JP3184383B2 - Home controller - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a home automation system, and more particularly, to a home controller having a nonvolatile memory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various devices in a home are connected by a network to realize various systemized services.
So-called home automation systems have become widespread.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram of a home automation system, which includes a camera, an antenna, a video terminal such as a television, a communication terminal such as an interphone, an information terminal such as a personal computer, a smoke detector, and a gas detector. Security terminals such as security switches and electronic keys, and device terminals such as air conditioners, baths, and lights, and home controllers are connected to a home bus via information signal connectors. An external signal line such as a telephone line is also connected to the home controller, and various service functions such as telephone, intercom, security, device control, and telecontrol can be realized.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a general configuration example of a home controller corresponding to the heart of a home automation system. Home controller 50
1 is an interface unit 503 to the home bus 502,
It includes a control unit 505, an I / O (Input / Output) unit 506, and a memory unit 512. The I / O unit 506 includes a key input unit, a display unit, a voice input / output unit, and the like. The memory unit 512 of the home controller 501 has a memory area 509 for storing a system program and an application program of the home automation system.
And memory area 510 for storing system data
And a memory area 511 used for work when the program is executed. Generally, a ROM (Read Only Memory) is used for the memory area 509 of the memory unit 512, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used for the memory area 511. The memory area 510 includes an EEPROM.
(Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only
Memory) or battery-backed SR
AM (Static Random Access Memory) is used.

[0005] By the way, with regard to the functions that can be realized by the home automation system, the social environment is changing, the needs of users are being increased, the terminal equipment is being enhanced with the development of technology, the communication network is being improved, etc. It is expected that new technologies will be proposed. On the other hand, a home automation system is a house facility, so once installed, it is used for a long time thereafter.

As described above, it is necessary that the home automation system be configured to be usable for a long period of time while having expandability of functions in the future. As a proposal for this, conventionally, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-265395, in order to facilitate a change or expansion after system installation, a memory card of the conventional memory unit 512 shown in FIG. Regions 509, 510,
A home bus system having a function of adding any or all of storage means corresponding to 511 is shown.

[0007]

However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-2
In the technique proposed in Japanese Patent No. 65395, it is necessary to newly add hardware called a memory card. Accordingly, costs are incurred each time the contents of the home automation system are changed or expanded. By the way, in recent years, a flash memory has attracted attention as a nonvolatile memory having a large capacity, a low unit price per bit, and which can be electrically erased and rewritten. If this flash memory is used for the memory area 509 for storing the system program and the application program in the memory unit 512 of the home controller 501 and the memory area 510 for storing the system data shown in FIG. Can be easily changed or extended simply by rewriting the contents of the memory without adding additional hardware as in the conventional case. Further, conventionally, two types of memories, a ROM for storing a system program and an application program and a RAM for storing system data, are required as the memory unit 512, but both are stored in one flash memory. With this configuration, the number of components can be reduced and the device can be downsized.

Further, the home automation system has a different optimum configuration for each installation environment (individual home), and it is necessary to configure a product according to each installation environment. For this reason, when producing an apparatus, it is inevitably a multi-product small-lot production. In the conventional device, since the hardware configuration differs depending on each product, there is a possibility that the assembly cost and the parts procurement cost will increase. However, in the case of an apparatus configured using a flash memory, it is possible to easily set data according to each home installation environment only by changing the storage contents of the memory individually.

The data change (rewrite) in the home automation system will be described. Rewriting of the memory area storing the system program and the application program of the home automation system is usually performed by a specialized worker at the time of manufacturing or at the time of changing or expanding the system. Therefore, even if any abnormality occurs during the rewriting operation, it is possible to relatively easily cope with the failure because the operator has the specialized knowledge. On the other hand, the system data of the home automation system is set or changed by an actual user in each installed home according to the purpose, environment, and preference. In this case, the home automation system is used by people unfamiliar with machine operation, such as housewives and children or elderly people in ordinary households, rather than experts in machine operation. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure the reliability of the system so that valuable data will not be lost even if a power failure occurs and the device stops abnormally while these general people are rewriting system data. is important.

The flash memory has a drawback that data can be erased only in a predetermined unit (block unit) when data is rewritten. Problems in using a flash memory due to this disadvantage will be described.

FIG. 22 shows the memory areas 509 and 51 of the memory section 512 of the home controller 501 shown in FIG.
5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a memory space when a flash memory 507 is used for 0. FIG. In the figure, the flash memory 507 is divided into n blocks,
n-2 blocks are used for the memory area 509, and two blocks are used for the memory area 510. Note that the two blocks included in the memory area 510 are referred to as a block a and a block b in the following description.

The flash memory 5 configured as described above
Consider a case where system data is stored in 07. The system data is written into block a by a specialist at the time of manufacture or installation. When changing the contents of the system data, the new system data is stored in the block b.
Write to. After that, the contents of the block a which has become the old system data are erased. When the contents of the system data are changed again, the new system data is written into the block a, and then the contents of the block b are deleted. As described above, when the system data is stored in the flash memory and its contents are changed, writing and erasing are alternately repeated between a plurality of blocks. In the following description, writing and erasing of system data are alternately repeated using a plurality of blocks, and existing system data stored in one block is written with new system data in another block. Is called "rewriting between blocks".

Here, a problem arises when an abnormal situation such as a power failure occurs while writing new system data to the block a or the block b, and the rewriting operation is interrupted halfway. For example, when the system data before the change is stored in the block b and the system data after the change is stored in the block a, during the rewriting operation between the blocks, the block a being written and the block a before the change are stored. The system data exists in both the block b and the block b in which the system data is written. In such a state, if the operation of the system is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the home controller 501 cannot determine which block data, block a or block b, is valid system data. Will be lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is used, an abnormal situation may occur while data is being rewritten between blocks. When recovery occurs, valid data to be used is determined by detecting the state of rewriting between blocks, and further, it is determined whether data can be restored. It is an object of the present invention to provide a home controller capable of performing the operation.

