JP2015099525A - Radio terminal device, external management terminal device, and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically update a program of each terminal, and to simultaneously start operation of update programs in a system during an update.SOLUTION: An external management terminal 40 transfers an update program to a terminal 10(4) constituting a network system for performing communication by using a multi-hop communication system. The terminal 10(4) receiving the update program delivers the update program to a terminal 10(1). Since application timing of the update program which is delivered in order is arranged from terminal to terminal in this way, the update programs in all terminals 10 are simultaneously applied according to application timing of a terminal that reaches an application time at the earliest stage when the delivery of the update program to all of the terminals 10 (10(1) to 10(4)) is completed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless terminal device and a wireless terminal device that constitute a network system (herein referred to as a multi-hop network system) based on a multi-hop communication system in which communication between wireless terminals is relayed at least once by another wireless terminal. The present invention relates to an external management terminal device that injects (transfers) an update program to the network system and the network system.

A remote monitoring system is known in which a network system is constructed by a plurality of wireless terminal devices (hereinafter simply referred to as terminals), and monitors, for example, the flow rate of gas, water, etc., usage charges, and the like.
In this remote monitoring system, if a malfunction or specification change occurs in the terminal during system operation, it can be handled by a new program, or the version of the program installed and applied to each terminal (hereinafter referred to as (Abbreviated as Ver) is performed.
By the way, in the remote monitoring system, when downloading (delivering) a program or changing its Ver, the setting location of the target terminal is in a place where an operator cannot enter freely, such as a private house. For this reason, conventionally, downloading of an update program or the like has been performed by a remote communication function (single-hop communication) such as a wireless communication function.

By the way, the update program generally has a large amount of information, and it takes a relatively long time for communication for delivery (also referred to as delivery or download). In particular, when the terminal to which the update program is delivered is battery-powered, intermittent operation is performed and communication time is limited as a power consumption measure. Therefore, in such a case, in order to shorten the communication time and to download the update program with certainty, the terminal is temporarily switched to the update program download-only mode and the delivery is performed.
However, if terminals are installed over a wide area and there are only a few terminals within the radio range, in single-hop communication, the worker moves to the position where the radio waves of each terminal reach and downloads the update program. There is a need.

On the other hand, in multi-hop communication, it is possible to communicate to a remote terminal by wireless relay through a plurality of terminals, and it is also conceivable to distribute an update program using a multi-hop communication method. However, the conventional multi-hop communication method requires time for synchronization processing for each relay communication at the time of delivery of the update program, and the probability of a communication error increases as the number of relays (stages) increases. If the download fails due to the above, the entire processing time increases due to the delivery and application of the update program because the recovery process takes time. As a result, there arises a problem that a period in which different Ver update programs are mixedly used in the system becomes long.
In addition, it takes time to download the update program and affects the actual operation of the terminal. At present, in the terminal network system, the program distribution process using multi-hop communication is not available. Not implemented.

  In other words, in the conventional single-hop communication method, one unit is used regardless of which method is used due to factors such as the movement time of workers, and in the multi-hop communication method, due to factors such as network synchronization and recovery processing. Since an open (shift) occurs at each program update time (timing), the period during which different Ver update software (update programs) are mixed and operated in the entire system becomes long, and it is likely to adversely affect actual operation. Is not resolved.

Further, as already described, in the single hop communication method, since the worker has to move to a range where radio waves reach, it is difficult to automate the download of the update program.
In addition, there is a mesh network etc. as a network using the multi-hop communication method in the communication between terminals set randomly in a wide range. However, in the mesh network, each terminal communication path is variable and changes constantly. In addition, it is difficult to manage downloads of update programs, and download automation is difficult.
A system configuration method is also known in which a plurality of computers are connected via a network and the plurality of computers are collectively updated based on update information (see Patent Document 1).
However, in this case, the distribution computer distributes to a plurality of update target computers all at once via the network, so the system is different from the above-described multi-hop network system.

JP 2002-175188 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems in program update, and its purpose is to automatically update a program of a plurality of wireless terminal devices constituting a network system, and in updating, It is to be able to start operating the update program at the same time in the system.

  The present invention is a wireless terminal device that constitutes a network system that performs communication using a multi-hop communication method, and the wireless terminal device transmits program management information related to a program held by the wireless terminal device to each other at predetermined time intervals. Based on the communication means to transmit / receive, the program management information of the own wireless terminal device based on the received program management information, the update means for updating the program management information according to a predetermined update priority, and the necessity of delivery of the update program based on the program management information A program delivery / management means for receiving the update program from another wireless terminal device based on the determination of the necessity of delivery of the update program, or delivering the update program to the other wireless terminal device based on the delivery request for the update program, When delivery of the update program to another wireless terminal device is completed, the update program Application timing adjustment means for adjusting the application timing of the ram's own wireless terminal apparatus, wherein the application timing adjustment means is a part of the application timing information of other wireless terminal apparatuses included in the program management information. Adjusting the application timing information of the own wireless terminal device according to the application timing information earlier than the application timing information of the terminal device, so that each wireless terminal device in the network system applies the update program at the same time Is a wireless terminal device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically update a program of a plurality of wireless terminal devices constituting a network system and to start operation of the update program simultaneously in the system at the same time. .

