TW202226883A - Communication system, communication management device, communication device, software sending method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a communication system, including: concentrators (3-1, 3-2) that can form a wireless multi-hop network; and a head end system (2) that manages the concentrators (3-1, 3-2). The programs used for the operation of the concentrators (3-1, 3-2) include: communication control programs for communication control and management, and applications. The head end system (2) respectively sends applications respectively corresponding to the functions of the concentrators (3-1, 3-2) to the concentrators (3-1, 3-2).

Description

Communication system, communication management device, communication device, software transmission method, and recording medium

The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication management device, a communication device, a software transmission method, and a recording medium including a communication device capable of multi-hop communication.

In recent years, the interest in an energy-saving society has increased, and the automatic meter called Smart Meter (SM), which enables visualization of power consumption by automatic meter reading of power consumption and control of power supply and demand, has been continuously promoted. Introduction of the meter reading device.

When a plurality of smart meters are configured as a multi-hop network, each smart meter transmits measurement data to a hub device (concentrator) serving as a master station in the multi-hop network. A network for automatic meter reading of electricity consumption includes a plurality of hub devices, and measurement data collected by each hub device is collected by a communication management device called a Head End System (HES: Head End System). Such a multi-hop network is not limited to collecting electricity consumption, but may also be constructed to collect automatic meter reading data of gas, measurement data of sensors, and the like.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for distributing load among gateways serving as hubs in a multi-hop network that uses automatic meter reading for power consumption and the like. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5518254

[The problem to be solved by the invention]

The technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is that all of the plurality of line concentrating devices have the same function. The function as a hub device is realized by executing a firmware program in all conventional hub devices having the same function, and the firmware program completely provides all the functions as a hub device including communication control.

On the other hand, in recent years, the use of such a network (hereinafter referred to as an SM (Smart Meter) network) constructed for automatic meter reading of electricity consumption has been continuously reviewed as a social infrastructure. For example, services such as collecting data from various meters other than measuring electricity consumption using a smart meter network and collecting data from various sensors for monitoring, control, and data collection are being reviewed. Furthermore, in recent years, there has also been a review of a hub device that collects measurement data of power consumption, and the hub device is used as an edge processing device by assigning different tasks depending on the installation location and the like.

When the tasks of the hub device are diversified and there are a plurality of hub devices with different tasks, the firmware program must be installed according to various tasks when the product is shipped, which causes the burden of firmware program management, and needs to be installed according to various tasks. Manage the number of production units to reduce production efficiency. For example, functions common to the tasks of the hub devices, such as communication functions, must be managed vainly as part of individual firmware files.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a communication system capable of suppressing a reduction in the production efficiency of a hub device and enabling a program corresponding to a task to be installed in the hub device. [means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a communication system of the present invention includes a plurality of communication devices that can constitute a wireless multi-hop network, and a communication management device that manages the communication devices. A program for operating the communication device includes: a communication control program, which performs communication control and management; and an application program. The communication management device transmits the application programs respectively corresponding to the functions of the plurality of communication devices to the plurality of communication devices. [Inventive effect]

The communication system of the present invention can achieve the effect of suppressing the reduction in the production efficiency of the hub device and enabling the program corresponding to the task to be installed in the hub device.

The communication system, the communication management apparatus, the communication apparatus, the software transmission method, and the recording medium of the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system of an embodiment. The communication system of this embodiment is used for an automatic meter reading system for power consumption, and is used for management control of a power distribution system. As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication system of this embodiment includes: a head-end system (hereinafter abbreviated as HES) 2 belonging to a communication management device; hub devices 3-1 and 3-2; and a smart meter (hereinafter abbreviated as SM) 5-1, 5-2, 5-11, 5-12; and power distribution management devices 10-1, 10-2.

SM5-1, 5-2, 5-11, 5-12 are terminal devices that transmit measurement data of electricity consumption. SM5-1, 5-2, 5-11, 5-12 measure the power consumption of user equipment 13-1, 13-2, 13-11, 13-12 respectively for automatic meter reading of power consumption, And transmit the measurement data to the corresponding hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. The user equipments 13 - 1 , 13 - 2 , 13 - 11 , and 13 - 12 are user loads, power generation devices, power storage devices, and the like that receive power supply from the distribution line 7 . The load is a machine that consumes electric power. Here, at least one of the SM5-1, 5-2, 5-11, and 5-12 may measure the reverse power flow from the user such as the power generation amount. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , transformers 8-1 to 8-3 are connected to the distribution line 7 of the high-voltage system, and electric power whose voltage is converted by the transformers 8-1 to 8-3 is supplied to the distribution line of the low-voltage system. Thereby, electric power is supplied to each user equipment from the distribution line 7 . The voltage of the distribution line 7 is controlled by a voltage control device such as an SVR (Step Voltage Regulator) 9 . The transformers 8-1 to 8-3 are, for example, pole-mounted transformers. The user equipments 13-1 and 13-2 are connected to the transformer 8-2, and the user equipments 13-11 and 13-12 are connected to the transformer 8-3. Although not shown, the transformer 8-1 is also connected to the user equipment.

SM5-1, 5-2, 5-11, and 5-12 are examples of communication devices that can form a wireless multi-hop network. SM5-1 and 5-2 transmit measurement data showing measurement results to the hub device 3-1. SM5-11 and 5-12 transmit the measurement data showing the measurement results to the hub device 3-2. The hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 collect measurement data from the corresponding SMs 5-1, 5-2, 5-11 and 5-12, and transmit the collected measurement data to the HES2 via the network 4. The network 4 is, for example, an optical fiber network, a mobile phone network, but is not limited to these networks. The hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 are examples of communication devices that can constitute a wireless multi-hop network. The hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 are installed in, for example, a utility pole, but the installation position is not limited to the utility pole. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the concentrating device 3-1 is installed on the electric pole on which the transformer 8-2 is installed, and the concentrating device 3-2 is installed on the electric pole on which the transformer 8-3 is installed.

