JP7398018B1 - Alarms and alarm systems - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an alarm device and an alarm system that can appropriately adopt a new control method and reduce the period during which each function, such as an alarm function, of the alarm device is stopped. An alarm device 100 according to an embodiment performs notifications based on monitoring results of the surrounding environment and communication with external devices according to instructions included in built-in software SW. The alarm device 100 is configured to periodically communicate information about the alarm device 100 with an external device E at a predetermined period, and the software SW is built-in so that it can be updated after the alarm device 100 starts to be used. The update is performed using update data for update that is divided and sent from the external device E through multiple regular communications. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an alarm device and an alarm system for monitoring the surrounding environment.

Conventionally, alarm devices that detect fires, gas leaks, etc. in factories and homes and issue alarms have sensing means such as sensors that detect temperature and the presence of various gases, and sensors that detect abnormalities based on the detection results. It is equipped with a control means such as a microcomputer that determines the presence or absence, and a notification means that emits light, sound, etc. as a warning based on the determination result of the control means. In such an alarm device, a microcomputer or the like as a control means is configured to control the sensing means and notification means according to a program stored in a storage means such as a ROM to monitor the surrounding environment and issue an alarm when an abnormality is detected. ing.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in an alarm system in which a plurality of alarm devices issue alarms in conjunction with each other by sharing alarm information via wireless communication, a program executed by a control circuit is a program stored in a first storage unit. It is disclosed that the function as a parent station and the function as a slave station can be switched by switching between programs stored in the second storage unit.

JP 2019-179329 Publication

In the field of alarm devices that detect the occurrence of fire or the presence of gas and issue an alarm, there are requirements to comply with the laws and regulations set by the country or local government where the alarm device is used, such as regulations regarding sensing performance and determination of abnormality. Standards for temperature and gas concentration may change. Further, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, an alarm device may be used by being connected to an external device via a communication line. In addition, the communication protocols that devices with communication functions, including such alarms, comply with are subject to changes in response to the development of new communication technologies and infrastructure, and/or to new hacking techniques that appear on a daily basis. In order to compete with this, updates are constantly being made.

Therefore, alarms, especially alarms with communication functions, need to be used in order to keep up with changes in laws and regulations and advances in technology, as well as to protect the functions of alarms from new threats to alarms. Even after the start of the project, it is necessary to update the software that describes the alarm control method as appropriate. If such control software is not updated appropriately, for example, it may not be able to keep up with changes in laws and regulations, and the alarm may become virtually unusable even though the alarm itself is operable, or communications may be affected. Alarms can also be exposed to malicious technology that threatens security.

However, in the case of a configuration in which the alarm function is affected while updating the control software, the alarm function may be restricted for a long time depending on the volume of update data, for example. In such a case, notification that the surrounding environment is in an abnormal state may be delayed, potentially exposing the user to danger. Further, stopping the alarm function for a long time may violate the laws and regulations governing alarm devices such as those mentioned above.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is an alarm device and an alarm device that can incorporate a new control method as appropriate, and that can reduce the period during which each function, such as the alarm function, of the alarm device is stopped. The purpose is to provide a system.

The alarm device of the present invention is an alarm device that makes a notification based on the monitoring result of the surrounding environment and communicates with an external device according to instructions included in built-in software. The system is configured to periodically communicate information about the alarm at predetermined intervals, and the software is built-in so that it can be updated after the alarm starts being used.Updates can be sent from external devices through multiple regular communications. This is executed using update data for updates that are sent in parts.

The alarm system of the present invention includes an alarm device that makes a notification based on the results of monitoring the surrounding environment according to instructions included in built-in software, and a control device that exchanges information with the alarm device through communication. The alarm is configured to periodically communicate information about the alarm with the control device at a predetermined period, and the software is built-in so that it can be updated after the alarm starts to be used. The control device is configured to divide the update data for update and send it to the alarm device through multiple periodic communications, and the alarm device is configured to execute the update using the update data sent in pieces. ing.

The alarm device of the present invention is configured to issue a notification to notify an external device that an alarm has been issued when an alarm is issued based on the monitoring result, and the update is further divided into divided parts included in a response signal to the notification. It may also be executed using updated data.

In the alarm system of the present invention, the alarm device is configured to notify the control device of the issue of the alarm when issuing the alarm based on the monitoring result, and the control device receives the divided update data. At least a portion of the response signal may be stored in an empty area of a response signal to the notification and transmitted to the alarm.

In the alarm system of the present invention, update data that is stored in an area where invalid data is stored and sent when update data is not transmitted among a plurality of areas that constitute a data transmission unit to an alarm device in regular communication. The update may be performed using

In the alarm device or alarm system of the present invention, the alarm device may be configured not to update while issuing an alarm based on a monitoring result.

In the alarm or alarm system of the present invention, the alarm may be configured to start updating upon receiving all of the divided update data.

In the alarm or alarm system of the present invention, the alarm is configured to recognize that it has received all of the divided update data based on the code included in the unit of data transmission to the alarm in regular communication. may have been done.

In the alarm device or alarm system of the present invention, the alarm device may include a storage area in which software is built-in and a storage area in which update data is stored.

According to the present invention, a new control method can be adopted as appropriate, and the period during which each function such as an alarm function of an alarm device can be stopped can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration and storage contents of a storage area of an alarm device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a data transmission unit between an alarm device and an external device according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation of the alarm device of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for requesting an update in an alarm device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correspondence between the update priority and execution determination according to the remaining battery level in the alarm device of one embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the outline of another example of the alarm device of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows another example of operation of the alarm device of one embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an outline of a modification of an alarm device of one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an alarm system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an alarm system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings merely show an example of the alarm device or alarm system according to the present invention. The configuration and operation of the alarm device and alarm system according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and operation illustrated in the embodiments described below and the attached drawings.

<Basic configuration and operation of alarm device of one embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the main components of an alarm device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The alarm device 100 of one embodiment is installed in a residence, a factory, etc., or carried by a user, and monitors the environment around the alarm device 100, for example. When the surrounding environment is in a specific state, the alarm device 100 detects it and, for example, issues an alarm or sends a signal. Notify surrounding people and designated equipment of abnormal conditions that could pose a risk to property. Examples of specific conditions include occurrence of fire, gas leak, fullness of carbon monoxide, fullness of smoke, excessive temperature and humidity, but the specific conditions detected by the alarm 100 are not limited to these. .

As shown in FIG. 1, the alarm device 100 includes a control section 10, a communication section 20, a power supply section 3 that supplies the power required by the control section 10 and the communication section 20, and a power supply section 3 that is operated by a user of the alarm device 100, for example. and an operated section 5 that is operated. The control unit 10 controls a notification function that monitors the surrounding environment and provides notification based on the monitoring result. That is, the control unit 10 controls the essential functions of the alarm device 100, from monitoring the surrounding environment to issuing notifications based on monitoring results, such as issuing an alarm. The communication unit 20 controls communication functions of the alarm device 100, including communication between the alarm device 100 and external equipment E, such as signal transmission and reception.