It is a figure which illustrates roughly an example of the multihop network system comprised by the some terminal of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a terminal to which an update program is applied and an external management terminal for download management. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the process in CPU of the update program delivery side terminal based on update program management information, ie, the procedure by CPU from a synchronous signal preparation to update program delivery. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence from a synchronous signal monitoring to download, synchronous correction | amendment, and a synchronous start process in CPU of an update program receiving side terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of application of the update program in a terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a process after starting transfer of an update program from the external management terminal to the terminal in a system until transfer processing is completed. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence in the case of performing a program update process in the multihop network system comprised with a some terminal. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence in the case of performing a program update process in the multihop network system comprised with a some terminal. It is a sequence diagram which shows the download procedure of the update program when a new terminal is added (added) in the system. It is a figure which shows other embodiment of the multihop communication system of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a multihop network system including a plurality of terminals according to the present invention.
As an example of the multi-hop network system, a meter remote monitoring system includes a plurality of terminals 10 each having a program, and a communication path is set between a plurality of terminals 10 installed in a wide range as shown in the figure. Yes. Terminals 10 (1)... 10 (4) are connected to, for example, a charge meter 20, for example, and charge information and the like are read from the charge meter 20 at regular intervals or according to an instruction from the management center 30. Send to. In the illustrated example, the terminal 10 (1) connected to the management center 30 functions as a relay to the other terminals 10 (2) to 10 (4). The terminal 10 (2) has a function as a relay for the terminal 10 (3).

  Here, the terminals 10 (1) to 10 (4) share information for downloading the update program (hereinafter referred to as program management information) within the same network. Accordingly, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the update program can be automatically and efficiently delivered to each terminal, and the application time of the update program to each terminal can be matched as described later.

That is, in a multi-hop network system, each terminal normally recognizes a synchronous terminal and establishes communication synchronization between terminals by transmitting a synchronization signal such as a beacon at regular time intervals. Therefore, in the multi-hop network system according to the present embodiment, the program management information is inserted into the synchronization signal such as the beacon so that “update program recognition”, “switch to the update program download only mode”, “ “The grasp of the number of update program deliveries of the entire system”, “synchronization / adjustment of update program application timing”, etc. can be performed by transmitting and receiving synchronization signals.
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, when the program management information is effectively shared between the terminals and the program is updated, the update program can be applied and operated at the same time in each terminal. Thus, it is possible to prevent practically a mixture of different programs.

Hereinafter, distribution of the update program to each terminal 10 (1) to 10 (4) in this multi-hop network system and application of the distributed update program to each terminal (to make the update program actually usable) Will be described.
In FIG. 1, for example, an update program is transferred (injected) from an external download management terminal (herein referred to as an external management terminal) 40 such as a PC (Personal Computer) to a terminal (here, terminal 10 (4)). Also called). The terminal 10 (4) that has received the update program records the update program in its own nonvolatile memory and also sends the update program to a neighboring terminal, that is, a terminal (in this case, the terminal 10 (1)) that can communicate directly. to deliver. Further, from the terminal 10 (1) that has received the update program, it is further transferred to other terminals (here, the terminal 10 (2) and the terminal 10 (3), or from the terminal 10 (2) to the terminal 10 (3)). Deliver updates.
In this embodiment, in order to align the application time (timing) of the update program delivered in order from the terminal to the terminal in this way, the application time is adjusted between the terminals using transmission / reception of synchronization signals between the terminals. . That is, at the stage where the delivery of the update program to all the terminals 10 (10 (1) to 10 (4)) is completed, for example, in all the terminals 10 in accordance with the timing of the terminal that reaches the application time earliest. Apply updates at the same time so that you can start using them almost simultaneously.

The above is the outline of the distribution of the update program to each terminal of the update program in this multi-hop network system and the application processing of each distributed update program at each terminal.
Hereinafter, the entire process including the configuration of the terminal that performs these processes and the external management terminal will be described in detail.
Here, first, the program management information described above will be specifically described.
As program management information to be included in the sync signal,
(A) Program “Update No.” information,
(B) “Ver” information of the applied program;
(C) Holding program “Ver” information,
(D) Number of update program owned terminals (number of owned terminals / total number of terminals) information,
(E) Update application adjustment count information (a) to (e) is provided.
Next, these pieces of information will be specifically described.

