US20240093898A1 - Air-conditioning system - Google Patents

Air-conditioning system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20240093898A1
US20240093898A1 US18/254,026 US202118254026A US2024093898A1 US 20240093898 A1 US20240093898 A1 US 20240093898A1 US 202118254026 A US202118254026 A US 202118254026A US 2024093898 A1 US2024093898 A1 US 2024093898A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
air
update program
conditioning
distribution device
distribution
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/254,026
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hideyuki Nakajima
Takayuki Tsuji
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAKAJIMA, HIDEYUKI, TSUJI, TAKAYUKI
Publication of US20240093898A1 publication Critical patent/US20240093898A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56—Remote control
    • F24F11/58—Remote control using Internet communication
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
    • F24F11/64—Electronic processing using pre-stored data

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system.
  • firmware or F/W operation control programs
  • F/W operation control programs
  • an air-conditioning equipment in which an operation control program is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile storage device in order to facilitate version up of the operation control program.
  • the present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioning system with which the work time is reduced and the program can be updated regardless of weather.
  • the present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system.
  • the air-conditioning system includes: an air-conditioning device to store a control program in a nonvolatile manner; and a distribution device to distribute, to the air-conditioning device, an update program for updating the control program stored in the air-conditioning device in a nonvolatile manner, the distribution device being connected to the air-conditioning device via a first network.
  • the air-conditioning system of the present disclosure it is possible to reduce the work time required for updating the program, and the program can be updated regardless of the weather.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air-conditioning system having a function of F/W update by communication.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system in which an air-conditioning device also serves as a distribution device.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system capable of performing F/W distribution by connecting a maintenance device on site.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system that collects information from an air-conditioning device.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system in which a network server manages a plurality of distribution devices.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system that provides F/W by a manual rewrite instruction.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system that automatically provides F/W in response to addition of new F/W.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for automatically performing F/W distribution.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system in which a network server selects various settings related to F/W distribution.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flow from unit information acquisition to F/W distribution start.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of F/W distribution from a distribution device 2 to an air-conditioning device 1 , and interruption, restart, and cancellation of the distribution.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of F/W distribution completion to update normal completion through update execution.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flow of simultaneous distribution to a plurality of air-conditioning devices by broadcast communication.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flow of procedures of F/W distribution and F/W update based on differential data.
  • FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing details of a process of creating F/W differential data in S 152 of FIG. 15 .
  • FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing a process of creating data for the F/W update by the differential data executed in S 164 of FIG. 15 .
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning device including a plurality of outdoor units in the same refrigerant system.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of simultaneously updating F/W for a plurality of outdoor units.
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of an operation according to success or failure of update of the plurality of outdoor units.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system according to a first embodiment.
  • An air-conditioning system 100 includes a distribution device 2 and a network server 3 .
  • Distribution device 2 is connected to an air-conditioning device 1 via a dedicated communication network 5 , and distributes an update program for updating air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Distribution device 2 collects, via communication network 5 , data necessary for distributing the update program to air-conditioning device 1 and collects operation data of air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Network server 3 is connected to distribution device 2 and a user terminal 4 via Internet 6 A and 6 B.
  • Network server 3 stores an update program to be distributed to air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Network server 3 also accumulates the operation data for air-conditioning device 1 collected by distribution device 2 .
  • the operation data includes, for example, data indicating a remotely controlled operation such as time at which air-conditioning device 1 starts and ends its operation, a change in temperature setting, and switching of cooling/heating operation, and data indicating a state of air-conditioning device 1 such as temperature and pressure measured by a sensor installed in a refrigerant pipe or the like.
  • Network server 3 also transmits a program update instruction for air-conditioning device 1 that has been received from user terminal 4 to distribution device 2 , and transmits the update program to distribution device 2 .
  • Distribution device 2 distributes the update program to air-conditioning device 1 in response to reception of the update instruction or the update program.
  • Network server 3 may be connected to, instead of user terminal 4 , an application server operated by a maintenance company.
  • Distribution device 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20 , a storage device (read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, and the like) 21 , an air conditioner connecting portion 22 , and a communication unit 23 .
  • CPU central processing unit
  • storage device read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, and the like
  • air conditioner connecting portion 22 an air conditioner connecting portion 22 .
  • CPU 20 extracts programs stored in the ROM to the RAM or the like, and executes the programs.
  • the programs stored in the ROM are programs in which a processing procedure for operating as distribution device 2 is described.
  • CPU 20 executes processing as a FW update unit 25 , a data collection unit 27 , and a data reception unit 28 according to the programs.
  • FW update unit 25 , data collection unit 27 , and data reception unit 28 may be one control unit controlled by the same CPU as illustrated in FIG. 1 , or may be separate control units controlled by different CPUs.
  • FW update unit 25 downloads firmware for update from network server 3 and stores the firmware in storage device 21 .
  • the firmware is, for example, an operation control program of air-conditioning device 1 or distribution device 2 , or data used for the operation control program.
  • the firmware is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile storage device mounted on air-conditioning device 1 and distribution device 2 , and can be electrically rewritten. In the present specification, rewriting such an operation control program or data used for the operation control program is referred to as firmware update.
  • firmware update unit 25 applies the firmware to distribution device 2 itself.
  • the downloaded firmware is firmware for the air-conditioning device
  • FW update unit 25 transfers the firmware to air-conditioning device 1 .
  • data reception unit 28 Upon receiving the information necessary for updating the program or operation data of air-conditioning device 1 from air-conditioning device 1 , data reception unit 28 stores the information or the operation data in storage device 21 .
  • data collection unit 27 extracts corresponding data of air-conditioning device 1 from storage device 21 which is a database of the remote distribution device and transmits the data to network server 3 .
  • Network server 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 30 , a storage device (read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, and the like) 31 , a distribution device communication unit 32 , and an application communication unit 33 .
  • CPU central processing unit
  • storage device read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, and the like
  • distribution device communication unit 32 and an application communication unit 33 .
  • CPU 30 extracts programs stored in the ROM to the RAM or the like, and executes the programs.
  • the programs stored in the ROM are programs in which a processing procedure for operating as network server 3 is described.