The communication unit 20 may directly transmit and receive data to and from the external device E via the wireless line C1 or the wired line C2. ) or the like may be used to transmit and receive data to and from an external device E via a network N such as . Examples of the external device E include an alarm device of the same type other than the alarm device 100, or an alarm device with a different detection target. The external device E is an information processing device such as a server that monitors or controls the operation of the alarm device 100 and/or collects and statistically processes or analyzes the detection results or alarm issuing progress of the alarm device 100. It's okay. However, the external device E is not limited to these.

In the alarm device 100 of the present embodiment, the communication unit 20 monitors the state of the power supply unit 3 (for example, the remaining battery level or dead battery when the power supply unit 3 is a battery as described later) during normal monitoring. ), is configured to perform communication (periodic communication) that sends the status of the alarm device 100, such as failure, alarm issuing, etc., to the external device E at a predetermined period. By performing periodic communication, it may be possible to receive appropriate control from the external device E in a timely manner. The predetermined period is appropriately selected depending on the object to be detected by the alarm device 100, the place of use, and the like. The predetermined period may be, for example, about several minutes, several hours, or about several days.

The power supply section 3 supplies power to each component inside the alarm device 100, including the control section 10 and the communication section 20. The power supply unit 3 supplies each component with power supplied from, for example, a commercial power source (not shown). In that case, the power supply unit 3 may include, for example, an inverter that converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power of a desired voltage, or a voltage regulator that stabilizes the power supply voltage applied to the components in the alarm 100. etc. The power supply unit 3 may supply each component in the alarm 100 with DC power from a primary battery such as a lithium primary battery or a dry cell, or a secondary battery such as a battery, instead of power from a commercial power source. That is, the alarm 100 may be a battery-powered alarm, and in particular may be an alarm powered by power from a non-rechargeable primary battery.

The alarm device 100 of this embodiment has a built-in software SW, and performs the above-mentioned monitoring of the surrounding environment, notification based on the monitoring results, and communication with the external device E, according to instructions included in the software SW. In the example of FIG. 1, the software SW included in the alarm device 100 is stored in the storage means 11 included in the processing device 1 constituting the control section 10 and the communication section 20, respectively. The processing device 1 includes a semiconductor device that specifically controls the notification function by the control section 10 and the control of communication with the external device E by the communication section 20. Note that in this embodiment, the alarm device 100 may include a storage means (not shown) such as a ROM that stores software SW executed by the processing device 1, separately from the processing device 1.

In the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, the software SW is built-in so that the software SW can be updated according to a request after the alarm device 100 starts to be used. Since the software SW including the commands that the alarm device 100 follows can be updated even after the alarm device 100 starts to be used, it is possible to update the software SW including the commands that the alarm device 100 follows, for example, in response to changes in regulations to comply with, changes in communication standards used for communication with external equipment E, etc. , the software SW can be updated to properly operate the alarm device 100.

Furthermore, in the alarm device 100 of the present embodiment, the control unit 10 is configured to issue an alarm in response to detection of an abnormality in the surrounding environment, and also to issue a notification to notify the external device E that an alarm is being issued. ing. Therefore, the alarm can be delivered not only to the area around the alarm device 100 but also to a wide area. For example, it is possible to notify users and their related parties at a distance that there is a specific abnormal environment around the alarm device 100. Therefore, it is possible to prompt prompt measures to resolve the abnormal condition, and it may be possible to prevent damage from occurring or from expanding.

Furthermore, the alarm device 100 of this embodiment is configured to perform periodic communication in which the status of the alarm device 100 is periodically transmitted to the external device E, as described above. Here, some communication standards stipulate that a response signal be returned from the receiving side for each transmission unit of data, such as a communication packet, sent from the transmitting side. Therefore, in this embodiment, when there is an update of the software SW, update data for updating the software SW is sent in a response signal from the external device E in regular communication for each data transmission unit. Update data necessary for one update is divided and sent over multiple periodic communications. The software SW is then updated using the update data sent through multiple regular communications.

Note that in this specification, "updating the software SW" may be a full update or a partial update of the software SW. Further, the update data for updating the software SW included in the response signal from the external device E in the regular communication may be a part of the update data, and the remaining update data is included in the response signal from the external device E in the regular communication. The response signal may be sent by communication other than the response signal from (for example, communication dedicated to transmitting update data).

The alarm device 100 may be configured such that the alarm function is affected during an update of the control software. In that case, depending on the volume of update data, the alarm function may be restricted for a long time. For example, when the control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 share the processing device 1 like the alarm device 100 shown in FIG. Functionality may be limited. In the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the update data for updating is sent as being included in the response signal from the external device E in regular communication. Therefore, a new control method can be adopted as appropriate, and the period during which each function such as the alarm function of the alarm device is stopped can be reduced. Furthermore, by using regular communication, update data for updates can be efficiently sent and received.

As described above, in the alarm device 100, notifications based on the monitoring results of the surrounding environment and communication with the external device E are performed in accordance with the commands included in the software SW. Therefore, the software SW update may include both an update regarding the notification function and an update regarding the communication function. However, since updates related to the notification function are updates to the essential functions of the alarm device 100, in order to avoid any problems due to, for example, incomplete update data, the notification function can be updated from software SW updates that can be performed in the alarm device 100. Updates related to this may be excluded. That is, the update of the software SW may be an update related to the communication function, which is considered to be unlikely to affect the notification function. The "update related to communication function" and the "update related to notification function" will be explained in detail later along with examples.

<Configuration of control unit>
The configuration and operation of the alarm device of this embodiment will be explained in more detail below. In the example of FIG. 1, the control unit 10 includes a detection unit 12, a notification unit 13, and the aforementioned processing device 1 and its peripheral circuits (not shown). The processing device 1 is shared between the control section 10 and the communication section 20.

The detection unit 12 mainly includes various sensors that monitor physical phenomena in a monitoring target area around the alarm device 100 and output monitoring data. Various types of sensors include, for example, various gas sensors that detect carbon monoxide gas (CO), methane gas (CH ₄ ), or propane gas (C ₃ H ₈ ), temperature sensors such as thermistors, humidity sensors, smoke sensors, and odor sensors. It may be a sensor or the like. The detection unit 12 may be composed of one or more of these sensors. For example, if a gas leak is detected by various gas sensors, the alarm 100 may be a gas alarm; if a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, etc. detect the occurrence of a fire, the alarm 100 may be a fire alarm. obtain.

The notification unit 13 is constituted by a means for notifying the user of the alarm device 100, such as a light emitting diode, a display, a buzzer, and/or a speaker, and issues an alarm by emitting light, ringing, and/or sound. emanate. In addition to issuing an alarm, the notification unit 13 may also operate to inform the user of information regarding the status of the alarm device 100 and the environment of the monitoring area that does not warrant issuing an alarm.

The processing device 1 is composed of a semiconductor device such as a microcomputer or an ASIC, and operates according to a built-in program. Note that if the alarm device 100 includes a storage device (not shown) such as a ROM apart from the processing device 1, the processing device 1 may operate according to a program stored in this external storage device. The processing device 1 preferably has a calculation function, a comparison function, a storage function, and the like. In the control unit 10, the processing device 1 controls the entire operation related to the notification function of the alarm device 100, including the operation of the detection unit 12 and the notification unit 13. For example, the processing device 1 determines whether the concentration of carbon monoxide or gas, the ambient temperature, the concentration of smoke, etc. indicated by the detection data obtained from the detection unit 12 exceed a predetermined threshold value. When the temperature, concentration, etc. exceed the threshold value, the notification section 13 is caused to perform notification in a manner determined depending on the extent of the exceedance, for example.