(A) Program update No. information This information is information used as a criterion when each terminal 10 determines whether to download (deliver) an update program. It is information to show.
In other words, the program update number (number) represents the priority of the update program, here the newness. That is, the higher the number (the larger the numerical value) is, the higher the priority of application at each terminal 10 is.
When each terminal 10 receives the synchronization signal, it compares the program update No. in the program management information added thereto with the program update No. being applied in its own terminal, and the program update No. in the synchronization signal is obtained. If it is larger than that of its own terminal (priority is high), it requests the transmission source terminal 10 to download the update program.

Here, the program update No. is 0 to F (however, the first No. 1 has priority over the program update No. = F), and the program update No. = 0 holds the update program. It shall represent the initial value that is not. F is an arbitrary integer and can be set freely.
As will be described later, the update method of the program update No. is as follows. The terminal 10 that is the source of the update program delivery (the terminal that has received the program transfer from the external management terminal 40 that is an external download management terminal, the terminal in FIG. 10 (4)), the program update number is updated. The other terminal 10 has a higher priority (numerical value) than the program update number managed by the own terminal in the program management information and the Ver of the retained update program is different from the own terminal Request download of the update program.

(B) Applied program Ver information The applied program Ver information indicates a program Ver that is currently applied to the terminal, that is, that is being used in the terminal.
(C) Holding program Ver information The holding program Ver information indicates the Ver of the update program currently held by the terminal. Here, the downloaded update program is stored without being erased even after being applied to the own terminal (after being made available on the own terminal) for continuous delivery. For example, in the state where the application of the update program has been completed for all terminals in the network and the terminal 10 that does not hold this Ver update program is newly connected to the network, it is automatic. This is because it is stored for delivery.

(D) Number of update program owned terminals (number of owned terminals / total number of terminals) information The number of owned update program terminals is the number of owned terminals / total number of terminals, that is, how many terminals received the update program among all the terminals constituting the system. It is information which shows. For example, if the total number of terminals constituting the system is 255 and 100 of them receive the delivery of the update program, the update program possession terminal number information is 100/255. When all the terminals 10 have received the update program, the update program possession terminal number information becomes 255/255, and from that point, the “update application adjustment count” described below is started.
If there is a difference between the received update program number of owned terminals (number of owned terminals / total number of terminals) information and the same information managed by the own terminal, give priority to the one with larger update program owned terminal number information. The same information on the terminal is corrected (updated). Thereby, the update program possession terminal number information can be shared by all terminals in the system.

(E) Update application adjustment count information (count value)
The update application adjustment count information is count information of a counter (update application count means described later) for determining the application time of the retained update program.
Here, the counter is a counter for correcting the information transmission delay in the multi-hop network system, and when the update preparation of all terminals is completed, that is, when the update program possession terminal number information becomes 255/255, Start counting the counter. The actual update program is applied when the count expires.

  When the update timing adjustment count information (count value) of another terminal included in the synchronization signal (program management information) is checked and it is recognized that the count value has changed from the initial value, the counterpart terminal And the count value of the terminal itself are compared, and the count value is closer to the time when the update program is applied (for example, if the countdown is a countdown, the count value is more advanced). As a result, the application time can be adjusted synchronously.

As will be described later, the counter for determining the application time may be forcibly started even when the update program is not delivered to all terminals in the system. In this case, the update is applied to the terminal that has already received the update program at the same time.
In addition, the external management terminal 40 connected to the original update program transfer terminal (terminal 10 (4) in FIG. 1) samples the time until the update program possession terminal number information becomes 255/255, and this is sampled. Is applied to the update application adjustment count information, the synchronization accuracy when applying the update program can be improved.

Next, the terminal 10 constituting the multi-hop network system shown in FIG. 1 and the external management terminal 40 for downloading will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a terminal to which an update program described below is applied and an external management terminal for download management.
Here, the terminal 10 includes a CPU 12 for performing communication, a wireless module 14 corresponding to the communication means of the present invention, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16, and a nonvolatile memory 18.
Here, the wireless module 14 includes a multi-hop communication processing unit 14a and a download mode communication processing unit 14b. The RAM 16 has a download management information holding area 16a, and the nonvolatile memory 18 stores an update program. An area 18a and a save area 18b for download management information are provided.

  The CPU 12 includes a network synchronization / control unit 122 including a synchronization signal reference / transmission unit 122a, a program delivery / management unit 122b, an update application count unit 122c, an application timing adjustment unit 122d, and an update unit 122e. A download communication control unit 124 including a switching control unit 124a and a control unit 126 that controls intermittent operation during low power consumption operation by battery driving are provided. These are all function realizing means configured by reading a program.