  • CPU 30 executes processing as a FW update unit 36 , a device registration unit 38 , and a device management unit 39 according to the programs.
  • FW update unit 36 , device registration unit 38 , and device management unit 39 may be one control unit controlled by the same CPU as illustrated in FIG. 1 , or may be separate control units controlled by different CPUs.
  • network server 3 may be realized by a plurality of servers dispersedly arranged on the Internet.
  • Air-conditioning system 100 further includes user terminal 4 .
  • Application communication unit 33 communicates with user terminal 4 via Internet 6 B.
  • user terminal 4 for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like can be used.
  • Application software is installed in user terminal 4 .
  • the application software is configured to transmit the update instruction of the program to the network server according to an operation of the user.
  • the application software acquires various parameters of air-conditioning device 1 from network server 3 , and displays the parameters on a display unit of user terminal 4 .
  • the display unit may be an application on the Internet, a client operating on an operating system (OS), or a combination of another network server and a web browser.
  • OS operating system
  • network server 3 may be connected to an application server operated by a maintenance company, and the maintenance company may monitor various parameters of air-conditioning device 1 on the application server.
  • Device management unit 39 has a function for preventing the user from operating the remote distribution device used by another user.
  • Storage device 31 accumulates information unique to distribution device 2 (device data).
  • FW update unit 36 has a function of transmitting and managing the firmware of distribution device 2 and the firmware of air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Device registration unit 38 has a function of registering distribution device 2 in network server 3 .
  • Distribution device communication unit 32 communicates with distribution device 2 via Internet 6 A. Note that distribution device communication unit 32 is distinguished from application communication unit 33 , and user terminal 4 cannot be directly connected to distribution device 2 .
  • Storage device 21 that stores the update program for air-conditioning device 1 such as firmware to be updated is disposed in distribution device 2 , but may be provided in an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a remote controller, or the like of air-conditioning device 1 .
  • a communication speed of communication network 5 among the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the remote controller is low, even if data retransmission is requested again, it takes time for the data to reach network server 3 . Therefore, it is desirable to provide storage device 21 inside distribution device 2 that can communicate with the network server 3 at a high speed by a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or the like.
  • Device management unit 39 of network server 3 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a function for preventing a user from operating a distribution device used by another user. Therefore, it is necessary to notify network server 3 that the device is owned by the user at the start of use of distribution device 2 . Therefore, the user or a person in charge of installation work transmits the information unique to distribution device 2 from user terminal 4 to network server 3 at the time of installation of distribution device 2 .
  • the information unique to distribution device 2 may be any value as long as the value can uniquely specify the distribution device.
  • the unique information may be a serial number, a combination of a serial number and a random number, or the like.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning system having a function of F/W update by communication.
  • the air-conditioning system illustrated in FIG. 2 includes network server 3 , distribution device 2 , and air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Network server 3 , distribution device 2 , and air-conditioning device 1 constitute a communication network.
  • Communication between network server 3 and distribution device 2 is executed according to a communication standard A.
  • communication standard A is assumed to be connection by Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) which is a general communication method.
  • TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • IP is a set of communication protocols normally employed in many computer networks, including the Internet.
  • Communication between distribution device 2 and air-conditioning device 1 is executed according to a communication standard B.
  • Communication standard B is, for example, bus communication unique to a manufacturer. Although not particularly limited, in many cases, communication standard B has a communication speed lower than that of communication standard A.
  • Distribution device 2 and air-conditioning device 1 are disposed at an installation site F 1 .
  • Network server 3 is disposed at a remote place F 2 far away from installation site F 1 .
  • the air-conditioning system illustrated in FIG. 2 includes network server 3 that provides firmware (hereinafter, referred to as F/W), distribution device 2 , and air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Distribution device 2 has a function of communicating with network server 3 and air-conditioning device 1 , and distributes the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Air-conditioning device 1 includes a storage area 1 M that stores the downloaded F/W, and has an update function by the F/W.
  • the F/W of air-conditioning device 1 can be updated by Network server 3 providing the F/W to distribution device 2 , and distribution device 2 providing the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 .
  • the F/W can be updated from the remote place F 2 via communication, and therefore it is possible to improve service responsiveness without needing a service person to go to installation site F 1 of air-conditioning device 1 from remote place F 2 .
  • Distribution device 2 corresponds to both communication standard A of network server 3 and communication standard B of air-conditioning device 1 . Therefore, the function of updating the F/W from the remote location can be used by adding distribution device 2 to the existing site.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system in which the air-conditioning device also serves as the distribution device.
  • the air-conditioning device when the air-conditioning device itself is compliant with communication standard A of network server 3 , an air-conditioning device 11 on the same system can also serve as distribution device 2 .
  • Air-conditioning device 11 constitute a communication network with other air-conditioning devices 12 and 13 , and has direct or indirect connection with distribution device 2 .
  • network server 3 and distribution device 2 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be replaced with tools or devices having similar functions as described below with reference to FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system capable of performing F/W distribution by connecting a maintenance device on site.
  • network server 3 and distribution device 2 can be replaced with application having a similar F/W distribution function.
  • a maintenance device 15 used for maintenance by the operator is directly connected to communication network 5 of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 at the installation site.
  • Maintenance device 15 serves as a communication protocol converter that converts a communication protocol between the USB standard of a personal computer and communication standard B. In this method, it is necessary for an operator to go to an installation site, but it is only necessary to connect maintenance device 15 to communication network 5 .
  • the outdoor unit of air-conditioning device 11 has a wireless mobile communication function and also serves as distribution device 2 , it is not necessary to search for the positions of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 . Accordingly, even in a case where the communication terminal is not provided around the remote controller and the communication terminal is provided inside a housing of the air-conditioning device, it is not necessary to connect the communication terminal to the communication terminal, and thus, it is not necessary to remove a sheet metal of a housing exterior.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system that collects information from the air-conditioning device.
  • Distribution device 2 collects information of air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 either when distribution device 2 is powered on or at a constant cycle.
  • the information to be collected includes information indicating compatibility with the F/W distribution function of each air-conditioning device, F/W information corresponding to each air-conditioning device, a current F/W version, a communication method at the time of F/W distribution, a distribution unit, a compression method of distribution data, a data format of the distribution data, and the like.