The processing device 1 in the example of FIG. 1 includes a storage means 11 that stores arbitrary information necessary for processing in the processing device 1. The storage means 11 may be a memory space such as a ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), RAM, flash memory, and various registers, which are built into the processing device 1 . The storage unit 11 stores, for example, a threshold value that is a criterion for issuing an alarm and is compared with the detection data of the detection unit 12, and a notification mode in the notification unit 13 that is associated with the comparison result between this threshold value and the detection data. , a predetermined threshold value regarding the remaining amount of the battery in the case of a battery type, information regarding the state of the communication unit 20, and the like are stored. In the example of FIG. 1, a memory that may constitute the storage means 11, such as an EPROM (erasable PROM), stores software SW that includes a program that describes instructions that the alarm device 100 follows.

<Composition of communication department>
The communication unit 20 includes the processing device 1 and its peripheral circuits (not shown), which are shared with the control unit 10 described above, and a transmitting/receiving unit 22. The transmitting/receiving unit 22 transmits and receives signals to and from the external device E by wireless communication or wired communication. The transmitting/receiving unit 22 is configured to transmit and receive electrical signals between the external device E and the alarm 100 using hardware such as an integrated circuit device or an electric circuit consisting of individual components (for example, a communication device such as an ASIC). (control IC or modem IC, peripheral circuits, etc.). The transmitting/receiving section 22 performs conversion, amplification, modulation/demodulation of transmitted/received signals, and setting of a link with the external device E.

In the communication section 20, the processing device 1 controls the entire operation necessary for communication between the alarm device 100 and the external device E, which is performed by the transmitter/receiver section 22 while the alarm device 100 is in operation. For example, the processing device 1 may control the operation of sending information related to the notification performed based on the monitoring result of the surrounding environment in the alarm device 100 to the external device E. This "information regarding notifications" is not particularly limited as long as it is related to notifications performed in the alarm device 100 based on monitoring results. For example, "information related to notification" includes sequential or continuous detection data obtained by the detection unit 12, a threshold value for determining that the surrounding environment is in a specific state (alarm issuing criteria), an alarm issuing history, and The state of the alarm device 100 may be (for example, in a normal state and performing normal monitoring, in the case of a battery-powered device, the remaining battery level or a dead battery, in failure, issuing an alarm, etc.). The processing device 1 may further control the operation of sending information other than the above-mentioned "information related to notification" to the external device E, and the operation of receiving arbitrary information such as information related to control of the alarm device 100 from the external device E. May be controlled.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the processing device 1 includes a clock means 21 . For example, the timer 21 counts the elapsed time from a specific point in time. The clock means 21 may be, for example, a counter or a timer configured in a semiconductor device such as a microcomputer that constitutes the processing device 1. The timer 21 counts the elapsed time since the last time the status of the alarm device 100 was sent, for example, in the above-mentioned "regular communication" performed by the communication unit 20.

The operated section 5 is provided in the alarm device 100 so that it can be operated by, for example, a user or an administrator of the alarm device 100. Various manual operations are performed on the operated section 5 to instruct the alarm device 100 to perform various predetermined operations. A manual operation may be performed on the operated unit 5 to request an update of the software SW. Further, an operation (hereinafter also referred to as "first operation") may be performed on the operated unit 5 to instruct a predetermined operation other than updating the software SW. The operated unit 5 can receive such an operation that requests an update of the software SW and/or a first operation that instructs an operation other than the update. In that case, an instruction by operating the operated part 5 is transmitted to the processing device 1 by an electrical signal or the like, and the processing device 1 executes the operation instructed by the operation to the operated part 5. For example, if a software SW update is requested, the update may be performed.

Examples of the operated part 5 include various switches provided on the alarm device 100 so as to be visible and accessible from the outside. Examples of the switch used as the operated part 5 include a push button switch and a toggle switch, but the switch is not limited to these. Furthermore, the operated section 5 may be an input device such as a touch panel or a keypad.

The switch used as the operated part 5 may preferably be a tactile switch that is pushed in only during operation and automatically returns when the operation is completed. When the operated section 5 is composed of a tactile switch, two or more types of operations may be instructed depending on the length of time the switch is pressed. For example, a push operation that takes less than 2 seconds is recognized as a request for self-inspection of the alarm device 100, and a push operation that lasts for 2 seconds or more but less than 5 seconds is recognized as an instruction to stop the alarm that is in progress. A pressing operation for more than a second may be recognized as a request to update the software SW.

<Software update>
The software SW is stored in an EPROM provided as the storage means 11, preferably an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), a flash memory, or the like. In EEPROMs, flash memories, and the like, already stored contents can be rewritten by, for example, applying a high voltage. For example, by storing the software SW in a rewritable storage area such as EEPROM or flash memory, it is possible to update the software SW even after the alarm 100 has started to be used. . For example, under the control of a CPU (not shown) provided in the processing device 1, the storage contents of a flash memory (or a storage device external to the processing device 1) provided as the storage means 11 are rewritten, and as a result, , the software SW is updated.

The software SW may include software such as a control program in which instructions related to operations performed by the processing device 1 are written. The software SW may be firmware related to the processing device 1 written in the memory of the processing device 1 (for example, the storage means 11 composed of an EEPROM or a flash memory). If the software SW that can be updated even after the start of use of the alarm device 100 is firmware related to the processing device 1, for example, if the basic control method by the processing device 1 is required to be changed due to changes in regulations or communication standards, etc. However, changes can be easily accommodated.

In particular, communication standards that are followed in communication between various devices including alarm devices are being revised as appropriate regarding security requirements and the like. Communication standards are also sometimes revised to incorporate newly developed communication technologies. The alarm device 100 has a built-in software SW so that it can be updated, so that it can be updated in response to changes in regulations, changes in the communication standards used for communication with external equipment E, etc. By executing the update, the control method etc. can be updated appropriately, and the alarm device 100 can be operated appropriately.

As described above, in the alarm device 100 including the communication section 20 that can also communicate wirelessly with the external device E, the software SW is updated based on the wireless communication between the external device E and the communication section 20. It's okay. That is, the update of the software SW may be a so-called "OTA (Over-The-Air) update," and if the software SW is firmware as described above, it may be a "firmware OTA." In that case, for example, the software SW can be updated even from a remote location.

Note that the software SW may be updated without relying on wireless communication. That is, the updated software SW may be supplied through a physical line connected to the alarm device 100, or may be supplied via a storage medium such as a USB memory.

<Storage area configuration for storing software>
FIG. 2 shows the configuration and storage contents of a storage area 4 of a memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory, which is provided as a storage means 11 (see FIG. 1) to store software SW, which the processing device 1 has. An example is shown schematically. In the example of FIG. 2, a software SW consisting of instructions 1 to n is stored at addresses from address A-0000 to address A-nnnn. As an example, when a software SW is updated, a series of instructions that the updated software SW should contain is stored in an area starting from address A-0000 and extending to an arbitrary address corresponding to the size of the updated software SW. will be overwritten.