The HES 2 collects measurement data from the hub devices 3 - 1 and 3 - 2 , and transmits the collected measurement data to a meter data management system (MDMS (Meter Data Management System)) 1 . MDMS1 manages the measurement data received from HES2.

The power distribution management apparatuses 10-1 and 10-2 acquire measurement results of the voltage and current of the transformer for monitoring and control of the power distribution system, and transmit the measurement results to the HES 2 . The distribution management apparatuses 10 - 1 and 10 - 2 are connected to the HES 2 via the network 4 as in the case of the cluster apparatuses 3 - 1 and 3 - 2 . The power distribution management device 10-1 acquires the voltage, current, and the like of the transformer 8-1. In addition, the distribution management apparatus 10-2 also acquires the voltage, current, etc. of the transformer which is not shown in figure. The power distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2 share the same hardware with the cluster devices 3-1 and 3-2, and have different functions depending on the installed software. The detailed description will be described later. Furthermore, the power distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2 may collect at least one of the voltage, current, active power, and reactive power measured by the measurement function of the SM, which is not shown in the figure, as the measurement data. . These measurements are also used for monitoring and control of power distribution systems. When the HES 2 receives measurement data for monitoring and control of the power distribution system from the power distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2, it manages and controls the power distribution network 11 via the power distribution network 11 of the communication network used for the control of the power distribution system. The distribution control system 12 of the distribution system transmits the measurement data. The distribution network 11 is, for example, an optical fiber network, but is not limited to this. The power distribution control system 12 manages and controls each device of the power distribution system such as the power distribution line 7 using the received measurement data.

Sensors 6-1 to 6-3 are sensors provided for monitoring and control, or instruments used for automatic meter reading other than electricity consumption such as gas and tap water. The sensor data obtained in 6-3 is collected by the hub device 3-2 via SM5-11 and 5-12. The hub device 3-2 transmits the sensor data to the HES2. In this way, in the area corresponding to the hub device 3-2, the SM network including the wireless multi-hop network of the SMs 5-11, 5-12 and the hub device 3-2 can be utilized as social infrastructure and used for power consumption Collection of sensor data for sensors other than 6-1 to 6-3. HES2 transmits the received sensor data to a collection device not shown. The collection device implements processing using sensor data. The sensor data is, for example, sensor data used for automatic meter reading other than electricity consumption, or sensor data used for monitoring and control. For example, if the sensor data is gas meter reading data, the collection device implements automatic gas meter reading processing, and if the sensor data is monitoring and control data, the collection device implements the use of the sensor Data monitoring and control.

In addition, FIG. 1 shows two cluster devices and two power distribution management devices, but the number of each device is not limited to the example shown in FIG. Furthermore, for the simplification of the figure in FIG. 1, two SMs connected to the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 are shown in the figure respectively, but in fact, more SMs are connected, and the SMs are connected to the hub device 3 through the SMs. -1, 3-2 build a wireless multi-hop network. The number of distribution lines 7 to be managed by the HES 2 is generally plural, and the number of the distribution lines 7 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 . The number of SVRs 9 connected to the distribution line 7 is also not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 .

Next, the SM network will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the SM network. FIG. 2 shows a wireless multi-hop network in which the hub device 3-1 is used as the master station, and although the illustration is omitted, a wireless multi-hop network in which the hub device 3-2 is used as the master station is also constructed.

In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the hub devices 3-1 and SMs 5-1 to 5-9 form a wireless multi-hop network, periodically exchange control messages according to the path control protocol, and maintain the path information, that is, the wireless multi-hop network. Information about connection locations in the hop network is used as topological information. An example of a route control protocol is RPL (IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy Networks), but the route control protocol is not limited to this. The SMs 5-1 to 5-9 determine communication paths in accordance with the path control protocol, and communicate with the hub device 3-1. The dotted line shown in FIG. 2 shows the communication path. For example, SM5-7 communicates with the hub device 3-2 via SM5-4 and SM5-2.

Next, functional configuration examples of the cluster devices 3-1, 3-2, SM5-1, and the power distribution management device 10-1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the hub device 3-1. As shown in FIG. 3 , the hub device 3 - 1 includes a communication unit 31 , a measurement data collection unit 32 , and a memory unit 33 .

The communication unit 31 performs wireless communication with the SM, and performs communication with the HES 2 corresponding to the network 4 with the HES 2 . As mentioned above, the network 4 is, for example, an optical fiber network, a mobile phone network, or the like. The measurement data collection unit 32 executes a process of collecting measurement data from SMs 5-1 to 5-9. The communication unit 31 stores the measurement data received from the SMs 5 - 1 to 5 - 9 in the memory unit 33 . The collection of measurement data from SM5-1 to 5-9 is performed periodically, for example. The measurement data collection unit 32 receives information for collection of measurement data from the HES 2 via the communication unit 31 , information for control related to communication with the SM5-1 to 5-9, and information for the communication between the SM5-1 to 5-9. Monitored information, etc., and based on the received information, a control signal is transmitted to the SMs 5 - 1 to 5 - 9 via the communication unit 31 .

