JP2019200620A - Wireless communication device, control method for wireless communication device, control program for wireless communication device, firmware providing device, control method for firmware providing device, control program for firmware providing device, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide update firmware to a child device in a wireless communication device group forming a FAN. A wireless communication device is capable of operating in a first operation mode and a second operation mode, and when operating in the first operation mode, updates the firmware for the device itself via a first communication method. The notification about the update firmware is received from the firmware providing device (server) and is transmitted to another wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, which is connected to a lower level of the own device, via the second communication method. When operating in the second operation mode, the notification regarding the update firmware is received from the other wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode, which is connected to the host device above, via the second communication method. In response to the notification about the update firmware, the communication with the firmware providing apparatus is established by the first communication method, and the update firmware is updated by the first communication method. Received from firmware providing apparatus. [Selection diagram] Fig. 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, a control method for the wireless communication device, a control program for the wireless communication device, a firmware providing device, a control method for the firmware providing device, a control program for the firmware providing device, and a communication system. The present invention relates to a wireless communication device and the like related to a smart meter for metering the amount of water and electricity used.

  Conventionally, there has been a remote data collection system that collects and relays data such as meter values representing the usage of electricity, water, gas, etc. in each home using a wireless network and transmits it to a data collection center such as a remote meter reading center. Exists (for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, along with the spread of IoT (Internet of Things), a network is formed by a plurality of smart meters in the field to collect meter reading data and control the meter. Development of a smart utility system using a WAN (Wide Area Network) that transmits the received data to a remote server is underway (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

  In FAN, information of each meter can be transmitted using multi-hop communication between a plurality of wireless communication devices connected to each meter, and information transmitted between lower wireless communication devices is transmitted to a higher gateway (GW). ), And sent to the server via the WAN. By multi-hop communication between wireless communication devices in FAN, it is possible to transmit information of a meter installed in a place where radio waves are difficult to reach to a server. In addition, by providing the wireless communication device with the gateway function, it is possible to perform FAN and WAN with only a meter installed in each home (that is, only the wireless communication device) without using a dedicated gateway device. High operation is being attempted. That is, one wireless communication device enables communication between gas meters (function as a slave unit) and wide area network communication (function as a master unit) (for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

  The server has a function as an IoT-PF (platform) that processes information of each meter and delivers necessary data to a meter administrator, and a function as a firmware providing apparatus described later. In FAN, the master unit accepts polling from the IoT-PF, waits for requests from a plurality of slave units connected to its own unit, and the plurality of slave units and its own meter. Transmission power for transmitting the meter reading value to the IoT-PF is required, and the power consumption is larger than that of the slave unit. Therefore, rather than each wireless communication device communicating with the IoT-PF via the WAN, it is possible to assemble the FAN and collect the data of the child devices into the parent device, and only the parent device communicates with the IoT-PF. This is also advantageous from the viewpoint of power consumption.

  Here, conventionally, a technology called FOTA (Firmware Over The Air) that updates the firmware (software program) of its own device via wireless is known for the purpose of correcting problems and adding functions. (For example, Patent Document 2). It is preferable to update the software for the wireless communication apparatus in the FAN using FOTA.

JP 2002-2108080 A Japanese Patent No. 5019578

“Wi-SUN FAN Solution in Smart City”, [Online], Nisshin Systems, [Search on March 28, 2018], Internet <URL: http://www.co-nss.co.jp/solution/ sol-wisun_fan.html> “Development of communication board equipped with next-generation IoT communication system for LP gas meter data acquisition and utilization”, press release, [Online], Softbank Corp., [March 25, 2018 search], Internet < URL: https://www.softbank.jp/corp/group/sbm/news/press/2017/20170808_01/>

  In the FAN, a wireless communication device functioning as a parent device is connected to a server (firmware providing device) by a WAN, and therefore, firmware for updating can be downloaded from the server via the WAN. However, the wireless communication device functioning as a slave unit is not directly connected to the server, and there is a problem that firmware for updating cannot be downloaded by the conventional method.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a wireless communication apparatus, a wireless communication apparatus control method, a wireless communication apparatus control program, and firmware provision that can provide update firmware to a slave unit in a wireless communication apparatus group constituting the FAN. An object of the present invention is to provide a device, a firmware providing device control method, a firmware providing device control program, and a communication system.