The storage area 4 in the example of FIG. 2 has a first storage area A1 from address A-0001 to address A-FFFF, and a second storage area A2 from address B-0000 to B-FFFF. Therefore, when updating the software SW, a series of instructions that the updated software SW should include may be stored in the second storage area A2 without being overwritten in the first storage area A1. By storing the instructions to be included in the updated software SW in this way, the updated software SW can be stored in a flash memory or the like provided as the storage means 11 while the processing device 1 operates according to the pre-updated software SW. Can write to the area. Then, a program counter that stores the address of the storage means 11 where the next instruction to be executed by the processing device 1 is stored is set to an appropriate address within the second storage area A2. In this way, the software SW may be updated without any period during which the notification function does not function.

<How update data is supplied>
As described above, in the alarm device 100 of the present embodiment, the communication unit 20 sends warnings such as during normal monitoring, remaining battery level or dead battery in case of battery type, malfunction, and alarm issuance. The device 100 is configured to perform communication (periodic communication) in which the status of the device 100 is sent to the external device E at predetermined intervals. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, in the communication standard that is used when transmitting the status of the alarm device 100 from the alarm device 100 to the external device E, the data length of a transmission unit such as a communication packet is defined as a fixed length. There are times when I am. When the status of the alarm device 100 is transmitted to the external device E under such communication standards, a fixed-length header H1 containing control information such as a destination indicating the external device E, and a payload P1 is transmitted. Packet Ps is transmitted. Data indicating the state of the alarm device 100, which is data to be actually transmitted, is stored in the payload P1.

The external device E that has received the packet Ps transmits a fixed-length packet Pa (response packet) to the alarm device 100 in accordance with the regulations of the communication standard to which it is compliant, even if there is no data to send to the alarm device 100. A simple response packet Pa is configured with a header H2 including a destination indicating the alarm device 100 and a payload P2 that satisfies the fixed length of the packet Pa, according to the compliant communication standard. In the case of a simple response packet Pa, the payload P2 stores null (invalid) data such as only "0" or only "1". Therefore, in the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, when the software SW is scheduled to be updated, update data is stored in the payload P2 and transmitted to the alarm device 100. In this way, by using the data storage area that is not effectively used in normal response packets, update data can be supplied to the alarm device 100 more efficiently than when data is transmitted only for update data. can.

The alarm device 100 may be configured to recognize that all of the divided update data has been received during regular communication based on a code included in the unit of data transmission to the alarm device 100. In that case, an identification bit H20 indicating which of all the update data the divided update data stored in the payload P2 of the packet Pa corresponds to is stored in a part of the packet Pa. , a response packet Pa may be transmitted from the external device E. By doing so, when the alarm device 100 receives all of the update data, it can autonomously start updating the software SW. Note that in the example of FIG. 3, the identification bit H2 is stored in the header H2 of the packet Pa, but it may also be stored in the payload P2 of the packet Pa.

As the format of the identification bit H20, for example, when the number of divisions of update data is m, numbers are assigned in ascending order (in order from 1 to m) from the divided update data transmitted first from the external device E, For example, the response packet Pa is transmitted with numerical data corresponding to the assigned numbers stored in the identification bit H20. In that case, the external device E may transmit numerical data indicating the number of divisions of the update data to the alarm device 100 before or during the transmission of the update data. By doing so, the alarm device 100 recognizes how much update data is to be received before receiving all of the update data, so when all of the update data is received, the alarm device 100 autonomously updates the software SW. You can start without delay. Note that predetermined data (for example, "1") is stored as the identification bit H20 only in the divided update data sent last from the external device E, and the predetermined data is stored in the other divided update data. The response packet Pa may be transmitted in a state in which no information is stored (for example, "0").

Note that in the alarm device 100, when the external device E is notified of the alarm as described above, update data for updating may be included in the response signal to the notification. Also in this case, update data can be supplied to the alarm device 100 more efficiently than when data is transmitted only for update data.

Further, the alarm device 100 may store the update data received in parts in a storage area such as the storage means 11 (see FIG. 1) within the alarm device 100 until the update is executed. In that case, as shown in FIG. 2, the update data that is sequentially received is stored in an area (for example, second storage area A2) that is different from the area in which the software SW before the update is stored (for example, first storage area A1). It's okay. By doing so, the alarm device 100 can receive update data sent from time to time while operating according to the software SW before the update, that is, without stopping the notification function.

<Update processing flow>
With reference to FIG. 4, processing related to updating software regarding the communication unit in the alarm device of this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 4 shows, as an example, a flowchart showing the operation of the alarm device 100 of FIG. 1, including updating the software SW. In addition, in FIG. 4, when all the update data is received, the update is executed unless the alarm is being issued, and if the alarm is being issued, the update is not executed until the alarm is no longer issued. However, the processing flow is not limited to this.

In step S1 of FIG. 4, when monitoring of the surrounding environment is started, a counter and the like constituting the time measuring means 21 (see FIG. 1) are reset (step S2), and time counting is started. If the predetermined time has not elapsed ("N" in step S3), the time of the timer 21 is counted up in loop L1 until the predetermined time has elapsed (step S4). When a predetermined period of time has elapsed (“Y” in step S3), the status of the alarm device 100 is transmitted to the external device E (see FIG. 1) as regular communication (step S31), and the count value of the timer 21 is reset. (Step S32).

Thereafter, a response signal from the external device E in regular communication is received (step S33), and among the update data for updating the software SW, divided update data included in the response signal is acquired (step S34). For example, the obtained divided update data is stored in the second storage area A2 (FIG. 2) of the storage area 4. If all the update data has not been received ("N" in step S5), a series of steps S3 and S31 to S34 are repeated until all the update data is received in loop L2.

When all the update data is received ("Y" in step S5), and if no alarm is being issued ("Y" in step S6), the update is executed (step S7). On the other hand, if the alarm is being issued ("N" in step S6), the update is not executed until the alarm is no longer issued (loop L3). By doing so, it is possible to avoid a situation where an alarm is not issued due to execution of the update when an abnormality occurs. After execution of the update (step S7) is completed, the external device E is notified that the update has been completed (step S8), and control is returned to step S3 in loop L4.

When an abnormal state Ab occurs during monitoring of the surrounding environment, an alarm is issued in the alarm device 100 (see FIG. 1) (step S21), and the external device E is notified that an alarm is being issued (step S22). As described above, in response to a notification from the alarm device 100 informing that an alarm has been issued, the external device E stores the divided update data in the empty area of the response signal to the notification and sends it to the alarm device. Good too. By doing so, the divided update data is acquired by receiving a response signal to the notification from the external device E (step S33) (step S34). In that case, similarly to the acquisition of updated data by a response signal of a periodic signal when a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined whether all updated data has been received (step S5), and it is determined whether all updated data has been received. If so (“Y” in step S5), the update is executed (step S7) after the alarm is no longer issued (loop L3).

<Update request form>
In the example of FIG. 4, the software SW is updated autonomously upon receiving all of the update data for updating the software SW, which is divided into a plurality of response signals and sent. However, in the alarm device 100 of the present embodiment, any method may be applied to the request for updating the software SW. FIG. 5 schematically shows a method of requesting an update to the alarm device 100 installed indoors in a house as some other examples of update requests. The update request may be made by a direct predetermined operation M1 such as touching the operated part 5, for example. The update may also be requested via short-range communication from a dedicated terminal such as the remote control attached to the alarm 100, or from various general-purpose mobile terminals such as a smartphone that has been turned into a dedicated terminal by an application program (hereinafter, the update will be referred to as a dedicated terminal). General-purpose mobile terminals that have been converted into dedicated terminals are collectively referred to as "dedicated terminals" and are shown with the symbol "Pn" in FIG. 5). Alternatively, an update may be requested by a signal sent from an external device E or a remote terminal Pr such as a smartphone via the network N or a base station B of a communication carrier.

