JP7068932B2 - Communications system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication system.

When it is necessary to change or modify the firmware that controls the equipment that constitutes the air conditioning system, the firmware is updated in the equipment. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a network system that updates software as firmware. In the network system described in Patent Document 1, the in-home server is an equipment that can update software by comparing the latest version information acquired from the center server outside the home with the version information acquired from the equipment. to decide. Further, when the home server has equipment that can update the software, the home display displays an update notification screen for notifying that there is equipment that can update the software. Then, the equipment selected by the user acquires the update data from the center server and executes the software update.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-169524

In the network system described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to input an instruction to upgrade, a selection of a device to be upgraded, and an instruction to start the upgrade on the home display, which imposes an operation load on the user. It's getting heavier.

Therefore, one or more aspects of the present invention are aimed at reducing the operational load of the user when updating the firmware.

The communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication device capable of communicating with a server, an air conditioner capable of communicating with the communication device, and an operation terminal capable of communicating with the communication device. In a communication system, the communication device receives update data of the firmware of the air conditioner from the server, transmits the update data to the air conditioner, and after the transmission of the update data is completed, the operation terminal. When the operation terminal receives the preparation completion notification, it receives an instruction to update the firmware of the air conditioner with the update data, and the operation terminal receives the instruction to update the firmware of the air conditioner with the update data. When the input of the instruction is received, the firmware is updated with the update data.

According to one or a plurality of aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the operation load of the user when updating the firmware.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system schematicly. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a communication device according to the first embodiment, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment. (A) and (B) are block diagrams showing a hardware configuration example. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an operation terminal according to the first embodiment or the third embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation in the communication system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the operation terminal in Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation in the communication system which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a flowchart which shows the operation which the communication apparatus in Embodiment 3 transmits the update data to the device to be updated. It is a flowchart which shows the operation which the communication apparatus in Embodiment 4 transmits the update data to the device to be updated. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication system which concerns on the modification. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the outdoor unit which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram schematically showing the first structure of the indoor unit which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows schematic 2nd structure of the indoor unit which concerns on a modification. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the operation terminal which concerns on a modification.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the communication system 100 according to the first embodiment.
The communication system 100 includes a communication device 110 and an air conditioning system 130.
The air conditioning system 130 includes an outdoor unit 140-0, N indoor units 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-N (N is an integer of 1 or more), and an operation terminal as an information processing device. It is equipped with 160.
Here, each of the outdoor unit 140-0 and the indoor units 140-1, 140-2, ..., 140-N is also referred to as an air conditioner 140.

The communication device 110 is connected to the network 1 to which the remotely installed server 180 is connected.
Further, the communication device 110, the air conditioner 140, and the operation terminal 160 are connected to the network 2.

Further, each of the air conditioner 140 and the operation terminal 160 in the air conditioning system 130 is also referred to as a control device.

The communication device 110 is a device for connecting the air conditioning system 130 and the server 180, and can transmit data to the control device.

The control device determines the control by the firmware, and updates the firmware when a defect or addition of a function occurs.

Hereinafter, the components of the communication system 100 will be described in detail.
The communication device 110 functions as a gateway between the server 180 and the air conditioning system 130.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the communication device 110.
The communication device 110 includes a device communication unit 111, a device communication unit 112, a device communication control unit 113, a device storage unit 114, and a device data processing unit 115.

The device communication unit 111 is a communication interface that is connected to the network 1 and communicates with the network 1. For example, the device communication unit 111 transmits data to the server 180 and receives data from the server 180 via the network 1.
The device communication unit 112 is a communication interface that is connected to the network 2 and communicates with the network 2. For example, the device communication unit 112 transmits data to the control device of the air conditioning system 130 via the network 2 and receives the data from the control device.

The device communication control unit 113 controls the device communication unit 111 and the device communication unit 112. For example, the device communication control unit 113 controls the device communication unit 111 and the device communication unit 112 to receive the update data or the notification transmitted by the server 180, or to receive the notification transmitted by the control device.
Further, the device communication control unit 113 controls the device communication unit 111 and the device communication unit 112 to transmit a request or notification to the server 180, or to transmit update data or notification to the control device.

The device storage unit 114 is a storage device that stores data. For example, the device storage unit 114 stores the update data of the control device supplied from the device communication unit 111 via the device communication control unit 113. The update data is supplied to the device communication unit 112 via the device communication control unit 113 when the data is transmitted to the device to be updated.

The device data processing unit 115 processes the data in the communication device 110.
For example, the device data processing unit 115 downloads update data from the server 180 via the device communication unit 111 and the device communication control unit 113, and stores the update data in the device storage unit 114. Further, the device data processing unit 115 sends the update data stored in the device storage unit 114 to the control device via the device communication unit 112 and the device communication control unit 113. When the server 180 divides and transmits the update data, the device data processing unit 115 performs a data combination process when storing the update data in the device storage unit 114.

A part or all of the device communication control unit 113 and the device data processing unit 115 described above are, for example, a memory 10 and a program stored in the memory 10, as shown in FIG. 3A. It can be configured by a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the above. Such a program may be provided through a network, or may be recorded and provided on a recording medium. That is, such a program may be provided, for example, as a program product.