The synchronization signal reference and transmission unit 122a creates program management information of an update program to be added to the synchronization signal, and performs synchronization signal transmission processing.
Based on the program management information, the program delivery / management unit 122b determines whether the program delivery is necessary, accepts the delivery of the program from another terminal based on the judgment of the program delivery necessity, or other based on the program delivery request. Processing to deliver the program to the terminal is performed.
The update application count means 122c updates all terminals from the update program possession terminal number in the (d) update program possession terminal number (number of possessed terminals / total number of terminals) information in the update program information of the program delivery / management means 122b. It is a counting means that counts for applying the update when it is confirmed that the program has been delivered.
The application timing adjustment unit 122d adjusts the timing at which the update application count unit 122c expires the count and applies the delivered update program by changing the count value until the count of the update application count unit 122c expires.
The download communication control unit 124 controls transmission or reception of programs between terminals.
The update unit 122e performs a process of updating (or correcting) the program management information, which will be specifically described below.

When the terminal 10 transmits or receives a program, the operation mode switching control unit 124a switches the intermittent communication mode to the continuous communication mode or vice versa, or temporarily limits the communication time if the communication time is limited according to the standard. When switching to a non-communication channel, returning to normal mode, returning, switching the operation mode from normal mode to program download mode or vice versa when the terminal sends or receives a program, or the communication time according to the standard When there is a restriction, control is performed such that the communication channel is temporarily changed to an unrestricted communication channel or returned to the normal mode.
The intermittent operation control unit 126 controls intermittent operation during battery-driven low power consumption operation.

The external management terminal 40 for download management includes a CPU 41, a communication IF (interface) unit 42, a RAM 43, a user IF unit 44, and a display unit 45.
The CPU 41 is provided with an update program delivery status monitoring means 411 and a forced update start determination means 412 for a delivered update program, as function realizing means that are also configured by programs.
The RAM 43 holds an update program (original version).
The user IF unit 44 constitutes an operation unit for starting transfer of update programs and forcing application start operation.
The display unit 45 displays the update program delivery status and displays a warning to the user.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in the CPU 12 of the update program delivery side terminal 10 based on the program management information, that is, a procedure by the CPU 12 from the generation of the synchronization signal to the delivery of the update program.
That is, first, when the update program delivery terminal (for example, the terminal 10 (4) in FIG. 1) has reached the synchronization signal transmission timing (S101, YES), the update program management information of the own terminal ((a) program update) No. information, (b) applied program update Ver information, (c) possessed program Ver information, (d) update program possession terminal number information, (e) update application adjustment count information) storage means (RAM 16; FIG. 2) (S102).

Next, update program management information to be added to the synchronization signal is created by the synchronization signal reference and transmission means 122a (S103), and a synchronization signal transmission process is executed (S104).
Here, if there is a program reception request (or response) from another terminal 10 (S105, YES), the operation mode switching control means 124a switches the intermittent communication to continuous communication, cancels the communication time limit, and sets the communication channel. A download-only communication sequence such as a temporary change is started, and the acquired program is stored in the update program holding area 18a of the nonvolatile memory 18 which is also a storage means (S107).

Next, the update program stored in the update program holding area 18a is delivered (downloaded) to the terminal that requested the delivery (S108), and when the delivery is completed (S108, YES), the updating means 122e causes the local terminal to Update program management information (in this case, information on the number of update program possessed terminals (number of owned terminals / total number of terminals) information) is updated.
Thereafter, for example, the operation mode switching control unit 124a returns the continuous operation to the intermittent operation, resets the communication time limit or temporarily changes the communication channel, and returns to the normal operation mode from the download dedicated communication sequence. (S110), the process returns to the start.
In step S105, if there is no program reception request from another terminal 10 (S105, NO) and the predetermined response waiting time has expired (S106, YES), the process returns to the start.

Next, a processing procedure from synchronization signal monitoring to downloading, synchronization correction, and synchronization start processing in the CPU 12 of the update program receiving side terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the update program receiving terminal (for example, the terminal 10 (1) in FIG. 1) receives the synchronization signal (S201), the program delivery / management means 122b is inserted (or added) into the synchronization signal. “Update No.” in the update program management information of the transmission source terminal (terminal 10 (4) in FIG. 1) is confirmed (S202). Here, if there is an update program (that is, not update number = 0) and the update number of the own terminal is less than or equal to the update number of the partner terminal (S203, YES), “update” in the program management information Reference is made to “Program Ver” (S204). Here, if the Ver of the update program held in the terminal does not match the Ver in the program management information (NO in S205), the operation mode switching control unit 124a switches the intermittent communication to the continuous communication and limits the communication time. A download-dedicated communication sequence such as canceling or temporarily changing the communication channel is started (S206).