  • Network server 3 can collect the information collected by distribution device 2 at an arbitrary timing, and an operator can also confirm the content by accessing network server 3 .
  • network server 3 can provide the F/W to distribution device 2 using the F/W type, the F/W version, and the data compression method that can be supported by the air-conditioning device to be updated.
  • distribution device 2 can perform F/W distribution to the air-conditioning device using a communication method and a distribution unit suitable for the air-conditioning device to be updated.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system in which the network server manages a plurality of distribution devices.
  • Air-conditioning system 100 includes a plurality of device groups F 1 A to F 1 C and a network server 3 connected to distribution devices 2 A to 2 C of the plurality of device groups F 1 A to F 1 C via a second network 6 A.
  • the plurality of device groups F 1 A are disposed at an installation site A and include air-conditioning device 1 A and a distribution device 2 A.
  • the plurality of device groups F 1 B are disposed at an installation site B and include air-conditioning device 1 B and a distribution device 2 B.
  • the plurality of device groups F 1 C are disposed at an installation site C and include an air-conditioning device 1 C and a distribution device 2 C.
  • Network server 3 is configured to store a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C) respectively corresponding to the plurality of device groups F 1 A to F 1 C and information necessary for distributing the plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C), respectively.
  • the information necessary for distribution includes, for example, information specifying a distribution device as a distribution destination, an air-conditioning device information list indicating a configuration of an air-conditioning device distributed by each distribution device, and the like.
  • An administrator can add the F/W to network server 3 from user terminal 4 arranged at a remote place F 2 A via a network 6 B.
  • Network server 3 can manage a plurality of distribution devices 2 A, 2 B, and 2 C, and can store a plurality of types of F/W.
  • Network server 3 can distribute the F/W to the plurality of distribution devices 2 A, 2 B, and 2 C.
  • each of air-conditioning devices 1 A, 1 B, and 1 C has a function of decompressing compressed data of F/W.
  • network server 3 and distribution devices 2 A to 2 C can be connected by one-to-many connection, it is possible to perform parallel processing of information aggregation and F/W update for each of installation sites F 1 A, F 1 B, and F 1 C.
  • network server 3 can store the plurality of types of F/W, it is possible to support a plurality of types of air-conditioning devices and update the F/W using data of different versions of F/W for the same device.
  • the throughput at the time of F/W distribution can be improved by compressing data before distribution.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system that provides the F/W by a manual rewrite instruction.
  • Network server 3 illustrated in FIG. 7 is configured such that F/W provision to distribution device 2 starts in response to a rewrite instruction transmitted from user terminal 4 by the operator.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system that automatically provides F/W in response to addition of new F/W.
  • Network server 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 is configured such that F/W provision to distribution device 2 automatically starts in response to the operator adding new F/W from user terminal 4 or register a new version of the F/W.
  • the distribution to the necessary air-conditioning device can be automatically performed by setting the condition.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for automatically performing the F/W distribution.
  • network server 3 sequentially refers to the air-conditioning device information list one by one from the beginning.
  • network server 3 determines whether or not F/W added from user terminal 4 by the operator is for a reference model referred to in the air-conditioning device information list.
  • the process returns from step S 7 to step S 1 , and proceeds to the next item of the information list.
  • step S 3 network server 3 determines whether the method of determining whether or not the F/W of the reference model is updated is based on the time stamp or the version.
  • step S 3 when a version number of the added F/W is larger than a version number of the F/W of the target model in step S 4 , network server 3 adds a model that is being referred to a list of models to be updated in step S 6 .
  • the version number of the added F/W is equal to or smaller than the version number of the F/W of the target model in step S 4 , network server 3 does not execute the addition process of step S 6 , and the process returns to step S 1 to refer to the next item of the air-conditioning device information list, and executes the processing in and after step S 2 .
  • step S 3 when a time stamp of added F/W is larger (newer) than a time stamp of F/W of the target model in step S 5 , network server 3 adds a model that is being referred to the list of models to be updated in step S 6 .
  • step S 5 when the time stamp of the added F/W is equal to or smaller (the same or older) than the time stamp of the F/W of the target model, network server 3 does not execute the addition process of step S 6 , and the process returns to step S 1 to refer to the next item of the air-conditioning device information list, and executes the processing in and after step S 2 .
  • step S 7 when all the devices in the air-conditioning device information list have been referred to, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 9 ends. Then, the network server 3 transmits the F/W to the corresponding distribution devices so as to distribute the added F/W to air-conditioning devices in the list of models to be updated that has been completed.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system in which the network server selects various settings related to F/W distribution.
  • network server 3 When network server 3 starts providing the F/W to distribution device 2 , network server 3 selects the compression method and the data format of the F/W to be provided in addition to the selection of the F/W corresponding to the air-conditioning device from the collected air-conditioning device information.
  • Network server 3 refers to the air-conditioning device information, and selects a compression method and a data format for the F/W so as to minimize the file size and maximize the throughput.
  • distribution device 2 selects a communication method and a distribution unit.
  • the compression method of the F/W distributed from network server 3 to air-conditioning device 1 By allowing the compression method of the F/W distributed from network server 3 to air-conditioning device 1 to be appropriately selected for each air-conditioning device, it is possible to handle a difference in compression methods of devices, a new compression method from new F/W, and the like.
  • the F/W to which the new compression method is applied is distributed in a compressed state, it is necessary to mount a decompression protocol of the new compression method for the F/W itself of the air-conditioning device. Note that the F/W may be distributed without compression.
  • the data format for transmission from network server 3 to distribution device 2 and transmission from distribution device 2 to air-conditioning device 1 is selected between full data and differential data.
  • the differential data can be calculated by a procedure described later with reference to FIG. 16 .
  • the differential data may be automatically selected on condition that a capacity of data including the differential data and difference position list is smaller than a capacity of full data.
  • the air-conditioning device may adopt a unique communication standard, and a communication speed is very low compared to general communication such as TCP/IP used by personal computers and the like.
  • extended communication with an extended data section is prepared.
  • the communication with an extended data section is communication in which in a system for transmitting a communication command including a header section and a data section, a length of the data section is extended and a length of the header section is slightly extended.
  • a communication command is divided into a header section and a data section, and the header section has a fixed length.