Further, a part or all of the device communication control unit 113 and the device data processing unit 115 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, or a parallel program as shown in FIG. 3 (B). It can also be configured by a processing circuit 12 such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The air conditioner 140 functions as a device that actually performs air conditioning in the air conditioning system 130.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the air conditioner 140.
The air conditioner 140 includes an equipment communication unit 141, an equipment communication control unit 142, an equipment storage unit 143, an equipment data processing unit 144, an air conditioning unit 145, and an equipment control unit 146.

The device communication unit 141 is a communication interface that is connected to the network 2 and communicates with the network 2. For example, the device communication unit 141 transmits data to the communication device 110 or the control device via the network 2, and receives the data from the communication device 110 or the control device.

The device communication control unit 142 controls the device communication unit 141. For example, the device communication control unit 142 controls the device communication unit 141 to receive notifications or control commands from other devices connected to the network 2. Further, the device communication control unit 142 controls the device communication unit 141 to transmit a notification to other devices connected to the network 2.

The device storage unit 143 stores data. For example, the device storage unit 143 stores the firmware used for control by the air conditioner 140. The firmware is updated by the update data of the control device supplied via the device communication control unit 142.

The device data processing unit 144 processes the data in the air conditioner 140.
For example, the device data processing unit 144 downloads update data from the communication device 110 via the device communication unit 141 and the device communication control unit 142, and stores the update data in the device storage unit 143.
Further, the device data processing unit 144 updates the firmware stored in the device storage unit 143 by installing the update data stored in the device storage unit 143.

The air conditioning unit 145 performs air conditioning. For example, when the air conditioner 140 is an outdoor unit 140-0, the air conditioner unit 145 includes a heat exchanger, a fan, a compressor, and the like. When the air conditioner 140 is an indoor unit 140-1 to 140-N, the air conditioner unit 145 includes a heat exchanger, a fan, and the like.

The device control unit 146 controls the processing in the air conditioner 140. For example, the device control unit 146 controls the air conditioning. Specifically, the device control unit 146 controls the air conditioning unit 145 based on the firmware held in the device storage unit 143 to perform air conditioning. Further, the device control unit 146 causes the device communication control unit 142 to transmit and receive control information to and from the other air conditioner 140, and performs linked control with the other air conditioner 140.

A part or all of the device communication control unit 142, the device data processing unit 144, and the device control unit 146 described above are, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the memory 10 and the processor 11. Can be configured by. Such a program may be provided through a network, or may be recorded and provided on a recording medium. That is, such a program may be provided, for example, as a program product.
Further, a part or all of the device communication control unit 142, the device data processing unit 144, and the device control unit 146 may be configured by the processing circuit 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (B).

The operation terminal 160 functions as a user interface in the air conditioning system 130.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the operation terminal 160.
The operation terminal 160 includes a terminal communication unit 161, a terminal communication control unit 162, a terminal storage unit 163, a terminal data processing unit 164, a terminal control unit 165, a display unit 166, and an operation unit 167.

The terminal communication unit 161 is a communication interface that is connected to the network 2 and communicates with the network 2. For example, the terminal communication unit 161 transmits data to the communication device 110 or the air conditioner 140 via the network 2, and receives the data from the communication device 110 or the air conditioner 140.

The terminal communication control unit 162 controls the terminal communication unit 161. For example, the terminal communication control unit 162 controls the terminal communication unit 161 to receive a notification or a control command from another device connected to the network 2. Further, the terminal communication control unit 162 controls the terminal communication unit 161 to transmit a notification to other devices connected to the network 2.

The terminal storage unit 163 stores data. For example, the terminal storage unit 163 stores the firmware used for control by the operation terminal 160. The firmware is updated by the update data of the control device supplied via the terminal communication control unit 162.

The terminal data processing unit 164 processes the data in the operation terminal 160.
For example, the terminal data processing unit 164 downloads update data from the communication device 110 via the terminal communication unit 161 and the terminal communication control unit 162, and stores the update data in the terminal storage unit 163.
Further, the terminal data processing unit 164 updates the firmware stored in the terminal storage unit 163 by installing the update data stored in the terminal storage unit 163.

The terminal control unit 165 controls the processing in the operation terminal 160. For example, the terminal control unit 165 controls the air conditioner 140. Specifically, the terminal control unit 165 controls the air conditioner 140 based on the firmware stored in the terminal storage unit 163.

The display unit 166 is a display device that displays a screen image for displaying information on the air conditioning system 130. For example, the display unit 166 displays a screen image based on the information provided by the terminal communication control unit 162 and notified from another device connected to the network 2.

The operation unit 167 is an input device that receives an operation from the user. For example, the operation unit 167 includes an input interface for receiving a request from the user. The input information is communicated from the terminal communication unit 161 to the network 2.

A part or all of the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal data processing unit 164, and the terminal control unit 165 described above are, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the memory 10 and the processor 11. Can be configured by. Such a program may be provided through a network, or may be recorded and provided on a recording medium. That is, such a program may be provided, for example, as a program product.
Further, a part or all of the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal data processing unit 164, and the terminal control unit 165 may be configured by the processing circuit 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (B).