  Here, when downloading (delivery) of the update program is completed (S207, YES), the operation mode switching control unit 124a again changes the continuous operation to the intermittent operation, and resets or temporarily changes the communication time limit. The communication channel is returned and the normal operation mode is restored from the download-only communication sequence (S208). At the same time, the update unit 122e updates its own update program management information with the update program management information of the delivery source terminal. That is, after copying the update number, copying the owned update program Ver, copying the number of update program holding terminals (number of owned terminals / total number of terminals), the number of update program holding terminals is added, and the count value of the update application adjustment counter described later Copying is performed (S209).

  Next, referring to “update application adjustment count” in the program management information (S210), if the count operation by the correction counter has not started (S211, NO), “update program possession” in the update program management information The number of terminals (the number of owned terminals / the total number of terminals) is referred to (S212), and if the update program has been downloaded to all terminals (S213, YES), the update application counting means 122c is based on a predetermined set value. The update count is started (S214). In this case, the count value is changed from the initial value (for example, changed from 100 to 99). The count value that is the set value is updated at regular intervals by the application timing adjusting unit 122d. If the count value is other than the initial value, it is updated. Then return to the start.

In step S203, if the update number of the own terminal is not less than or equal to the update number of the partner terminal (S203, NO), the normal operation processing is continued (S215), and the process returns to the start. In step S205, when it matches the update program Ver held by the own terminal (S205, YES), the program management information of the partner terminal and the own terminal is compared, and the program management information is updated according to the priority. In this case, (d) information on the number of update program possession terminals (number of possession terminals / total number of terminals) is compared, and the value of the update program possession terminal number is larger, and the application timing adjustment means 122d The count values are compared with each other and the one with the more advanced count is selected and corrected, that is, updated. Note that the application timing adjustment unit 122d performs the same correction at the delivery source terminal (S216). After the update in step S216, the process proceeds to step S210.
If it is determined in step S213 that there has been an update count start request based on the determination result of the forced application start determination means 412 of the delivered update program of the external management terminal 40 even if it has not been downloaded to all terminals (S213, NO) (S217). , YES), the process proceeds to step S214. If there is no start request (S217, NO), the process returns to the start and starts again.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for applying the update program in the terminal 10.
When the synchronization monitoring period in the terminal 10 has arrived (S301, YES), the count value of the update application count means 122c is checked. If the count value is not the initial value (S302, NO), “update” in the program management information is performed. The “application adjustment count value” is updated (S303). If the count value has expired (S304, YES), the program management information is changed and a process of saving it in the download management information saving area 18b of the nonvolatile memory 18 is performed (S305). Here, the information to be changed is “applied program Ver”, but other program management information that has not been changed is similarly saved. Thereafter, a process of applying the retained update program to the own terminal is performed (S306). After this process is completed, a process of returning the program management information and the retained update program from the nonvolatile memory is performed (S307), and the process returns to the start.
If the count value is the initial value in step S302 (S302, YES), and if the count value has not expired in step S304 (S304, NO), the process returns to the start and starts again from the beginning.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure from when the update program is transferred from the external management terminal 40 to the terminal 10 (4) in the system until the transfer processing is completed, as shown in FIG. .
First, the update program is transferred to the terminal 10 (4) connected to the external management terminal 40 (S401). Next, the update program delivery status monitoring means 411 of the external management terminal 40 acquires the update program management information of the terminal 10 (4) connected to the external management terminal 40, and the “update program holding terminal number / total number of terminals” is acquired. Is monitored. This monitoring is continuously performed periodically (S402). Next, it is determined whether or not rewriting of the update program for all the terminals 10 (1) to 10 (4) in the multi-hop network system is completed (S403), and if not completed (S403, NO), delivery is performed. The forcible application start determining unit 412 for the already-updated program determines whether or not a predetermined update completion prediction time has been exceeded (S404). Here, if it is over (S404, YES), the terminal 10 (4) connected to the external management terminal 40 is automatically executed to start the update count, or is operated with an alarm display to the user, That is, the terminal 10 (4) connected to the external management terminal 40 performs a process for causing the user to execute an “update count start request” (S405), and ends this process. Note that if the entire number has been rewritten in step S403 (S403, YES), the process ends. If the update completion prediction time has not been exceeded in step S404, the process returns to step S402.

In the above, the processing of each terminal has been described individually. Next, the program update processing of each terminal performed in cooperation in the multihop network system will be described.
FIG. 7 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) is a sequence diagram for explaining a processing procedure when a program update process is performed in a multi-hop network system including a plurality of terminals. Here, for convenience, it is assumed that there are three wireless terminals (terminals 10 (1) to 10 (3)).
That is, the network system shown in FIG. 7 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) is a multi-hop network and is composed of terminals 10 (1) to 10 (3), and the update program downgrades Ver1.0 to Ver0.0. Shall. The update application adjustment count value is assumed to be 100 (monitoring cycle). In addition, the channel for normal communication is 5 and the dedicated channel suitable for downloading is 13.