  • the data section is short when a large amount of data is transmitted, the number of times of transmission increases, and accordingly the header section is transmitted every time. This makes effective throughput of communication decrease. Therefore, by increase the length of the data section, it is possible to reduce the transmission of the header section and increase the effective throughput.
  • network server 3 can select the number of unit data (distribution unit R) per one continuous transmission when distribution device 2 performs a distribution sequence for air-conditioning device 1 at the time of F/W distribution.
  • the data received at the time of distribution is stored in a main storage device inside air-conditioning device 1 , but an area width of the main storage device of the target device allowed for this function is different for each air-conditioning device. Since network server 3 stores the area width for each air-conditioning device, it is possible to adjust the area width according to each air-conditioning device.
  • network server 3 aggregates the air-conditioning device information acquired by distribution device 2 on network server 3 . Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 , 8 , and 10 , network server 3 uses the air-conditioning device information to distribute the F/W appropriate for the target air-conditioning device to the air-conditioning device with appropriate settings.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flow from unit information acquisition to F/W distribution start.
  • the operator adds the F/W to network server 3 (S 11 ).
  • distribution device 2 requests the unit information of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 (S 12 , S 13 ), air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 respective return unit information (S 14 , S 15 ).
  • distribution device 2 When network server 3 requests distribution device 2 to transmit the unit information on air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 (S 16 ), distribution device 2 returns the unit information on air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 to network server 3 (S 17 ).
  • network server 3 transmits the unit information collected in advance to a terminal of the operator (S 19 ).
  • the operator looks at the provided unit information and transmits, to network server 3 , an F/W update instruction including information for specifying air-conditioning device 11 of interest and setting X for distribution (S 20 ).
  • network server 3 Upon reception of the F/W update instruction, network server 3 transmits a checksum of the F/W to distribution device 2 (S 21 ), and then transmits the F/W for update to distribution device 2 together with the information specifying air-conditioning device 11 of interest and setting X for distribution.
  • Distribution device 2 performs collation using the checksum value transmitted in advance to ensure the identity of the F/W (S 23 ), and if there is no problem, distribution device 2 transmits the checksum of the F/W to air-conditioning device 11 specified as a target (S 24 ), and starts distribution of the F/W with setting X (S 25 ).
  • network server 3 determines air-conditioning device 11 to be distributed and setting Y at the time of distribution to air-conditioning device 11 by own determination based on the unit information collected in advance (S 26 ).
  • network server 3 transmits the checksum of the F/W to distribution device 2 (S 27 ), and then transmits the F/W for update to distribution device 2 together with the information specifying air-conditioning device 11 of interest and setting Y for distribution (S 28 ).
  • Distribution device 2 performs collation using the checksum value transmitted in advance to ensure the identity of the F/W (S 29 ), and if there is no problem, transmits the checksum of the F/W to air-conditioning device 11 specified as a target (S 30 ), and starts distribution of the F/W with setting Y (S 31 ).
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of F/W distribution from distribution device 2 to air-conditioning device 1 , and interruption, restart, and cancellation of the distribution.
  • Distribution device 2 transmits the unit data R times for each distribution unit R designated in the setting, and confirms insufficiency on a side of the air-conditioning device.
  • the transmission of the R-th data, which is the last of distribution units R is completed in steps S 41 to S 42 , distribution device 2 confirm with air-conditioning device 1 whether or not there is insufficiency in data in step S 43 .
  • air-conditioning device 1 performs insufficiency determination simply based on whether or not the number of the data is received. More specifically, since “DATA NUMBER+DATA” is included in a communication command, the received data number can be stored in a list, and a missing number can be determined to be insufficiency. In step S 44 , air-conditioning device 1 extracts a missing number “No. 5” of which reception has been failed.
  • step S 44 air-conditioning device 1 whose insufficiency is confirmed responds with “R+1” and “5”.
  • R+1 is a number next to the last received number R and is a number for requesting transmission next time.
  • 5 is a missing number among R pieces of data.
  • step S 46 distribution device 2 transmits data of the number ( 5 ) that is insufficient in the distribution unit to air-conditioning device 1 . Then, in step S 48 , distribution device 2 again confirm with air-conditioning device 1 whether or not there is insufficiency in the data.
  • step S 49 air-conditioning device 1 with which insufficiency is confirmed responds with only “R+1” which is the number next to the last received number R.
  • distribution device 2 returns the progress to network server 3 , for example, “Distribution in progress S %”.
  • the checksum is used only for confirmation after reception of all data.
  • air-conditioning device 1 When divided F/W is received, air-conditioning device 1 stores data in the main storage device in air-conditioning device 1 , and when the data for the distribution unit is obtained or when completion of distribution is notified from distribution device 2 , air-conditioning device 1 transfers the data to an auxiliary storage device in air-conditioning device 1 .
  • network server 3 can issue an interruption instruction (S 50 ) and a restart instruction (S 53 ).
  • distribution device 2 Upon reception of the interruption instruction, distribution device 2 interrupts distribution of the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 (S 51 , S 52 ). Upon reception of the restart instruction, distribution device 2 restarts distribution of the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 (S 54 ). When the reception of the distribution unit R by air-conditioning device 1 is confirmed, distribution device 2 proceeds to transmission of a next distribution unit R ((R+1)th to (2R)th) (S 54 to S 58 in FIG. 12 ).
  • network server 3 can issue a cancellation instruction (S 59 ).
  • distribution device 2 stops distribution of the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 (S 60 , S 61 ).
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow from F/W distribution completion to update normal completion through update execution.
  • steps S 71 to S 74 transmission of a (n+1)th distribution unit R is executed similarly to S 41 to S 44 in FIG. 12 , and insufficient data nR+3 is distributed in step S 75 , and the entire distribution of the F/W is completed.
  • air-conditioning device 1 When the distribution from distribution device 2 is completed and all the F/W data are obtained (S 75 ), air-conditioning device 1 performs a decompression process when the compression method is designated in the setting (S 76 ). After performing the decompression process (as it is in the case of non-compression), air-conditioning device 1 confirms the identity of the data using the checksum transmitted at the start of distribution (S 77 ).