Part or all of network 1 and network 2 may be wireless communication, respectively.
The communication device 110 or the operation terminal 160 may be configured as a part of the air conditioner 140 in terms of hardware.

Next, the operation of the communication system 100 having the above configuration will be described.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the communication system 100.
In the first embodiment, when the control device constituting the air conditioning system 130 needs to be updated with the firmware, the server 180 notifies the communication device 110 that the firmware has been updated (S10). This notification shall include the firmware name, which is the firmware identification information for identifying the firmware to be updated, and the update information indicating the version of the firmware to be updated.

The device data processing unit 115 of the communication device 110 determines whether or not the update is necessary, and if the update is necessary, transmits the update data to the server 180 via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111. Respond to the request (S11). For example, in the device storage unit 114 of the communication device 110, the control device name which is the control device identification information for identifying the control device, the firmware name of the firmware used by the control device, and the firmware name of the firmware used by the control device are used by the control device. It is assumed that the firmware information associated with the existing firmware version is stored. Then, the device data processing unit 115 compares the version notified in step S10 with the corresponding version stored in the device storage unit 114, and the version notified in step S10 is the device storage unit. If it is newer than the corresponding version stored in 114, it is determined that an update is needed.

When the server 180 receives the update data transmission request from the communication device 110, the server 180 transmits the update data to the communication device 110 (S12).
The device data processing unit 115 of the communication device 110 downloads update data from the communication device 110 via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111, and stores the update data in the device storage unit 114 (S13).
When the device data processing unit 115 of the communication device 110 receives all the update data, the device data processing unit 115 notifies the server 180 of the completion of reception via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111 (S14).

When the device data processing unit 115 of the communication device 110 completes the reception of the update data, the device data processing unit 115 is a control device that automatically needs to update the firmware via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111. Transmission of update data to the device is started (S15). Here, it is assumed that the device to be updated is the air conditioner 140.
The device data processing unit 144 of the air conditioner 140, which is the device to be updated, downloads the update data from the communication device 110 via the device communication control unit 142 and the device communication unit 141, and stores the update data in the device storage unit 143 (S16). ).
Then, when the device data processing unit 144 of the air conditioner 140 completes the download of the update data, it notifies the completion of the download to the communication device 110 via the device communication control unit 142 and the device communication unit 141 (S17).

In the communication device 110 that has received the download completion notification, the device data processing unit 115 notifies the operation terminal 160 of the completion of installation preparation via the device communication control unit 142 and the device communication unit 141 (S18). This notification shall include the name of the control device of the device to be updated.
In the operation terminal 160 that has received such a notification, the terminal control unit 165 causes the display unit 166 to display a screen image prompting the start of installation, and waits for input to the operation unit 167 (S19).

When the operation unit 167 of the operation terminal 160 receives the installation start request from the user (S20), the terminal control unit 165 of the operation terminal 160 is the update target device via the terminal communication control unit 162 and the terminal communication unit 161. Notify a certain air conditioner 140 of a request to start installation (S21).
In the air conditioner 140 that has received such a notification, the device data processing unit 144 installs using the downloaded update data and updates the firmware (S22).

When the installation is completed, the device data processing unit 144 of the air conditioner 140 notifies the communication device 110 of the completion of the installation via the device communication control unit 142 and the device communication unit 141 (S23).
In the communication device 110 that has received such a notification, the device data processing unit 115 notifies the server 180 of the completion of the firmware update via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111 (S24).

As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the user only needs to give an update instruction on the operation terminal 160, the operation load of the user can be reduced.
Further, when the user operates the operation terminal 160, since the firmware download has already been completed in the device to be updated, the firmware update is completed in a short time after the user performs the operation.

In the sequence shown in FIG. 6, the case where the update target device is the air conditioner 140 has been described, but when the update target device is the operation terminal 160, the air conditioner 140 shown in FIG. 6 has been described. The operation in (1) may be performed in the operation terminal 160, or the following operation may be performed.
When the operation unit 167 of the operation terminal 160 receives the installation start request from the user in step S20, the terminal control unit 165 of the operation terminal 160 notifies the terminal data processing unit 164 of the installation start request in step S21. Upon receiving such a notification, the terminal data processing unit 164 installs using the downloaded update data in step S22, and updates the firmware. Then, when the installation is completed, the terminal data processing unit 164 notifies the communication device 110 of the completion of the installation via the terminal communication control unit 162 and the terminal communication unit 161 in step S23.

Further, in the sequence shown in FIG. 6, when the user inputs the installation start request in step S20, the operation terminal 160 notifies the air conditioner 140 of the installation start request in step S21. 1 is not limited to such an example.
For example, when the user inputs an installation start request in step S20, the terminal control unit 165 of the operation terminal 160 sends an installation start response to the communication device 110 via the terminal communication control unit 162 and the terminal communication unit 161. Even if the device data processing unit 115 of the communication device 110 that receives such a response notifies the air conditioner 140, which is the device to be updated, of the installation start request via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111. good.