In FIG. 7 (FIGS. 7A and 7B), the update program management information of the terminals 10 (1) to 10 (3) are all identical, that is, (a) Program update number information; b) Applied program Ver information is Ver1.0, (c) Owned program Ver information is Ver1.0, (d) Update program possession terminal number (number of owned terminals / total number of terminals) information is 3/3, (e ) The update application adjustment count information is all the initial value (100).
In this state, when the update program (Ver0.0) is transferred to the terminal 10 (3) (S501), the update number management information of the program 10 in the update program management information of the terminal 10 (3); The program Ver information is changed to Ver0.0, and the update program possession terminal number (number of owned terminals / total number of terminals) information is changed to 1/3 because the update program is transferred to only one of the three (S502). The applied program Ver information (Ver1.0) is not changed.

  Next, when it is time for the terminal 10 (1) to transmit the synchronization signal, the synchronization signal is broadcast from the terminal 10 (1). The terminal 10 (3) that has received this synchronization signal checks the program update No. information; 1 of the terminal 10 (1), which is less than that of its own terminal (program update No. information; 2). Since it is earlier (older) than the terminal program, it is ignored (S503). On the other hand, the terminal 10 (2) similarly receives the synchronization signal of the terminal 10 (1), but there is no update program, so normal operation is continued as it is (S504).

Next, when the terminal 10 (3) reaches the synchronization signal transmission timing, the synchronization signal is broadcast (S505). The terminal 10 (1) and the terminal 10 (2) that have received this synchronization signal check the program update No. information; 2 of the terminal 10 (3), both of which are their own terminals (program update No. information; 1 ), That is, the later (new), it is recognized that the program needs to be updated, and a program reception request is returned to the terminal 10 (3) (S506).
Upon receiving the program reception request, the terminal 10 (3) transmits a confirmation signal to the terminal that has received it first, here the terminal 10 (1), and switches its own terminal to the download mode (S507). On the other hand, when the terminal 10 (1) receives the confirmation signal from the terminal 10 (3), the terminal 10 (1) switches its own terminal to the download mode (S508).

Subsequently, the update program is delivered from the terminal 10 (3) to the terminal 10 (1) (S509). When the terminal 10 (1) receives the update program and the download is completed, the terminal 10 (1) transmits a completion confirmation signal to the terminal 10 (3), updates the update program management information, and returns to the normal mode (S510).
When the terminal 10 (3) receives the completion confirmation signal from the terminal 10 (1), the terminal 10 (3) changes its own update program management information (that is, changes the owned terminal number information from 1/3 to 2/3) ( S511).

(The following is FIG. 7B)
Subsequently, when the synchronization signal transmission timing of the terminal 10 (1) is reached, the synchronization signal is broadcast (S512).
The terminal 10 (3) that has received the synchronization signal is not required to download the program update No. information; 2 is the same as its own program update No. information; If there is a difference from that of the own terminal, it is corrected (in this case, the number of owned terminals is 2/2, and the update application adjustment count information is the same as the initial value).
On the other hand, the terminal 10 (2) that has received the synchronization signal checks the program update No. information of the update program management information included in the synchronization signal; 2 and the program update No. information of its own terminal; Since it is (new), it is recognized that the program needs to be updated, and a program reception request is transmitted to the terminal 10 (1) (S513).
Upon receiving the program reception request, the terminal 10 (1) transmits a confirmation signal to the terminal 10 (2) and switches its own terminal to the download mode (S514).
Upon receiving the confirmation signal from the terminal 10 (1), the terminal 10 (2) switches its own terminal to the download mode (S515).

Subsequently, the update program is delivered from the terminal 10 (1) to the terminal 10 (2) (S516).
When the terminal 10 (2) receives the update program and download is completed, the terminal 10 (2) transmits a completion confirmation signal to the terminal 10 (1), updates the update program management information, and returns to the normal mode (S517).
When the terminal 10 (1) receives the completion confirmation signal from the terminal 10 (2), the terminal 10 (1) next changes its own update program management information. That is, the owned terminal number information is changed from 2/3 to 3/3. At the same time, the process returns to the normal mode, and since the owned terminal number information is expired, the adjustment count is started (S518).

Subsequently, when the synchronization signal transmission timing of the terminal 10 (2) comes, the synchronization signal is broadcast (S519).
The terminal 10 (1) that has received the synchronization signal does not request download because the program update No. information; 2 is the same as its own program update No. information; 2, but the number of owned terminals and the update application adjustment count information If there is a difference from that of the own terminal, correction is made (S520) (in this case, the number of owned terminals is 3/3, and the update application adjustment count information is the same as the initial value).