However, it may not necessarily be preferable for all of the update request methods provided in the alarm device 100 to be effective. For example, it may be preferable that a request made by a request method in which the update requester is in a situation where he or she can grasp the surrounding environment of the alarm device 100 is accepted, but a request made by any other request method is not accepted. For example, it would be inappropriate to accept an update request from a requester who is unaware of the situation, even though the situation is not sufficient to cause an alarm, but is approaching the situation. This is because it may obstruct the issuing of an alarm.

Therefore, the update request method may be predetermined as a specific method for each type of update requested. For example, among the "types" of updates, "type 1" update requests can be made in many ways (for example, all of the request methods provided), while "type 2" updates other than "type 1" can be requested. The update request method that can actually be accepted by the alarm device 100 may be limited. For example, the second type of update request is limited to a direct predetermined operation M1 such as touching the operated part 5, a request by short-range communication from a dedicated terminal Pn near the alarm 100, etc. Good too. That is, in that case, an update request by a signal via the network N, base station B, etc. from the external device E or the distant terminal Pr will not be accepted. On the other hand, regarding the first type of update, in addition to the method in which a request for the second type of update is received, autonomous updates of the alarm 100, updates from the network N or base from an external device E or a distant terminal Pr, etc. A signal transmitted via station B or the like may also be accepted. Alternatively, the first type of update is limited to an autonomous upload of the alarm device 100 or a request by a signal from an external device E or a distant terminal Pr, and is not limited to a direct predetermined operation such as touching the operated part 5. Requests via short-range communication from M1 or dedicated terminals Pn near the alarm device 100 may not be accepted.

In this way, depending on the type of update requested, the update is executed based on a predetermined command operation performed on the alarm device 100, or the update is executed based on reception of a signal from the external device E. It may be configured as follows. By distinguishing the request methods accepted by the alarm device 100 according to the type of update, for example, while ensuring the appropriate execution of highly necessary updates, it is possible to improve the alarm issuing function of the alarm device 100 by updating. There are some things that can reduce the risk of decline. Further, it is possible to execute the requested updates by narrowing down the request for updates from the request sources that are suitable as the update request sources.

The above-mentioned "predetermined instruction operation performed on the alarm device 100" includes a direct predetermined operation M1 such as touching the operated part 5 described above, and an update to a dedicated terminal Pn near the alarm device 100. It may be an operation that instructs. The operation M1 may be a manual operation performed directly on the operated unit 5 to request an update, that is, an operation other than the above-mentioned "first operation."

As described above, instructions by operating the dedicated terminals Pn are transmitted to the alarm device 100 by, for example, short-range communication. This short-range communication includes short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or ZigBee (registered trademark), optical wireless communication such as IrDA, and LoRaWAN (registered trademark). An example of this is communication from near the alarm device 100 using a network protocol such as, but the short-range communication used by the dedicated terminals Pn is not limited to these. However, an update request signal based on a "predetermined command operation performed on the alarm" is directly transmitted to the alarm 100 from an operated entity such as a dedicated terminal Pn that is manually operated directly by the update requester. Limited to signals. That is, the "predetermined instruction operation" does not include an operation that instructs the operated entity to transmit an update request signal that is not directly transmitted to the alarm device 100. Therefore, the operation of instructing the terminal Pr or the external device E to transmit an update request signal that is transmitted to the alarm device 100 via the network N and/or the base station B is not included in the "predetermined instruction operation."

Note that "nearby" the alarm device 100 may be within a range of several meters from the alarm device 100 and/or within a range where the alarm device 100 is visible. This is because the update requester within such a range is considered to be able to recognize the situation around the alarm device 100. When short-range communication is used for communication between the alarm device 100 and the dedicated terminals Pn, the “nearby” of the alarm device 100 also includes alarms in various short-range wireless communications and optical wireless communications, such as the above example. It is within the communication range from the device 100.

Here, the above-mentioned "type" of update may mean, for example, the degree of importance or urgency of the update. For example, updates with high importance or urgency may be included in the first type of update, and updates other than the "first type" may be included in the second type of update.

Further, the "type" of update may be classified according to the function of the alarm device 100 that is the target of the update. For example, an update related to the notification function of the alarm 100 (or an update related to the control unit 10) is included in one of the first type update and a second type update, and an update related to the communication unit 20 (first update) is included in the other type. may be included in As an example, a request for updating regarding the control unit 10 may be executed based on "a predetermined command operation performed on an alarm device." An update regarding the control unit 10 that controls the notification function can be executed based on a request from a user near the alarm device 100 who can grasp the surrounding environment of the alarm device 100. Further, the update regarding the communication unit 20 (first update) may be executed based on "reception of a signal from an external device". In the case where there is a change in the communication control method in the external device E, updates related to communication can be executed based on a request from the external device E.

As an example, the "update regarding the notification function" includes the monitoring operation of the surrounding environment by the detection unit 12 (see FIG. 1), the determination of whether or not to notify that a certain state is in place, the determination of the manner in which the notification should be made, It may also be an update regarding the control of the notification operation using sound, light, etc. by the notification unit 13 (see FIG. 1). More specifically, some examples include changing the operating timing and sensitivity of the detection unit 12, changing the threshold value (alarm issuing criteria) that determines a specific state, and monitoring results and notifications that determine a specific state. Changes in the correspondence with aspects, correction of bugs in the program related to the notification function, changes to new control procedures to reduce power consumption, changes in the intensity of the light used as the notification means, the volume of the voice, or the contents of the utterances, etc. is included. Furthermore, "updates related to notification functions" also include self-inspection items of the detection unit 12 and notification unit 13 by the control unit 10, and/or changes in correction algorithms performed as appropriate for each sensor that constitutes the detection unit 12. .

“Update related to communication unit 20” is an update related to communication controlled by communication unit 20. More specifically, some examples include changes in specifications related to ensuring security, changes in procedures for setting up and opening communication links, and changes in modulation methods due to revisions to communication standards applied to communication with external equipment E. This may include changing the number of retransmissions when an error is detected, upgrading the security stack built in the communication unit 20, changing the frequency of regular communication, fixing bugs in communication-related programs, and the like.

<Update restrictions>
Even if the above-described request method itself is an acceptable request method, the alarm device 100 determines whether or not to actually execute the requested update based on the content of the update as exemplified above. It may be configured as follows. For example, if the surrounding environment is approaching a situation where an alarm will be issued, it may be preferable not to start an update in which the external device E will not be notified even if the alarm is issued. Therefore, for example, the alarm device 100 may further include a threshold value (preliminary threshold value) corresponding to a state in which the degree of abnormality is lower than the state in which the alarm device 100 should issue an alarm. In addition, the priority of update execution may be set for each specific content of the update. When detected values such as the concentration or temperature of the gas to be detected exceed a preliminary threshold, only updates with high priority content, such as changing specifications related to ensuring communication security or fixing critical bugs, are executed. It's okay. Other updates may be performed when the detection value of the detection target is less than or equal to the preliminary threshold.