Embodiment 2.
In the first embodiment, the update target device starts installing the update data immediately after the input to the operation terminal 160 by the user is performed.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, the installation is performed at the time set by the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 200 according to the second embodiment includes a communication device 110 and an air conditioning system 230.
The air conditioning system 230 includes an air conditioner 140 and an operation terminal 260.
The air conditioner 140 of the air conditioning system 230 in the second embodiment is the same as the air conditioner 140 of the air conditioning system 130 in the first embodiment.
Also in the second embodiment, each of the air conditioner 140 and the operation terminal 260 is also referred to as a control device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the operation terminal 260 according to the second embodiment.
The operation terminal 260 includes a terminal communication unit 161, a terminal communication control unit 162, a terminal storage unit 163, a terminal data processing unit 164, a terminal control unit 265, a display unit 166, an operation unit 167, and a timer unit 268. And prepare.
The terminal communication unit 161 of the operation terminal 260, the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal storage unit 163, the terminal data processing unit 164, the display unit 166, and the operation unit 167 according to the second embodiment are the terminals of the operation terminal 160 according to the first embodiment. This is the same as the communication unit 161, the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal storage unit 163, the terminal data processing unit 164, the display unit 166, and the operation unit 167.

The terminal control unit 265 performs the same processing as the terminal control unit 165 in the first embodiment, and when the terminal communication control unit 162 and the terminal communication unit 161 notify the display unit 166 of the completion of installation preparation, the terminal control unit 265 performs the same processing as the terminal control unit 165. In the screen image to be displayed, the operation unit 167 is made to accept the input of the time for starting the installation.

The timer unit 268 measures the time according to the instruction from the terminal control unit 265, and when the installation start time comes, notifies the terminal control unit 265 to that effect.
Upon receiving such a notification, the terminal control unit 265 notifies the update target device of the installation start request.

A part or all of the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal data processing unit 164, the terminal control unit 265, and the timer unit 268 described above may be combined with the memory 10 as shown in FIG. 3A, for example. , Can be configured with the processor 11. Such a program may be provided through a network, or may be recorded and provided on a recording medium. That is, such a program may be provided, for example, as a program product.
Further, a part or all of the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal data processing unit 164, the terminal control unit 265, and the timer unit 268 are configured by the processing circuit 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (B). You can also do it.

Next, the operation of the communication system 200 having the above configuration will be described.
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the communication system 200.
In the sequence shown in FIG. 8, the same processing as the sequence shown in FIG. 6 is designated by the same reference numeral as the sequence shown in FIG.

The processing of steps S10 to S18 of FIG. 8 is the same as the processing of steps S10 to S18 of FIG.
When the completion of installation preparation is notified in step S18, the terminal control unit 265 of the operation terminal 260 causes the display unit 166 to display a screen image prompting the start of the installation, and waits for input to the operation unit 167 (S30). ). In the screen image displayed here, the operation unit 167 accepts the input of the time for starting the installation and the request for starting the installation.

When the operation unit 167 of the operation terminal 260 receives the installation start request and the input of the start time from the user, the terminal control unit 265 of the operation terminal 260 notifies the timer unit 268 of the installation start time, and the timer unit 268. Sets the timer at the notified start time (S31).

When the installation start time comes, the timer unit 268 of the operation terminal 260 notifies the terminal control unit 265 to that effect (S32).
Upon receiving the notification that the installation start time has come, the terminal control unit 265 of the operation terminal 260 starts the installation to the air conditioner 140, which is the update target device, via the terminal communication control unit 162 and the terminal communication unit 161. Notify the request (S33).
Hereinafter, the processing of steps S22 to S23 of FIG. 8 is the same as the processing of steps S22 to S23 of FIG.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user can set the time for starting the installation, in other words, the time for updating the firmware, and therefore, the time desired by the user, for example, the control device is used. You can update the firmware at times when it is not.

In the second embodiment, the operation unit 167 accepts the input of the time for starting the installation, but the second embodiment is not limited to such an example. For example, the operation unit 167 may accept input of the time until the installation is started. In such a case, the timer unit 268 notifies the terminal control unit 265 when the input time has elapsed, and the terminal control unit 265 starts installation on the update target device in response to such a notification. Notify the request.

In the sequence shown in FIG. 8, the case where the update target device is the air conditioner 140 has been described, but when the update target device is the operation terminal 260, the air conditioner 140 shown in FIG. 8 has been described. The operation in the above may be performed by the operation terminal 260, or the operation may be as follows.
At the start time of the installation in step S32, the timer unit 268 of the operation terminal 260 notifies the terminal control unit 265 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification that the installation start time has come, the terminal control unit 265 of the operation terminal 260 notifies the terminal data processing unit 164 of the installation start request in step S33. Upon receiving such a notification, the terminal data processing unit 164 installs using the downloaded update data in step S22, and updates the firmware. Then, when the installation is completed, the terminal data processing unit 164 notifies the communication device 110 of the completion of the installation via the terminal communication control unit 162 and the terminal communication unit 161 in step S23.