  On the other hand, the terminal 10 (3) that has received the synchronization signal does not request download because the program update No. information is the same as that of its own terminal, but the terminal 10 (2) possessed terminal number information 3/3 and adjustment The count 99 is different from the owned terminal number information 2/3 of the own terminal and the adjustment count 100, and both are more advanced than the own terminal, so the terminal 10 ( Change according to 2). That is, the owned terminal number information is changed from 2/3 to 3/3, and the adjustment count is changed (counted down) from the initial value (100) to 99 (S521).

In this way, each time each terminal receives a synchronization signal from another terminal, it determines whether or not it is necessary to receive the update program from the program update number information included therein, and the terminal terminal number information and the adjustment count value are the most advanced. Rewrite it to something.
Therefore, after the update program is downloaded, switching to the update program can be performed almost simultaneously on all terminals. Therefore, the possibility of mixing old and new programs in the same system can be virtually eliminated.

Next, an update program download procedure when a new terminal is added (added) in the system will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, a case where a new terminal 10 (2) is added to a system composed of the terminal 10 (3) and the terminal 10 (1) will be described as an example.
After the terminal 10 (2) is added to the system, the synchronization signal is broadcast when the synchronization signal transmission timing of the terminal 10 (2) comes (S601). The terminals 10 (1) and 10 (3) that have received this recognize that the program update No. information of the terminal 10 (2) is 0, so that the terminal 10 (2) does not hold the update program. Does not respond (ignore). Next, when the terminal 10 (1) reaches the synchronization signal transmission timing, the synchronization signal is broadcast (S602).

  The terminal 10 (3) receiving this is ignored because the update program management information added to the synchronization signal is the same as that of its own terminal. However, the terminal 10 (2) recognizes that a program update is necessary from the program update No. information F; and transmits a program reception request to the terminal 10 (1) (S603). The terminal 10 (1) returns a request confirmation in response to the program reception request of the terminal 10 (2), and the terminal 10 (2) switches its own terminal to the download mode (S604). Upon receiving the request confirmation from the terminal 10 (2), the terminal 10 (1) changes the owned terminal number information from 2/2 to 2/3, and switches its own terminal to the download mode (S605). Subsequently, the terminal 10 (1) delivers the update program to the terminal 10 (2) (S606). When the terminal 10 (2) receives the update program, the update means 122e changes the update program management information of the terminal 10 (2) based on the update program management information of the terminal 10 (1) transmitted at the same time. In this case, since the information on the number of owned terminals is 3/3, the update program application processing is immediately performed. At the same time, a receipt confirmation is transmitted to the terminal 10 (1), and the mode is returned to the normal mode (S607).

The terminal 10 (1) updates the owned terminal number information from 2/3 to 3/3 by the updating means 122e according to the program management information of the terminal 10 (2) included in the receipt confirmation signal transmitted from the terminal 10 (2). And the mode is returned to the normal mode (S608). Subsequently, the synchronization signal is broadcast at the synchronization signal transmission timing of the terminal 10 (1) (S609). The terminal 10 (3) does not make a download request because the program update No. information in the update program management information of the terminal 10 (1) is the same as that of its own terminal, but there is a difference in the number of owned terminals. Therefore, the owned terminal number information is changed from 2/2 to 3/3 (S609).
Since the terminal 10 (2) has the same program update number information as that of its own terminal, no download request is made, but the number of owned terminals and the adjustment count value may be changed. Change.
When a new terminal is added (added) in the system, the update program is downloaded by the above procedure.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the update application time can also be adjusted using the external management terminal 40.
Next, this point will be described.
In FIG. 1 again, the external management terminal 40 acquires the download management information of the terminal from the terminal 10 (4) connected thereto, for example, periodically. An update program that exceeds the estimated time that the update program reaches all terminals from the update program management information (the estimated time is calculated by simulation based on the number of wireless terminals in the system, the synchronization signal transmission interval, etc.) When it is determined that the user does not spread, manual operation is prompted automatically or by alarm notification to the user. As a result, the “update counter” in the update program management information of the terminal 10 (4) can be forcibly started.

  Also, by sampling the time until the update program reaches all terminals in the system (delivery is completed), it is possible to recognize the time until the update program is delivered within the network. Effective management is possible, for example, the accuracy of predicting the estimated time to reach the destination can be improved.