  • network server 3 After confirming the completion of the checksum matching on air-conditioning device 1 side (S 78 to S 81 ), network server 3 issues an instruction to perform the F/W update (S 82 , S 83 ).
  • a start instruction for executing the F/W update may be either manual or automatic.
  • Air-conditioning device 1 that has been instructed to update executes the F/W update after stopping the operation (S 84 ) (S 85 ).
  • distribution device 2 After instructing the air-conditioning device to perform the F/W update (S 83 ), distribution device 2 confirms the version of the F/W, and determines whether or not the F/W update is successful (S 86 , S 87 ).
  • the update firmware is distributed from network server 3 to air-conditioning device 1 via distribution device 2 .
  • the update firmware can be distributed in a form, such as the compression method, the data format, and the communication method, suitable for air-conditioning device 1 .
  • F/W distribution may not be individually performed but may be transmitted by broadcast communication in order to shorten the time. Since a F/W distribution command has a large amount of transmission data, it is possible to reduce a utilization rate of the communication network and improve the throughput by using the broadcast communication.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flow of simultaneous distribution to the plurality of air-conditioning devices by broadcast communication.
  • step S 101 network server 3 acquires unit information of each air-conditioning device collected in advance by distribution device 2 , and grasps to which air-conditioning device the same F/W needs to be distributed among air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 .
  • network server 3 determines that it is necessary to distribute the same F/W to air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 . Then, network server 3 transmits the checksum of the F/W to distribution device 2 in step S 102 , and provides the F/W to distribution device 2 in step S 103 . At this time, subsequently in S 103 , network server 3 transmits the fact that the distribution targets are air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 , and setting X for distribution to distribution device 2 .
  • step S 104 distribution device 2 collates the received checksum of the F/W, and transmits the checksum to air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 to which the F/W is to be provided (S 105 ). Subsequently, in step S 106 , distribution device 2 transmits an F/W distribution start command to air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 to which the F/W is provided. On the other hand, as shown in step S 107 , air-conditioning device 13 to which the F/W is not provided does not receive the F/W distribution start command.
  • step S 106 and S 107 whether or not to receive the broadcast communication can be determined by each of air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 depending on whether or not air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 has received the F/W distribution start command transmitted by distribution device 2 .
  • distribution device 2 sequentially transmits first to R-th unit data to the bus communication network based on the divided distribution units of the F/W. Then, in step S 111 , distribution device 2 inquires of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 whether any one of the distribution units is insufficient (whether reception has failed).
  • step S 112 air-conditioning device 11 responds that sixth unit data and (R+1)th unit data are insufficient, and air-conditioning device 12 responds that (R+1)th unit data is insufficient.
  • step S 113 since the start command is not received in air-conditioning device 13 to which the F/W is not provided, the communication in steps S 108 to S 111 is discarded.
  • distribution device 2 After seeing the response result of step S 112 , distribution device 2 first transmits the sixth unit data to the bus communication network. Then, in step S 115 , distribution device 2 again inquires of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 whether any one of the distribution units is insufficient (whether reception has failed). Since air-conditioning device 11 has successfully received the sixth unit data, both air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 respond that the (R+1)th unit data is insufficient (S 116 ).
  • distribution device 2 sequentially transmits the remaining F/W distribution units of (R+1)th, (R+2)th, . . . distribution units to the bus communication network.
  • distribution device 2 can execute the broadcast communication with respect to the plurality of air-conditioning devices to shorten the total transmission time.
  • the data format in the case of distributing the F/W is the full format or the difference format
  • the data format is the difference format to reduce the amount of data to be distributed
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flow of procedures of F/W distribution and F/W update based on the differential data.
  • steps S 153 and S 154 in FIG. 15 two checksums including a checksum of the differential data and a checksum of the entire update F/W are transmitted at the time of distribution using the differential data. Then, by collating the checksum of the differential data in steps S 157 and S 163 and collating the entire checksum in step S 165 , it is ensured that there is no error after restoration.
  • step S 151 network server 3 acquires the unit information of the air-conditioning device collected in advance by distribution device 2 . As a result of analyzing the information by network server 3 , it is determined that the F/W needs to be distributed to air-conditioning device 1 and that current F/W of air-conditioning device 1 has been registered in network server 3 .
  • step S 152 network server 3 creates differential data and a difference position list from the current F/W and the update F/W.
  • step S 153 network server 3 transmits the created checksum of the differential data to distribution device 2 , and subsequently in step S 154 , network server 3 transmits the checksum of the entire F/W data to distribution device 2 .
  • network server 3 transmits the differential data and the difference position list created in step S 152 to distribution device 2 in steps S 155 and S 156 .
  • step S 157 distribution device 2 checks the checksum of the received differential data. Then, in step S 158 , the checksum of the differential data is transmitted to air-conditioning device 1 , and in step S 159 , the checksum of the entire F/W data is transmitted to air-conditioning device 1 .
  • distribution device 2 transmits the differential data and the difference position list received in steps S 155 and S 156 .
  • air-conditioning device 1 collates the checksum of the differential data in step S 163 , creates the entire data of the F/W for update from the differential data in step S 164 , and collates the checksum of the entire data in step S 165 .
  • an inquiry for confirming the collation result is transmitted from distribution device 2 to air-conditioning device 1 in step S 166 , and in response to the inquiry, an answer indicating that the checksum of the entire data of the F/W has been successfully checked is transmitted from air-conditioning device 1 to distribution device 2 in step S 167 .
  • step S 168 an update process of applying the created update F/W to air-conditioning device 1 is performed, and the version of F/W is confirmed in a procedure similar to that in S 86 to S 89 in FIG. 13 .
  • FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing details of the process of creating the differential data of the F/W in S 152 of FIG. 15 .
  • the differential data distribution can be performed if both the current F/W and the update F/W are registered in network server 3 .
  • the network server compares the current F/W and the update F/W of the target air-conditioning device for each distribution unit, and records data at the position where the data does not match and a difference position.
  • step S 131 the difference position is set to 0, and the distribution units are compared in order from the difference position 0 to data end from steps S 132 to S 138 .
  • the difference position is an integer starting from 0, and when one comparison ends, 1 is added in step S 137 .