Embodiment 3.
If the communication device 110 transmits the update data to the update target device at once when the update target device downloads the update data, the network 2 will be occupied.
Therefore, in the third embodiment, the communication load of the network 2 is reduced by dividing the update data into a plurality of blocks and transmitting the update data to the update target device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 300 according to the third embodiment includes a communication device 310 and an air conditioning system 330.
The air conditioning system 330 includes an outdoor unit 340-0, N indoor units 340-1, 340-2, ..., 340-N, and an operation terminal 360.
Here, each of the outdoor unit 340-0 and the indoor unit 340-1, 340-2, ..., 340-N is also referred to as an air conditioner 340.
Further, each of the air conditioner 340 and the operation terminal 360 in the air conditioning system 330 is also referred to as a control device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 310 includes a device communication unit 111, a device communication unit 112, a device communication control unit 113, a device storage unit 114, and a device data processing unit 315.
The device communication unit 111, the device communication unit 112, the device communication control unit 113, and the device storage unit 114 of the communication device 310 according to the third embodiment are the device communication unit 111, the device communication unit 112, of the communication device 110 according to the first embodiment. This is the same as the device communication control unit 113 and the device storage unit 114.

In addition to performing the same processing as in the first embodiment, the device data processing unit 315 divides the update data stored in the device storage unit 114 into divided blocks when sending the update data to the device to be updated, and the device. Each block is sent to the device to be updated via the communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 112.

As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner 340 includes an equipment communication unit 141, an equipment communication control unit 142, an equipment storage unit 143, an equipment data processing unit 344, an air conditioning unit 145, and an equipment control unit 146. And prepare.
The equipment communication unit 141, the equipment communication control unit 142, the equipment storage unit 143, the air conditioning unit 145 and the equipment control unit 146 of the air conditioner 340 according to the third embodiment are the equipment communication unit 141 and the equipment of the air conditioner 140 according to the first embodiment. This is the same as the communication control unit 142, the equipment storage unit 143, the air conditioning unit 145, and the equipment control unit 146.

The device data processing unit 344 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and when a block in which the update data is divided is sent from the communication device 310, the block is combined to restore the update data. Then, the device data processing unit 344 stores the restored update data in the device storage unit 143.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operation terminal 360 includes a terminal communication unit 161, a terminal communication control unit 162, a terminal storage unit 163, a terminal data processing unit 364, a terminal control unit 165, and a display unit 166. And an operation unit 167.
The terminal communication unit 161, the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal storage unit 163, the terminal control unit 165, the display unit 166, and the operation unit 167 of the operation terminal 360 according to the third embodiment are used for the terminal communication of the operation terminal 160 according to the first embodiment. It is the same as the unit 161, the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal storage unit 163, the terminal control unit 165, the display unit 166, and the operation unit 167.

The terminal data processing unit 364 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and when a block in which the update data is divided is sent from the communication device 310, the block is combined to restore the update data. Then, the terminal data processing unit 364 stores the restored update data in the terminal storage unit 163.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the communication device 310 according to the third embodiment transmits update data to the update target device.
First, the device data processing unit 315 of the communication device 310 determines the maximum size per block in order to divide the update data into blocks (S40). For example, the device data processing unit 315 inquires about the maximum receivable size of the device to be updated via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111, and receives the response from the device to be updated. Determine the maximum size of the block.

Next, the device data processing unit 315 divides the update data into a plurality of blocks based on the maximum block size (S41).
Next, the device data processing unit 315 notifies the update target device of the number of divisions of the update data via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111 (S42).

Next, the device data processing unit 315 sends one block at a time to the device to be updated via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111 (S43). Here, it is assumed that each block is given a sequence number as block identification information for identifying each block. Then, the device data processing unit 344 or the terminal data processing unit 364 of the device to be updated stores the reception success / failure information indicating the reception success / failure in the device storage unit 143 or the terminal storage unit 163 in association with the sequence number of each block. ..

Next, the device data processing unit 315 of the communication device 310 determines whether or not the transmission of all the blocks is completed (S44). When the transmission of all the blocks is completed (Yes in S44), the process proceeds to step S45, and when there is a block that has not yet been transmitted (No in S44), the process returns to step S43.

In step S45, the device data processing unit 315 inquires the device to be updated whether the reception is successful or not via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111. In the device to be updated that receives such an inquiry, the device data processing unit 344 or the terminal data processing unit 364 confirms the success or failure of reception by referring to the reception success / failure information, and the reception of all blocks is successful. In that case, it responds to that effect, and if there is a block that failed to receive, it responds with the sequence number of that block.

Then, the device data processing unit 315 of the communication device 310 determines whether or not the update target device has succeeded in receiving all the blocks based on the response from the update target device (S46). When the update target device succeeds in receiving all the blocks (Yes in S46), the process ends, and when there is a block in which the reception fails (No in S46), the process proceeds to step S47.

In step S47, the device data processing unit 315 retransmits the block that failed to receive to the device to be updated via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111. Then, the process returns to step S45.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the update data is divided and transmitted for each block, so that the network 2 is not occupied.