Next, another application example of the network system of the present invention will be described.
Since the wireless remote monitoring system already has a wireless network function and also has a synchronization means such as a beacon, the above-described update program applying means and method can be easily implemented. In this case, the management center 30 has the function of the external management terminal 40 shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the multi-hop network system of the present invention.
That is, in the present embodiment, in a remote meter-measuring system for usage (charge) of electricity, gas, water, etc. in a general household, one terminal (for example, a parent device if there is a parent device) 10 (1) On the other hand, the update program is delivered from the management center 30.
The terminal 10 (1) to which the update program has been delivered delivers the update program to the other terminals 10 (2), 10 (3), and 10 (4) according to the procedure already described in the wireless network between the terminals. Here, the terminal 10 (4) that received the update program further delivers the update program to the terminal 10 (5), and then the terminal 10 (5) delivers the update program to the terminal 10 (6).
For example, the version (Ver) of the program of each terminal is updated from the management center 30 at the same time. Alternatively, it becomes possible for the terminals 10 (10 (1) to 10 (6)) to simultaneously change the time settings for collecting fee information from the fee meter at the same time.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the following operational effects can be obtained according to the present embodiment. That is,
(1) The download time by the multi-hop communication method can be shortened compared to the download time of the conventional update program. In addition, downloading can be performed automatically.
(2) Since a plurality of terminals to be updated can be updated at the same time, there is no risk of adverse effects caused by mixing old and new programs in the same system.
(3) Even if there is a terminal that cannot temporarily update the program due to deterioration of the wireless situation, etc., since the synchronization signal transmitted by the terminal is used, when the wireless communication becomes possible, Updates can be made.
(4) Since the update progress of all terminals can be confirmed by the update source (external management terminal, management center), for example, even when the update program does not reach all terminals constituting the system after a certain period of time has passed, The application of the update program can be forcibly started. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the application of the update program of other terminals from being delayed due to a malfunction of some terminals.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Terminal, 12 ... CPU, 122a ... Synchronization signal reference and transmission means, 122b ... Program delivery / management means, 122c ... Update application count means, 122d ... Application timing adjustment means 14, wireless module, 16 ... RAM, 18 ... nonvolatile memory, 20 ... fee meter, 30 ... management center, 40 ... external management terminal, 41 ... CPU, 42. ..Communication IF unit, 43... RAM, 44.

Claims (7)

A wireless terminal device constituting a network system that performs communication using a multi-hop communication method,
The wireless terminal device includes a communication unit that transmits and receives program management information related to a program held by the wireless terminal device to each other at predetermined time intervals;
Based on the received program management information, update means for updating the program management information of the own wireless terminal device according to a predetermined update priority,
Based on the program management information, it is determined whether or not delivery of the update program is required, the update program is received from another wireless terminal device based on the determination of whether the update program is required to be delivered, or the other wireless terminal device is received based on the update program delivery request. A program delivery / management means for delivering the update program to
Application timing adjustment means for adjusting the application timing of the update program in its own wireless terminal device when delivery of the update program to all wireless terminal devices is completed,
The application timing adjusting means applies the application timing of the own radio terminal device in accordance with the application timing information earlier than the application timing information of the own radio terminal device among the application timing information of other radio terminal devices included in the program management information. A wireless terminal device that adjusts information so that each wireless terminal device in the network system applies an update program at the same time. The wireless terminal device according to claim 1,
The program management information is transmitted in addition to a synchronization signal transmitted by each terminal. The wireless terminal device according to claim 1,
The program management information includes owned program information indicating priority between programs, and the program delivery / management means determines whether update program delivery is necessary based on the priority of the retained program information. A wireless terminal device. The wireless terminal device according to claim 1,
The program management information includes update program possession wireless terminal device number information indicating the number of terminals to which the update program has been delivered,
The application timing adjustment means is based on the update program possession wireless terminal device number information, and the update program application of the counting means that starts when the update program possession wireless terminal device count reaches the total number of wireless terminal devices constituting the network system. A wireless terminal device, wherein the count number is adjusted. The wireless terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the program delivery / management means receives the update program from another wireless terminal device based on the determination of the necessity of delivery of the update program, or delivers the update program to another wireless terminal device based on the delivery request for the update program And an operation mode switching control means for switching the communication mode of the wireless terminal device from the intermittent communication mode to the continuous communication mode, and releasing the communication time restriction of the wireless terminal device or temporarily changing the communication channel. A wireless terminal device. An external management terminal device that transfers an update program to the wireless terminal device according to claim 1,
Update program delivery status monitoring means for monitoring the number of pieces of wireless terminal device update program possession information of the wireless terminal device;
An update program that forcibly sets the application timing to the wireless terminal device or displays an alarm to the user when delivery of the update program to each wireless terminal device is not completed beyond a predetermined update completion scheduled time An external management terminal device comprising: a forced application start determination unit.   A network system comprising the wireless terminal device according to claim 1, wherein communication is performed between the wireless terminal devices using a multi-hop communication method.

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