When the measurement data collection unit 32 receives the collection cycle of measurement data from HES2, it can instruct each SM5-1 to 5-9 to transmit measurement data according to the collection cycle, thereby collecting measurement data, and can also collect measurement data for each SM5-1 to 5-9. -9 Notifies the collection cycle, and receives the measurement data that SM5-1 to 5-9 actively transmit according to each cycle. Furthermore, the measurement data collection unit 32 reads out the measurement data stored in the memory unit 33 and transmits it to the HES 2 via the communication unit 31 . The hub device 3-1 performs processing for collecting measurement data from SMs 5-1 to 5-9, control for monitoring SMs 5-1 to 5-9, and the like in accordance with instructions from HES2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the hub device 3-2 that also collects sensor data. Like the hub device 3 - 1 , the hub device 3 - 2 includes a communication unit 31 , a measurement data collection unit 32 , and a memory unit 33 . The operations of the communication unit 31, the measurement data collection unit 32, and the memory unit 33 are the same as those of the hub device 3-1. The hub device 3-2 further includes a sensor data collection unit 34 for collecting sensor data of the sensors 6-1 to 6-3. The sensor data collection unit 34 performs a process of collecting sensor data from the sensors 6-1 to 6-3 via the SMs 5-11 and 5-12. The sensor data collection unit 34 instructs the SMs 5 - 11 and 5 - 12 to collect sensor data via the communication unit 31 , for example, in accordance with an instruction from the HES 2 . The communication unit 31 stores the sensor data received from the sensors 6 - 1 to 6 - 3 via the SMs 5 - 11 and 5 - 12 in the memory unit 33 . Here, the memory unit 33 of the hub device 3-2 stores measurement data and sensor data as described above, but the function of storing data is common to the memory unit 33 of the hub device 3-1. Furthermore, the sensor data collection unit 34 transmits the sensor data stored in the memory unit 33 to the HES 2 . In this way, the hub device 3-2 has the function of collecting measurement data, and also has the function of collecting sensor data, similarly to the hub device 3-1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the SM. The SM5-1 system has a communication unit 41 , a control unit 42 , a memory unit 43 , and a meter 44 . The communication unit 41 communicates with other SMs and the hub device 3-1. The control unit 42 controls the operation of the SM 5 - 1 based on the control signal received from the hub device 3 - 1 via the communication unit 41 . The meter 44 measures the electricity consumption. The measurement data measured by the meter 44 is stored in the memory unit 43 by the control unit 42 . The control unit 42 transmits the measurement data stored in the memory unit 43 to the hub device 3 - 1 via the communication unit 41 . In addition to measuring data, the meter 44 can also measure at least one of voltage, current, active power, and reactive power. SM5-2 to 5-9, 5-11, 5-12 have the same structure and operation as SM5-1. However, the control unit 42 of the SM5-11 and 5-12 performs an operation for collecting data from the sensors 6-1 to 6-3 in addition to the operation related to the measurement data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power distribution management device 10-1. The power distribution management device 10-1 includes a communication unit 31, a memory unit 33, and a voltage management unit 35 similar to those of the hub device 3-1. The voltage management unit 35 acquires voltage measurement data from the meter 36 that measures the voltage, current, etc. of the transformer 8 - 1 , and stores the acquired measurement data in the memory unit 33 . The voltage management unit 35 transmits the measurement data stored in the memory unit 33 to the HES 2 via the communication unit 31 . When the HES 2 receives the measurement data from the power distribution management device 10 - 1 , it is transmitted to the power distribution control system 12 via the power distribution network 11 as described above. Furthermore, when the HES 2 receives a control signal for controlling the power distribution management apparatus 10-1 from the power distribution control system 12, it transmits the control signal to the power distribution management apparatus 10-1. In this way, the HES 2 relays the communication between the power distribution control system 12 and the power distribution management device 10-1. The functional configuration and operation of the power distribution management device 10-2 are the same as those of the power distribution management device 10-1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the hub device 3-1. As shown in FIG. 7 , the hub device 3 - 1 is realized by the communication device 101 , the control device 102 , and the memory device 103 . The communication device 101 is constituted by a communication processing circuit, an antenna, and the like. The control device 102 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit, central processing unit), an MPU (micro processor unit; micro processing unit). The memory device 103 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, and the like.

The communication unit 31 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the communication device 101 and the control device 102 . For example, the control device 102 controls the communication using the communication device 101 by executing the program for communication control stored in the memory device 103 by the control device 102 . The measurement data collection unit 32 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the control device 102 . For example, the control device 102 functions as the measurement data collection unit 32 by executing the program for data collection stored in the memory device 103 by the control device 102 . The memory unit 33 shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the memory device 103 .

As described above, the line concentrating device 3-1 and the line concentrating device 3-2 have different functions because of different tasks. In the future, various applications for the SM network are expected, and there is a need to diversify the tasks of the hub device. In consideration of such diversification of functions or the fact that functions can be added later, if the hardware of the dedicated hub device is manufactured according to various tasks, the production efficiency will be lowered. Therefore, it is desired that various functions can be realized by different programs, ie, software, by commonizing the hardware. In addition, the cluster device 3-1 and the power distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2 have different functional configurations, but have common functions. Therefore, the implementation of the power distribution management device 10 using the same hardware as the cluster device 3-1 was also examined. -1.

That is, for example, it is examined to use the hardware shown in FIG. 7 and change the installed program to realize different functions. In this case, the respective communication units 31 of the hub device 3-2 and the power distribution management device 10-1 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. It is realized with the control device 102 . The measurement data collection unit 32 and the sensor data collection unit 34 of the hub device 3-2 shown in FIG. 4 can be realized by the control device 102 similarly to the measurement data collection unit 32 of the hub unit 3-1. The voltage management unit 35 of the power distribution management device 10-1 shown in FIG. 6 can be realized by the control device 102 in the same manner as the measurement data collection unit 32 of the cluster device 3-1. The memory unit 33 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 can be realized by the memory device 103 . Hereinafter, a device using common hardware, such as the cluster devices 3-1 and 3-2 and the power distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2, is also referred to as a cluster device 3 . That is, when describing as the cluster device 3, the cluster devices 3-1 and 3-2 are included, and the distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2 are also included.

The tasks (functions) realized by the hub device 3 can be exemplified by the following functions in addition to the above-mentioned collection of measurement data, sensor data, and voltage of transformers (load management of voltage transformers).

(1) Management of voltage, etc.: The hub device 3 collects at least one measurement data of voltage, current, reactive power, and effective power measured by SM5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, and 5-12, as data for transformers monitoring measurement data. The measurement data is transmitted via the HES 2 to, for example, the distribution control system 12 or the like. Alternatively, a measurement of the voltage of a sensor directly connected to the distribution line is obtained and collected, and transmitted to, for example, the distribution control system 12 via the HES2.

(2) Distributed power control: Control the user's distributed power sources such as power generation devices and power storage devices through SM5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, and 5-12. Since it is necessary to control together in a short time, for example, the HES 2 instructs the hub device 3 to specify the distributed power supply to be controlled in accordance with an instruction from the power distribution control system 12, and notifies the downstream SM group together with the control telecommunication data.