[0015]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a home controller for controlling home appliances via a home bus, comprising:
A control data storage means comprising two blocks for a nonvolatile memory, for storing control data, control
In response to the command to write the control data, the control data
Write to a selected one of the two blocks
Writing means for each of the two blocks
Is a control data record for storing the control data.
A storage area, a first data storage area for storing first data, and a second data storage area for storing second data , wherein the writing means responds to the command.
And based on the first data of the two blocks
To select one of the two blocks
Selecting means for performing the operation and the other of the two blocks.
To clear the other block with a predetermined first value
And the control data of the other block.
Control data for writing control data to the data storage area
Writing means, and completion of writing by the control data writing means.
After completion, the first data of the one block is
A first rewriting means for rewriting the second value, the first
After the rewriting by the rewriting means is completed, the other block
For rewriting the second data with the second value
Second rewriting means, and completion of rewriting by the second rewriting means.
After completion, the one block is cleared with the first value.
Second clearing means for controlling the home control.
Laura further comprises the two first data and the two
The control of the block selected based on the second data.
Based on the control data stored in the control data storage area.
That generates a signal for controlling the household equipment Zui
It includes signal generation means .

The invention according to claim 2 provides the invention according to claim 1.
In addition to the configuration described above, each of the two blocks
A third data storage area for storing the
The control data writing means includes a control data
The predetermined part of the included data is
For writing in the control data storage area of the
Writing means for completing writing of the predetermined part of the data.
After the completion, the third data of the other block is
And third rewrite means for rewriting at 2 values, the third
After the rewriting by the rewriting means is completed, the control data
Other than the predetermined part of the one of the blocks
Read from the control data storage means of the
A read for writing to the control data storage area of the block.
Output writing means.

The invention according to claim 3 provides the invention according to claim 2.
In addition to the configuration described above, each of said two blocks
A buffer area, wherein the partial writing means controls
Data to the data buffer area of the one block.
Buffer writing means for writing, and the one block
Read the data stored in the data buffer area of
The control data storage area of the other block
And buffer reading means for writing the data into the buffer.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3.
In addition to the Ming configuration, the continuously updated means, the occurrence of abnormality
The writing operation by the partial writing means is interrupted.
With the first, second and third of the two blocks
Of the control data for recovery.
The control data storage of the other of the blocks
The part excluding the part written in the area is the one block
Read from the data buffer area of the other block
Partial read-write for writing to the control data storage area
It includes a loading means.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any of the above, the two blocks
Each of the blocks can be separately and collectively erased.

[0020]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the home controller sends the signal generated by the signal generation means based on the control data stored in the control data storage means via the home bus to the home controller. Control the equipment. The control data storage means includes two blocks for storing control data, and the signal generation means uses data of one of the blocks. When changing the control data, it writes the new control data after the change by the writing means into different other blocks and one block existing control data is stored.
Writing control data to the other block by writing means
Before the first block, the first block clears the other block to the first
Cleared by the value of. After this, the control data is
The data is written to the control data storage area of the disk. This writing
Upon completion, the first rewriting means executes the first rewriting of one of the blocks.
Is rewritten to the second value. Then the second rewriter
The stage rewrites the second data of the other block to the second value
Further, the second clearing means sets one of the blocks to the first
Clear by value.

[0021]

Here, consider a case where an abnormality such as a power failure occurs and the control data change process is interrupted. When the home controller is restored , two first data and two second data
It is possible to determine which of the two blocks stores the control data to be used, based on this data . Here, the second data indicates whether or not the corresponding block has completed the writing of the control data. Therefore , when only one of the two second data is the second value, by referring to the second data , which block stores the control data to be used. Can be determined.

Further, it has been written previously written control data into one block, further met if the writing has been completed by the writing means of new control data after the change to the other block Before the other block is cleared , the two second data are both the second value. In this period, the only reference to the second data, can not be determined should be used for control data in any block. This period is either one of the two first data is included in the period that is a second value, and by which of the first data has a second value,
Which of the two blocks stores the new control data after the change is shown.

Referring to the first data, if the two first data are both the first value , the block storing the control data to be used by referring to the second data. Can be determined. If one of the first data is the second value , the second data
By referring to this data, the block storing the control data to be used can be determined.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the writing means includes:
Some of predetermined data included in the control data, after completing the write to the other block, the third book
The rewriting means rewrites the third data to a second value . After the completion of the rewriting of the third data, the read / write means reads, from the other block, the other part of the control data except for the part of the data for which the writing has been completed, and writes the other part in the block. When the home controller is restored when an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, if the writing of some predetermined data has been completed, the writing to the block is performed by the read / write unit. The rest of the data other than the partially completed data can be read from the other block and written to the block, and new control data after the change can be written to the control data storage means.

According to the configuration of the third aspect, the buffer writing means writes the control data to the data buffer area of one of the blocks . It writes the control data stored in the data buffer area buffer readout means reads out the other blanking <br/> control data storage area of the lock. When an error such as a power failure occurs and the writing operation by the writing unit is interrupted, the partial reading and writing unit is executed. The partial read / write means reads a portion of the control data excluding a portion already written in the block from one data buffer area.
Write to the control data storage area of the other block . As a result, the portion of the control data that has been written in the data buffer area of one block is replaced by the other block.
The data is written to the control data storage area of the network, and becomes available for the subsequent processing.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first, the second and the second
Operation of partial writing means is interrupted based on and third value
Can be detected. And for recovery, the other
Already written to the control data storage area of the block
The part excluding the minute is the data buffer area of one block
Is written to the control data storage area of the other block from
You.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, two blocks are provided.
Can be separately erased collectively. Therefore, the first value
If you associate it with the rear state,
Erasing control data stored in the block;
Of the second data to the first value and the first data of the second data
Rewriting to a value can be performed simultaneously.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Three embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, a configuration using a flash memory as a memory is exemplified. However, it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the case where a flash memory is used, and can be similarly applied to other non-volatile memories in general. Please note.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a home controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The home controller 1 includes an interface unit 3 for transmitting and receiving data to and from a home bus 2 connected to a home device (not shown), a control unit 5 for managing the overall operation of the home controller 1, and An I / O (Input / Output) unit 6 for performing key input, display, voice input / output, and the like; a memory unit 12 for storing various data necessary for the operation of the home controller 1; And a memory control unit 8 for managing data storage.

The memory section 12 includes a first memory area 9 for storing a system program and an application program of the home automation system, a second memory area 10 for storing system data,
When the control unit 5 executes a system program or an application program, the control unit 5 includes a third memory area 11 for providing a work storage area. Second
The writing and erasing of data in the memory area 10 are performed by the memory control unit 8.

In this embodiment, the first memory area 9 and the second memory area 10 are constituted by the flash memory 7.