Embodiment 4.
As in the third embodiment, when it is determined whether or not the update data has been received, the device to be updated needs a flag in each device storage unit 143 or terminal storage unit 163 having the same number of bits as the total number of blocks. It is necessary to increase the capacity of the storage unit 143 or the terminal storage unit 163.
Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the update data is divided into blocks, and at the same time, a plurality of blocks are collected into one segment, and the success or failure of reception is confirmed for each segment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 400 according to the fourth embodiment includes a communication device 410 and an air conditioning system 430.
The air conditioning system 430 includes an outdoor unit 440-0, N indoor units 440-1, 440-2, ..., 440-N, and an operation terminal 460.
Here, each of the outdoor unit 440-0 and the indoor unit 440-1, 440-2, ..., 440-N is also referred to as an air conditioner 440.
Further, each of the air conditioner 440 and the operation terminal 460 in the air conditioning system 430 is also referred to as a control device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 410 includes a device communication unit 111, a device communication unit 112, a device communication control unit 113, a device storage unit 114, and a device data processing unit 415.
The device communication unit 111, the device communication unit 112, the device communication control unit 113, and the device storage unit 114 of the communication device 410 according to the fourth embodiment are the device communication unit 111, the device communication unit 112, of the communication device 110 according to the first embodiment. This is the same as the device communication control unit 113 and the device storage unit 114.

In addition to performing the same processing as in the first embodiment, the device data processing unit 415 divides the update data stored in the device storage unit 114 into divided blocks when sending the update data to the device to be updated, and the device. Each block is sent to the device to be updated via the communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 112.
Then, the device data processing unit 415 confirms the success or failure of reception with the device to be updated for each segment, with a block having a number smaller than the number of divisions in which the update data is divided into blocks as one segment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner 440 includes an equipment communication unit 141, an equipment communication control unit 142, an equipment storage unit 143, an equipment data processing unit 444, an air conditioning unit 145, and an equipment control unit 146. And prepare.
The equipment communication unit 141, the equipment communication control unit 142, the equipment storage unit 143, the air conditioning unit 145 and the equipment control unit 146 of the air conditioner 440 according to the fourth embodiment are the equipment communication unit 141 and the equipment of the air conditioner 140 according to the first embodiment. This is the same as the communication control unit 142, the equipment storage unit 143, the air conditioning unit 145, and the equipment control unit 146.

The device data processing unit 444 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and when a block in which the update data is divided is sent from the communication device 410, the device data processing unit 444 combines the blocks to restore the update data. Then, the device data processing unit 444 stores the restored update data in the device storage unit 143.
Further, the device data processing unit 444 determines the success or failure of receiving the block from the communication device 410 for each segment, and responds to the communication device 410 with the success or failure.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operation terminal 460 includes a terminal communication unit 161, a terminal communication control unit 162, a terminal storage unit 163, a terminal data processing unit 464, a terminal control unit 165, and a display unit 166. And an operation unit 167.
The terminal communication unit 161, the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal storage unit 163, the terminal control unit 165, the display unit 166, and the operation unit 167 of the operation terminal 460 according to the fourth embodiment are used for the terminal communication of the operation terminal 160 according to the first embodiment. It is the same as the unit 161, the terminal communication control unit 162, the terminal storage unit 163, the terminal control unit 165, the display unit 166, and the operation unit 167.

The terminal data processing unit 464 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and when a block in which the update data is divided is sent from the communication device 410, the terminal data processing unit 464 combines the blocks to restore the update data. Then, the terminal data processing unit 464 stores the restored update data in the terminal storage unit 163.
Further, the terminal data processing unit 464 determines the success or failure of receiving the block from the communication device 410 for each segment, and responds to the communication device 410 with the success or failure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the communication device 410 according to the fourth embodiment transmits update data to the update target device.
First, the device data processing unit 415 of the communication device 410 divides the update data into blocks and sends them in segments, so that the maximum size per block and the number of blocks included in one segment are determined (S50). For example, the device data processing unit 415 inquires about the maximum size that can be received and the number of blocks that can be continuously received from the device to be updated via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111, and updates the data. By receiving the response from the target device, the maximum size of one block and the number of blocks included in one segment are determined.

Next, the device data processing unit 415 divides the update data into a plurality of blocks based on the maximum block size, and classifies the divided plurality of blocks into a plurality of segments (S51). Here, one segment contains two or more blocks.
Next, the device data processing unit 415 notifies the update target device of the number of divisions of the update data via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111 (S52).
Further, the device data processing unit 415 notifies the update target device of the number of blocks included in the target segment, which is the segment to be transmitted next, via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111 (S53).

Next, the device data processing unit 415 sends a plurality of blocks classified into the target segment to the device to be updated one block at a time via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111 (S54). Here, it is assumed that each block is given a sequence number as block identification information for identifying each block. Then, the device data processing unit 444 or the terminal data processing unit 464 of the device to be updated stores the reception success / failure information indicating the reception success / failure in the device storage unit 143 or the terminal storage unit 163 in association with the sequence number of each block. ..

Next, the device data processing unit 415 of the communication device 410 determines whether or not the transmission of all the blocks included in the target segment is completed (S55). When the transmission of all the blocks included in the target segment is completed (Yes in S55), the process proceeds to step S56, and when there is a block that has not yet been transmitted (No in S55), the process proceeds to step S54. Return to.

In step S56, the device data processing unit 415 inquires the device to be updated whether the reception is successful or not via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111. In the device to be updated that receives such an inquiry, the device data processing unit 444 or the terminal data processing unit 464 confirms the success or failure of reception by referring to the reception success / failure information, and receives all the blocks included in the target segment. If it succeeds, it responds to that effect, and if there is a block that failed to receive, it responds with the sequence number of that block.

