputer 252 determines the operation mode and channel, and transmits a command based on the determination result to the CEC circuit 250. The operation mode and channel can be determined by a method similar to the method described in steps S101 and S103. Further, the command that the sub-microcomputer 252 transmits to the CEC circuit 250 in step S111 is the same as the command in step S105. That is, when the operation mode is the power-on mode and the selected input port is the HDMI terminal 260, the sub-microcomputer 252 causes each slave unit to wirelessly transmit the sensor output result at the first frequency. The first instruction is transmitted to the CEC circuit 250. Further, when the operation mode is the power-on mode and the selected input port is not the HDMI terminal 260, the sub-microcomputer 252 outputs the sensor output result to each slave unit at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. A second instruction for wireless transmission is transmitted to the CEC circuit 250. In addition, when the operation mode is the standby mode, the sub-microcomputer 252 sends a third command to the CEC circuit 250 to cause each slave unit to wirelessly transmit the sensor output result at a third frequency lower than the second frequency. Send it.

  If there is no change in the channel (No in step S109), the sub-microcomputer 252 repeats the processing from step S107.

  Thus, since the radio transmission frequency of the slave unit 36 is changed in accordance with the power state of the digital television 10, the power consumption of the slave unit 36, and hence the power consumption of the monitor system 1, can be reduced. When the operation mode is the standby mode, the digital television 10 does not immediately display the data acquired by the slave unit 36. Therefore, the wireless transmission frequency of the slave unit 36 is minimized. Even if the operation mode is the power-on mode, if the input port is not the HDMI terminal 260, the user is not likely to see the output of the slave unit 36 immediately. Therefore, in this case, the radio transmission frequency is set lower than when the input port is the HDMI terminal 260.

  In addition, since the operation mode and channel change are detected in step S107 and step S109, and a command is transmitted in response to the change, the wireless transmission frequency of the slave unit 36 always corresponds to the state of the television.

  The process flow described above is an example, and the process performed by the sub-microcomputer 252 is not limited to this.

  For example, the channel determination process (steps S103 and S109) may be omitted. In this case, if the operation mode is the power-on mode in steps S105 and S111, the sub-microcomputer 252 issues a first command for causing each slave unit to wirelessly transmit the sensor output result at the first frequency. The data is transmitted to the circuit 250. On the other hand, when the operation mode is the standby mode, the sub-microcomputer 252 sends a second command to the CEC circuit 250 for causing each slave unit to wirelessly transmit the sensor output result at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. Send it.

  In this configuration, the command transmission method is easier than the method shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the method shown in FIG. 5, since a command reflecting the operating state of the digital television 10 can be transmitted in detail, the power consumption of the slave unit 36 can be further reduced.

(5. Operation of monitor system according to command)
The operation of the entire monitor system 1 when the digital television 10 transmits a command will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of processing performed by each device included in the monitor system 1 when the digital television 10 transmits a command.

  In step S <b> 201, the digital television 10 transmits a command for changing the data transmission frequency of the slave unit 36 to the master unit 32. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the digital television 10 determines the content of the command to be transmitted according to the operation mode and channel selection of the digital television 10. More specifically, the sub-microcomputer 252 determines the operation mode and channel selection, and sends a control signal to the CEC circuit 250 for transmitting an instruction corresponding to the operation mode and channel selection. The CEC circuit 250 that has received the control signal transmits a command corresponding to the operation mode and channel selection to the parent device 32 via the HDMI terminal 260 and the HDMI cable 20.

  In step S203, the base unit 32 receives the command transmitted by the digital television 10 in step S201. More specifically, the CEC circuit 440 receives a command transmitted to the HDMI terminal 450.

  In step S205, base unit 32 wirelessly transmits a command created based on the command received in step S203. More specifically, the microcomputer 410 determines a wireless signal corresponding to the command received by the CEC circuit 440 based on a program stored in the memory 420, and wirelessly transmits a control signal for transmitting the determined wireless signal. To circuit 430. Receiving the control signal, the wireless communication circuit 430 transmits a wireless signal corresponding to the command received in step S203.

  In step S207, the slave unit 36 receives the command transmitted by the master unit 32 in step S205. More specifically, the wireless communication circuit 530 receives a wireless signal from the parent device 32.

  In step S209, the subunit | mobile_unit 36 determines the transmission frequency of the data which the subunit | mobile_unit 36 acquired based on the command received in step S207. More specifically, the microcomputer 510 determines a transmission frequency corresponding to the received command based on a program stored in the memory 520.

  In step S211, the slave unit 36 wirelessly transmits the acquired data at the transmission frequency determined in step S209. For example, the slave unit 36 divides the acquired data into packets and wirelessly transmits the packets. Specifically, assuming that the slave unit 36 is the security sensor 70, the microcomputer 510 causes the wireless communication circuit 530 to transmit the data acquired by the data acquisition circuit 540 from the security sensor 70 at the determined frequency.

  In step S213, the parent device 32 receives the data transmitted by the child device 36 in step S211. More specifically, the wireless communication circuit 430 receives a wireless signal from the slave unit 36.

  In step S <b> 215, base unit 32 transmits the data received in step S <b> 213 to digital television 10. More specifically, the microcomputer 410 sends data corresponding to the data received in step S213 to the transmitter 445 and a control signal for transmitting the data. The transmitter 445 that has received the data and the control signal transmits the data to the digital television 10 via the HDMI terminal 450 and the HDMI cable 20.

  In step S217, the digital television 10 receives the data transmitted by the parent device 32 in step S215. More specifically, the receiver 240 receives data from the parent device 32 transmitted to the HDMI terminal 260.

  In step S219, the digital television 10 displays the data received in step S219. More specifically, the main microcomputer 210 creates image data based on the received data. Then, the main microcomputer 210 controls the LVDS transmitter 272 to display an image based on the created image data on the display 270.

  Here, the master unit 32 and the slave unit 36 are described as performing wireless communication without using the relay unit 34, but of course, wireless communication may be performed through the relay unit 34. The flow of processing when wireless communication is performed via the relay device 34 is such that the relay processing by the relay device 34 is added between step S205 and step S207 and between step S211 and step S213. Become.

(6. Response to abnormality detection)
Furthermore, it is assumed that the monitor system 1 according to the present embodiment can notify the abnormality by the digital television 10 when the abnormality is detected by the security sensor 70. Processing for realizing such an operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of processing performed by each device included in the monitor system 1 when an abnormality is detected by the security sensor 70.

  In step S <b> 301, the data acquisition circuit 540 included in the security sensor 70 acquires information (abnormality detection signal) about the abnormality detected by the security sensor 70 from the security sensor 70. The abnormality detection signal may simply indicate that an abnormality has occurred, or may indicate the type of abnormality.

  In step S303, the security sensor 70 transmits an abnormality notification signal in accordance with the abnormality detection signal acquired in step S301. More specifically, the microcomputer 510 causes the wireless communication circuit 530 to transmit an abnormality notification signal based on the data acquired in step S301.

  In step S305, the wireless communication circuit 430 included in the parent device 32 receives the abnormality notification signal transmitted from the security sensor 70 in step S303.

  In step S <b> 307, base unit 32 transmits an activation command for switching the operation mode of digital television 10 to the power supply mode to digital television 10. More specifically, when receiving the abnormality notification signal, the wireless communication circuit 430 transmits a signal indicating that the abnormality notification signal has been received to the microcomputer 410. The microcomputer 410 that has received the signal indicating that the abnormality notification signal has been received from the wireless communication circuit 430 transmits a control signal for transmitting an activation command to the CEC circuit 440. The CEC circuit 440 that has received the control signal transmits an activation command to the digital television 10 via the HDMI terminal 450 and the HDMI cable 20.

  In step S309, the digital television 10 sets the operation mode to the power-on mode. That is, when the operation mode is the standby mode, the digital television 10 switches the operation mode from the standby mode to the power-on mode. More specifically, when receiving the activation command via the HDMI terminal 260 and the CEC circuit 250, the sub-microcomputer 252 controls the power supply circuit 258 to set the operation mode to the power-on mode. In this embodiment, the type of operation mode can be specified by a control command, and the sub-microcomputer 252 transmits a control command for setting the operation mode to the power-on mode to the power supply circuit 258.

  However, the sub-microcomputer 252 may determine the mode from the detection result of the detection circuit 212 and the like, and may set the operation mode to the power-on mode by combining the determination result and the mode switching signal. That is, when the operation mode is the standby mode, the digital television 10 transmits a mode switching signal to the power supply circuit 258. Further, when the operation mode is the power-on mode, the digital television 10 does not transmit a switching signal.

  In step S309, the base unit 32 digitally displays a display command for causing the digital television 10 to display an abnormality detected by the security sensor 70 at the input port after a predetermined time has elapsed from the processing of step S307 (transmission of activation command). It transmits to the television 10. More specifically, the microcomputer 410 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the activation command, and causes the CEC circuit 440 to transmit a display command when determining that the predetermined time has elapsed.

  In step S311, the base unit 32 transmits a channel selection command for switching the input port to the HDMI terminal 260 to the digital television 10 when a predetermined time has elapsed from the processing of step S307 (transmission of the startup command). More specifically, the microcomputer 410 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the activation command, and when determining that the predetermined time has elapsed, causes the CEC circuit 440 to transmit a channel selection command.

  Note that the time interval between the process of step S307 and the process of step S311 is preferably set in consideration of the time required for the digital television 10 to switch from the standby mode to the power-on mode. That is, it is preferable to set the time interval so that the master unit 32 transmits a channel selection command after the digital television 10 has switched modes. However, when the channel selection command is transmitted, the operation mode of the digital television 10 may still be the power-on mode. Therefore, the master unit 32 may repeatedly transmit the channel selection command so that the digital television 10 reliably displays the abnormality detected by the security sensor 70.

  In step S313, the base unit 32 transmits a display command for displaying a screen informing the digital television 10 of the abnormality.

  In step S315, the digital television 10 displays a screen notifying abnormality in accordance with the display command transmitted by the parent device 32 in step S313. More specifically, the main microcomputer 210 creates image data for notifying abnormality based on the display command. Then, the main microcomputer 210 controls the LVDS transmitter 272 to display an image based on the created image data on the display 270.

  The digital television 10 may display the abnormality detected by the security sensor 70 not only with the screen but also with sound. In this case, in step S315, the main microcomputer 210 controls the amplifier 282 to output a sound notifying the speaker 280 of the abnormality.

  In addition, here, the processing in the case where the digital television 10 has a plurality of input ports has been described, but when the digital television 10 has no input ports other than the HDMI terminal 260, the processing in steps S311 and S313 is omitted. In this case, the time interval between the transmission of the activation command in step S307 and the transmission of the display command in step S315 is set so that the master unit 32 transmits the channel selection command after the digital television 10 has switched the mode. It is preferable.

  The processing performed by the digital television 10 will be summarized with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing processing performed by the digital television 10 using C language “if” and “switch” instructions.

  First, the digital television 10 determines the power source and the channel selection state. And the command according to a power supply and a channel selection state is transmitted.

  When the digital TV 10 is in the standby mode (“case DTV power is off” in the code shown in FIG. 8), the control slave unit (first slave unit 36 a) or the temperature monitoring slave unit (second slave unit in the home appliance) A command that minimizes the event frequency (data transmission frequency) from 36b) is transmitted to the master unit 32.

  When the digital TV 10 is in the power-on mode and the selected input port is not the HDMI terminal 260 (“case DTV power ON in the code shown in FIG. 8 is not selected”), A command that causes the event frequency from the control slave unit or the temperature monitoring slave unit to be medium is transmitted to the master unit 32.

  When the digital TV 10 is in the power supply mode and the selected input port is the HDMI terminal 260 (when “case DTV power is turned on and selected” in the code shown in FIG. 8), A command that maximizes the event frequency from the control slave unit and the temperature monitoring slave unit is transmitted to the master unit 32.

  In addition, when an abnormality notification signal is received from the security security slave unit (third slave unit 36c), the digital television 10 switches the operation mode to the power-on mode (by changing the DTV power to the ON state). The HDMI terminal 260 is selected as an input port based on a command from the master unit 32, and an abnormality is notified by video and audio.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the outline | summary of the monitor system 1 which concerns on this Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the digital television 10. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a digital television 10. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a wireless module group 30. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the digital television 10; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of processing performed by each device included in the monitor system 1 when the digital television 10 transmits a command. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of processing performed by each device included in the monitor system 1 when an abnormality is detected by the security sensor 70. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing processing performed by the digital television 10 using “if” and “switch” commands in C language.

Explanation of symbols

  1 monitor system, 10 digital TV, 20 HDMI cable, 21 detection circuit, 24 relay unit, 30 wireless module group, 32 master unit, 34 relay unit, 36 slave unit, 36a first slave unit, 36b second slave unit 36c 3rd child device 40 home appliance 40a refrigerator 40b TV 40c microwave oven 40d washing machine 40e audio 50 temperature sensor 60 house 70 security sensor 210 main microcomputer 212 detection circuit 240 receiver , 250 CEC circuit, 252 sub-microcomputer, 258 power supply circuit, 260 HDMI terminal, 270 display, 272 LVDS transmitter, 280 speaker, 282 amplifier, 290 remote control light receiving unit, 292 remote control, 310 control unit, 320 output unit, 322 Force control unit, 330 input unit, 340 storage unit, 342 main program, 344 sub program, 346 operation mode, 348 HDMI channel selection, 350 communication unit, 352 reception unit, 354 transmission unit, 360 power supply control unit, 370 power supply unit , 410 microcomputer, 420 memory, 430 wireless communication circuit, 440 CEC circuit, 445 transmitter, 450 HDMI terminal, 510 microcomputer, 520 memory, 530 wireless communication circuit, 540 data acquisition circuit, 710 abnormality detection circuit, 720 monitoring sensor.

Claims (10)

A monitor system comprising a television, a wireless master connected to the television, and a wireless slave,
The TV
A data receiving unit for receiving display data from the wireless master unit;
Display,
A first control unit for causing the display to display an image based on the display data;
The television includes a plurality of operation modes including a power-on mode in which power is supplied to the display and the first control unit, and a standby mode in which power is not supplied to the display and the first control unit. A power supply unit driven by one of
A mode detector for detecting the operation mode;
A television command unit for sending and receiving control commands to and from the wireless master unit;
When the operation mode is the power-on mode, the television command unit transmits the control command for causing the wireless slave device to transmit the display data at a predetermined frequency, and the operation mode is the standby mode. A second control unit that causes the wireless slave to transmit the control command for transmitting the display data at a frequency lower than the predetermined frequency, and
The wireless master unit is
A master unit command unit for transmitting and receiving the control command to and from the television;
A base unit communication unit that wirelessly transmits a base unit command based on the control command and wirelessly receives the display data from the wireless slave unit;
A data transmission unit that transmits the display data received from the wireless slave unit to the television,
The wireless slave is
A data acquisition unit for acquiring the display data from a device connected to the wireless slave unit;
A monitoring system comprising: a wireless communication device that wirelessly receives the parent device command, changes a frequency of wireless transmission based on the parent device command, and wirelessly transmits the display data acquired by the data acquisition unit. The first control unit selects an input port for image data displayed on the display from a plurality of input ports,
When the operation mode is the power-on mode and the selected input port is the data reception unit, the second control unit transmits a first value to the wireless slave unit. When the control command for transmitting the display data at a frequency is transmitted, the operation mode is the power-on mode, and the selected input port is not the data reception unit, the wireless slave unit is configured to transmit the control command. When the control command for transmitting the display data is transmitted at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and the operation mode is the standby mode, the wireless slave unit has a second frequency lower than the second frequency. The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the control command for transmitting the display data is transmitted at a frequency of three. A security sensor connected to the wireless slave unit;
When the security sensor detects a predetermined abnormality, it outputs an abnormality detection signal,
The data acquisition unit receives the abnormality detection signal,
When the data acquisition unit receives the abnormality detection signal, the slave unit communication unit transmits an abnormality notification signal,
The base unit communication unit receives the abnormality notification signal,
The base unit command unit transmits, to the television, a switching command for causing the television to switch the operation mode to the power-on mode based on the abnormality notification signal.
The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the command control unit controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the switching command.   The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless slave unit is driven by a dry battery.   The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless master device and the wireless slave device are Zigbee devices.   The monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the television and the wireless master device are connected by an HDMI cable.   The monitor system according to claim 6, wherein the control command is a CEC signal. TV,
A data receiver that receives display data acquired from a device connected to the wireless slave device from the wireless master device;
Display,
A first control unit for causing the display to display an image based on the display data;
The television includes a plurality of operation modes including a power-on mode in which power is supplied to the display and the first control unit, and a standby mode in which power is not supplied to the display and the first control unit. A power supply unit driven by one of
A mode detector for detecting the operation mode;
A television command unit for sending and receiving control commands to and from the wireless master unit;
When the operation mode is the power-on mode, the television command unit transmits the control command for causing the wireless slave unit to transmit the display data at a predetermined frequency, and the operation mode is the standby mode. In some cases, the television includes: a second control unit that causes the wireless slave unit to transmit the control command for transmitting the display data at a frequency lower than the predetermined frequency. A wireless slave device that transmits display data to be displayed on a television,
A data acquisition unit for acquiring the display data from a device connected to the wireless slave unit;
When the power is supplied to the display of the television and the first control unit for displaying an image on the display, the television transmits the display data at a predetermined frequency. The wireless master unit creates and wirelessly receives the base unit command that is wirelessly transmitted based on the control command and the control command for causing the wireless slave unit to transmit the display data at a frequency lower than the predetermined frequency. And a slave unit communication unit that wirelessly transmits the display data acquired by the data acquisition unit at a frequency based on the master unit command. A control method of a monitor system comprising a television, a wireless master connected to the television, and a wireless slave,
In the television, a power-on mode in which power is supplied to a display and a first control unit for displaying an image on the display, and a standby mode in which power is not supplied to the display and the first control unit A step of determining which is driven, and
If the operation mode is the power-on mode, the television is caused to transmit a control command for causing the wireless slave unit to transmit the display data at a predetermined frequency to the wireless master unit. When in the standby mode, causing the television to transmit a control command for transmitting the display data to the wireless slave unit at a frequency lower than the predetermined frequency;
Causing the wireless base unit to wirelessly transmit a base unit command based on the control command;
And causing the wireless slave unit to wirelessly transmit the display data acquired by the data acquisition unit at a frequency based on the base unit command received wirelessly.

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