As described above, the alarm 100 may be a battery-powered alarm that operates using battery power. While an update is running, more power may be consumed than when the update is not running. Therefore, if the alarm device of this embodiment is a battery-powered alarm device, it may be configured to determine whether or not to execute the requested software SW update based on the remaining amount of the battery. . For example, if the remaining battery level is below a predetermined threshold, the update will not be executed even if there is a request for update from the user of the alarm device 100, the external device E, or the like. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the remaining battery power from further decreasing due to the update, and prevent the alarm device 100 from malfunctioning due to insufficient remaining battery power. That is, the state in which the essential functions of the alarm device 100, from monitoring the surrounding environment to notifying the user based on the monitoring results, can be maintained for a longer period of time.

In particular, the alarm device is equipped with various sensors that constitute the detection section 12 (see FIG. 1) as described above, and some of the various sensors have their own unique lifespans. Therefore, battery-powered alarms are electrically designed to maintain battery power until the end of the sensor's life, and the structure and specifications are designed so that the battery cannot be replaced or recharged. Sometimes. Therefore, in order to maintain the remaining battery power until the life of the sensor as per the design concept, it is preferable to refrain from performing updates that cause the alarm device 100 to consume more power after the remaining battery power has decreased to a certain extent. Sometimes.

Note that when execution of the update is determined based on the remaining battery level in this way, the alarm 100 preferably includes a remaining battery level measuring means (not shown in the figure) such as an electronic component called a battery level meter IC or the like. ) will be provided.

When configured to determine execution of an update based on the remaining battery level, the alarm device 100 of this embodiment further executes the requested update according to the content of the update as described above. It may be configured to determine whether or not. In this case as well, the priority of update execution can be set for each specific content of the update. For example, if the remaining battery level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the requested update will not be executed regardless of its content, but will instead cause changes in specifications related to ensuring communication security or fatal updates. Only updates with high priority content, such as bug fixes, may be executed. Other updates may be performed when more battery power remains.

Therefore, the alarm device 100 according to the embodiment may have a plurality of battery remaining power thresholds that serve as criteria for determining whether or not to perform an update. Then, it may be determined whether or not to execute the requested update, depending on the magnitude relationship between the remaining battery level at the time of the update request and each threshold value, and the priority of the currently requested update. For example, if the remaining battery level at the time of an update request is within a specific threshold, updates with a priority higher than a certain level may be executed, and updates with a lower priority may be suspended or rejected.

FIG. 6 shows an example of determination of update execution based on update priority and remaining battery level. Each column (vertical direction) of the table shown in FIG. 6 shows the magnitude relationship between the remaining battery power e and three threshold values T1 to T3 (T1<T2<T3). In each row, "Y" (execution ) or “N” (not executed). For example, if the battery remaining capacity e is less than or equal to the smallest threshold value T1, priority is given to extending the life of the battery and no update is executed. However, if the remaining battery level e is greater than the threshold T1 and less than or equal to the threshold T2, the first priority update is executed, and if the remaining battery capacity e is greater than the threshold T2 and less than the threshold T3, the second priority update is also executed. be done. Then, if the remaining battery power e is greater than the threshold T3, all updates are executed. Note that the alarm device 100 may be configured not to attach an update request with a lower priority than the specific priority when an update with a specific priority is not executed.

High-priority updates include, for example, the aforementioned changes in specifications related to ensuring communication security, fixes for critical bugs that severely impair notification functions and communications, changes in alarm generation standards, and improvements to the security stack. It may be due to version upgrade etc. From the perspective of extending battery life and allowing the alarm 100 to operate until the sensor's warranty period expires, updates for reducing power consumption may also have a high priority. On the other hand, examples of low-priority updates include changes in notification mode, changes in self-inspection items, and changes in the frequency of regular communication. However, which update has a higher or lower priority can be arbitrarily determined depending on the installation environment of the alarm device 100, the specifications of the alarm device 100, and the like.

<Other examples of alarm device of one embodiment>
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of main components of an alarm device 101, which is another example of an alarm device according to an embodiment. The alarm device 101 differs from the alarm device 100 shown in FIG. 1 in that the control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 do not share a processing device like the processing device 1 in the example of FIG. In FIG. 7, components similar to those of the alarm device 100 in the example of FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Omitted.

In the alarm device 101, the control unit 10 includes a first processing device 1a. The first processing device 1a is constituted by a semiconductor device that controls a notification function that monitors the surrounding environment and issues notifications based on the monitoring results. The communication unit 20 includes a second processing device 2a. The second processing device 2a is configured by a semiconductor device that controls communication between the alarm device 101 and the external device E. The control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 are preferably connected to each other so as to be able to send and receive signals to and from the other party. In the alarm device 101, the control unit 10 is configured to issue an alarm in response to detection of an abnormality in the surrounding environment, and to notify the external device E via the communication unit 20 that the alarm is being issued. Therefore, it is possible to notify even a user far away from the alarm 101 that the surrounding environment is in an abnormal state.

The first processing device 1a and the second processing device 2a are made of semiconductor devices such as microcomputers and ASICs, and have arithmetic functions, comparison functions, storage functions, etc., like the processing device 1 in the example of FIG. The first processing device 1a generally controls the notification function of the alarm device 101 that monitors the surrounding environment. The second processing device 2a controls overall operations necessary for communication with the external device E performed by the transmitting/receiving section 22. The second processing device 2a includes a timer 2c that includes a counter or the like that counts the time elapsed from a specific time. The communication unit 20 in the example of FIG. 6 also performs the "periodic communication" described above with respect to the alarm device 100 in FIG. 1 using the timer 2c. The first processing device 1a may be provided with a timer for counting elapsed time for regular communication.

The first processing device 1a has a built-in software SW1 in the storage means 1b, and operates according to instructions included in the software SW1. The second processing device 2a has a built-in software SW2 and operates according to instructions included in the software SW2. Also in the alarm device 101, software SW1 and software SW2 are built-in so that they can be updated after the alarm device 101 starts to be used, and can be updated in the same way as the update described for the alarm device 100 in FIG. . In the alarm device 101 including the first processing device 1a and the second processing device 2a, updating the software SW1 hardly affects the communication function controlled by the second processing device 2a, and updating the software SW2 does not easily affect the communication function controlled by the second processing device 2a. It is unlikely to affect the notification function controlled by the controller.

In this way, since the control section 10 and the communication section 20 have the software SW1 and SW2 built into the first processing device 1a and the second processing device 2a, respectively, when updating the software SW1, the communication section 20 is connected to the external device E. It is possible to maintain a state in which communication with other parties is possible. Further, when updating the software SW2, the control unit 10 can maintain the notification function. On the other hand, while the software SW2 is being updated, communication with the external device E may become impossible. Therefore, when the control unit 10 of the alarm device 101 detects an abnormality in the surrounding environment while updating the communication unit 20, that is, updating the software SW2, the control unit 10 does not issue an alarm without notifying the external device E about the alarm. is configured to emit. For example, an alarm is issued using the notification section 13 of the alarm device 101.