  A wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a wireless communication device that is operable in any one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and is operated in any one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode. When operating in the first operation mode, the mode switching unit that switches between the modes, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and the notification about the update firmware is The notification regarding the update firmware is transmitted to the other wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode connected to the lower level of the own device through the communication method of 2 and operating in the second operation mode. A communication unit that receives from the other wireless communication device that operates in the first operation mode that is connected to the host device via the second communication method. When operating in the operation mode, communication with the firmware providing apparatus is established by the first communication method in response to the notification about the update firmware, and the update firmware is provided via the first communication method. Can be received from the device.

  In the wireless communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the communication unit operates in the second operation mode, if communication using the first communication method with the firmware providing apparatus is not established, the first operation mode The update firmware can be received via the second communication method from any other wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode.

  The wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an update unit that updates the firmware of the device based on the update firmware, and the communication unit operates in the first operation mode and the second operation. In any case of operating in the mode, information indicating that the update of the firmware of the own device has been completed can be transmitted to the firmware providing device via the first communication method.

  In the wireless communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit transmits information indicating that the firmware update of the own apparatus has been completed to the firmware providing apparatus when the communication unit operates in the second operation mode. When the transmission is completed, the communication with the firmware providing apparatus by the first communication method can be disconnected.

  The wireless communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an update unit that updates the firmware of the own apparatus based on the update firmware, and the communication unit stores information indicating that the update of the firmware of the own apparatus is completed. The data can be transmitted to the firmware providing apparatus via a second communication method, either directly or indirectly, with any other wireless communication apparatus operating in at least the first operation mode.

  In the wireless communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mode switching unit operates in response to a mode switching instruction received from a predetermined switching instruction apparatus based on the radio field intensity of the second communication method in the own apparatus. You can switch modes.

  In the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the mode switching unit may switch the operation mode of the device according to the mode switching instruction received from the predetermined switching instruction device based on the remaining battery level of the device. it can.

  A wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention forms a wireless communication device group with a plurality of other wireless communication devices connected to the device through the second communication method, and the mode switching unit The operation mode of the own device can be switched according to the mode switching instruction based on the remaining battery level of the entire communication device group.

  A control method for a wireless communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a wireless communication apparatus that is operable in any one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, A mode switching step for switching between the operation mode and the second operation mode, and when operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and for update When notification about firmware is transmitted to another wireless communication device operating in at least one second operation mode connected to a lower level of the own device via the second communication method, and operating in the second operation mode. , A communication for receiving a notification regarding the firmware for update from another wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method. And the communication step establishes communication by the first communication method with the firmware providing apparatus in response to the notification about the update firmware when operating in the second operation mode, and the update firmware Are received from the firmware providing apparatus via the first communication method.

  A control program for a wireless communication device that is operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention and that operates in any one of the operation modes is provided in the wireless communication device. When operating in the first operation mode and the mode switching function for switching between the operation modes, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and a notification regarding the update firmware is received. When transmitting to another wireless communication device operating in at least one second operation mode connected to a lower level of the own device and operating in the second operation mode via the second communication method, A communication function for receiving a notification from another wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method is realized. When the communication function operates in the second operation mode, the communication function establishes communication by the first communication method with the firmware providing apparatus in response to the notification regarding the update firmware, and the update firmware is Received from the firmware providing apparatus via the communication method.

  A firmware providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wireless communication apparatuses that are operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and that are operated in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other by the second communication method. In the wireless communication device group configured by: a storage unit that stores information on firmware of each of a plurality of wireless communication devices, and update firmware for firmware stored in the storage unit, A communication unit that transmits to the wireless communication device that operates in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the communication method, the communication unit from the wireless communication device that operates in the first operation mode, In response to the notification about the update firmware transmitted to the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via the second communication method, the second operation mode is set. In response to a request transmitted from a wireless communication device operating in the network, communication with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode is established using the first communication method, and through the first communication method, The update firmware is transmitted to the wireless communication apparatus operating in the second operation mode.

  A method for controlling a firmware providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of methods that are operable in a first operation mode and a second operation mode and that are operated in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other in a second communication method. In a wireless communication device group configured by wireless communication devices, a storage step for storing information about firmware of each of a plurality of wireless communication devices, and update firmware when there is update firmware for the firmware stored in the storage step A communication step for transmitting the firmware to a wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the first communication method, wherein the communication step is a wireless operation in the first operation mode. An update firmware transmitted from the communication device to the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via the second communication method. In response to the notification regarding the communication system, the first communication method is established with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode in response to the request transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode. The update firmware is transmitted to the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via the first communication method.