The second memory area 10 includes a system data area 14 for writing system data and rewrite start data for storing data for indicating that a rewrite operation (described later) between blocks of system data has started. Area 15
And a rewriting end data area 16 for storing data for indicating that the rewriting operation between blocks of system data has been completed, and for indicating whether or not the data stored in the block is data before rewriting. And the new and old display data area 17 for storing the data of. The system data area 14, the rewrite start data area 15, the rewrite end data area 16, and the new / old display data area 17 are provided in each of the two blocks provided in the second memory area 10. It is something that can be done. The configuration of these two blocks will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of two blocks a and b provided in the second memory area 10. The block a includes a system data area 14a for storing system data, a rewrite start data area 15a, a rewrite end data area 16a, and a new and old display data area 17a. Similarly, the block b includes the system data area 14b
And rewrite start data area 15b and rewrite end data area 16
b and the new and old display data area 17b.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the operation of the home controller 1 when the system data is changed by rewriting between blocks in this embodiment. In the following description, the above-described rewrite start data, rewrite end data, and new / old display data are each described as a “flag” for indicating set / reset on a program. Each flag is set by writing data to the data area, and is reset by erasing the storage content of the data area of each flag as the storage content of the block is erased.

First, in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 1, in response to a command from the control unit 5, the memory control unit 8 determines whether or not the rewrite start flag 15a of the block a is set. Find out. If the rewrite start flag 15a is set (Y in S1)
ES), it is determined that the system data is currently written in block a. Then, the memory control unit 8 determines that new system data must be written to the block b.

Next, the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the storage content of the block b has been erased (S2). If the storage content of the block b has not been erased (N in S2)
O), the stored contents of the block b are erased (S3). At this time, the system data area 14b included in the block b
, The rewrite start flag 15b, the rewrite end flag 16b, and the new / old display flag 17b are all deleted. The purpose of the flash memory is to erase data for each block.

Next, the memory control unit 8 sets the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b (S4). Subsequently, when all writing to the block b is completed (S5), the memory control unit 8 sets the new / old display flag 17a of the block a (S6). Thereafter, the memory control unit 8 sets the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b (S7). Further, the memory control unit 8 erases the storage content of the block a (S8), and ends the process of rewriting the system data from the block a to the block b.

On the other hand, if the rewriting start flag 15a of the block a is not set in S1 (S1).
NO), the memory control unit 8 determines that the system data is not currently written in the block a, and then checks whether or not the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b is set (S9). If rewrite start flag 15b is set (YES in S9), memory control unit 8 determines that the system data is currently written in system data area 14b of block b. In this case, the memory control unit 8 determines that new system data must be written to the block a.

Next, the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the storage contents of the block a have been erased (S10), and if not (NO in S10), erases the storage contents of the block a. (S11). Next, the memory control unit 8
Sets the rewrite start flag 15a of the block a (S12). Then, the memory control unit 8 writes new system data into the system data area 14a of the block a (S13). When all the writing to the block a is completed, the memory control unit 8 sets the new / old display flag 17b of the block b (S14).

Thereafter, the memory control unit 8 sets the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a (S15). Then, the memory control unit 8 erases the storage content of the block b (S16), and ends the process of rewriting the system data from the block b to the block a.

If the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b is not set in the above-mentioned S9 (S9
NO), the memory control unit 8 determines that the system data is not currently written in the block a or the block b. Such a state usually occurs when system data has not been set, such as when the home controller 1 is manufactured or installed. In this case, the memory control unit 8
Writes system data to block a. The block into which the system data is written first when the system data has not been set may be either the block a or the block b.

Next, the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the contents of the block a have been erased (S17), and if not (NO in S17), erases the contents of the block a (S18). ). Next, the memory control unit 8 sets the rewrite start flag 15a of the block a (S19).
Then, the memory control unit 8 writes new system data to the block a (S20). When all the writing to the block a is completed, the memory control unit 8 sets the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a (S21).

Then, the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the storage contents of the block b have been erased (S22). If the storage contents have not been erased (NO in S22), the memory control unit 8 erases the contents of the block b (S23). ), The system data rewriting process ends. However, in this case, since there is no block storing the old system data before rewriting, it is exactly the first write processing of the system data.

If an abnormal situation such as a power failure occurs during the execution of the rewriting process between the blocks of the system data, the home controller 1 resets the system. At this time, the rewriting process between blocks is interrupted halfway. The operation of the home controller 1 at the time of recovery from such an abnormal situation will be described below.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the operation procedure when the home controller 1 is restored. First, S
At 24, in response to the command from the control unit 5, the memory control unit 8 checks whether the rewrite start flag 15a of the block a is set. If the rewrite start flag 15a is not set (NO in S24), the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b is set (S25). Memory control unit 8
If the rewrite start flag 15b is not set (NO in S25), it is determined that the system data does not exist in any of the blocks a and b (S2).
6). Such a state occurs when the system data is not set at the time of manufacturing or installing the controller 1 as described above.

If the rewriting start flag 15b of the block b has been set in S25 (YES in S25), the memory control unit 8 then checks whether the rewriting end flag 16b of the block b has been set. It is checked whether or not it is (S27). The memory control unit 8 sets the rewrite end flag 16
If b is set (YES in S27),
System data is in the system data area 14 of the block b
It is determined that the data has been written in b (S29).

On the other hand, in the aforementioned S24, the block a
Is set (S24).
YES), the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b is set (S).
30). If the rewrite start flag 15b is not set (NO in S30), the memory control unit 8 checks whether the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is set (S31).

The memory control unit 8 has a rewrite end flag 16a
Is set (YES in S31), the system data is currently stored in the system data area 14a of the block a.
(S33).

On the other hand, if the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is not set (S31)
NO at step S3), and erases the storage contents of block a (S3).
2). This operation is a process corresponding to a case where an abnormal situation occurs during the execution of the process of S20 shown in FIG. Such processing is required when the system data is first written by an expert when the controller 1 is manufactured or installed. In this case, since the operator, who is an expert, has appropriate knowledge for operating the controller 1, the operation of operating the home controller 1 after the system is reset to easily write the system data into the flash memory 7 is performed. Can be performed.

If the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b has not been set in S27 (NO in S27), the memory control unit 8 deletes the stored contents of the block b (S28). However, in this embodiment, when the system data is not set as shown in FIG. 4, the system data is first written into the block a (see S20 in FIG. 4). There is no such condition as is required.