Therefore, although the external device E is not notified of the alarm, at least users near the alarm device 101 can be notified of the occurrence of an abnormal state even while the software SW2 is being updated. In other words, it is possible to appropriately update the software SW2 without putting users in the vicinity of the alarm device 101 in a dangerous state where they are not notified of the occurrence of an abnormality.

Furthermore, since the alarm device 101 cannot notify the external device E that an alarm is being issued while the software SW2 is being updated, for example, the control unit 10 may issue an alarm before the software SW2 is updated. The external device E may be configured to be notified that the notification of the external device E is disabled. It is possible to make users who are far away aware that they are in a situation where they will not be notified even if an alarm is issued. In addition, after the update is completed, the control unit 10 may be configured to notify that the situation has returned to the normal situation in which an alarm is notified.

Note that when updating the software SW1, the notification function itself may be affected. Therefore, before starting the update of the software SW1, the control unit 10 notifies the external device E that a series of functions from monitoring the surrounding environment to issuing an alarm will be stopped, and after that, the normal It may be configured to notify that the notification function has been restored.

Alternatively, the alarm device 101 may be configured such that the software SW1 cannot be updated after the alarm device 101 starts to be used. That is, the update of the software SW1 corresponds to the above-mentioned "update related to the notification function", and the update of the software SW2 corresponds to the "update related to the communication function". Therefore, the alarm device 101 may be configured such that the software SW2 can be updated, but the software SW1 cannot be updated.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the alarm device 101 shown in FIG. 7, including updating the software SW1 and SW2. Note that among the steps shown in FIG. 8, the steps that perform the same operations and processes as the steps shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. Repetitive explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

In the alarm device 101 in the example of FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 8, when all the update data is received (“Y” in step S5), the update is performed on the software SW2 (see FIG. 7) related to the communication unit 20. If it is an update, the external device E is notified that the external device E will not be notified of the alarm being issued (step S71). Further, if the update is an update of the software SW1 (see FIG. 7) related to the control unit 10, the external device E is notified that the alarm itself cannot be issued (step S71). After that, the update is started (step S72), and if the abnormal state Ab0 does not occur, after the update is finished (step S73), the external device E is notified that the update is finished (step S8).

On the other hand, if the abnormal state Ab0 occurs after the start of updating the software SW2 related to the communication unit 20 (step S72), an alarm is issued in the alarm device 101 (step S210). While the update is being executed, only the alarm is issued, and the external device E is not notified of the alarm.

Furthermore, in the alarm device 101, the control unit 10 may be configured to issue an alarm in different manners for an alarm issued during execution of an update regarding the communication unit 20 and an alarm issued when no update is executed. good. By doing so, it is possible to notify users near the alarm device 101 that the external device E has not been notified of the alarm. For example, the message issued when an alarm is issued may be different depending on whether an update is being executed or not. For example, the mode (first mode) of the alarm that is issued in step S21 when the update is not being executed may be a message such as "There is a gas leak (or fire). External ○○ is being notified." On the other hand, the mode (second mode) of the alarm issued in step S210 while the update is being executed is a message such as "There is a gas leak (or fire). Please be careful as external ○○ has not been notified." could be. By doing so, users in the vicinity of the alarm device 100 can be more clearly informed that the alarm has not been issued to the outside. Furthermore, the control unit 10 may be configured to change the operation required to stop the issued alarm depending on whether the update is being executed or not. By doing so, it is possible to notify users near the alarm device 101 that the external device E has not been notified of the alarm.

Furthermore, when the update of the software SW2 related to the communication unit 20 that was started before the alarm is issued is completed while the alarm is being issued, the control unit 10 is configured to notify the external device E that the alarm is being issued. may be configured. Furthermore, if the alarm issued during the execution of the update of the software SW2 related to the communication unit 20 is stopped before the update is finished, the control unit 10 will notify the user that the alarm was issued during the update after the update is finished. It may be configured so that the external device E can be notified.

In addition, the control unit 10 performs a predetermined stop operation to stop the alarm (for example, when the operated unit 5 (see FIG. 6) is configured with a tactile switch, the control unit 10 performs a predetermined stop operation to stop the alarm). The update may be possible based on a request by a predetermined instruction operation performed on the alarm (for example, a pressing operation for 5 seconds or more) after a pressing operation for 2 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds. In that case, the control unit 10 may be configured to suspend execution of an update requested by a method other than a predetermined instruction operation.

<Modified example of alarm device of one embodiment>
FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the main components of the alarm device 102, which is a modified example of the alarm device of one embodiment. In FIG. 9, components similar to the components of the alarm device 100 in the example of FIG. 1 or the components of the alarm device 101 in the example of FIG. may be omitted, and repeated descriptions of its components will be omitted. The alarm device 102 is similar to FIG. This is different from the alarm device 100 shown in FIG.

In the processing device 1 of the alarm device 102, each hardware resource such as a CPU and a memory that constitute the processing device 1, such as the storage means 1b, the storage means 2b, and the clocking means 2c shown in FIG. 9, has a notification function. It is assigned to either the first processing section 1α or the second processing section 1β which is responsible for the communication function. The storage means 1b, storage means 2b, and timekeeping means 2c shown in FIG. 9 have the same functions as the storage means 1b, storage means 2b, and timekeeping means 2c in the example of FIG. 7, respectively. In the example of FIG. 9, the storage means 1b belongs to the first processing section 1α, and the storage means 2b and the clocking means 2c belong to the second processing section 1β. The storage means 1b has a built-in software SW1 containing instructions regarding the notification function, and the storage means 2b has built-in software SW2 containing instructions regarding the communication function.

In the processing device 1 of the alarm device 102, each hardware resource such as memory is not allocated to the first processing unit 1α or the second processing unit 1β, but the internal part of each hardware resource is a part responsible for the notification function. It may be partitioned into a part responsible for communication functions and a part responsible for communication functions. For example, the storage area of each storage means may be partitioned into an area for storing information regarding the notification function such as the software SW1, and an area for storing information regarding the communication function such as the software SW2. Further, the various register areas in each storage means may be divided into a storage area for information related to the notification function and a storage area for information related to the communication function. Furthermore, the plurality of input/output ports configuring the processing device 1 may be divided into a port that performs a notification function and a port that performs a communication function.

Note that the processing device 1 may further have functions other than the notification function and the communication function, and each of the notification function and the communication function may be further subdivided. That is, the processing device 1 may have three or more functions, and may be divided into three or more parts each having its assigned function. Each hardware resource such as memory within the processing device 1 may be allocated to any one or more of the three or more parts, and the inside of each resource may be assigned to each part that performs one of the three or more functions. It may be partitioned off.

Furthermore, in the alarm device 102, the processing device 1 may be a multi-core type microcomputer having a plurality of cores in the CPU, one of the plurality of cores is assigned to the notification function, and the other one is assigned to the communication function. It's okay to be hurt. In this way, the inside of the processing device 1 may be divided into a part that serves as the control section 10 and a part that serves as the communication section 20. Note that writing the software SW after the update to a specific storage area in the storage area 4 as in the example of FIG. It is controlled by an operating system (OS). In that case, the software SW may be an application program running on this OS. Then, while the pre-update software SW is being executed, the post-update software SW may be written to a free area in the storage area 4, and the software SW may be switched to the post-update software SW while the software SW is not being executed. .