Then, the device data processing unit 415 of the communication device 410 determines whether or not the update target device has succeeded in receiving all the blocks included in the target segment based on the response from the update target device (S57). If there is a block that failed to receive (No in S57), the process proceeds to step S58, and if the device to be updated succeeds in receiving all the blocks (Yes in S57), the process proceeds to step S59.

In step S58, the device data processing unit 415 retransmits the block that failed to receive to the device to be updated via the device communication control unit 113 and the device communication unit 111. Then, the process returns to step S56.

On the other hand, in step S59, the device data processing unit 415 determines whether or not the block transmission is completed for all the segments. When the block transmission is completed for all segments (Yes in S59), the process ends, and when there is a block segment that has not been transmitted yet (No in S59), the process returns to step S53. You will be notified of the number of blocks contained in the next segment.
The number of blocks included in the segment may be different for each segment.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the device to be updated may manage the success or failure of block reception for each segment, the capacities of the device storage unit 143 and the terminal storage unit 163 required for reception success or failure are reduced. can do.

In the first embodiment described above, the communication device 110, the outdoor unit 140-0, the indoor units 140-1 to 140-N, and the operation terminal 160 are connected to the network 2 so that they can communicate with each other. However, the first embodiment is not limited to such an example.
For example, it may be configured as in the communication system 100 # shown in FIG.
In such a case, as shown in FIG. 12, the device communication unit 111 of the communication device 110 # is connected to the network 1, and the device communication unit 112 # is connected to the outdoor unit 140-0 #.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the outdoor unit 140-0 # further includes a device communication unit 147 # 1. The device communication unit 141 # 1 is connected to the communication device 110 #, and the device communication unit 147 # 1 is connected to the indoor unit 140-1 # to the indoor unit 140-N #. The device communication control unit 142 # 1 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and also has a communication protocol used by the communication device 110 # and a communication protocol used by the indoor unit 140-1 # to the indoor unit 140-N #. Is performed, and the communication between the communication device 110 # and the indoor unit 140-1 # to the indoor unit 140-N # is relayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the indoor unit 140-1 # further includes a device communication unit 147 # 2. The device communication unit 141 # 2 is connected to the outdoor unit 140-0 # and the indoor unit 140-2 # to the indoor unit 140-N #, and the device communication unit 147 # 2 is connected to the operation terminal 160 #. There is. The device communication control unit 142 # 2 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and also has a communication protocol used by the outdoor unit 140-0 # and the indoor unit 140-2 # to the indoor unit 140-N #, and an operation terminal. It converts between the communication protocol used by 160 # and relays the communication between the outdoor unit 140-0 # or the indoor unit 140-2 # to the indoor unit 140-N # and the operation terminal 160 #.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the device communication unit 141 # 3 of the indoor unit 140-2 # to the indoor unit 140-N # includes the outdoor unit 140-0 # and other indoor units 140-1 # to. It is connected to 140-N.
Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the terminal communication unit 161 # of the operation terminal 160 # is connected to the indoor unit 140-1 #.

With the above configuration, the communication device 110 # and the indoor unit 140-1 # to the indoor unit 140-N # can communicate with each other via the outdoor unit 140-0 #.
Further, the communication device 110 # and the operation terminal 160 # can communicate with each other via the outdoor unit 140-0 # and the indoor unit 140-1 #.
Further, the outdoor unit 140-0 # and the operation terminal 160 # can communicate with each other via the indoor unit 140-1 #.
Then, the operation terminal 160 # and the indoor unit 140-2 # to the indoor unit 140-N # can communicate with each other via the indoor unit 140-1 #.

Although FIGS. 11 to 16 have described variations of the communication system 100 according to the first embodiment, the communication systems 200 to 400 according to the second to fourth embodiments are based on the same concept. It can be transformed.

In the communication systems 100 to 400 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the communication devices 110, 310, 410 capable of communicating with the server 180 and the air conditioners 140, 340 capable of communicating with the communication devices 110, 310, 410 It includes a 440 and operating terminals 160 to 460 capable of communicating with the communication devices 110, 310, 410. The communication devices 110, 310, and 410 receive the firmware update data of the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 from the server 180, transmit the update data to the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440, and after the transmission of the update data is completed. , Send the preparation completion notification to the operation terminals 160 to 460. Upon receiving the preparation completion notification, the operation terminals 160 to 460 receive an input of an instruction to update the firmware of the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 with the update data. Then, the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 update the firmware with the update data when the operation terminals 160 to 460 receive the input of the instruction. As a result, the communication systems 100 to 400 according to the first to fourth embodiments can update the firmware of the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 by one operation from the user.

Further, when the operation terminals 160 to 460 in the first to fourth embodiments receive the input of the update instruction, the operation terminals 160 to 460 transmit a request to start the firmware update to the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440. The air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 update the firmware with the update data when such a request is received. As a result, the communication systems 100 to 400 according to the first to fourth embodiments can update the firmware of the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 by one operation from the user.

Further, when the operation terminal 260 in the second embodiment receives the input of the instruction to update, the operation terminal 260 accepts the input of the time to start updating the firmware with the update data, and when the time comes, the firmware update is started. The request to be made is transmitted to the air conditioner 140. When the air conditioner 140 receives such a request, the air conditioner 140 updates the firmware with the update data. As a result, the user who operates the operation terminal 260 can update the firmware at a desired time such as a time when the air conditioner 140 is not used.