Next, when the system data exists in both the block a and the block b in the aforementioned S30 (S3
(YES at 0) will be described. Such a state occurs when an abnormal situation occurs during the execution of the rewriting process between the blocks shown in FIG. 3 and the rewriting process is interrupted halfway. At this time, the memory control unit 8 first checks whether or not the new / old display flag 17a of the block a is set (S34). If new / old display flag 17a is set (YES in S34), memory control unit 8
It is determined that the operation has been interrupted immediately after the end of S6 in FIG. 3 during the data rewriting process from block a to block b.

Subsequently, the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b is set (S35). If the rewrite end flag 16b is not set (NO in S35), the memory control unit 8 sets the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b (S3).
6). Next, the memory control unit 8 erases the contents of the block a (S37). In this case, the memory control unit 8 determines that the system data has been written to the block b (S29), and transmits a signal to that effect to the control unit 5.

If the new / old display flag 17a of the block a is not set in the above-mentioned S34 (S3
(NO at 4), the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the new / old display flag 17b of the block b is set (S).
38). If new / old display flag 17b is set (YES in S38), memory control unit 8 proceeds to block b
It is determined that the operation was interrupted immediately after the end of S14 in FIG. Then, the memory control unit 8 checks whether the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is set or not (S
39) If the rewrite end flag 16a is not set (NO in S39), the rewrite end flag 16a is set (S40). Next, the memory control unit 8 sets the block b
Is erased (S41). In this case, the memory control unit 8 determines that the system data has been written to the block a (S33).

If the new / old display flag 17b of the block b has not been set in the aforementioned S38 (N in S38)
O), the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is set (S42).
If the rewrite end flag 16a is set (YES in S42), the memory control unit 8 performs the process shown in FIG. 3 during the process of rewriting the system data from the block a to the block b.
It is determined that the operation is interrupted before the processing of S6 is executed. In this case, the system data area 14 of the block b
Since the system data being written to b is incomplete data as it is, the memory control unit 8 erases the storage contents of the block b (S41).

Then, the memory control unit 8 determines that the system data has been written to the block a (S33),
A signal indicating this is sent to the control unit 5.

In S42, if the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is not set (NO in S42), the memory control unit 8 checks whether or not the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b is set. (S4
3). If the rewrite end flag 16b is set (S
At YES in 43), the memory control unit 8 determines that the operation has been interrupted before the processing of S14 in FIG. 3 is executed during the process of rewriting the system data from the block b to the block a. In this case, the memory control unit 8 determines that the system data being written to the system data area 14a of the block a is incomplete data, and erases the stored contents of the block a (S37). Then, the memory control unit 8 determines that the system data has been written to the block b (S29), and sends a signal indicating that to the control unit 5.

In step S43, the block b
Is not set when the initialization process of the flash memory 7 or the process of writing the system data is not normally performed when the controller 1 is manufactured or installed. In this case, the memory control unit 8 erases the stored contents of both the block a and the block b (S44), and sends a signal indicating that there is no system data to both the blocks a and b. Send to The control unit 5 receiving this signal notifies the user of a message indicating the absence of system data. Then, the user inputs system data in response to this message.

With the above operation, even if an abnormal situation occurs during the execution of the system data rewriting process and the rewriting process between blocks is interrupted in the middle, the system data before the change is stored. By determining the block, the controller 1 can be restored to a state where the appropriate system data can be used.

In the system data areas 14a and 14b ,
Thus, a control data storage area is configured. The old and new display data area (flag) 17a, the first memory area is constituted by 17b. The rewrite completion data area (flag) 16a, a second storage area is constituted by 16b. The signal generating means is constituted by the control unit 5.

[0061] Further, with the memory controller 8, the first rewrite means is constituted by a program for causing the process of the memory controller 8 of the aforementioned S6, S14, S8, S16. The memory control unit 8 and the above-described S7, S8, S15, S16, S21,
The second rewriting means is constituted by the program for executing the processing of S23 .

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, for example, if an abnormal situation occurs during the execution of S5 or S13 shown in FIG. 3, the system data before the change is saved, but a new write is attempted. The changed system data will be lost. In this case, the user has to perform the work of inputting the changed system data to the home controller 1 again.

By the way, generally, after system data is first input by an expert at the time of manufacture or installation of a home controller, only a part of the data is changed, and other parts are used without being changed. Is often done. Therefore, the system data can be changed by inputting a part of the new system data after the change without inputting the whole. The present embodiment focuses on this point,
By modifying the first embodiment, the system data can be easily changed.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the home controller according to the present embodiment. The components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Home controller 101 includes an interface unit 3, a control unit 5, an I / O unit 6, a memory unit 12, and a memory control unit 108. The memory unit 12 includes a first memory area 9, a second memory area 10, and a third memory area 11, as in the first embodiment. The first memory area 9 and the second memory area 10 are configured by the flash memory 7.

The second memory area 10 includes a system data area 14, a rewrite start data area 15, a rewrite end data area 16, and a new / old display data area 17. In the present embodiment, the second memory area 10 further includes
When the system data is rewritten between blocks, it includes a change end data area 18 for storing data indicating that writing of the changed portion is completed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second memory area 10. In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the blocks a and b in the first embodiment described above, the block a further includes a change end data area 18a, and the block b
Further includes a change end data area 18b.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an operation procedure when the system data of the home controller 101 is changed by rewriting between blocks in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the same processes as those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the first embodiment have the same step numbers. Further, in the following description, only portions obtained by modifying the procedure of the first embodiment will be described to simplify the description.

When the system data is currently written in the system data area 14a of the block a and the new system data is written in the system data area 14b of the block b, the memory control unit 108 starts rewriting the block b. The flag 15b is set (S4). Next, the memory control unit 108 writes only the newly changed part included in the new system data, that is, the data of the part different from the old system data written in the block a into the system data area 14b of the block b. (S45).
When the writing process of the changed portion is completed, the memory control unit 108 sets the change end flag 18b of the block b (S46).

Next, the memory control unit 108 writes the data of the unchanged portion in the system data into the system data area 14b of the block b (S47). When the writing of the unchanged portion of the system data to the block b is completed, the memory control unit 108 sets the new / old display flag 17a of the block a (S6). Thereafter, the memory control unit 108 sets the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b (S7). Then, the memory control unit 108
The storage contents of the block a are erased (S8), and the process of rewriting the system data from the block a to the block b is completed.