  • step S 133 the comparison start position is set as difference position ⁇ distribution unit. Then, in step S 134 , network server 3 determines whether there is a difference within the distribution unit width from the comparison start position.
  • network server 3 When there is a difference (YES in S 134 ), network server 3 adds the data of the distribution unit being currently referred to the distribution data in step S 135 , and adds the difference position being currently compared to the difference position list in step S 136 . Thereafter, in step S 137 , network server 3 adds 1 to the difference position. On the other hand, when there is no difference (NO in S 134 ), network server 3 does not execute the processing of steps S 135 and S 136 , adds 1 to the difference position in step S 137 , and repeats the processing of S 133 to S 137 again.
  • FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing the process of creating data for the F/W update by the differential data executed in S 164 of FIG. 15 .
  • the data format is designated by the differential data, and the list of the difference positions is transmitted, so that rewriting by the differential data can be performed on the air-conditioning device side.
  • the F/W for update is restored by the following procedure.
  • step S 141 air-conditioning device 1 transfers the F/W currently being executed in air-conditioning device 1 to an update data area of a memory included in air-conditioning device 1 .
  • steps S 142 to S 147 a process of sequentially replacing the distribution units indicated in the difference position list is executed.
  • step S 143 a difference position is extracted from the difference position list, and in step S 144 , a rewrite start position is set as the difference position ⁇ the distribution unit.
  • step S 145 the data corresponding to the distribution unit from the rewrite start position is rewritten with the data corresponding to the received distribution unit.
  • step S 146 air-conditioning device 1 advances a reference point of the difference position list and a reference point of the received data, and repeats the processing of S 143 to S 145 again. In this procedure, the creation of the update F/W is completed.
  • the distribution time of the update F/W can be shortened in a case where the capacity of the F/W is large and a portion to be changed is small.
  • a plurality of outdoor units may be connected to the same refrigerant system. For example, there is a case in which a necessary refrigeration capacity is changed by changing a load, and the refrigeration capacity is increased or decreased depending on the number of operated devices.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning device including the plurality of outdoor units in the same refrigerant system.
  • Air-conditioning device 1 illustrated in FIG. 18 includes outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n , indoor units 102 - 1 to 103 - m , and refrigerant pipes 103 and 104 .
  • m and n are integers of 2 or more, and the number m of outdoor units and the number n of indoor units may be the same or different.
  • Outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n are connected in parallel between refrigerant pipe 103 and refrigerant pipe 104 to constitute a heat source unit.
  • Indoor units 102 - 1 to 103 - m are connected in parallel between refrigerant pipe 103 and refrigerant pipe 104 to constitute a load device.
  • Distribution device 2 is connected to air-conditioning device 1 , and update F/W is distributed.
  • Distribution device 2 may have outdoor unit 101 - 1 therein.
  • FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an example in which outdoor unit 101 - 1 serves as a main outdoor unit and outdoor units 101 - 2 to 101 - m serve as subordinate outdoor units. Therefore, in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the outdoor units are denoted as main outdoor unit 101 - 1 and subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 to 101 - 3 .
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of simultaneously updating F/W for the plurality of outdoor units.
  • step S 181 the F/W distribution to the plurality of outdoor units (main outdoor unit 101 - 1 , subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 to 101 - 3 ) is completed in advance.
  • distribution device 2 Upon reception of an update execution instruction from network server 3 (S 182 ), distribution device 2 recognizes the plurality of outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, and instructs the main outdoor unit to execute the F/W update of the plurality of outdoor units (S 183 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 Upon reception of this, main outdoor unit 101 - 1 confirms that it is ready for update. At the same time, main outdoor unit 101 - 1 further confirms that subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 to 101 - 3 are ready to be updated (S 184 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 transmits an operation stop instruction to subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 (S 186 ), and also stops the operation of the compressor (S 187 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 After confirming that all of main outdoor unit 101 - 1 and the subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 to 101 - 3 are ready for update, main outdoor unit 101 - 1 transmits an update instruction to the subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 to 101 - 3 (S 188 ) and updates own F/W (S 189 ). Subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 also updates the F/W in response to the update instruction from main outdoor unit 101 - 1 (S 190 , S 191 ).
  • distribution device 2 makes an inquiry to main outdoor unit 101 - 1 and subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 to confirm the version of the F/W (S 192 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 and subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 notify distribution device 2 of the version of the F/W (S 193 ).
  • distribution device 2 is notified of the updated new version.
  • distribution device 2 When network server 3 confirms the progress to distribution device 2 (S 194 ), distribution device 2 returns a notification indicating that the update is normally completed to network server 3 (S 195 ). In this manner, the F/W is simultaneously updated for the plurality of outdoor units.
  • the air-conditioning device needs to interrupt the temporary control in order to update the F/W.
  • the main outdoor unit adjusts the update timing using communication. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19 , the air conditioning is also stopped.
  • the system is reconfigured at the time of rewriting, and thus, the recovery timing is approximately the same.
  • a mechanism for returning the version of the F/W when the F/W version difference occurs after the update in the outdoor units of the same refrigerant system In order to return the version, the current F/W is stored in the main storage device of each outdoor unit in advance.
  • This mechanism is also realized by main outdoor unit 101 - 1 that controls the system configuration of air-conditioning device 1 by confirming the state of subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 .
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of an operation according to success or failure of update of the plurality of outdoor units.
  • a rolling back process using the backup data stored when the power is turned on or the like is performed ((a) in FIG. 20 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 inquires whether or not the update of the F/W is successful (S 205 ), subordinate outdoor unit 101 - 2 responds that the update has been successful and subordinate outdoor unit 101 - 3 responds that the update has failed (S 206 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 transmits an F/W rewrite instruction based on the backup data prepared in advance to subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 (S 207 ), and also executes the F/W rewrite based on the backup data by itself (S 208 ).
  • subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 also executes the F/W rewriting based on the backup data (S 209 , S 210 ).
  • backup data is created in preparation for the next F/W update ((b) in FIG. 20 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 inquires whether or not the update of the F/W is successful (S 215 ), both subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 respond that the update has been successful (S 216 ).
  • main outdoor unit 101 - 1 transmits a backup instruction to subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 (S 217 ), and backs up the F/W which has been successfully updated by itself (S 218 ).