Further, when the operation terminal 260 in the second embodiment receives the input of the instruction to update, the operation terminal 260 accepts the input of the time until the update of the firmware is started with the update data, and when the time elapses, the firmware is updated. Is transmitted to the air conditioner 140 to start. When the air conditioner 140 receives such a request, the air conditioner 140 updates the firmware with the update data. As a result, the user who operates the operation terminal 260 can update the firmware after a desired time such as a time when the air conditioner 140 is not used.

Further, when the operation terminals 160 to 460 in the first to fourth embodiments receive the input of the update instruction, the operation terminals 160 to 460 transmit the response to update the firmware to the communication devices 110, 310, 410. When the communication devices 110, 310, and 410 receive such a response, they transmit a request to start updating the firmware to the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440. The air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 update the firmware with the update data when such a request is received. As a result, the communication systems 100 to 400 according to the first to fourth embodiments can update the firmware of the air conditioners 140, 340, and 440 by one operation from the user.

Further, the communication device 310 according to the third embodiment divides the update data into a plurality of blocks, and transmits the plurality of blocks to the air conditioner 340 one by one. Then, when the air conditioner 340 cannot receive one or a plurality of blocks among the plurality of blocks after the transmission of the plurality of blocks is completed, the communication device 310 receives the one or the plurality of blocks by the air conditioner 340. Send again to. As a result, the communication system 100 according to the third embodiment does not occupy the communication path due to the update data.

Further, the communication device 410 according to the fourth embodiment divides the update data into a plurality of blocks, and divides the divided plurality of blocks into a plurality of segments so that one segment includes two or more blocks. Classify. The communication device 410 transmits to the air conditioner 440 one block of two or more classified into the one segment for each segment included in the plurality of segments. Then, after the transmission of the two or more blocks classified into the one segment is completed, the communication device 410 sets one or a plurality of blocks among the two or more blocks classified into the one segment into the air conditioner 440. If the block cannot be received, the block thereof is transmitted to the air conditioner 440 again. As a result, the air conditioner 440 according to the third embodiment may manage the blocks for each segment, and the memory capacity for managing the blocks can be reduced.

100,200,300,400 communication system, 110,310,410 communication device, 111 device communication unit, 112 device communication unit, 113 device communication control unit, 114 device storage unit, 115,315,415 device data processing unit, 130 , 230, 330, 430 Air conditioning system, 140, 340, 440 air conditioner, 141 equipment communication unit, 142 equipment communication control unit, 143 equipment storage unit, 144, 344,444 equipment data processing unit, 145 air conditioning unit, 146 equipment control Unit, 160, 260, 360, 460 Operation terminal, 161 terminal communication unit, 162 terminal communication control unit, 163 terminal storage unit, 164,364,364 terminal data processing unit, 165, terminal control unit, 166 display unit, 167 operation Part, 268 Timer part.

Claims (7)

A communication device that can communicate with the server,
An air conditioner capable of communicating with the communication device,
A communication system including an operation terminal capable of communicating with the communication device.
The communication device receives the update data of the firmware of the air conditioner from the server, transmits the update data to the air conditioner, and after the transmission of the update data is completed, transmits the preparation completion notification to the operation terminal. death,
Upon receiving the preparation completion notification, the operation terminal accepts an input of an instruction to update the firmware of the air conditioner with the update data.
The air conditioner is a communication system characterized in that when the operation terminal receives an input of the instruction, the firmware is updated with the update data. When the operation terminal receives the input of the instruction, the operation terminal sends a request to start updating the firmware to the air conditioner.
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner updates the firmware with the update data when the request is received. When the operation terminal receives the input of the instruction, the operation terminal accepts the input of the time at which the firmware update is started in the update data, and when the time is reached, the air conditioning requests to start the firmware update. Send to the machine,
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner updates the firmware with the update data when the request is received. When the operation terminal receives the input of the instruction, the operation terminal accepts the input of the time until the update of the firmware is started in the update data, and when the time has elapsed, the operation terminal requests to start the update of the firmware. Send to the air conditioner
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner updates the firmware with the update data when the request is received. When the operation terminal receives the input of the instruction, the operation terminal sends a response to update the firmware to the communication device.
Upon receiving the response, the communication device sends a request to start updating the firmware to the air conditioner.
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner updates the firmware with the update data when the request is received. The communication device divides the update data into a plurality of blocks, transmits the plurality of blocks one by one to the air conditioner, and after the transmission of the plurality of blocks is completed, one of the plurality of blocks or one of the plurality of blocks. The communication according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the air conditioner cannot receive a plurality of blocks, the one or the plurality of blocks are transmitted again to the air conditioner. system. The communication device divides the update data into a plurality of blocks, classifies the divided plurality of blocks into a plurality of segments so that one segment includes two or more blocks, and the air conditioner. The two or more blocks are transmitted to the machine one by one for each of the one segment, and after the transmission of the two or more blocks classified into the one segment is completed, the said one classified into the one segment. According to claim 1, when the air conditioner cannot receive one or more blocks among the two or more blocks, the one or more blocks are transmitted to the air conditioner again. 5. The communication system according to any one of 5.

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