On the other hand, the system data is currently in block b
And new system data is written in block a.
When writing to the block a, the memory control unit 108
The rewriting start flag 15a is set (S12). Then, the memory control unit 108 writes the data of the changed portion included in the system data into the block a (S48). When the writing of the changed portion to the block a is completed, the memory control unit 108 sets the change end flag 18a of the block a (S49). Next, the memory control unit 108 writes the unchanged data included in the system data into the system data area 14a of the block a (S5).
0). Then, when the writing of the data of the unchanged portion to the block a is completed, the memory control unit 108 sets the new / old display flag 17b of the block b (S14).
Thereafter, the memory control unit 108 sets the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a (S15). Then, the memory control unit 108 deletes the storage content of the block b (S1
6) The rewriting process of the system data from the block b to the block a is completed.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the operation procedure at the time of restoration of the home controller 101 in the second embodiment. As in FIGS. 9 and 10, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. If the new / old display flag 17b of the block b is not set in S38 (NO in S38), the memory control unit 108 checks whether or not the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is set (S42). If rewriting end flag 16a is set (YES in S42), memory control unit 108
Determines that the operation has been interrupted before S6 of FIG. 9 is executed.

Here, in the case of the first embodiment described above, the memory control unit 8 (FIG. 1) judges that the system data being written to the block b is incomplete data, and
The stored contents of block b were deleted. On the other hand, in the case of the second embodiment, the memory control unit 108 determines whether or not the writing of the changed part of the system data has been completed, by using the changed part of the newly written system data. Or the operation of restoring the system data is determined to be impossible, and the stored contents of the block b are erased.

The memory control unit 108 checks whether or not the change end flag 18b of the block b has been set (S51). If the change end flag 18b is set (YES in S51), the memory control unit 108 determines that the writing process of the data of the changed portion included in the changed system data in the block b has been completed. . And
The memory control unit 108 reads the data of the unchanged portion of the system data from the system data area 14a of the block a, and reads the system data area 1 of the block b.
4b (S53).

When the process of writing the system data to the block b is completed, the memory control unit 108 sets the new / old display flag 17a of the block a (S54) and further sets the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b. (S5
5). Then, the memory control unit 108 erases the storage content of the block a (S56), and moves from the block a to the block b.
The rewriting process of the system data to is ended. Then, the memory control unit 108 sends a signal to the control unit 5 indicating that the system data has been written to the block b.

In step S51, the block b
If the change end flag 18b is not set (S
NO at 51), the memory control unit 108
It is determined that an error has occurred during execution of step 45 and the writing process has been interrupted.

In the present embodiment, a flash memory that reads or writes data in units of 8 bits or 16 bits is used. If the data length of the system data is the same as the read / write unit of the flash memory 7, data management is relatively easy. However, in reality, some system data is composed of one bit, such as data indicating the presence or absence of connection of a terminal device, and some data requires a plurality of bytes, such as a telephone number.

As described above, the data length differs depending on the type of data included in the system data, and when the data length of the system data is larger than the read / write unit of the flash memory 7, the data is written. If an error occurs on the way and the writing process is interrupted, the data written halfway cannot be used. Therefore, the memory control unit 108 erases the storage content of the block b (S52). Then, the memory control unit 108
Sends a signal indicating that the system data has been written to the block a to the control unit 5 (S33).

On the other hand, if the rewriting end flag 16a of the block a is not set in S42 (NO in S42), the memory control unit 108 checks whether or not the rewriting end flag 16b of the block b is set. (S
43). If the rewrite end flag 16b is set (YES in S43), it is determined that the operation was interrupted before the execution of S14 in FIG. In this case, the memory control unit 108 subsequently changes the end flag 18a of the block a.
It is determined whether or not is set (S57).

If change end flag 18a is set (YES in S57), memory control unit 108 determines that writing of the changed part of the system data to block a has been completed. Then, the memory control unit 108
Reads the data of the unchanged part of the system data from the system data area 14b of the block b and writes it to the block a (S59).

When writing of all system data to block a is completed, memory control unit 108
The old and new display flags 17b are set (S60). Next, the memory control unit 108 sets the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a (S61). Further, the memory control unit 108 deletes the storage content of the block b (S6).
2) End the system data rewriting process. In this case, the memory control unit 108 determines that the system data has been written to the block a (S33), and sends a signal to that effect to the control unit 5.

If the change end flag 18a of the block a is not set in S57 (NO in S57), the memory control unit 108 generates an abnormality during the execution of S48 in FIG. It is determined that writing has been interrupted. In this case, the memory control unit 108 deletes the storage content of the block a (S58). Then, the memory control unit 108 determines that the system data has been written to the block b (S29), and sends a signal to that effect to the control unit 5.

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
Even if an error occurs during the execution of the system data rewriting process and the rewriting operation is interrupted halfway, if the writing process of the changed part included in the system data has been completed,
The part that is not changed is copied from the existing system data to restore the entire changed system data. As a result, even if an error such as a power failure occurs and the rewriting process is interrupted during the input of the changed system data or after the input is completed, the user can perform the writing process of the changed portion of the data. If it has been completed, it is not necessary to input the changed system data again, and the recovery work can be simplified.

The change end data area (flag) 18
a, a third storage area is constituted by 18b. And the memory control unit 108, the third rewrite means is constituted by a program for causing the process of the memory control unit 108 of the above S46, S8, S49, S16. The memory control unit 108 and the memory control unit 1
A read / write unit is constituted by a program for executing the processes of S53 and S59 in 08.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, even if an error occurs during the writing of the changed portion included in the system data and the writing process is interrupted, the changed data written before the occurrence of the error is not The home controller is configured to be in a usable and valid state.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the home controller 201 according to the third embodiment. The components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The home controller 201 includes an interface unit 3, a control unit 5, and an I / O
And a memory control unit 208 and a memory unit 12. The memory unit 12 includes a first memory area 9, a second memory area 10, and a third memory area 11, as in the first embodiment. The first memory area 9 and the second memory area 10 are configured by the flash memory 7.

Further, the second memory area 10 includes a system data area 14, a rewrite start data area 15, a rewrite end data area 16, a new / old display data area 17, and a change end data area 18. Further, the second memory area 10 includes a change data buffer 19 which is a feature of the third embodiment.