  • subordinate outdoor units 101 - 2 and 101 - 3 also back up the F/W which has been successfully updated (S 219 , S 220 ).
  • Air-conditioning system 100 includes air-conditioning device 1 to store a control program in a nonvolatile manner, and distribution device 2 to distribute, to air-conditioning device 1 , an update program for updating the control program stored in air-conditioning device 1 in a nonvolatile manner, distribution device 2 being connected to air-conditioning device 1 via first network 5 .
  • Air-conditioning system 100 further includes a network server 3 connected to distribution device 2 via second network 6 A.
  • Distribution device 2 is configured to receive distribution of an update program from network server 3 .
  • the F/W can be updated from the remote place via communication, and therefore it is possible to improve service responsiveness without needing a service person to go to installation site of air-conditioning device 1 .
  • distribution device 2 may be housed in a housing of another air-conditioning device 11 different from air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Distribution device 2 is configured to perform protocol conversion between a communication standard B that is a communication method of first network 5 and a communication standard A that is a communication method of second network 6 A.
  • distribution device 2 collects and stores an information list necessary for distributing the update program for air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 from air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 in storage device 21 either when distribution device 2 is powered on or at a constant cycle.
  • Network server 3 accesses distribution device 2 and reads the information list from distribution device 2 before the time point at which the update program is distributed.
  • Network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program according to the information list.
  • the information on the air-conditioning device includes at least one of a compression method, a data format, and a communication method when the update program is distributed.
  • the data format includes a full data format and a differential data format.
  • network server 3 compares the update program with the pre-update program as illustrated in FIG. 16 , and generates differential data between the update program and the pre-update program and differential position data indicating the position of the differential data.
  • network server 3 is configured to distribute the generated differential data and differential position data to distribution device 2 .
  • distribution device 2 transfers the differential data and the differential position data to air-conditioning device 1 .
  • air-conditioning device 1 is configured to restore the update program based on the differential data and the differential position data.
  • network server 3 can provide the F/W to distribution device 2 using the F/W type, the F/W version, and the compression method that can be supported by the air-conditioning device to be updated.
  • distribution device 2 can perform F/W distribution to the air-conditioning device using a communication method and a distribution unit suitable for the air-conditioning device to be updated.
  • the update program transmitted from user terminal 4 (personal computer) of the operator under the USB standard may be distributed by protocol conversion into communication standard B by maintenance device 15 also serves as distribution device 2 .
  • air-conditioning system 100 includes a plurality of device groups F 1 A to F 1 C each including air-conditioning devices 1 A to 1 C and distribution devices 2 A to 2 C, and network server 3 connected to distribution devices 2 A to 2 C of the plurality of device groups F 1 A to F 1 C via second network 6 A.
  • Network server 3 is configured to store a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C) respectively corresponding to the plurality of device groups F 1 A to F 1 C and information necessary for distributing the plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C), respectively.
  • the information necessary for distribution includes, for example, information on the distribution device indicating the distribution destination, an air-conditioning device information list indicating the configuration of the air-conditioning device distributed by each distribution device, and the like.
  • network server 3 and distribution devices 2 A to 2 C can be connected by one-to-many connection, it is possible to perform parallel processing of information aggregation and F/W update for each installation site.
  • network server 3 can store the plurality of types of F/W, it is possible to support a plurality of types of air-conditioning devices and update the F/W using data of different versions of F/W for the same device.
  • the throughput at the time of F/W distribution can be improved by compressing data before distribution.
  • network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program to a distribution device corresponding to the rewrite instruction that has been received from the operator.
  • network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program to the distribution device corresponding to an established rewrite condition, for example, a new F/W is added.
  • the distribution to the necessary air-conditioning device can be automatically performed by setting the condition.
  • air-conditioning device 1 includes a plurality of outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n commonly connected to one refrigerant circuit. As illustrated in FIG. 19 , each of the plurality of outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n is configured to replace the pre-update program with the distributed update program either at the timing specified by distribution device 2 or at the timing when a condition specified by distribution device 2 is satisfied.
  • Each of the plurality of outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n is configured to store the pre-update program and the update program. As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 20 , each of the plurality of outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n is configured to use the pre-update program without using the update program when the pre-update program cannot be normally updated to the update program in any one of the plurality of outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n.
  • each of the plurality of outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n is configured to use the update program as the control program and rewrite the pre-update program to the update program when the pre-update program is normally updated to the update program in all of the plurality of outdoor units 101 - 1 to 101 - n.
  • air-conditioning system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 further includes a network server 3 connected to distribution device 2 via a second network.
  • Network server 3 includes storage device 31 that stores the update program, and CPU 30 that reads the update program from storage device 31 and automatically distributes the update program to distribution device 2 .
  • CPU 30 compares the versions or the time stamps of the update program stored in storage device 31 and the control program stored in air-conditioning device 1 in a nonvolatile manner.
  • CPU 30 is configured to distribute the update program to distribution device 2 when the versions or the time stamps indicate that the update program is newer than the control program.
  • air-conditioning system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 further includes a network server 3 connected to distribution device 2 via a second network.
  • Network server 3 includes storage device 31 that stores the update program and the pre-update program, and CPU 30 that reads the update program from storage device 31 and distributes the update program to distribution device 2 .
  • CPU 30 compares the update program with the pre-update program, and generates differential data between the update program and the pre-update program, a first checksum indicating a checksum of the differential data, and a second checksum indicating a checksum of the entire update program.
  • Distribution device 2 receives the differential data, the first checksum, and the second checksum from network server 3 (S 153 , S 154 ), and transfers (S 158 , S 159 ) the differential data, the first checksum, and the second checksum to air-conditioning device 1 .
  • Air-conditioning device 1 is configured to collate the received differential data using the first checksum (S 163 ) and collate the update program restored from the received differential data using the second checksum (S 165 ).
  • air-conditioning system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 further includes a network server 3 connected to distribution device 2 via a second network.
  • Network server 3 includes storage device 31 that stores the update program and the pre-update program, and CPU 30 that reads the update program from storage device 31 and distributes the update program to distribution device 2 .