(3) At-home/not-at-home determination: analyzing the time series data of the power consumption measurement data to determine whether each user is at home or not at home. The determination result can be used for the reduction of re-delivery, nursing care, and watch service, etc. for home delivery, etc., and can be provided to various manufacturers and the like. The home/absence determination is performed by, for example, the hub device 3 . This determination can be made by whether the electricity consumption in a certain time zone is higher than the average value of the user's time zone, etc., or can be made by using AI (Artificial Intelligence; artificial intelligence). For example, even if the power consumption at a certain time is high, there is a possibility of being away from home. Therefore, it may not be possible to obtain sufficient accuracy when simply determining the presence/absence based on the power consumption at a certain time. That is, the time series pattern of power consumption when at home and the time series pattern when not at home are different from user to user. Therefore, by learning these aspects by AI and using the learning result to perform home/absent determination, the determination accuracy can be improved.

(4) Reliability determination of demand response: determine the response status of the user's degree of cooperation with the demand response. For example, the hub device 3 records the issuance time of the demand response and the history of measurement data of each user, and analyzes the recorded data to analyze whether the user changes the power consumption due to the demand response. For example, for users who reduce electricity consumption due to the issuance of demand response, mark the degree of cooperation of demand response as a higher value, and for users whose electricity consumption has not changed even after issuing demand response, mark the cooperation of demand response. The degree is a lower value. Furthermore, the determination of the degree of cooperation can also be performed using AI. The results can be used, for example, to predict the effect of demand response.

As described above, various functions of the hub device 3 can be expected. Here, the above-described functions are merely examples, and the functions implemented by the hub device 3 may be other than those described above.

On the other hand, since all the functions of the conventional hub device 3 series are the same, the functions of the application program for communication control, management and data collection are all provided by a single firmware file. Therefore, to change the function, the entire firmware file must be replaced. Therefore, when the functions differ depending on the hub device, different firmware files must be installed according to the function when the product is shipped, and the hub device must be managed and shipped according to each function, so that the labor for shipment preparation increases. reduce production efficiency. Furthermore, when part of the function is to be updated, the entire firmware file must be replaced. Therefore, when the firmware file is transmitted from the HES2 to change the firmware file, the communication band will be congested. Furthermore, when the function is changed or updated, the operation of the hub device itself is completely stopped.

In this regard, in this embodiment, the programs for realizing the functions of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 are divided into: a communication control program for performing communication control and management; a basic program for implementing the application program; and an application program for realizing the individual functions of each of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. Furthermore, by sending the application programs corresponding to the functions of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 to the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 by the HES2, it is possible to suppress the production efficiency of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. It can be lowered and programs corresponding to functions can be installed in the hub device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a program configuration of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. The diagram on the left side of FIG. 8 shows the program configuration of a conventional hub device, and the diagram on the right side of FIG. 8 shows an example of the program configuration of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 , conventionally, an OS (Operating System) operates a program integrating Communication Control, Management, and Application. On the other hand, this embodiment operates on the OS to realize a communication control program for communication control and management, which are common processing, and becomes a framework/platform (Framework/Platform) for executing the application program. Platform) basic program. And, each application program is executed by the basic program.

On the basic program, multiple application programs (so-called App) can be run. Each function such as the function of collecting measurement data and the function of collecting sensor data can be realized by one application program, or one function can be realized by a plurality of application programs. In this way, in this embodiment, the operations of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 are realized by a plurality of programs, and the HES2 transmits the file of the application program to each of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. Therefore, when the functions of the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 are changed, the HES 2 only needs to transmit necessary applications to the respective hub devices 3-1 and 3-2, so that the congestion of the communication band can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the application is updated, it is only necessary to transmit the corresponding application to the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2, so that the congestion of the communication band can be suppressed.

Furthermore, when setting up the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2, only the common communication control program and basic program are installed first, and after the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 are set up, they will be used to implement the corresponding hub device 3. -1, 3-2 The application file of the function required by the installation place is sent to the hub device 3-1, 3-2. This makes it unnecessary to manage the applications installed in the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 when installing the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2, and it is not necessary to consider, for example, the place where the hub device 3-2 should be installed but the hub device 3-2 is installed. In the case where the device or the like of the application program corresponding to the device 3-1 is incorrectly set, the setting operation can be improved. In addition, after installation, where and which hardware is installed can be managed by the unique identification number of the product.

Likewise, the functions of the power distribution management apparatuses 10-1 and 10-2 can be implemented by application programs. The power distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2 are realized by sending the file of the application from the HES 2 using the hardware common to the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. That is, the power distribution management apparatuses 10-1 and 10-2 are also communication apparatuses that can constitute a wireless multi-hop network.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the HES2. As shown in FIG. 9 , the HES 2 includes a communication unit 21 , a status information acquisition unit 22 , a transmission management unit 23 , and a storage unit 24 . The communication unit 21 communicates with the hub devices 3 - 1 and 3 - 2 , the power distribution management devices 10 - 1 and 10 - 2 , the MDMS 1 , and the power distribution control system 12 , respectively. Furthermore, although illustration is omitted, the communication unit 31 can also communicate with a device that implements a service using the SM network, such as a collection device that collects sensor data. Hereinafter, devices using common hardware, such as the clustering devices 3-1 and 3-2, and the power distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2, are also described as the clustering device 3. FIG. That is, when it is described as the cluster device 3, the cluster devices 3-1 and 3-2 are included and the distribution management devices 10-1 and 10-2 are included.