Conventionally, when the system data is changed, the data of the changed part is written in the third memory area 11 used as a work storage area when the program is executed, and all the change work is completed. After that, the system data is collectively written into the flash memory 7. In the present embodiment, the data of the changed portion is written in the third memory area 11 and the data of the changed portion is also written in the changing data buffer 19.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second memory area 10 in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the various data areas 14a to 18a and 14b to 18b shown in the above-described second embodiment, change data buffers 19a and 19b are provided in the blocks a and b, respectively.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the changing data buffer 19a provided in the block a.
The configuration of the change data buffer 19b of the block b is the same as that shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, the change data buffer 19a is
Stores m pieces of change data. Each change data includes a data number for identifying each data, a data size indicating a data length in units of a bit length handled in the flash memory 7 (FIG. 13), and data.

The flash memory 7 is in a certain state (usually at a high level) when the stored contents are erased. Therefore, when data is not written in the change data buffer 19a and is in an unused state, when the head data of the change data buffer 19a is read, the value becomes a certain constant value. For example, when the flash memory 7 is configured such that one word is 8 bits and the erase state is at the High level, the data buffer 1 for changing unused data is used.
The read value of the first data of 9a is FFH. By utilizing such characteristics, in the present embodiment, when there is change data, the data number is set to a value other than a fixed value in the erased state, and the change data is set according to the value of the data number. Can be determined.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for writing data of a changed portion (hereinafter referred to as "change data") to the change data buffers 19a and 19b when the system data is changed by rewriting between blocks. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation of the home controller 201. The procedure shown in this flowchart is executed once for one piece of change data. As in the first and second embodiments described above, a description will be given using data indicating the rewrite state of system data as a flag.

First, the memory control unit 208 checks whether or not the rewrite start flag 15a of the block a is set (S63). If the rewrite start flag 15a is not set (NO in S63), the memory control unit 208
Checks whether the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b is set (S64). If the rewrite start flag 15b is not set (NO in S64),
The memory control unit 208 determines that the system data is not set in the second memory area 10 when the home controller 201 is manufactured or installed.
In this case, since it is not a system data change process, the memory control unit 208
a, 19b are not written.

In S63, if the rewrite start flag 15a of the block a is set (YE in S63).
S), the memory control unit 208 determines that the system data is currently written in the block a. At this time,
The memory control unit 208 writes the change data into the change data buffer 19a of the block a. The procedure of the writing process to the change data buffer 19a will be described below.

The variables used by the memory control unit 208 include a data number counter n, a data value Ka (n), a data number sub-counter j, a data length counter k, and a maximum data capacity n _MAX . The data number counter n indicates the number of data from the head in the change data buffer 19a. The data value Ka (n) indicates the value of the n-th data in the change data buffer 19a. The data number sub-counter j is a counter for separately adding the value of the data number counter n. The data length counter k is a variable for substituting the data length of the change data.

First, the memory control unit 208 searches for an unused area of the change data buffer 19a. The memory control unit 208 sets 1 to the data number counter n (S7).
5). Next, the memory control unit 208 checks the value of Ka (n). The value of Ka (n) at this time is the data number of the first change data in the change data buffer 19a. The memory control unit 208 determines whether the area of the changed data is the used state or the unused state based on the value of the read data number as described above (S76). If it is determined that the area is in use according to the read data number value (NO in S76), memory control unit 208 determines the value of data number counter n to check the data number of the next change data. Is updated according to the equation (1) (S77).

N ← n + Ka (n + 1) +2 (1)

In the equation (1), n on the right side is the current number of data (address) in the change data buffer, and the storage area indicates the position of the data number of the change data. Ka (n + 1) which is the data size of the changed data is added to n.

Further, 1 is added as the address part of the area storing the data size, and then 1 is added so that the counter indicates the address of the data number of the next change data. Therefore, to calculate the address indicating the data number of the next change data from the address indicating the data number of the previous change data, the formula (1) is used.
The data number counter n is updated according to the calculation formula described in. In this manner, the memory control unit 208 proceeds to S7 until an unused area of the change data buffer 19a is found.
6 and S77 are repeated.

If an unused area is found (YES in S76), memory control section 208 changes data buffer 1
It is checked whether or not 9a has a free area in which the change data can be written. That is, the memory control unit 208 sets n + 1 in the data number sub-counter j and sets the data length of the changed data in the data length counter k (S78).
Then, the memory control unit 208 checks whether or not the number of data j + k after writing the change data does not exceed the maximum data capacity n _MAX of the change data buffer 19a (S79).

If the number of data j + k exceeds the maximum data capacity n _MAX (N in S79),
O), it is determined that the change data cannot be written to the change data buffer 19a any more, and at this time, as in the rewrite process between the blocks shown in the second embodiment, FIGS.
According to the processing procedure shown in FIG.
The system data is rewritten to (S84). S
When the process of 84 is completed, the memory control unit 208 proceeds to S
The process returns to 63, and the process for the changed data is executed.

If memory control unit 208 determines that the number of data j + k is smaller than maximum data capacity n _MAX and it is possible to write changed data (YES in S79), it changes the data length of the changed data to the changing data. Writing to the buffer 19a (S80). Next, the memory control unit 208 writes the contents of the change data into the change data buffer 19a (S8).
1, S82). At this time, the i-th data of the write data is set to the data value Ka (j) of the change data buffer 19a, and the variable j of the number of data and the number i of the write data are added by one, and i When it becomes larger, the process proceeds to the next process. Next, the memory control unit 208 sets the data number of the change data to the data value Ka (n), and writes the data number to the change data buffer 19a (S8).
3).

As described above, since the memory control unit 208 writes the data number at the end of the processing, an abnormal situation occurs during the execution of S80 to S82, and the change data buffer 1
If the data written to 9a is incomplete, the data number is not written to the change data buffer 19a. Therefore, by reading the data number and determining the value in the subsequent processing, the incomplete write data due to the abnormal situation can be invalidated.

On the other hand, if the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b is set in S64 (YE in S64).
S), the memory control unit 208 determines that the system data is currently written in the block b, and performs a process of writing the change data to the change data buffer 19b of the block b. The processing procedure for writing the change data to the change data buffer 19b is the same as that for the change data buffer 19a described above.
S65 to S7 which are the processing of the change data buffer 19b
3 respectively. The variable Ka indicating the value of the data in the change data buffer 19a is indicated as the variable Kb in the change data buffer 19b.
The detailed processing procedure when writing the change data to the change data buffer 19b will not be described.

In the above processing, all the changed data are stored in the changing data buffer 19a or the changing data buffer 19.
If the data is written to block b, the data is written to block b or block a by the same procedure as the rewriting process between blocks shown in S84 and S74.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show the home controller 20.
7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure at the time of restoration of the first embodiment. This flowchart shows the processing at the time of recovery when an abnormal situation occurs during the writing processing of the system data shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The processing procedure of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. This is modified using the change data buffers 19a and 19b. The same processing contents as those in FIGS. 11 and 12 have the same step numbers. In the following description, only portions different from the configurations of FIGS. 11 and 12 will be described.

If memory control unit 208 determines in S27 that the system data has been written to block b (YES in S27), the change data is written to change data buffer 19b of block b. It is checked whether or not it has been set (S85). If data has been written in the change data buffer 19b (S85)
NO), it is determined in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 that the operation was interrupted while the change data was being written to the change data buffer 19b of the block b. In this case, the memory control unit 208 determines that new system data must be written to the block a.

Then, the memory control unit 208 checks whether or not the storage contents of the block a have been erased (S8).
6) If the stored content of block a has not been deleted (NO in S86), the stored content of block a is deleted (S87). Next, the memory control unit 208
The rewriting start flag 15a is set (S88). Then, the memory control unit 208 sends the change data buffer 19
Write the changed data written in block b to block a (S9).
5) The change end flag 18a is set (S96).

Next, the memory control unit 208 determines that the block b
The data written in the system data area is read, and the data is written in the system data area of block a (S59).

When the writing of the system data to the block a is completed, the memory control unit 208 sets the new / old display flag 17b of the block b (S60), and then sets the rewriting end flag 16a of the block a (S60). S61).
Finally, the memory control unit 208 erases the contents of the block b (S62), and ends the system data rewriting process. In this case, the memory control unit 208 determines that the system data has been written to the block a (S33), and sends a signal to that effect to the control unit 5.

If the memory control unit 208 determines in S31 that the system data has been written to the block a (YES in S31), the change data is stored in the change data buffer 19a in the block a. It is checked whether or not the data has been written (S89). If the change data has been written to block a (NO in S89), memory control unit 2
08 is the processing procedure shown in FIGS.
It is determined that the operation has been interrupted while the change data is being written to the change data buffer 19a of the block a. In this case, the memory control unit 208 determines that new system data must be written to the block b.

Next, the memory control unit 208 sets the block b
It is determined whether or not the stored contents of (S90) have been deleted (S90).
If it has not been erased (NO in S90), the storage contents of block b are erased (S91). Thereafter, the memory control unit 208 sets the rewrite start flag 15b of the block b (S92). Subsequently, the memory control unit 208
The change data written in the change data buffer 19a is written in the block b (S93), and the change end flag 18b
Is set (S94).

Next, the memory control unit 208 reads the data of the unchanged portion of the system data from the system data area 14a of the block a, and writes it in the system data area 14b of the block b (S53).

When the writing of the system data to the block b is completed, the memory control unit 208 sets the new / old display flag 17a of the block a (S54), and then sets the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b (S54). S55).
Then, the memory control unit 208 finally erases the contents of the block a (S56), and ends the system data rewriting process. In this case, the memory control unit 208 determines that the system data has been written to the block b (S29),
A signal indicating this is sent to the control unit 5.

The memory control unit 208 checks in S42 whether the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is set. The memory control unit 208 sets the rewrite end flag 16
If a is set (YES in S42), it is determined that the operation was interrupted before the execution of S6 in FIG. 9 during the process of rewriting the system data from block a to block b.

In this case, the memory control unit 208 checks whether or not the change end flag 18b of the block b is set (S51). If the change end flag 18b is not set (NO in S51)
O) It is determined that an abnormality has occurred while the process of S45 in FIG. 9 is being executed while the change data is being written to the block b, and the writing operation has been interrupted. In this case, since a part of the change data written in the change data buffer 19a has already been written in the block b, the memory control unit 208 replaces the change data not written in the block b with the change data. Block b searched from data buffer 19a
(S93).

Thereafter, the memory control unit 208 sets the change end flag 18b (S94). Next, the memory control unit 208 reads the data of the unchanged portion included in the system data from the block a and writes it to the block b (S53). When the writing of all the system data to the block b is completed, the memory control unit 208 sets the new / old display flag 17a of the block a (S54), and then sets the rewrite end flag 16b of the block b (S55). ). Finally, the memory control unit 208 erases the storage content of the block a (S56), and ends the system data rewriting process. In this case, the memory control unit 208
Sends a signal indicating that the system data has been written to the block b to the control unit 5 (S29).

If the rewrite end flag 16a of the block a is not set in S42 (NO in S42), the memory control unit 208 sets the rewrite end flag 16 of the block b.
It is checked whether or not b is set (S43). If the rewrite end flag 16b has been set (YES in S43), the memory control unit 208 proceeds to S14 in FIG. 9 during the rewriting of the system data from block b to block a.
It is determined that the operation has been interrupted before the execution of.

In this case, the memory control unit 208 checks whether or not the change end flag 18a of the block a has been set (S57). If the change end flag 18a is not set (NO in S57)
O) It is determined that an error has occurred during the execution of S48 in FIG. 9 while the change data is being written to the block a, and the write operation has been interrupted. Since a part of the change data written in the change data buffer 19b has already been written in the block a, the memory control unit 208 searches for the change data not written in the block a, and Write to block a (S95).

Thereafter, the memory control unit 208 sets the change end flag 18a of the block a (S96). Next, the memory control unit 208 reads the data of the unchanged portion included in the system data from the block b and writes it into the block a (S59). The memory control unit 208
When the writing of the system data to the block a is completed, the new / old display flag 17b of the block b is set (S6).
0) Then, the rewriting end flag 16a of the block a is set (S61). Then, the memory control unit 208
Finally, the storage contents of the block b are erased (S62), and the system data rewriting process ends. In this case, the memory control unit 208 determines that the system data has been written to the block a (S33), and sends a signal indicating this to the control unit 5
Send to

As described above, according to the third embodiment,
Even if an abnormal situation occurs during execution of the system data rewriting process and the rewriting process between the blocks of the flash memory 7 is interrupted on the way, the changed data written in the changing data buffer can be used. If so, it is possible to restore the entire system data using that data. Therefore, the recovery work performed by the user in response to an abnormal situation can be reduced.