  • CPU 30 is configured to compare the update program with the pre-update program (S 134 ) while shifting the comparison start position by unit width (S 133 ), add the unit width in which the difference is detected to the differential data (S 135 ), and add the position of the data of the added unit width to the differential position data (S 136 ).
  • air-conditioning device 1 receives the differential data and the differential position data from network server 3 via distribution device 2 (S 160 , S 161 ). Air-conditioning device 1 restores the update program using the control program, the differential data, and the differential position data (S 164 , S 131 to S 138 in FIG. 17 ).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
  • Stored Programmes (AREA)
US18/254,026 2021-02-03 2021-02-03 Air-conditioning system Pending US20240093898A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2021/003852 WO2022168193A1 (ja) 2021-02-03 2021-02-03 空気調和システム

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20240093898A1 true US20240093898A1 (en) 2024-03-21

Family

ID=82741260

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/254,026 Pending US20240093898A1 (en) 2021-02-03 2021-02-03 Air-conditioning system

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20240093898A1 (https=)
JP (1) JPWO2022168193A1 (https=)
WO (1) WO2022168193A1 (https=)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7539542B1 (ja) * 2023-12-22 2024-08-23 三菱重工サーマルシステムズ株式会社 空気調和機の制御装置、空気調和機の制御システム、制御方法及びプログラム

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130051238A1 (en) * 2011-08-25 2013-02-28 Arturo Maria Communication Gateway for Facilitating Communications With a Supervisory Control and Data Aquisition System
US20160253170A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Lenovo (Singapore) Pte, Ltd. Efficient deployment of thin client applications to end user
US20170212746A1 (en) * 2016-01-22 2017-07-27 2236008 Ontario Inc. Updating a controller unit in a vehicle
US20210182050A1 (en) * 2018-09-10 2021-06-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system and program update method of air-conditioning system
US20210262683A1 (en) * 2018-08-28 2021-08-26 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system and program update method of air-conditioning system
US20210364186A1 (en) * 2018-08-29 2021-11-25 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system and program update method of air-conditioning system

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002032460A (ja) * 2000-07-17 2002-01-31 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 空調機の保守管理支援方法および遠隔操作方法
JP2005346190A (ja) * 2004-05-31 2005-12-15 Toshiba Corp 家電機器情報通信システム
JP2006260476A (ja) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-28 Ricoh Co Ltd ソフトウェア導入方法、ソフトウェア導入装置、プログラム、及び記憶媒体
JP4281813B2 (ja) * 2007-02-28 2009-06-17 ダイキン工業株式会社 空調機の遠隔管理システムおよび空調機の初期設定装置
JP2009003830A (ja) * 2007-06-25 2009-01-08 Daikin Ind Ltd 遠隔管理装置および遠隔管理システム
JP2014164553A (ja) * 2013-02-26 2014-09-08 Canon Inc 配信システム、配信システムの配信方法
JP6141242B2 (ja) * 2014-08-28 2017-06-07 三菱重工業株式会社 制御プログラム配信システム及びその方法
JP2017156925A (ja) * 2016-03-01 2017-09-07 キヤノン株式会社 情報処理装置、情報処理装置の制御方法、及びプログラム

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130051238A1 (en) * 2011-08-25 2013-02-28 Arturo Maria Communication Gateway for Facilitating Communications With a Supervisory Control and Data Aquisition System
US20160253170A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Lenovo (Singapore) Pte, Ltd. Efficient deployment of thin client applications to end user
US20170212746A1 (en) * 2016-01-22 2017-07-27 2236008 Ontario Inc. Updating a controller unit in a vehicle
US20210262683A1 (en) * 2018-08-28 2021-08-26 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system and program update method of air-conditioning system
US20210364186A1 (en) * 2018-08-29 2021-11-25 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system and program update method of air-conditioning system
US20210182050A1 (en) * 2018-09-10 2021-06-17 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system and program update method of air-conditioning system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2022168193A1 (ja) 2022-08-11
JPWO2022168193A1 (https=) 2022-08-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN113946358B (zh) 一种基于车辆管理系统的自动驾驶车辆软件远程升级方法
EP2581676B1 (en) Air conditioning system
CN101241364B (zh) 空调系统远程管理控制器、本地控制器及其自动更新方法
KR101256547B1 (ko) 공기 조화기와 이의 실외기 제어 방법, 및 이를 포함한 중앙 관제 시스템
CN101951410A (zh) 一种嵌入式终端自动远程升级的实现方法
WO2022242080A1 (zh) 一种无人机软件远程升级及回滚的方法
US20150220318A1 (en) Wireless firmware upgrades to an alarm security panel
CN107357571B (zh) 设备组件程序的维护方法及系统
JP4988455B2 (ja) 機器制御システム、機器コントローラ、マスターコントローラ、プログラム及び機器制御システムの制御方法
CN104468235A (zh) 一种基于iap的可配置全网络远程节点固件升级系统及装置
CN104503796A (zh) 一种基于iap的可配置全网络远程节点固件升级方法
US20240093898A1 (en) Air-conditioning system
WO2022194301A1 (zh) 一种具有通信单元的电动床的系统程序升级方法、系统和存储介质
JP7395027B2 (ja) 遠隔監視システムおよび遠隔監視方法
EP2584277B1 (en) Network system equipped with air conditioner and control method thereof
CN106973098B (zh) 空调数据处理方法及装置
CN103634782A (zh) 一种ap版本升级的方法、系统及设备
KR101257090B1 (ko) 중앙 관제 시스템 및 이의 실외기 제어 방법
US9464835B2 (en) Remote software loading for refrigerant system
US11953219B2 (en) Takeover system for an air conditioning apparatus to transmit information from a first board to a second board
JP2021135915A (ja) 空気調和機用の遠隔通信システム
WO2021152654A1 (ja) 空調サービスシステムおよび空調サービス方法
CN112015446A (zh) 一种数据采集器远程升级方法和系统
CN116347425A (zh) 一种无线终端固件升级方法及系统
JP2025042888A (ja) 制御システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NAKAJIMA, HIDEYUKI;TSUJI, TAKAYUKI;REEL/FRAME:063730/0069

Effective date: 20230417

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION COUNTED, NOT YET MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED