Patent Description:
In recent years, energy saving for reducing power consumption (energy consumption) for various electric devices that are used in companies or during production has advanced in the companies, factories, and the like. Therefore, there is a requirement for the companies, the factories, and the like themselves to ascertain how much power has been consumed.

In order to achieve such an object, various devices and systems that display transition of power consumption and current total power consumption (the total amount of power used) in the respective companies, factories, and the like have been proposed.

For example, <CIT> discloses an energy use amount monitor device that is used in an energy measurement system that includes a plurality of measurement units. The energy use amount monitor device includes a communication interface for communication, an input device, and a personal computer that displays a setting screen that reflects an input through the input device. In addition, a CPU of a personal computer executes group setting processing of linking the plurality of measurement units with arbitrary groups and display processing of displaying the linked respective groups with the amount of used energy in the groups.

<CIT> discloses a method comprising discovering, by a client device in a wireless network, an availability of a new device to be set up for connection to the Cloud via the wireless network, and determining an access point basic service set or creating an independent basis service set as an entry point to enable the new device to join the wireless network over a wireless link. Further, the method involves establishing a secure communication session over the wireless link, and sending, from the client device to the new device, information including wireless network credentials and registration information needed to set up the new device for connection to the Cloud via the wireless network.

In the energy use amount monitor device in the related art, it is necessary to cause the personal computer to recognize the plurality of measurement units as an assumption for performing the group setting processing of linking the plurality of measurement units to the arbitrary groups.

In the related art, individual management numbers are set for the plurality of measurement units, and the personal computer is made to recognize the measurement units with the management numbers in a case of causing the personal computer to recognize the plurality of measurement units.

Specifically, individual management numbers are set first for the respective measurement units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> in order to cause the personal computer to recognize the measurement units with the management numbers. In addition, it is necessary for setting software <NUM> of a personal computer <NUM> to write the management numbers in the measurement units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and to record communication conditions (protocols, communication speeds, and the like) set for the measurement units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The setting is individually manually performed.

However, there is a problem that a large number of processes are required for causing the management device such as a personal computer to recognize measurement units in a case in which there are multiple measurement units, such as fifty measurement units.

The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problem in the related art, and an object thereof is to provide a power (amount) management system, a power (amount) monitor recognition program, and a recording medium capable of reducing a time required for the operation of recognizing the respective power mount monitors by the management device in the case in which multiple power (amount) monitors are present.

In particular, the aforementioned problem is solved by a power management system according to claim <NUM>. According to the present invention, there is provided a power (amount) management system including: a plurality of power (amount) monitors; and a management device that is connected to the respective power (amount) monitors for communication, in which the respective power (amount) monitors include a first mode in which at least the power (amount) value is transmitted under individual communication conditions, wherein the communication conditions at least include a communication rate, and a second mode in which the management device is made to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors. The management device includes a control unit that is adapted to transmit commands for causing the respective power (amount) monitors to transition from the first mode to the second mode by using all combinations of possible communication conditions of the respective power (amount) monitors, wherein a manufacturing management identifier is an identifier that is applied to the power (amount) monitors when the power monitor is manufactured, and the identifier is inputted in the management device by a user in order to select the desired power (amount) monitor. The second mode is a communication mode wherein the communication is performed under common communication conditions, that is, under fixed communication conditions for the power (amount) monitors, so as to omit to individually communicate with the plurality of power (amount) monitors by using the individual communication conditions. Note that the manufacturing management identifier is a management identifier such as a manufacturing number or a manufacturing symbol specific to a product that is applied when the product is manufactured.

According to the present invention, the power (amount) management system includes the plurality of power (amount) monitors and the management device that is connected to the respective power (amount) monitors for communication.

In this type of power (amount) management system, it is necessary to cause the management device to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors as an initial setting. In the recognizing operation, the individual manufacturing management identifiers, such as management numbers, are set for the respective power (amount) monitors, and the management device is made to recognize the power (amount) monitors with the manufacturing management identifiers in the related art. In addition, in order to cause the management device to recognize the power (amount) monitors with the manufacturing management identifiers, it is necessary to write the manufacturing management identifiers in the management device and record the individual communication conditions set for the power (amount) monitors with the manufacturing management identifiers. The setting is individually and manually performed.

However, there is a problem that a large number of processes are required for causing the management device to recognize the all the power (amount) monitors in a case in which there are multiple power (amount) monitors.

Thus, in the power (amount) management system according to the present invention, the respective power (amount) monitors include a first mode in which at least the power (amount) value is transmitted under individual communication conditions and a second mode in which the management device is made to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors, and the management device includes a control unit that transmits commands for causing the respective power (amount) monitors to transition from the first mode to the second mode by using all combinations of possible communication conditions of the respective power (amount) monitors, selects a desired power (amount) monitor by using a manufacturing management identifier set in advance for each of the power (amount) monitors, and communicates with the selected power (amount) monitor.

As a result, according to the present invention, the management device transmits the commands for causing the respective power (amount) monitors to transition from the first mode to the second mode by using the all combinations of possible communication conditions of the respective power (amount) monitors first. That is, the management device does not know what kind of communication conditions the respective power (amount) monitors have in an initial stage. However, since the types of the communication conditions of all the power (amount) monitors are limited, it is possible to perform communication between the respective power (amount) monitors by transmitting commands to the power (amount) monitors by using the all combinations of possible communication conditions of the respective power (amount) monitors.

However, the management device cannot recognize a specific power (amount) monitor in this state. Thus, according to the present invention, the control unit selects a desired power (amount) monitor by using a manufacturing management identifier set for each power (amount) monitor in advance and communicates with the selected power (amount) monitor. That is, the respective power (amount) monitors have manufacturing management identifiers, such as manufacturing numbers, as individual identification information items, and the manufacturing management identifiers are registered in the power (amount) monitors in advance. Therefore, the control unit of the management device selects the desired power (amount) monitor by using the manufacturing management identifier set for each power (amount) monitor. In this manner, the selected power (amount) monitor can transmit the communication conditions or the like to the management device, and thereafter, communication can be performed between the selected power (amount) monitor and the management device. Note that the manufacturing management identifiers are typically sequential numbers, and the management device can easily select the power (amount) monitors with the manufacturing management identifiers in a range by designating the range of the manufacturing management identifiers for searching.

This means that it is possible to easily and individually perform the communication between the power (amount) monitors and the management device in a short time by using the manufacturing management identifiers set for the respective power (amount) monitors without manual recognition operations based on management numbers, which have been performed in the related art.

Incidentally, although the respective power (amount) monitors transmit at least the power (amounts) values under individual communication conditions in the first mode, the respective power (amount) monitors and the management device perform communication by using the manufacturing management identifiers set for the respective power (amount) monitors in a special case. Thus, the respective power (amount) monitors preferably have the second mode for causing the management device to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors as a mode different from the first mode, and the respective power (amount) monitors and the management device perform communication by using the manufacturing management identifiers in the second mode.

As a result, according to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a power (amount) management system capable of shortening a time required for the recognition operations of the respective power (amount) monitors by the management device in a case in which there are multiple power (amount) monitors.

In the power (amount) management system according to the present invention, the control unit communicates with the power (amount) monitors under common communication conditions in a case in which the power (amount) monitors are in the second mode.

That is, the power (amount) monitor transmits at least power (amounts) values under individual communication conditions in the first mode and transmits the power (amounts) values to the power (amount) monitors under the common communication conditions. Therefore, since it is possible to omit time and effort for individually communicating with the plurality of power (amount) monitors by using the individual communication conditions, the management device can communicate with the respective power (amount) monitors in a short time.

In the power (amount) management system according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit preferably selects the desired power (amount) monitor by using a model code of the power (amount) in addition to the manufacturing management identifier.

In this manner, it is possible to employ the plurality of power (amount) monitors of different models.

Meanwhile, sequential numbers are given as the manufacturing management identifiers of the power (amount) monitors for each of the models of the power (amount) monitors in many cases. Therefore, there is a possibility that a plurality of power (amount) monitors of different models with the same manufacturing management identifiers cannot be identified in the selection of the power (amount) monitors using only the manufacturing management identifiers of the power (amount) monitors.

Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit selects the desired power (amount) monitor by using the model code of the power (amount) monitor in addition to the manufacturing management identifier. In this manner, it is possible to identify the plurality of power (amount) monitors of different models with the same manufacturing management identifiers.

Note that it is also possible to use either official models themselves or abbreviations of the models by using the model codes. Use of the abbreviations has an advantage that it is possible to simplify the model as compared with the use of official models.

In the power (amount) management system according to an aspect of the present invention, each manufacturing management identifier includes a code that represents a manufacturing year and a manufacturing month and a sequence number of the power (amount) monitor, and the control unit selects the corresponding power (amount) monitor and causes the power (amount) monitor to perform display by designating the model code, the manufacturing year, the manufacturing month, and the sequence number of the power (amount) monitor.

That is, each manufacturing management identifier includes the code that represents a manufacturing year and a manufacturing month and the sequence number of the power (amount) monitor in some cases. In such cases, if the management device is to select a power (amount) monitor by using the manufacturing management identifier and there are a large number of power (amount) monitors, it may not be possible to identify the respective power (amount) monitors unless all the manufacturing management identifiers are input. However, if there are a small number of power (amount) monitors, it may be possible to select the power (amount) monitor by selecting only the manufacturing year of the power (amount) monitor or a combination of the manufacturing year and the manufacturing month by a search condition in some cases.

As a result, it is possible to select the desired power (amount) monitor in a short time in the case in which there are a small number of power (amount) monitors.

In the power (amount) management system according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit preferably applies a management number to the selected power (amount) monitor.

In this manner, the management device can manage the power (amount) monitor by using a management number, which has been used in the related art, for the identified power (amount) monitor since the management number is applied to the selected power (amount) monitor. Note that it is possible to automatically apply a sequential number or the like as the management number while displaying the selected power (amount) monitor on a list, for example, and to thereby easily apply the management number to the power (amount) monitor.

In the power (amount) management system according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit preferably turns on a lamp for the selected power (amount) monitor.

In this manner, since lamps for a plurality of selected power (amount) monitors are turned on, it is possible to check which of the power (amount) monitors have been selected.

In the power (amount) management system according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is preferably able to set at least a part of setting items for the power (amount) monitor.

In this manner, it is possible to set at least a part of setting items for a specific power (amount) monitor after the specific power (amount) monitor is able to be identified. Therefore, it is possible to provide a convenient power (amount) management system.

In the power (amount) management system according to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit is preferably able to transmit commands for causing the power (amount) monitors to transition from the second mode to the first mode.

In this manner, the respective power (amount) monitors can receive the commands for transitioning from the second mode to the first mode from the management device and then transmit at least the power (amounts) values in the first mode under individual communication conditions. In addition, if the manage number has already been set in this case, each power (amount) monitor can transmit at least the power (amount) value to the management device or the like by using the management number under the individual conditions in a manner similar to that in the related art.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an effect that a power (amount) management system capable of shortening a time required for recognition operations of the respective power (amount) monitors by a management device in a case in which there are a large number of power (amount) monitors are provided is exhibited.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

A configuration of a power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a personal computer <NUM> that is connected to the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> through communication and that serves as a management device (hereinafter referred to as a "personal computer <NUM>"). A communication interface <NUM> is connected between the personal computer <NUM> and the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the personal computer <NUM> and the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> communicate with each other via the communication interface <NUM>.

RS-<NUM> terminals are provided in the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, for example, and USB terminals are provided in the personal computer <NUM>. Therefore, the communication interface <NUM> includes a USB/RS-<NUM> converter, for example. Note that the communication interface <NUM> is not necessarily limited thereto and may be another communication interface.

The description will be given on the assumption that the power monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of three different models are provided as illustrated in <FIG> in the embodiment for simple description. However, the number of the power (amount) monitors is not limited to three, and more power (amount) monitors, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> power (amount) monitors, are assumed. In this manner, it is possible to obtain a high effect in recognition operations of the power (amount) monitors.

Here, all the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be of the same model, or different numbers of power (amount) monitors of different models may be provided. In addition, although the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are described with different member numbers in the embodiment, the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be referred to as "power (amount) monitors <NUM>" in a case in which the description applies to any of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, although the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the embodiment are of different models and have different functions, the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are common in that the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> transmit at least power (amounts) values.

An external configuration of the power (amount) monitor <NUM> that is one of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> is a front view illustrating an external configuration of the power (amount) monitor <NUM> according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the power (amount) monitors <NUM> according to the embodiment detect currents (alternative currents) that flow through electric power lines in equipment such as a house or a plant and voltages (alternative voltages) that are applied to the electric lines and compute various electric variables such as power (amounts) values on the basis of the detected current and the voltage. The power (amount) monitor <NUM> according to the embodiment can perform measurement on a maximum of four electric power lines, for example.

A display unit 11Fa, a plurality of operation buttons 11Fb, a display lamp 11Fc, and a communication terminal 11Fd is provided on a front surface of the power (amount) monitor <NUM>.

The display unit 11Fa displays measurement values of the electric variables and other kinds of information. The display unit 11Fa includes a display element such as a segment-type liquid crystal display (LCD) or a dot matrix-type LCD. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, a segment-type LCD is used.

The display unit 11Fa can perform used CT display, menu/unit number display, display of various values such as used power (amounts) values, state display, and the like.

The operation buttons 11Fb are button switches for allowing a user to input operations. Specifically, a MODE key for switching a circuit to be displayed, an up-down key, an enter key, and the like are provided. For example, long press of the mode key leads to shift to a mode setting mode. Then, a mode is selected with the up-down key, and the mode is set with the enter key.

As the display lamp 11Fc, display lamps such as a power LED (green), an error LED (red), and an alarm (orange) are provided. In the embodiment, an alarm LED (orange), for example, of the selected power (amount) monitor is turned on in a case in which the personal computer <NUM> has selected the predetermined power (amount) monitor in the setting mode as will be described later.

The communication terminals 11Fd are pulse output/RS-<NUM> communication terminals, for example.

Next, a control system of the power (amount) monitor <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control system of the power (amount) monitor <NUM> according to the embodiment. Note that control systems of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> and <NUM> also have similar structures.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the power (amount) monitor <NUM> includes a power source circuit 11a, an oscillator 11b, a control unit 11c, a storage unit 11d, a plurality of (four in the example in the drawing) current measurement circuits <NUM>1e, a plurality of (four in the example in the drawing) voltage measurement circuits 11f, an operation unit <NUM>, the aforementioned display unit 11Fa, an external output port <NUM>, and a communication unit 11i.

The power source circuit 11a is a power source that drives the respective parts in the power (amount) monitor <NUM>. Specifically, the power source circuit 11a converts an alternating voltage input from an external alternating power source into a direct voltage in accordance with operations of the respective parts in the power (amount) monitor <NUM> and outputs the direct voltage to the respective parts in the power (amount) monitor <NUM>.

The oscillator <NUM>1b is a clock source of the control unit 11c. Examples of the oscillator 11b includes a ceramic oscillator, a quartz oscillator, and the like.

The control unit 11c collectively controls operations of various configurations in the power (amount) monitor <NUM> and includes a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, for example. In addition, the operations of the various configurations are controlled by causing the computer to execute a control program.

The storage unit 11d records information and includes a recording device such as a hard disk or a flash memory.

The current measurement circuits 11e convert a current input from an external current transformer or the like into a voltage that can be measured by the control unit 11c and outputs the voltage to the control unit 11c. The current measurement circuits 11e may be known current and voltage conversion circuits (for example, I/V amplifier circuits) that are realized by using operation amplifiers.

The voltage measurement circuits 11f converts a voltage input from the outside into a voltage that can be measured by the control unit 11c and outputs the voltage to the control unit 11c. The voltage measurement circuits 11f may be realized by known voltage detection integrated circuits (IC).

The operation unit <NUM> receives various inputs from the user by user's operations and includes the aforementioned operation buttons 11Fb, a dip switch, other operation devices, and the like. The operation unit <NUM> converts information operated by the user into operation data and transmits the information to the control unit 11c.

The external output port <NUM> outputs, as pulses, measurement values of the electric variables (for example, integrated power (amounts) values) measured by the control unit 11c to an external device, which is not illustrated in the drawing.

The communication unit 11i communicates data with the external personal computer <NUM>. The communication unit 11i converts various kinds of data received from the control unit 11c into a format suitable for data communication and then transmits the various kinds of data to the personal computer <NUM>. In addition, the communication unit 11i converts various kinds of data received from the personal computer <NUM> into a data format inside the device and then transmits the various kinds of data to the control unit 11c. In this manner, the communication unit 11i can transmit data such as various electric variables measured by the control unit 11c to the personal computer <NUM> in response to a request from the personal computer <NUM>.

Next, details of the control unit 11c and the storage unit 11d will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit 11c includes a main control unit 11c1, a measurement unit 11c2, an output control unit 11c3, and a communication control unit 11c4.

The main control unit 11c1 collectively controls various blocks in the control unit 11c.

The measurement unit 11c2 performs computation processing by using voltages from the current measurement circuits 11e and voltages from the voltage measurement circuits 11f, thereby measuring various electric variables in the electric power lines. The measurement unit 11c2 stores measurement data including measurement values obtained by measuring electric variables and a date and time of the measurement in the storage unit 11d.

The output control unit 11c3 controls the external output port <NUM>. In addition, the communication control unit 11c4 controls the communication unit 11i.

Next, the personal computer <NUM> includes a keyboard <NUM> that is an input unit, a display unit <NUM>, a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> that is a control unit as illustrated in <FIG>.

The CPU according to the embodiment has software that is a power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> for recognizing the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

As described above, the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment includes the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the personal computer <NUM> that is the management device connected to the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for communication.

It is necessary to cause the personal computer <NUM> to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as initial setting in this type of power (amount) management system <NUM>. In the recognition operations, unit numbers that are individual management numbers are set for the respective power (amount) monitors, and also the management device is made to recognize the power (amount) monitors of the unit numbers. In addition, in order to cause the management device to recognize the power (amount) monitors of the management numbers, it is necessary to write the management numbers and to record the individual communication conditions set for the power (amount) monitors of the management numbers in the management device. The setting is individually manually performed.

However, there is a problem that a large number of processes are needed to cause the management device to recognize all the power (amount) monitors in a case in which there are multiple power (amount) monitors.

Thus, the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment has the following configuration to cause the personal computer <NUM> to recognize all the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the case in which there are multiple power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

A configuration for causing the personal computer <NUM> to recognize all the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and (a) and <FIG>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation of causing the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to transition from the ordinary mode to the setting mode by the personal computer <NUM> of the power (amount) management system <NUM>. <FIG> is a partial enlarged view illustrating a software screen of the personal computer <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include the ordinary mode that is the first mode in which at least the power (amounts) values are transmitted under the individual communication conditions and the setting mode that is the second mode in which the personal computer <NUM> is made to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the ordinary mode, the power (amount) monitor <NUM> performs communication to transmit the power amount and the like along with the personal computer <NUM> and the like under a condition of <NUM> kbps, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>. The power (amount) monitor <NUM> performs communication under a communication condition of <NUM> kbps, for example. The power (amount) monitor <NUM> performs communication under a communication condition of <NUM> kbps, for example. In this manner, the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> transmits the power amount and the like along with the personal computer <NUM> and the like under the different communication conditions. This is because there is a case in which the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> employs different communication conditions due to mutually different models. In addition, although the report destination of the power (amounts) values from the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is generally the personal computer <NUM>, the report destination is not necessarily limited thereto, and there is also a case in which the power (amounts) values and the like are reported to another device in some cases.

Meanwhile, the personal computer <NUM> recognizes the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> by the following processing in the setting mode in the embodiment.

That is, in a case in which the recognition operations of the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> are performed as illustrated in (a) and <FIG>, the personal computer <NUM> transmits commands for causing the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> to transition from the ordinary mode to the setting mode to the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> by pressing down a communication start button 34a on the software screen of the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM>.

Here, the personal computer <NUM> does not recognize what kinds of communication conditions the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have in the initial stage. However, the types of the communication conditions of all the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are limited. Thus, the personal computer <NUM> transmits the commands to the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by using the all combinations of possible communication conditions for the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the embodiment. In this manner, the personal computer <NUM> can communicate with all the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and cause the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to transition from the ordinary mode to the setting mode.

In addition, in a case in which the power (amount) monitors <NUM> are in the setting mode as illustrated in <FIG>, the communication is performed under common communication conditions, that is, under fixed communication conditions for the power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the embodiment. In this manner, since it is possible to omit the time and efforts to individually communicate with the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by using the individual communication conditions, the personal computer <NUM> can communicate with the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in a short time.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of causing the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to transition from the ordinary mode to the setting mode by the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the personal computer <NUM>.

In a case in which the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are made to transition from the ordinary mode to the setting mode as illustrated in <FIG>, the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> presses down the communication start button 34a first (S1). Then, the communication conditions that the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> use in the communication mode are set. Since the communication conditions that the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> uses in the ordinary mode are mutually different in the embodiment, the communication conditions are individually set (S7). Specifically, a protocol (S2), a communication speed (S3), a data length (S4), and a stop bit (S5) that are communication conditions for the power (amount) monitor <NUM> are set, and a setting mode transition command is issued (S6) for performing communication with the power (amount) monitor <NUM>, for example.

If the communication with the power (amount) monitor <NUM> is completed, then commands for all possible combinations are issued (S7). Specifically, a protocol (S2), a communication speed (S3), a data length (S4), and a stop bit (S5) that are communication conditions for the power (amount) monitor <NUM> are set, and a setting mode transition command is issued (S6) for performing communication with the power (amount) monitor <NUM> in the embodiment.

Then, the processing returns to S7, a protocol (S2), a communication speed (S3), a data length (S4), and a stop bit (S5) that are communication conditions for the power (amount) monitor <NUM> are set, and a setting mode transition command is issued (S6) for performing communication with the power (amount) monitor <NUM>.

In this manner, the commands are input to the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (S8). The respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> perform command reception determination (S9). In a case in which the commands are determined to have not been received in the command reception determination, the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are brought into a stand-by state with no reactions (S10).

Meanwhile, in a case in which the input commands have been received by the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> under the communication conditions that coincide with those of the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the transition to the setting mode is completed (S11).

In the aforementioned state in which the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> have been made to transition to the setting mode, specific power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are selected in the embodiment.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating a software screen when the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the personal computer <NUM> performs operations of searching the manufacturing numbers of the power (amount) monitors.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> presses down a serial number search button 34b to select specific power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the embodiment. In this manner, the serial numbers that are the searched manufacturing numbers as manufacturing management identifiers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are displayed on the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM>. Note that the manufacturing numbers are generally applied as the manufacturing management identifiers when the power (amount) monitors <NUM> are manufactured. Therefore, the embodiment will be described on the assumption that the manufacturing management identifiers are the manufacturing numbers. However, the manufacturing management identifiers are not necessarily limited to the manufacturing numbers and may be manufacturing codes, for example, according to an aspect of the present invention. In addition, the manufacturing management identifiers may be manufacturing management characters, for example, other than the manufacturing numbers and the manufacturing codes.

A method of searching the manufacturing numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a method of searching serial numbers that are the manufacturing numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and listing the searched power (amount) monitors by the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the personal computer <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the serial numbers that are the manufacturing numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> according to the embodiment includes codes that indicate manufacturing years of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> (for example, "<NUM>" indicating <NUM>), a codes that indicate manufacturing months (for example, "<NUM>" indicating January), and sequence numbers (for example, "<NUM>").

Therefore, the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> selects the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by using the serial number "<NUM>" that is a manufacturing number.

Here, there is also a case in which the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> cannot identify the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> unless the entire serial number "<NUM>" is input if there are a large number of power (amount) monitors <NUM> when the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are selected by using the serial number "<NUM>". However, there is a case in which the desired power (amount) monitors <NUM> can be selected by selecting only the manufacturing year or the combination of the manufacturing year and the manufacturing month of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> as a search condition in a case in which there are a small number of power (amount) monitors <NUM>.

Thus, it is possible to search the power (amount) monitors <NUM> by using only the manufacturing year of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, only the manufacturing month of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, the combination of the manufacturing year and the manufacturing month of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, or only the sequence number in the embodiment. Further, it is also possible to perform the search one digit by one digit from the higher-order digit in the sequence number in the embodiment. In this manner, it is possible to select the desired power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in a short time in the case in which there are a small number of power (amount) monitors <NUM>.

Note that the search may be able to be performed two digits by two digits.

In a specific example of the method of searching a serial number, a serial number search start year is set to "<NUM>", and a serial number search start month is set to "<NUM>" as illustrated in <FIG>, for example. In this manner, all the power (amount) monitors <NUM> that have been manufacturing since January <NUM> are selected. The selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> are displayed on a list by the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. At this time, the CPU <NUM> turns on the display lamps 11Fc that are the lamps for the selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. In this manner, since the plurality of selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> turn on the alarm LED, for example, in the display lamps 11Fc, it is possible to check which of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> have been selected. Note that all the LEDs in the display lamps 11Fc may be turned on for example, when the lamp is turned on. In addition, the entire display unit 11Fa may be turned on.

Here, the following processing is performed in the method of searching the serial numbers according to the embodiment.

For example, whether or not there are power (amount) monitors <NUM> manufactured in <NUM> is searched, and in a case in which there is no power (amount) monitors <NUM> manufactured in <NUM>, the search for the power (amount) monitors <NUM> manufactured in <NUM> is completed. Then, whether or not there are power (amount) monitors <NUM> manufactured in <NUM> is searched. In a case in which there are multiple power (amount) monitors <NUM> manufactured in <NUM>, reception is made for all the power (amount) monitors <NUM>. That is, since it is only necessary to be able to ascertain that there are power (amount) monitors manufactured in <NUM> even if the allowable amount of the list is reached or exceeded, the next search for whether or not there are power (amount) monitors <NUM> manufactured in <NUM> is performed.

That is, lower-order search is not performed in a case in which no coincidence is obtained in the higher-order search in the embodiment. As a result, search efficiency is improved, and also, it is possible to quickly perform the search even of multiple power (amount) monitors <NUM> have been detected and connection has been established with the power (amount) monitors <NUM>.

Next, a method of searching manufacturing numbers of specific power (amount) monitors <NUM> by the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of searching the manufacturing numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> by the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM>.

The aforementioned method of searching the manufacturing numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. Note that the following description will be given on the assumption that the power (amount) monitors <NUM> with the serial number of "<NUM>", for example, that is the manufacturing number are selected.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the serial number search button 34b is pressed down first (S21). Subsequently, "<NUM>" to "<NUM>", for example, are transmitted (S22). The transmission indicates that the search is performed by setting the serial number search start year to "<NUM>". As a result, it is determined whether or not coincidence with "<NUM>" (S23) is obtained, and if no coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained, the processing returns to S22.

In a case in which the coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained in S23, "<NUM>" to "17C" (S24). This means that the power (amount) monitors <NUM> with the serial number search start month from January <NUM> to December <NUM> are searched. That is, October is represented by "A", November is represented by "B", and December is represented by "C". In this manner, it is possible to represent the months of two digits with one digit. As a result, it is determined whether or not the coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained (S25), and if no coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained, the processing returns to S24.

In a case in which the coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained in S25, "<NUM> to "<NUM>" are transmitted (S26). This means that the power (amount) monitors <NUM> with the serial number search start month of June <NUM> and with thousands place number of the sequence number are to be detected. As a result, it is determined whether or not coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained (S27), and if no coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained, the processing returns to S26.

In a case in which coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained in S27, "<NUM>" to "<NUM>" are transmitted (S28). This means that the power (amount) monitors <NUM> with the serial number search start month of June <NUM> and with hundreds place number of the sequence number are to be detected. As a result, it is determined whether or not coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained (S29), and if no coincidence with "<NUM>" is obtained, the processing returns to S28.

Similarly, a tens place number and a ones place number of the sequence number are searched (S30 to S33), power (amount) monitors <NUM> with the serial number, which is the manufacturing number, that coincides with "<NUM>" are finally specified, and the processing is completed (S34).

Note that the personal computer <NUM> can set at least a part of setting items for the power (amount) monitors <NUM> between the personal computer <NUM> and the specified power (amount) monitors <NUM> after the specification of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>.

Incidentally, sequential numbers are applied for each mode of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> as the serial numbers that are the manufacturing numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> in many cases. In this case, there is a possibility that a plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM> of different models with the same serial numbers cannot be identified by the selection using only the serial numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>.

Thus, the desired power (amount) monitors <NUM> are selected by using model codes of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> in addition to the serial numbers in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. In this manner, it is possible to identify the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM> of different models with the same serial numbers.

Note that the official models themselves may be used, and it is also possible to use abbreviations of the models by using the model codes. Use of the abbreviations has an advantage that it is possible to simplify the models as compared with the use of official models.

In addition, it is possible to employ the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM> of different modes in this manner.

In addition, it is possible to easily apply unit numbers that are management numbers, which have been applied in the power (amount) management system in the related art, in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating operations of assigning the unit numbers to the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> by the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the personal computer <NUM> and illustrating a software screen of the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, it is possible to select all the power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment.

As a result, it is possible to cause the selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> to be displayed in order and to automatically apply the unit numbers that are ascending sequential numbers, for example. The application of the unit numbers may be set by manual operations or can be automatically and collectively set. In addition, the application of the unit numbers can also be set by classifying the unit numbers for each of circuits A to D that section the multiple power (amount) monitors <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

In a case in which the aforementioned selection or the like of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> is completed, the mode is returned from the setting mode that is a mode in which the power (amount) monitors <NUM> are identified to the ordinary mode that is a mode in which the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> transmit the power (amounts) values.

<FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating operations of causing the power (amount) monitors <NUM> to transition from the setting mode to the ordinary mode by the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the personal computer <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM>. <FIG> is a partial enlarged view illustrating a software screen of the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM>.

In a case in which the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> are made to transition from the setting mode to the ordinary mode as illustrated in <FIG>, the personal computer <NUM> presses down a communication stop button 34c on the software screen of the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM>, thereby transmitting the commands for causing the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to transmit from the setting mode to the ordinary mode, that is, reset signals to the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In this manner, the power (amount) monitors <NUM> are made to transition from the setting mode to the ordinary mode as illustrated in <FIG>. Thereafter, the power (amount) monitors <NUM> are transported to and installed at the respective measurement points.

In this manner, the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment includes the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM> and the personal computer <NUM> that is the management device connected to the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> for communication. The respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> include the ordinary mode that is the first mode in which at least the power (amounts) values are transmitted under the individual communication conditions and the setting mode that is the second mode in which the personal computer <NUM> is made to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>. The personal computer <NUM> includes the CPU <NUM> that is the control unit that transmits the commands for causing the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> to transition from the ordinary mode to the setting mode by using all combinations of possible communication conditions of of the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> selects desired power (amount) monitors <NUM> by using the serial numbers that are the manufacturing numbers set in advance for the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> and communicates with the selected power (amount) monitors.

As a result, the personal computer <NUM> transmits the commands for causing the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> to transition from the ordinary mode to the setting mode by using the all combinations of the possible communication conditions of the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>. In this manner, the personal computer <NUM> can communicate with the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM>.

In addition, the CPU <NUM> selects the desired power (amount) monitors <NUM> by using the manufacturing numbers set in advance for the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> and communicates with the selected power (amount) monitors <NUM>. Thereafter, it is possible to perform communication between the selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> and the personal computer <NUM>. Note that since the manufacturing numbers are generally sequential numbers, the personal computer <NUM> can easily select the power (amount) monitors <NUM> with the manufacturing numbers in a range by designating the range of the manufacturing numbers for searching.

This means that it is possible to easily and individually communicate between the power (amount) monitors <NUM> and the personal computer <NUM> in a short time by using the manufacturing numbers set for the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> without performing the manual recognition operations based on the management numbers, which have been performed in the related art.

Incidentally, although the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> transmit at least the power (amounts) values under the individual communication conditions in the ordinary mode, the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> and the personal computer <NUM> perform communication by using the manufacturing numbers set for the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> in a special case. Thus, the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> is provided with the setting mode in which the personal computer <NUM> is made to recognize the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> as a mode that is different from the ordinary mode, and the communication between the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> and the personal computer <NUM> is performed by using the manufacturing numbers in this setting mode.

As a result, it is possible to provide the power (amount) management system <NUM> capable of shortening the time required for the recognition operations of the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> by the personal computer <NUM> in a case in which there are multiple power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment.

In addition, the CPU <NUM> communicates with the power (amount) monitors <NUM> under the common communication conditions in a case in which the power (amount) monitors <NUM> are in the setting mode in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. As a result, since it is possible to omit the time and efforts for individually communicating with the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM> by using the individual communication conditions, the personal computer <NUM> can communicate with the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> in a short time.

In addition, the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the CPU <NUM> selects the desired power (amount) monitors <NUM> by using the model codes of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> in addition to the manufacturing numbers in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment.

In this manner, it is also possible to employ a plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM> of different models. In addition, it becomes possible to identify the plurality of power (amount) monitors <NUM> of different models with the same manufacturing numbers.

In addition, the manufacturing number include the codes that represent manufacturing years and manufacturing months and sequence numbers of the power (amount) monitors <NUM>, and the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the CPU <NUM> selects the corresponding power (amount) monitors <NUM> and causes the power (amount) monitors <NUM> to be displayed by respectively designating the model code, the manufacturing year, the manufacturing month, and the sequence number of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. As a result, it is possible to select the desired power (amount) monitors <NUM> in a short time in a case in which there are a small number of power (amount) monitors <NUM>.

In addition, the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the CPU <NUM> applies unit numbers that are the management numbers to the selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. In this manner, it is possible to manage the power (amount) monitors <NUM> by using the unit numbers that are the management numbers which have been used in the related art.

In addition, the CPU <NUM> turns on the display lamps 11Fc that are the lamps for the selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. In this manner, since the plurality of selected power (amount) monitors <NUM> turn on the display lamps 11Fc, it is possible to check which of the power (amount) monitors <NUM> have been selected.

In addition, the CPU <NUM> can set at least a part of setting items for the power (amount) monitors <NUM> in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. In this manner, it is possible to set at least the part of setting items for specific power (amount) monitors <NUM> after the specific power (amount) monitors <NUM> are identified. Therefore, it is possible to provide the convenient power (amount) management system <NUM>.

In addition, the power (amount) monitor recognition tool <NUM> of the CPU <NUM> can transmit the commands for causing the power (amount) monitors <NUM> to transition from the setting mode to the ordinary mode in the power (amount) management system <NUM> according to the embodiment. In this manner, the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> can transmit at least the power (amounts) values under the individual communication conditions in the ordinary mode after receiving the commands. In addition, if the unit numbers that are the management numbers have already been set in this case, the respective power (amount) monitors <NUM> can transmit at least the power (amounts) values to the personal computer <NUM> or the like under the individual communication conditions by using the management numbers in a manner similar to that in the related art.

The control unit of the control block in the power (amount) management system <NUM> is realized by software using the CPU <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A power management system (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a management device (<NUM>) that is connected to the respective power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for communication,
characterized in that the respective power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) include a first mode in which at least the power value is transmitted under individual communication conditions, wherein the communication conditions at least include a communication rate, and a second mode in which the management device (<NUM>) is made to recognize the respective power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and
the management device (<NUM>) includes a control unit (11c) adapted to transmit commands for causing the respective power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to transition from the first mode to the second mode by using all combinations of possible communication conditions of the respective power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein a manufacturing management identifier is an identifier that is applied to the power monitor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) when the power monitor is manufactured, and the identifier is inputted in the management device (<NUM>) by a user in order to select the desired power monitor, wherein the second mode is a communication mode wherein the communication is performed under common communication conditions, that is, under fixed communication conditions for the plurality of power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), so as to omit to individually communicate with the plurality of power monitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) by using the individual communication conditions.