The memory unit 24 stores the first correspondence information of the correspondence between the hub device 3 and the functions that the hub device 3 should have. The first correspondence information is function correspondence information showing the correspondence between the identification number of the hub device 3 and the function of the hub device 3 . Furthermore, the memory unit 24 also stores the second correspondence information of the application correspondence information showing the correspondence between the function and the application. The first correspondence information and the second correspondence information may be input to the HES 2 by the operator through an input device (not shown), or may be transmitted from other devices and stored in the memory unit 24 . Furthermore, the memory unit 24 is an application file in which files of the application to be transmitted to the hub device 3 are stored. Here, FIG. 9 describes only one application file, but since the memory unit 24 stores the application files corresponding to the functions of the hub device 3, the actual application files are plural. In addition, the application file can also be stored in other devices instead of being stored in the memory portion 24 of the HES2. In this case, when the HES 2 sends the application file to the hub device 3, it obtains the corresponding application from the other device.

The status information acquisition unit 22 receives information from the hub device 3 via the communication unit 21 showing the application program installed on the hub device 3, and uses the received information, the first correspondence information, and the second correspondence information to determine that it should be sent to the The application program of the hub device 3 then notifies the hub device 3 of the determined application program via the communication unit 21 .

The transmission management unit 23 transmits the application file to the hub device 3 in accordance with the transmission request when receiving the application transmission request from the hub device 3 via the communication unit 21 .

The HES 2 includes a communication device 101 , a control device 102 , and a memory device 103 in the same manner as the hub device 3 . Here, the hardware for realizing the HES2 and the hardware for realizing the hub device 3 are generally different hardwares, and the HES2 is a computer system. Therefore, in addition to the communication device 101 , the control device 102 , and the memory device 103 , the HES2 generally includes an input unit such as a mouse and a keyboard, and a display unit such as a monitor and a screen. Among the functions of the HES2, the functions related to the application distribution of this embodiment, that is, the functions related to the software distribution, can be realized by executing the software distribution program.

Next, an operation example of the computer system in a state in which the software distribution program of the present embodiment can be executed will be described. The HES2 using the above-mentioned computer system is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) drive or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc; Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM drive not shown in the figure. the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM of the device, and install the software distribution program in the memory device 103. Thereby, the software distribution program read out from the memory device 103 when the software distribution program is to be executed is stored in the memory device 103 . In this state, the control device 102 executes the software sending process of the HES2 of the present embodiment according to the program stored in the memory device 103 .

Here, in the above description, a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM is used as a recording medium to provide the software distribution program, but this is not limited to this, and the program may be provided via the communication unit 105, for example, depending on the hardware configuration, the capacity of the program to be provided, and the like. Instead, use programs provided by transmission media such as the Internet.

The software delivery program of this embodiment causes the HES 2 to execute: the steps of receiving application status information from the hub device 3; and using the application status information to determine the application program corresponding to the respective functions of the plurality of hub devices 3, A step of sending the determined application program to the plurality of hub devices 3 respectively.

Next, the method of sending the software to the hub device 3 by the HES 2, that is, the method of sending the application file, will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of sending application files. Fig. 10 shows an example of sending the application file to the hub device 3-1, but the case of sending the application file to the hub device 3-2, power distribution management devices 10-1, 10-2, etc. is the same as this example . The operation of the hub device 3 shown in FIG. 10 is realized by the control device 102 shown in FIG. 7 executing a preinstalled communication control program. Therefore, even in a state in which the application file is not installed in the hub device 3 at all, the hub device 3 can perform the operation shown in FIG. 10 .

The hub device 3-1 transmits the telecommunication data of the application state notification to the HES 2 as shown in FIG. 10 when it is first activated after installation (step S1). The application status notification is a notification used to transmit the application file installed by the hub device 3 itself to the HES 2 . Program status information. The application status information shows the information of the applications installed on the hub device 3 . Specifically, in step S1 , the control device 102 shown in FIG. 7 refers to the memory device 103 to determine the application file installed in the hub device 3 itself, and uses the communication device 101 to transmit the telecommunication data of the application status notification.

When the HES2 receives the telecommunication data of the application status notification, it determines the application to be teletransmitted (step S2). That is, the HES 2 uses the application state information to determine the application to be sent to the hub device 3-1. Specifically, first, the status information acquisition unit 22 determines the function corresponding to the hub device 3-1 using the device ID and the first correspondence information included in the application status notification received from the hub device 3-1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first correspondence information. As shown in FIG. 11 , in the first correspondence information, the device ID is associated with the function ID belonging to the identification information of the function. The status information acquisition unit 22 acquires the function ID corresponding to the device ID recorded in the application status notification with reference to the first correspondence information. Next, the state information obtaining unit 22 obtains the application ID of the identification information of the application corresponding to the function ID using the second correspondence information. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the second correspondence information. As shown in FIG. 12 , in the second correspondence information, the function ID device ID is associated with the application ID corresponding to the function. Here, the numerical system on the right side of the subscripts such as App ₁₀ and App ₂₁ belonging to the application ID indicates the version of the application. For example, App ₂₁ represents an updated version of App _{2 0} . The state information obtaining unit 22 obtains the application ID corresponding to the function ID obtained using the first matching information with reference to the second matching information. The status information acquisition unit 22 determines that the application should be the application ID that is not included in the application in the application status information received from the hub device 3-1. An application (telecom transmission application) to be teletransmitted to the hub device 3-1.

Return to the description of FIG. 10 . The HES 2 transmits the telecommunication data notifying the information representing the application ID of the telecommunication application to the hub device 3-1 (step S3). Specifically, the state information acquisition unit 22 transmits the telecommunication data for notifying the application information to the hub device 3 - 1 via the communication unit 21 .

When receiving the application information notification, the hub device 3-1 transmits the telecommunication data requested by the application to the HES 2 according to the notified application information (step S4). The hub device 3-1 specifies the application ID included in the notified application information, and transmits the telecommunication data required to obtain the corresponding application to the HES 2.

When receiving the application acquisition request from the hub device 3-1, the HES 2 transmits the application file corresponding to the application acquisition request to the hub device 3-1 (step S5). Specifically, when receiving the application acquisition request via the communication unit 21 , the transmission management unit 23 reads out the application file corresponding to the application ID recorded in the application acquisition request from the memory unit 24 , and transmits the application file via the communication unit 21 . It is transmitted to the hub device 3-1.