The change data buffers 19a and 19b
Form a data buffer area. The memory control unit 208 and the memory control unit 208 shown in FIG.
A buffer writing unit is configured by a program for executing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

The memory control unit 208 and the data written in the data buffer 19a for change or the data buffer 19b for change in the memory control unit 208 are written in the block b or the block by the same procedure as the rewriting process between the blocks. The buffer reading means is constituted by a program for executing the process of writing into a. And the memory control unit 208, a program for causing the memory control unit 208 executes the above-described processing of S93, S95
Partial reading writing means is constituted by.

[0123]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control data for controlling the home appliances stored in the control data storage means comprising a nonvolatile memory is newly stored. Change by writing data to
The control data storage means includes two blocks, and writes new control data to another block of the two blocks that is different from the one that stores the existing control data . Data record for control of two blocks
Each write state of 憶領zone, the first storage area and a second
Can be determined by the first data and the second data stored in the respective storage areas . Therefore, even if an abnormality such as a power failure occurs during the process of changing the control data and the change process is interrupted, two blocks based on the first data and the second data are restored upon recovery. It is possible to determine which of the blocks should use the control data stored in it.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine from the third data whether or not the writing of a part of the predetermined data included in the control data is completed. Except for the predetermined part of the data, the other part of the data can be read from the other block and written to the other block. Therefore, when writing new control data into the control data storage means and changing the control data, a part of the control data is written by the writing means and the other part of the data is written. Is read from the other block storing the existing control data, whereby the whole of the new control data can be written. Further, even if an abnormality such as a power failure occurs and the process of changing the control data is interrupted, at the time when the process is interrupted, if the writing of some predetermined data is completed. By reading and writing other portions of the existing control data except for the portion for which writing has been completed, new control data can be written without performing a process of writing predetermined data again. It can be written in the control data storage means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when new control data is written into the control data storage means,
The control data is written into the data buffer area, and the written data is read and written into the block. By this method
Before the actual rewriting of the control data,
The data necessary for rewriting is stored in another area of the control data storage means.
Can be written in advance, and the actual rewriting is
Can be done Also, if something abnormal occurs during rewriting
Even if interrupted by
After writing, use that data to control data
Can be easily rewritten.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control data
Excluding the portion written to the other block of the data
From the data buffer area of one block and
For writing to the control data storage area of the other block
Because of the provision of a step, an error such as a power failure
Even if the write operation is interrupted,
The data written in the buffer area will be used in subsequent processing.
Can be automatically used and ready to use
You.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, two blocks
Locks are provided on a memory that can be individually and collectively erased.
So before writing new control data to the block,
When necessary, it is stored in the block's storage area.
Existing control data can be erased collectively.
You. Also, the first data and the second data of the block
And the third data at the same time as the first value
I can clear it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a home controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a memory area of a home controller according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an operation of a home controller when the system data is changed by a rewriting process between blocks in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an operation of the home controller when the system data is changed by a rewriting process between blocks in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation when the home controller is restored in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation when the home controller is restored in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a home controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory area of a home controller according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an operation of the home controller when the system data is changed by rewriting between blocks in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation of the home controller when the system data is changed by rewriting between blocks in the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation when a home controller is restored in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation when a home controller is restored in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a home controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory area of a home controller according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a change data buffer according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an operation of a home controller for writing changed data to a changing data buffer when changing system data by rewriting processing between blocks in the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a home controller for writing change data to a change data buffer when system data is changed by rewriting processing between blocks in the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation when the home controller is restored in the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure at the time of restoration of the home controller in the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a general home automation system.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a general conventional home controller.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a memory area of a general conventional home controller.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 101, 201 Home controller 2 Home bus 3 Interface unit 5 Control unit 7 Flash memory 8, 108, 208 Memory control unit 10 Second memory area 15, 15a, 15b Rewrite start data area 16, 16a, 16b Rewrite end data Area 17, 17a, 17b New and old display data area 18, 18a, 18b Change end data area 19, 19a, 19b Change data buffer

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A home controller for controlling home appliances via a home bus, comprising: a non-volatile memory, a control data storage means including two blocks for storing control data; The control data in response to the control data write command.
Write data to a selected one of the two blocks
Each of the two blocks includes a control data storage area for storing the control data.
Area and a first data storage area for storing first data
A second data storage area for storing second data ;
Wherein the said write means is responsive to said command, based on the contents of the two blocks
And select one of the two blocks
Selecting means for selecting, and the other of the two blocks
First clearing means for clearing with the value of 1 and control in the control data storage area of the other block
Control data writing means for writing the control data, and after completion of the writing by the control data writing means,
Writing the first data of one block with the second value
A first rewrite means for changing, after the completion of the rewriting by the first rewrite means, of the other
Rewrite the second data of the block with the second value
And second rewriting means because, after completion of the rewriting by the second rewriting unit, the one
A second clear for clearing the block with the first value.
Means, the home controller further comprising:
Data and the two second data
Stored in the control data storage area of the block
To control the home appliance based on the control data
A home controller including a signal generation unit that generates a signal of ( i). 2. Each of the two blocks further includes a third data storage area for storing third data.
In addition, the control data writing unit writes a part of predetermined data included in the control data.
Write to the control data storage area of the other block
Part writing means for reading the predetermined part of the data,
Writing the third data of the other block with the second value
And third rewrite means for changing come, the third after completion of the rewriting by the rewriting means, said control de
Data other than the predetermined part of the data
Before reading from the control data storage means of the block
2. The home controller according to claim 1, further comprising read / write means for writing the control data storage area of the other block . 3. Each of the two blocks further includes a data buffer area, the partial writing means includes a buffer writing means for writing control data into the data buffer area of the one block, The data stored in the data buffer area of the one block is read and the control of the other block is performed.
3. The home controller according to claim 2, further comprising: a buffer reading means for writing the data into the required data storage area . 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the abnormality occurs, the partial writing means is used.
Before the two blocks, the write operation was interrupted.
Detecting and recovering based on the first, second, and third values
The other block of the control data.
Excluding the portion written to the control data storage area
Part from the data buffer area of the one block.
The control data storage area of the other block
4. A partial read / write means for writing data to a memory.
Home controller. 5. Each of the two blocks is separately
The e-mail according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which can be collectively erased.
Controller.