As described above, the alarm device 102 in FIG. 9 includes a single processing device 1 like the alarm device 100 in FIG. It is divided into Therefore, in the alarm device 102, as described for the alarm device 101 in FIG. 7, updating the software SW1 is unlikely to affect the communication function, and updating the software SW2 is unlikely to affect the notification function. Moreover, since both the control section 10 and the communication section 20 are mainly constituted by the processing device 1, it is considered that processing that straddles the control section 10 and the communication section 20 is performed at high speed.

<Alarm system of one embodiment>
Next, an alarm system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of an alarm system 200, which is an example of an alarm system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the alarm system 200 includes an alarm device 210 and a control device 220 that exchanges information with the alarm device 210 through communication. Alarm 210 may be the alarm of one embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 (eg, alarm 100 or alarm 101). The control device 220 controls the operation of the alarm device 210 according to instructions from a user of the alarm system 200 and/or according to a control program built into the control device 220. The control device 220 may further collect the detection results of the alarm device 210 or the progress of the alarm issuance, and perform statistical processing or analysis. An example of the control device 220 is an information processing device such as a server that functions as a host device that monitors and controls the alarm device 210. Any of the external devices E shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 9 may be the control device 220 of the alarm system 200. The control device 220 includes a processing device 221 having a calculation function, a comparison function, a storage function, and the like. Like the processing device 1 included in the alarm device 100 in FIG. 1, the processing device 221 is made of a semiconductor device such as a microcomputer or an ASIC, and can operate according to a built-in program.

In the alarm system 200, the alarm device 210 has built-in software that can be updated after the alarm device 210 starts to be used. Further, it is configured to perform periodic communication Rc with the control device 220 regarding information on the alarm device 210 at a predetermined period. As described above, periodic communication Rc1 from the alarm device 210 to the control device 220 may occur, for example, during normal monitoring, when the battery is running low or dead in the case of a battery type, when there is a malfunction, when an alarm is being issued, etc. The state of the alarm device 210 is included. Further, the periodic communication Rc2 from the control device 220 to the alarm device 210 is composed of, for example, a response packet to the periodic communication Rc1 upon receiving the periodic communication Rc1, as described above. If a software update is scheduled, update data is stored in the response packet in the regular communication Rc2 from the alarm device 210 to the control device 220.

Note that in the case where the alarm device 210 notifies the control device 220 that an alarm is issued, update data for updating may be included in a response signal to the notification. Also in this case, update data can be supplied to the alarm device 210 more efficiently than when data is transmitted only for update data.

In the alarm system 200, the control device 220 divides and transmits the update data for updating the software using regular communication Rc2, based on the volume of the update data, or sends the update data by dividing it using regular communication Rc2 (for example, a communication dedicated to transmitting update data). communication) or not. For example, if the volume of update data is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the update data is transmitted using a method other than regular communication Rc2 (for example, communication dedicated to transmitting update data), and if the volume of update data is less than a predetermined amount, All of the update data may be divided and transmitted by regular communication Rc2.

When the alarm device 210 is battery-powered and the alarm device 210 transmits a periodic communication Rc1 including information on the remaining battery level to the control device 220, the control device 220 transmits the information based on the information on the remaining battery level from the alarm device 210. Then, it may be determined whether or not to send update data for updating the software to the alarm device 210. In that case, the control device 220 does not need to transmit the update data to the alarm device 210 when the remaining battery level of the alarm device 210 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, as described above, the control device 220 may determine whether to divide and transmit the update data to the alarm device 210 using the regular communication Rc2, based on the priority of update execution. In that case, when the detected value of the gas to be detected, such as the concentration or temperature, exceeds the preliminary threshold, the control device 220 will respond to the request for high-priority content, such as changing specifications related to ensuring communication security or fixing fatal bugs. It is also possible to divide and transmit only the update data of the update in regular communication Rc2.

In the alarm system 200, the control device 220 divides and transmits a part of the update data using regular communication Rc2 based on the volume of the update data and/or the priority of update execution, and sends the remaining update data to other than regular communication Rc2. It may also be sent via communication. By doing so, when the volume of update data is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the update data is quickly sent to the alarm device 210 by using the regular communication Rc2 and communication other than the regular communication Rc2, and the alarm device 210 is It is possible to reduce the period during which each function, such as an alarm function, is stopped. Additionally, updates of high-priority content can be executed quickly.

Note that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and further includes all changes (modifications) within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims.

Further, in the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the processing operation of the alarm device of the embodiment is explained using a flow-driven flowchart in which processing is performed in order along the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. . In the present invention, the processing operation of the alarm device may be performed by event-driven processing that executes processing on an event-by-event basis. In this case, it may be completely event-driven, or it may be a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

100, 101, 102, 210 Alarm device 200 Alarm system 10 Control section 11 Storage means 20 Communication section 220 Control device 3 Power supply section 5 Operated section E External device Rc Regular communication SW, SW1, SW2 Software

Claims (10)

An alarm device that makes notifications based on monitoring results of the surrounding environment and communicates with external devices according to instructions included in built-in software,
The alarm device is configured to perform regular communication with the external device to send the status of the alarm device to the external device at a predetermined period,
The software is built-in so that it can be updated after starting to use the alarm,
The alarm device wherein the update is performed using the update data for the update that is sent in parts from the external device through the periodic communication a plurality of times. An alarm device that makes an alarm based on the monitoring results of the surrounding environment according to instructions included in built-in software;
a control device that exchanges information with the alarm device through communication;
An alarm system comprising:
The alarm device is configured to perform regular communication with the control device to send the state of the alarm device to the control device at a predetermined period,
The software is built-in so that it can be updated after starting to use the alarm,
The control device divides the update data for the update and transmits the divided data to the alarm device through the periodic communication a plurality of times,
The alarm system is configured such that the alarm device executes the update using the update data that is sent in parts. The alarm device is configured to issue a notification to the external device to notify the external device of the issue of the alarm when issuing the alarm based on the monitoring result,
The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the update is further performed using the divided update data included in a response signal to the notification. The alarm device is configured to notify the control device that the alarm is issued when issuing the alarm based on the monitoring result,
3. The alarm system according to claim 2, wherein the control device stores at least a part of the divided update data in an empty area of a response signal to the notification and transmits the same to the alarm device. In the periodic communication, when the update data is not transmitted out of a plurality of areas constituting a unit of data transmission to the alarm device, the update data is stored and sent in an area where invalid data is stored. The alarm device according to claim 1 or 3, or the alarm system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the update is executed. The alarm device according to claim 1 or 3, or the alarm system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the alarm device is configured not to execute the update while issuing an alarm based on the monitoring result. . The alarm device according to claim 1 or 3, or the alarm system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the alarm device is configured to start the update when all of the divided update data is received. . The alarm device is configured to recognize that all of the divided update data has been received based on a code included in a unit of data transmission to the alarm device in the periodic communication. The alarm device according to claim 1 or 3, or the alarm system according to claim 2 or 4. 4. The update is performed using the update data that is included in a response signal sent back from the external device every time the alarm device communicates with the external device in the periodic communication. alarm. 3. The control device includes the divided update data in a response signal sent back from the control device each time the alarm device communicates with the control device in the periodic communication, and transmits the divided update data to the alarm device. The alarm system described in 4.

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