When the hub device 3-1 receives the application acquisition request from the HES 2, it saves the file (step S6). Specifically, when the control device 102 receives the application file via the communication device 101 , it stores the file in the memory device 103 .

Through the above operations, the hub device 3-1 can acquire the application file corresponding to its own function. Since there is a possibility of updating the application program and changing the function of the hub device 3-1, for example, the hub device 3-1 periodically transmits the application status notification in step S1. In addition, the cycle for transmitting the application status notification may be common to all the hub devices 3 , or a plurality of different cycles may be allocated to each hub device 3 to disperse the cycle for transmitting the application status notification.

10, after the hub device 3-1 transmits the application status notification and the HES 2 notifies the hub device 3-1 of the application information, the hub device 3-1 transmits an application acquisition request, and the hub device 3-1 It is used to obtain the application file, but the sending method of the application file is not limited to this example.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the method of sending application files. In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the hub device 3-1 transmits the application status notification similarly to the example shown in FIG. 11, the HES 2 transmits the application file to the hub device 3-1 (step S5). In this way, the hub device 3-1 can transmit the application file without waiting for the request for obtaining the application file.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing still another example of the method of sending the application file. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the HES 2 transmits the telecommunication data of the state acquisition request requesting transmission of the application state notification to the hub device 3-1 (step S8). When the hub device 3-1 receives the status acquisition request, it transmits the application status notification (step S1 ) as in the example shown in FIG. 10 . The operations after step S1 are the same as the example shown in FIG. 10 . In this way, the hub device 3-1 can transmit an application status notification when there is an instruction from the HES2. Furthermore, it is also possible to implement a combination of the transmission of the application status notification when there is an instruction from the HES2 and the spontaneous transmission of the application status notification by the hub device 3-1 as shown in FIG. 10 . In addition, after step S8 and step S1, you may implement step S5 similarly to the example shown in FIG. 13. FIG.

The HES 2 and the hub device 3 can send the application file for realizing the functions of each hub device 3 by performing the above-mentioned actions. That is, in this embodiment, the program for operating the communication device includes a communication control program and an application program for performing communication control and management, and the HES2 separates the application programs corresponding to the functions of the plurality of hub devices 3 respectively. Sent to a plurality of hub devices 3. Thereby, the first application file for realizing the function of the hub device 3 can be transmitted, and the change of the function, the update of the program, and the addition of the function can be carried out in the same operation, and the change of the function, Program update and function addition. Furthermore, since the application files necessary to realize the functions of each hub device 3 are selectively transmitted, the file capacity can be reduced compared to the case of transmitting integrated files, and the congestion of the communication frequency band can be suppressed. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an application program for telecommunication transmission to the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the hub device 3-1 is in the state just after the installation, and not one application is installed, and the hub device 3-2 is in the state where the application IDs of App ₂₀ and App ₃₀ are installed. The status of the two applications. In this state, when the hub device 3-1 transmits the application status notification to the HES 2, the application status notification records the information that the application is not installed. On the other hand, when the hub device 3-2 transmits the application status notification to the HES 2, the application status notification records and displays the information of both App ₂₀ and App ₃₀ .

Here, those shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are respectively used as the first corresponding information and the second corresponding information, and X ₁ and X ₂ in FIG. 11 are respectively used as the device IDs corresponding to the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2. . According to the first corresponding information, the second corresponding information and the application status notification, the HES2 determines that the telecom transmission application of the hub device 3-1 is the application of the application IDApp ₁₀ , and records the App ₁₀ in the application status notification and transmits it To the hub device 3-1. Furthermore, according to the first corresponding information, the second corresponding information and the application status notification, the HES2 determines that the telecommunication transmission application of the hub device 3-2 is the application of the application ID App ₂₁ and App ₃₁ , and assigns the App ₂₁ and App to the application ID App 21 and App 31 . ₃₁ is recorded in the application status notification and transmitted to the hub device 3-1.

In this way, the hub devices 3-1 and 3-2 can obtain the application file by requesting to obtain the required application file, respectively, by the procedure shown in FIG. 10 . Here, the hub device 3 - 2 holds the App ₂₀ and App ₃₀ before updating corresponding to the application state notification App ₂₁ and App ₃₁ , respectively. Therefore, the hub device 3-2 can also delete App ₂₀ and App ₃₀ after acquiring App ₂₁ and App ₃₁ .

Next, the startup procedure of the application after the application file is obtained will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an application startup procedure. First, when the HES 2 transmits an application activation request requesting activation of the application (step S11 ), the hub device 3 - 1 returns an activation response (step S12 ). As shown in FIG. 16, the control apparatus 102 of the hub apparatus 3-1 operates according to each program. The communication control/management system of FIG. 16 shows functional units realized by the communication control program. OS means a functional part realized by an OS, PF means a functional part realized by a basic program, and an application program means a functional part realized by an application program.

After replying to the application activation response, the communication control/management system instructs the OS to activate the software container (step S13). Here, the software container refers to a unit that abstracts hardware resources. Here means the software container used for the execution of the application. The OS instructs the PF to start the software container (step S14). The PF reads the file according to the instruction (step S15 ), and starts the software container (step S16 ), whereby the application program can be executed according to the application program file. Once the execution of the application program is started, the functional unit implemented by the application program transmits a completion notification to the PF (step S17). When the PF system receives the completion notification, it notifies the OS of the completion notification (step S18). When receiving the completion notification, the OS transmits the completion notification to the communication control/management (step S19). By the above process, the application program is started. After that, each functional part of the hub device 3 realized by the application program operates.

Next, the dispersion of telecommunication transmission timing of application files will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, the HES 2 transmits only the necessary application files to the hub device 3 by telecommunication, so the capacity of the files transmitted by telecommunication can be suppressed. If the application files are simultaneously telecommunicationally transmitted to a plurality of hub devices 3, the communication circuit may be temporarily congested. Therefore, it can be constructed to disperse the timing of telecommunications transmission of application files. As the method of dispersion, any method may be used, but for example, methods such as fixed dispersion, random dispersion, and partial dispersion described below can be used.

The fixed distribution divides the hub devices 3 into groups based on identification numbers that are specifically assigned to each hub device 3, such as MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, and the hub devices 3 are assigned to each group according to the group time to obtain the application file. That is, the transmission timing of the application is made different between the groups. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the hub device 3 transmits the application status notification and starts to obtain the application file, the timing for transmitting the application status notification is designated for each group. For example, when each hub device 3 transmits an application status notification once a day, the hub device 3 in the first group transmits the application status notification at 0:00, the hub device 3 in the second group transmits the application status notification at 0:30, and the hub device 3 in the second group transmits the application status notification at 0:30. The three groups of hub devices 3 transmit the application status notification at 1:00 o'clock, staggering the time for transmitting the application status notification. Alternatively, each hub device 3 can transmit the application status notification at an arbitrary timing, and as described above, the transmission timing of the application acquisition request of each group is made different. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 , when the HES2 transmits the application status notification, the transmission timing of the status acquisition request of each group can be made different in the same way. In addition, as described above, the transmission time of the application acquisition request of each group can be made different.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when the transmission of the application status notification is distributed. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the cluster device 3-1 and the cluster device 3-2 belong to different groups. The hub device 3-1 and the HES 2 execute the processing of steps S1 to S5 in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 10 . At this time, when the hub device 3-2 transmits the application status notification at the same timing as the hub device 3-1, there is a possibility that the timing of acquiring the application file overlaps. Therefore, the hub device 3-2 transmits the application status notification in the same manner as the hub device 3-1 after the time difference ΔT has elapsed since the transmission timing of the application status notification of the hub device 3-1. ΔT is a different value depending on each group.

The random distribution is that each hub device 3 generates an individual random number, and after waiting for a time corresponding to the random number from the regular transmission timing, the timing of application status notification or application acquisition request is determined. That is, the random distribution is such that the sending timing of the application program varies randomly according to each hub device. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, when the HES2 does not receive the application program acquisition request and transmits the application program file, the HES2 can generate random numbers each time it obtains the application status notification, and the standby reaches the standby corresponding to the random number. After the time, send the application file. In random dispersion, the time difference ΔT shown in FIG. 17 is randomly determined.

Partial distribution is that the hub devices 3 cooperate with each other so that the acquisition timings of the application files do not overlap. For example, each hub device 3 notifies the peripheral hub devices 3 of the acquisition of the application file before a certain period of time before the application file acquisition request. Then, each hub device 3 requests the acquisition of the application file according to the notification received from the other hub device 3, avoiding the timing when the other hub device 3 requests the acquisition of the application file.

Here, in the above example, the HES2 holds the first correspondence information to grasp the function corresponding to each hub device 3, but it is not limited to this. When the function of each hub device 3 has been determined, the hub device 3 may also indicate the corresponding function of the hub device 3 itself. The function ID of the function is included in the application status notification and sent. At this time, the HES 2 can obtain the application ID of the application to be sent to the hub device 3 by using the received application status notification and the second corresponding information instead of the first corresponding information.

Furthermore, it is also possible to add location information showing the installation place where each hub device 3 is installed to the application status notification. At this time, the HES2 can keep the third application information showing the location correspondence information of the set location and function ID, and use the location information and the third correspondence information included in the application status notification to obtain and connect with the hub device 3 The corresponding function ID. Furthermore, when the application file is determined to be used in a specific area, the HES 2 can use the location information included in the application status notification to teletransmit the application file to the hub device 3 set in the specific area. Furthermore, when the parameter files used by the application are different depending on the region, the HES 2 can also maintain the corresponding relationship between the region and the parameter file, and transmit the parameter file to the hub device 3 according to the maintained correspondence relationship and location information.

Furthermore, each hub device 3 can also include identification information for identifying devices such as SM5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, 5-12, and power storage devices connected downstream in the application status notification to transmit, HES2 It is also possible to maintain the correspondence between the identification information of these machines and the corresponding application IDs as machine correspondence information, and use this correspondence and the identification information recorded in the application status notification to determine the application to be sent to the hub device 3 .

In addition, the transmission method of the application program of the hub device 3 described above can also be applied to the transmission of the programs of SM5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, and 5-12. As mentioned above, SM5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, and 5-12 may have the function of collecting sensor data, the function of controlling distributed power, etc. in addition to the function of collecting measurement data. Since the functions of SM5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, and 5-12 are implemented by firmware programs, the HES2 can use the same program to send and communicate with each of SM5-1 to 5-9 and 5-11. , 5-12 corresponding firmware program. Alternatively, the programs of SM5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, and 5-12 also transmit the application program from the HES 2 similarly to the hub device 3 with the configuration shown on the right side of FIG. 8 . In this way, the application object of the software transmission method of the present embodiment is not limited to the hub device 3 as long as it is a communication device capable of forming a wireless multi-hop network. Furthermore, the hub device 3 only needs to be able to form a wireless multi-hop network, and may not form a wireless multi-hop network when actually installed and used. That is, depending on the function of the hub device 3, it can also be used in a state where there is no SM downstream.

As described above, the present embodiment is structured such that the program of the hub device 3 is divided into a program that performs communication control and management belonging to a common function and an application program, and the HES 2 sends the application program corresponding to the function of the hub device 3 to Hub device 3. Thereby, while suppressing the fall of the productivity of the cluster apparatus 3, the program corresponding to a task can be installed in a cluster apparatus. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to transmit the entire program of the hub device 3, but an application program corresponding to the task of each hub device 3 is transmitted, it is possible to suppress the congestion of the communication band.

The configuration shown in the above embodiment is merely an example, it can be combined with other well-known techniques, the embodiments can be combined with each other, and the configuration can be omitted or changed without departing from the gist of the present invention a part of.

1: MDNS 2: HES 3-1, 3-2: Hubs 4: Internet 5-1 to 5-9, 5-11, 5-12: Smart Meter (SM) 6-1 to 6-3: Sensors 7: Distribution line 8-1 to 8-3: Transformer 9: SVR 10-1, 10-2: Distribution management device 11: Distribution network 12: Distribution control system 13-1, 13-2, 13-11, 13-12: User Equipment 21, 31, 41: Communications Department 22: Status Information Acquisition Department 23: Send Management Department 24, 33, 43: Memory Department 32: Measurement data collection department 34: Sensor Data Collection Department 35: Voltage Management Department 36: header 42: Control Department 44: Meter 101: Communication device 102: Controls 103: Memory Device S1 to S6, S8, S11 to S19: Steps ΔT: time difference

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the SM network. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the hub device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a hub device that also collects sensor data. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the SM. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power distribution management device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the hub device. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the program configuration of the hub device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the HES. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of sending application files. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first correspondence information. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the second correspondence information. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the method of sending application files. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing still another example of the method of sending the application file. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an application program for telecommunication transmission to a hub device. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an application startup procedure. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when the transmission of the application status notification is distributed.

2: HES

3-1: Hub Device

S1 to S6: Steps

Claims (22)

A communication system comprising: a plurality of communication devices that can form a wireless multi-hop network; and a communication management device, which manages the aforementioned communication device; A program for operating the aforementioned communication device includes: Communication control programs, which carry out communication control and management; and application; The communication management device sends the application programs respectively corresponding to the functions of the plurality of communication devices to the plurality of communication devices. The communication system of claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned communication device transmits application status information showing the information of the aforementioned application programs installed by the aforementioned communication device to the aforementioned communication management device; The communication management device uses the application state information to determine the application to be sent to the communication device. The communication system of claim 2, wherein, The communication device transmits the application status information and the identification number of the communication device to the communication management device; The communication management device maintains function correspondence information showing the correspondence between the identification number of the communication device and the function of the communication device, and application correspondence information showing the correspondence between the function of the communication device and the application, and uses all The received identification number, the application state information, the function corresponding information, and the application corresponding information are used to determine the application to be sent to the communication device. The communication system of claim 2, wherein, The communication device transmits the application status information and the location information showing the installation place of the communication device to the communication management device; The communication management device maintains position correspondence information showing the correspondence between the installation place of the communication device and the function of the communication device, and application correspondence information showing the correspondence between the function of the communication device and the application, and uses all The received location information, the application state information, and the application corresponding information are used to determine the application to be sent to the communication device. The communication system of claim 2, wherein, The aforesaid communication device transmits the aforesaid application status information and the identification information of a machine connected to the aforesaid communication device to the aforesaid communication management device; The aforesaid communication management device keeps the device correspondence information showing the correspondence between the identification information of the device connected to the aforesaid communication device and the aforesaid application program, and uses the received aforesaid identification information and the aforesaid application program status information, and the aforesaid machine correspondence information, and determine the aforementioned application to be sent to the aforementioned communication device. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the communication apparatuses are grouped using the identification numbers of the communication apparatuses, and the transmission timing of the application program is different between the groups. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sending timing of the application program is randomly different for each communication device. The communication system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The wireless multi-hop network includes a terminal device that transmits measurement data of power consumption and a hub device that collects the measurement data from the terminal device; The aforementioned communication device includes the aforementioned hub device. The communication system of claim 6, wherein, The wireless multi-hop network includes a terminal device that transmits measurement data of power consumption and a hub device that collects the measurement data from the terminal device; The aforementioned communication device includes the aforementioned hub device. The communication system of claim 7, wherein, The wireless multi-hop network includes a terminal device that transmits measurement data of power consumption and a hub device that collects the measurement data from the terminal device; The aforementioned communication device includes the aforementioned hub device. The communication system of claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned functions include the functions of collecting sensor data for automatic meter reading or sensor data for monitoring and control other than electricity consumption. The communication system of claim 9, wherein, The aforementioned functions include the functions of collecting sensor data for automatic meter reading or sensor data for monitoring and control other than electricity consumption. The communication system of claim 10, wherein, The aforementioned functions include the functions of collecting sensor data for automatic meter reading or sensor data for monitoring and control other than electricity consumption. The communication system of claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned functions include functions to collect measurement data for transformer monitoring. The communication system of claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned functions include functions for controlling distributed power sources. The communication system of claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned function includes a function of analyzing the aforementioned measurement data to determine whether the user is at home or not. The communication system of claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned function includes a function of analyzing the aforementioned measurement data to determine the degree of cooperation of the user to the demand response. A communication management device that manages a plurality of communication devices that can form a wireless multi-hop network; A program for operating the aforementioned communication device includes: Communication control programs, which carry out communication control and management; and application; The communication management device sends the application programs respectively corresponding to the functions of the plurality of communication devices to the plurality of communication devices. A communication device is a plurality of communication devices that can form a wireless multi-hop network; A program for operating the aforementioned communication device includes: Communication control programs, which carry out communication control and management; and application; and The aforementioned application is received from a communication management device that manages the aforementioned communication device. The communication device according to claim 19 transmits application status information showing the information of the application programs installed by the communication device to the communication management device. A software sending method for sending software in a communication system including a communication management device and a plurality of communication devices, the plurality of communication devices can form a wireless multi-hop network, and the communication management device manages the communication devices; A program for operating the aforementioned communication device includes: Communication control programs, which carry out communication control and management; and application; The aforementioned communication device transmits application status information showing the information of the aforementioned application programs installed by the aforementioned communication device to the aforementioned communication management device; The communication management device uses the application state information to determine the applications corresponding to the functions of the plurality of communication devices, and sends the determined applications to the plurality of communication devices. A recording medium recording a software delivery program for causing a communication management device of a communication system to execute the following steps, the communication system comprising the communication management device and a plurality of communication devices, the plurality of communication devices being capable of forming a wireless multi-hop network a path, the communication management device manages the communication device, and a program for operating the communication device includes a communication control program and an application program, and the communication control program performs communication control and management; The software distribution program causes the communication management device to execute: The step of receiving, from the communication device, application status information showing information of the application that has been installed by the communication device; and The step of determining the application programs corresponding to the functions of the plurality of communication devices respectively using the application program state information, and sending the determined application programs to the plurality of communication devices respectively.

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