  A control program for a firmware providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention allows a firmware providing apparatus to operate in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode and to operate in any one of the operation modes. In a wireless communication device group composed of a plurality of connected wireless communication devices, a storage function for storing information about firmware of each of the plurality of wireless communication devices, and update firmware for the firmware stored in the storage function In some cases, a communication function for transmitting the update firmware to a wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the first communication method is realized. Transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the operation mode to the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via the second communication method. Communication with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode in response to the request transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode in response to the notification regarding the updated firmware. And the update firmware is transmitted to the wireless communication apparatus operating in the second operation mode via the first communication method.

  A communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wireless communication devices that are operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and that are operated in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other by the second communication method. If there is a firmware for updating the firmware stored in the storage unit, a storage unit that stores information about firmware of each of the plurality of wireless communication devices, and the firmware stored in the storage unit, the update firmware is Transmitting to a wireless communication device that operates in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the communication method, and from the wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode to the second operation mode via the second communication method A request transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode in response to the notification about the update firmware transmitted to the wireless communication device operating in Accordingly, communication is established with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode by the first communication method, and the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode is updated via the first communication method. A wireless communication device comprising: a first communication unit that transmits firmware; and a wireless communication device, a mode switching unit that switches between a first operation mode and a second operation mode, and a first operation When operating in the mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and the notification regarding the update firmware is transmitted to the lower level of the own device via the second communication method. Is transmitted to at least one other wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, and when operating in the second operation mode, a notification regarding the update firmware is sent. When receiving from another wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method and operating in the second operation mode, responding to the notification regarding the update firmware And a second communication unit that establishes communication with the firmware providing apparatus using the first communication method and receives the update firmware from the firmware providing apparatus via the first communication method.

  A wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a wireless communication device that is operable in either one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and operates in any one of the operation modes. When operating in the first operation mode, when receiving the update firmware of the own device from the firmware providing apparatus via the first communication method and operating in the second operation mode A communication unit that receives information related to firmware of the other wireless communication device from another wireless communication device that operates in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode connected to the own device; When operating in the second operation mode, if the version of the firmware of the own device is different from the version of the firmware of the other wireless communication device, Via the second communication scheme, it receives information for updating the firmware of the other wireless communication device.

  A method of controlling a wireless communication apparatus that is operable in a first operation mode and a second operation mode and operates in any one of the operation modes according to an embodiment of the present invention is a mode for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. When operating in the switching step and the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and when operating in the second operation mode, A communication step of receiving information related to firmware of the other wireless communication device from another connected wireless communication device operating in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode, the communication step comprising: When operating in the two operation modes, if the firmware version of the own device is different from the firmware version of the other wireless communication device, another wireless communication device From via the second communication scheme, it receives information for updating the firmware of the other wireless communication device.

  A control program for a wireless communication apparatus operable in any one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wireless communication apparatus includes a first operation mode and a second operation mode. When operating in the first operation mode and the mode switching function for switching between the two operation modes, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and operates in the second operation mode. A communication function for receiving information relating to firmware of the other wireless communication device from another wireless communication device operating in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode connected to the device; When the communication function operates in the second operation mode, the firmware version of its own device and the firmware version of another wireless communication device are different. If, from another wireless communication device via the second communication scheme, it receives information for updating the firmware of the other wireless communication device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the radio | wireless communication apparatus which can provide the update firmware with respect to the subunit | mobile_unit in the radio | wireless communication apparatus group which comprises FAN, the control method of a radio | wireless communication apparatus, the control program of a radio | wireless communication apparatus, and firmware provision It is possible to provide an apparatus, a firmware providing apparatus control method, a firmware providing apparatus control program, and a communication system.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the server (firmware provision means) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the radio | wireless communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure information of the radio | wireless communication apparatus group which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining switching of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining switching of the communication system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the state of the communication system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the wireless communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardware block diagram which shows an example of the computer which implement | achieves the function of the radio | wireless communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 500 is a system for collecting information from meters installed in each home, company, facility, etc., and remotely controlling the meters. The measurement object to be measured by the meter is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, gas (city gas, LP gas), water supply, oil, electricity, or the like. In one embodiment of the present invention, the meter is not supplied with electric power from the outside but is driven by a storage battery provided therein, and its driving period is limited.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 500 includes a server (firmware providing apparatus) 100, a meter 300 provided with a wireless communication apparatus 200, and a network 400. As shown in the figure, the wireless communication device 200 may be connected to an input / output I / F outside the meter 300 and provided outside the meter 300 as a separate wireless communication device. Further, the wireless communication device 200 may be incorporated in the meter 300 as, for example, a communication board. In the communication system 500, the FAN 10 is configured by a plurality of wireless communication devices 200. In the example of the figure, the FAN 10A is constituted by the wireless communication devices 200Ba, 200Bb, 200Bc, and 200Bd. FAN10B is configured. Here, FAN 10A and FAN 10B may be distinguished by different areas, or may be distinguished by different meter managers. In the latter case, the areas may overlap. In the following description, unless there is a particular need for distinction, the letters in the reference numerals are omitted. Further, the number of wireless communication devices included in each FAN is not limited to the illustrated number.

  In each FAN 10, the wireless communication device 200a functions as a gateway (master device), and the other wireless communication devices 200b to 200d function as slave devices. Each wireless communication device 200 can operate as both a parent device and a child device. The wireless communication device 200a, which is the parent device, can directly communicate with the server 100 via the network 400 using the first communication method. Here, the first communication method is, for example, a communication method such as LTE, LTE-Advanced, fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), or CDMA. The first communication method is, for example, a wireless communication method for IoT such as Category M, Category M1, and NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT), and is a communication method that extends LTE. In this embodiment, FOTA A communication method that can execute the above will be described. Note that the first communication method is not limited to these examples. The slave units 200b to 200d perform communication (data transmission) with other slave units and the master unit using the second communication method. The first communication method is, for example, a communication method (public radio) that requires a license in the Radio Law. Here, the second communication method is, for example, a specific low-power wireless method that performs communication using the 920 MHz band. The specific low-power radio system that communicates using the 920 MHz band is, for example, a communication system based on the Wi-SUN communication standard or a communication of a wireless communication standard that operates on IEEE 802.15.4 such as Zigbee (registered trademark). It is a method. Note that the second communication method is not limited to the 920 MHz band, and any communication band may be used for communication. The second communication method is, for example, a communication method that does not require a license under the Radio Law. For example, the first communication method and the second communication method are different from each other in frequency bands of radio waves used for communication.

  Although details will be described later, the server 100 functions as a firmware providing device, manages the firmware version of each wireless communication device constituting the FAN, and updates the firmware of each wireless communication device as necessary. Has a function (function for executing FOTA). The server 100 has a function as an IoT-PF (platform) that processes information of each meter 300 transmitted from each wireless communication device 200 and delivers necessary data to a meter administrator (not shown). May be. The information of each meter 300 is the measurement value (meter reading value) of the measurement object, and indicates the amount used in the measurement object for a predetermined period (for example, one day, one week, one month, etc.) and the remaining amount of the measurement object. It may be data. Further, the information of each meter 300 may be data (for example, gas leakage) indicating an abnormality of the measurement target. In the figure, although two servers 100 are shown, the present invention is not limited to this. The server 100 may be any information processing device that can realize the functions described in the embodiments. For example, the server 100 may be a server device, a computer (for example, a desktop, a laptop, Tablet, etc.), communication platform, etc. Note that the IoT-PF and the firmware providing apparatus may be provided as separate servers.

  The network 400 may include a wireless network and a wired network. The network 400 includes a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), ISDNs (integrated service digital networks), wireless LANs, LTE (long term evolution), LTE-Advanced, 4th generation (4G). ), 5th generation (5G), code division multiple access (CDMA), and the like. The network 400 is not limited to these examples. For example, the public switched telephone network (PSTN), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), optical line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber LINE) line, satellite A communication network or the like may be used, and any network may be used. The network 400 may be a combination of these. The network 400 may include a plurality of different networks that combine these examples. For example, the network 400 may include an LTE wireless network and a wired network such as an intranet that is a closed network.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server (firmware providing apparatus) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication I / F unit 120, an input / output I / F unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

  The storage unit 140 is typically realized by various recording media such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a flash memory, and stores various programs and data necessary for the server 100 to operate. It has a function to memorize. In addition, the storage unit 140 stores information regarding each FAN that performs communication with the server 100 and information (configuration information) regarding the wireless communication device 200 and the meter 300 that configure each FAN. That is, the storage unit 140 can operate in the first operation mode (master unit) and the second operation mode (slave unit) and operate in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other by the second communication method. Configuration information relating to a wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode and a wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, which constitutes a group (FAN) configured of the wireless communication devices is stored. Here, each FAN includes at least one master unit.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a table of FAN configuration information stored in the storage unit 140. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the storage unit 140 includes a device ID that is an identifier that can uniquely identify each wireless communication device 200, designation of a parent device / slave device for each wireless communication device 200, and the wireless communication device 200. Location information, meter ID that is an identifier that can uniquely identify the meter 300, firmware version currently downloaded to each wireless communication device 200, network ID required for the first communication method, and wireless communication device 200 are included. The network ID necessary for the second communication method for identifying the FAN to be stored is stored. The network ID necessary for the first communication method is, for example, an IP address or a telephone number. The network ID necessary for the second communication method is, for example, the FAN network ID. Note that the information stored in the storage unit 140 is not limited to that illustrated and described above. For example, the storage unit 140 may store, as FAN configuration information, the designation of the wireless communication device 200 as the parent device (for example, the device ID as the parent device) in association with each child device. The storage unit 140 may further store an installation year of the meter 300, a meter manager ID related to the manager of the meter 300, and the like.

  The control unit 110 is a processor having a function of controlling each unit of the server 100 using codes and instructions in the program. The control unit 110 includes a communication control unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a determination unit 113, and an input / output control unit 114. The communication control unit 111 controls communication via the communication I / F unit 120. The communication I / F unit 120 is an interface connected to a communication device (not shown) such as an antenna. The communication I / F unit 120 has a function of communicating data with an external device such as the wireless communication device 200 via a communication line (network 400) of a mobile communication network. The input / output control unit 114 controls connection with a display device (display, etc.) or an input / output device (keyboard, touch panel, etc.) (not shown) via the input / output I / F unit 130.

  The determination unit 115 performs various determination processes. For example, the determination unit 115 determines whether or not the firmware version of the wireless communication device 200 stored in the storage unit 140 is the latest, that is, is currently installed in each wireless communication device 200 configuring the FAN. It is determined whether firmware for update exists for the firmware. Here, the “update firmware” refers to data necessary for executing FOTA, and may be anything that can realize FOTA with existing technology. As described above, the FOTA is performed when the function of the wireless communication apparatus 200 is updated or a defect is corrected. In the present embodiment, the FAN may be configured for each administrator of the gas meter, and the content of the function added by the administrator and the presence or absence of the function addition may be different. That is, FOTA performed in one FAN may not be performed in another FAN.

  When there is update firmware, the communication control unit 111 uses the first communication method to update the wireless communication device (master device) operating in the first operation mode among the wireless communication device group constituting the FAN. Send the firmware. Moreover, although mentioned later for details, the communication control part 111 is a radio | wireless communication apparatus (slave unit) which operate | moves in a 2nd operation mode via a 2nd communication system from a radio | wireless communication apparatus (parent | mobile_unit) operate | moved in a 1st operation mode. Wireless communication device (child device) operating in the second operation mode in response to a request transmitted from the wireless communication device (slave device) operating in the second operation mode in response to the notification regarding the update firmware transmitted to the device. Communication with the first communication method is established. And the communication control part 111 transmits the firmware for an update to the radio | wireless communication apparatus (slave machine) which operate | moves in a 2nd operation mode via a 1st communication system.

  The acquisition unit 112 acquires information regarding firmware installed in each wireless communication device 200 included in the FAN. The information regarding the firmware is information that can identify the firmware, and includes at least the version of the firmware. Further, the information related to the firmware may include information regarding the date and time when the firmware was downloaded and information regarding the firmware download source.

  Next, the wireless communication device 200 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communication apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the wireless communication apparatus 200 includes a control unit 210, a communication I / F unit 220, an input / output I / F unit 230, and a storage unit 240.

  The storage unit 240 is typically realized by various recording media such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, and the like, and various programs necessary for the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 200 and It has a function of storing data. The storage unit 240 stores, for example, a driver program, an operating system program, an application program, data, and the like used for various processes in the control unit 210. For example, the storage unit 240 stores, as a driver program, a communication driver program that executes an IEEE 802.11 standard wireless communication method or a mobile communication (cellular communication) wireless communication method. In addition, the storage unit 240 stores a connection control program for performing authentication or the like in the wireless communication method of the IEEE 802.11 standard or the wireless communication method of mobile communication (cellular communication). The storage unit 240 may store various information for connecting to a wireless LAN access point. Further, the storage unit 240 stores information on the meter and its own device (for example, meter ID, wireless communication device ID, location information, administrator information, network ID, USIM, eSIM information, etc.), and predetermined processing Temporary data (communication history, meter reading value by meter, FAN configuration data, etc.) may be temporarily stored. Further, the storage unit 240 may store configuration information illustrated in FIG. 4 regarding the FAN to which the own apparatus belongs.

  The control unit 210 has a function for executing a predetermined function by a code or an instruction in the program, and is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 210 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or the like. Note that the control unit 210 is not limited to these examples. The control unit 210 includes a mode switching unit 211, a communication control unit 212, an update unit 213, an acquisition unit 214, a determination unit 215, and an input / output control unit 216.

  The communication control unit 212 controls communication with another wireless communication device 200 or the server 100 via the communication I / F unit 220 and performs, for example, digital processing for data transmission / reception. The communication I / F unit 220 is a communication interface capable of transmitting / receiving data to / from other wireless communication devices 200 and the server 100 via the network 400. The communication I / F unit 220 is a communication interface capable of wireless communication, for example, and has a function of communicating via a wireless LAN access point and a function of communicating via a wireless communication network such as LTE or CDMA. May be included. Here, the communication I / F unit 220 includes a first communication unit 221 and a second communication unit 222. The first communication unit 221 and the second communication unit 222 are communication interfaces for communication using the above-described first communication method and second communication method, respectively.

  The input / output control unit 216 controls communication with the meter 300 via the input / output I / F unit 230. For example, when the meter 300 is a gas meter, the input / output I / F unit 230 is an interface of an N line or U bus that is a unique communication standard, and an interface that also supports U bus air that is a communication method between gas meters. It is. When the wireless communication apparatus 200 is realized as a communication board, the wireless communication apparatus 200 can be installed in an existing gas meter by providing the above-described interface. Note that the meter 300 is not limited to gas, and the input / output I / F unit 230 may be an interface for incorporation into a meter such as a water supply.

  The mode switching unit 211 switches the operation mode of the own device. The operation mode is switched in response to a mode switching instruction from a predetermined switching instruction device (not shown). Note that the switching instruction device may be a server that functions as an IoT-PF. When the function of the IoT-PF is incorporated in the firmware providing device 100 described above, the firmware providing device 100 issues a mode switching instruction. May be sent.

  When the acquisition unit 214 functions as a slave unit, the acquisition unit 214 acquires information related to communication quality of communication in the second communication method between the own device and another wireless communication device 200. The information related to communication quality is information that can define communication quality, and includes, for example, radio wave intensity, number of retransmissions, and the like. Further, when functioning as a base unit, the acquisition unit 214 acquires information on communication quality of communication in the first communication method between the own apparatus and the server 100 in addition to the communication by the second communication method. In addition, when the acquisition unit 214 functions as a slave unit, the acquisition unit 214 acquires a difference between the firmware version of another slave unit or the master unit connected to the host device and the firmware version of the host device.

  Note that when a switching instruction device (not shown) acquires information on the radio wave intensity of communication in the first communication method in communication between the switching instruction device and the parent device 200 and satisfies a predetermined condition, the wireless communication device A mode switching instruction may be transmitted to 200. Further, when the switching instruction device acquires information on the radio field intensity of communication in the second communication method with the child device 200 and satisfies a predetermined condition, the switching instruction device transmits a mode switching instruction to the wireless communication device 200. Also good. Alternatively, the switching instruction device may transmit a parent device switching instruction in response to a request from the FAN administrator. Further, the switching instruction device may transmit a mode switching instruction based on the total battery remaining amount of each wireless communication device 200 constituting the FAN.

  Based on the update firmware transmitted from the firmware providing apparatus 100, the update unit 213 updates the firmware of the own apparatus. The firmware update may be based on existing technology.

<First Embodiment>
Here, FOTA of the wireless communication apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating switching of the communication method of each wireless communication device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of the parent device, the child device, and the server 100 of the FAN 10 in FIG. In the example of FIG. 5A, the FAN 10 includes wireless communication devices 200-1, 200-2, and 200-3. In FAN10, the wireless communication device 200-1 is a parent device 200GW that operates as a parent device, and the wireless communication devices 200-2 and 200-3 are child devices, which are meters 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3, respectively. Is connected. Master device 200-1 is connected to server 100 by the first communication method, and slave devices 200-2 and 200-3 are respectively connected to master device 200-1 by the second communication method.

  This will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. For simplicity, only the child device 200-3 is shown as the child device, but FOTA is executed for the child device 200-2 as well as the child device 200-3. First, the determination unit 113 of the server 100 determines whether the firmware version of each wireless communication device 200 stored in the storage unit 140 is a new version when the firmware of the wireless communication device 200 has a new version. To do. Note that the server 100 may determine the version of the FAN 10 related to the parent device 200-1. If the firmware version of base unit 200-1 is not a new version, FOTA command indicating that FOTA is to be executed is transmitted from server 100 via the first communication method (step S11). In response to the FOTA command, base unit 200-1 responds that FOTA is performed via the first communication method (step S12). Thereafter, the update firmware is transmitted from the server 100 to the parent device 200-1 via the first communication method (firmware download, step S13). The update unit 213 of the parent device 200-1 updates the firmware of the own device using the received update firmware (step S14). Thereafter, base unit 200-1 transmits a notification indicating that FOTA has been completed to server 100 via the first communication method (step S15). Then, in the storage unit 140 of the server 100, the firmware version of the parent device 200-1 is updated to the latest one.

  When the parent device 200-1 updates the firmware, the parent device 200-1 transmits a notification about the firmware for update to the child device 200-3 connected to the lower level of the own device via the second communication method (firmware update notification, Step S16). Slave device 200-3 attempts to establish communication with server 100 using the first communication method in response to the notification regarding the firmware for update received from master device 200-1 via the second communication method. (Step S17). The establishment of communication may be performed in accordance with a wireless communication system of the IEEE 802.11 standard, a wireless communication system of mobile communication (cellular communication), or the like.

  When communication with the server 100 by the first communication method is established (step S17: Yes), as shown in FIG. 5B, the first communication method is established between the slave device 200-3 and the server 100. Communication CN10 by is established. The slave unit 200-3 maintains communication with the master unit 200-1 according to the second communication method even when the communication CN 10 with the server 100 is established with the first communication method. Also good. Or the subunit | mobile_unit 200-3 may once cut | disconnect communication by the 2nd communication system between the main | base stations 200-1. In addition, when communication by the 1st communication system with the server 100 is not established (step S17: No), it progresses to step S31 of FIG. 8 (it mentions later for details).

  When the communication method is switched to the state shown in FIG. 5B, a FOTA command indicating that FOTA is to be executed is transmitted from the server 100 to the child device 200-3 via the first communication method (step S18). . The subunit | mobile_unit 200-3 responds to the effect of performing FOTA with respect to a FOTA instruction | command via a 1st communication system (step S19). Thereafter, the update firmware is transmitted from the server 100 to the child device 200-3 via the first communication method (firmware download, step S20). The update unit 213 of the slave device 200-3 updates the firmware of the own device using the received update firmware (step S21). Then, the subunit | mobile_unit 200-3 transmits the notification which shows that FOTA was completed to the server 100 via a 1st communication system (step S22). Then, in the storage unit 140 of the server 100, the firmware version of the child device 200-3 is updated to the latest one. Thereafter, the communication control unit 212 of the child device 200-3 disconnects communication with the server 100 by the first communication method (step S23), and the state of the FAN 10 returns to that shown in FIG. .

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the FOTA is surely applied to the slave unit in the FAN that is not directly connected to the server and communication for the FOTA is not always established. Can be executed. Furthermore, the first embodiment of the present invention can also provide advantageous effects with respect to problems unique to FAN, which will be described in detail below.

  Since the wireless communication device constituting the FAN is battery-driven and has a finite driving period, it is required to suppress power consumption as much as possible. Here, comparing the communication speeds of the first communication method and the second communication method, the first communication method is faster than the second communication method, and when the same amount of data is transmitted, The communication method 1 can shorten the communication time. That is, to transmit the same amount of data, the first communication method can suppress the power consumption more than the second communication method. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a slave connected to another wireless communication device 200 in the second communication method establishes direct communication with the server 100 in the first communication method, and the server 100 Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced as compared with the case where the update firmware is downloaded from the master unit in the second communication method.

  Further, the slave unit disconnects communication with the server 100 by the first communication method when the update firmware download and the FOTA completion notification transmission are completed. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed without receiving polling or the like from the server 100.

Second Embodiment
Next, FOTA of the wireless communication apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 7 and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating switching of communication methods of each wireless communication device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of the parent device, the child device, and the server 100 of the FAN 10 in FIG. In the second embodiment, in the sequence diagram of the first embodiment in FIG. 6, this corresponds to the case where communication by the first communication method between the slave device 200-3 and the server 100 is not established in step S <b> 17. . Accordingly, FIG. 7A is the same as FIG. 5A, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a case where the communication CN 10 in FIG. 5B is not established.

  This will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. Steps before step S17 in FIG. 8 are the same as steps S11 to S16 in FIG.

  When communication by the first communication method with the server 100 is not established (step S17: No), and the communication state of the FAN 10 remains as shown in FIG. 7B (normal FAN state), The subunit | mobile_unit 200-1 downloads firmware via communication CN20 by the 2nd communication system between the main | base stations 200-1 (step S31). The update unit 213 of the slave device 200-3 updates the firmware of the own device using the received update firmware (step S32). After that, the slave device 200-3 transmits a notification indicating that the FOTA is completed to the master device 200-1 via the second communication method (step S33). Base unit 200-1 accumulates information indicating that FOTA of slave unit 200-3 has been completed, and transmits the fact that FOTA of slave unit 200-3 has been completed to server 100 via the first communication method. (Step S34). Then, in the storage unit 140 of the server 100, the firmware version of the child device 200-3 is updated to the latest one. Although not shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 8, when the slave unit 200-2 downloads firmware from the master unit 200-1 in the same manner as the slave unit 200-3, the FOTA of the slave unit 200-2 is completed. The message is transmitted from the child device 200-2 to the parent device 200-1 via the second communication method. Master unit 200-1 waits until receiving a FOTA completion notification from both slave units 200-2 and 200-3 (that is, from all lower-level slave units connected to its own device). After the FOTA completion notifications are received, they may be collectively transmitted to the server 100.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
In the example of FIG. 7, the child device 200-2 is connected to the parent device 200-1, but the connection destination of the child device 200-2 may be the child device. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a case will be described in which the child device 200-2 is connected to the child device 200-3 and the child device 200-3 is connected to the parent device 200-1. In this case, the slave unit 200-2 may download the update firmware from the slave unit 200-3. Here, the slave device 200-3 updates the firmware via the master device 200-1 or via communication using the first communication method with the server 100 as described in the first embodiment. Is downloaded. Then, slave unit 200-2 transmits a FOTA completion notification to slave unit 200-3 via the second communication method, and slave unit 200-3 sends a FOTA completion notification of slave unit 200-2 to the parent unit 200-2. You may transmit to the machine 200-1.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the FOTA is reliably connected to the slave unit in the FAN that is not directly connected to the server and communication for the FOTA is not always established. Can be executed.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using the sequence diagrams of FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a communication method in the third embodiment. As described above, in the FAN 10 ′ shown in FIG. 9, the slave unit 200-3 is connected to the master unit 200-1, and the slave unit 200-2 is connected to the slave unit 200-3. Here, in the FAN, there is a mechanism in which the wireless communication devices 200 constituting the FAN periodically transmit and receive information on the own device via the second communication method. In the third embodiment, when the wireless communication devices 200 configuring the FAN use this mechanism to periodically transmit and receive the firmware version of the own device, the firmware between the own device and the other wireless communication device 200 Are detected, and FOTA is performed as necessary.

  First, base unit 200-1 updates the firmware of its own device through the processing of steps S41 to S45 with server 100. Steps S41 to S45 are the same as steps S11 to S15 in FIG. When the firmware version of the parent device 200-1 is updated, the slave device 200-3 connected to the parent device 200-1 has a difference between the firmware version of its own device and the firmware version of the parent device 200-1. Is detected (step S46). Then, slave unit 200-3 downloads update firmware from master unit 200-1 (step S47), and updates the firmware (step S48). Thereafter, a FOTA completion notification is transmitted from the child device 200-3 to the parent device 200-1 (step S49). When the firmware version of the slave unit 200-3 is updated, the slave unit 200-2 connected to the slave unit 200-3 has a difference between the firmware version of its own device and the firmware version of the slave unit 200-3. Is detected (step S50). Then, slave unit 200-2 downloads update firmware from slave unit 200-3 (step S51), and updates the firmware (step S52). Thereafter, a FOTA completion notification is transmitted from slave unit 200-2 to master unit 200-1 (step S53). Note that the FOTA completion notification from the child device 200-2 to the parent device 200-1 may be performed via the child device 200-3.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the FOTA is surely applied to the slave unit in the FAN that is not directly connected to the server and communication for the FOTA is not always established. Can be executed. In the third embodiment, even if a slave unit other than the master unit that configures the FAN does not have a function as the master unit, the firmware of all the wireless communication devices that configure the FAN can be updated. It has the advantage of being able to.

  Here, processing in the wireless communication apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the operation mode of the wireless communication apparatus 200 is the first operation mode, the process proceeds to step T12, and the update firmware of the own apparatus is received from the server (firmware providing apparatus) 100 via the first communication method ( Step T12). Thereafter, a notification regarding the update firmware is transmitted to the other wireless communication device 200 operating in at least one second operation mode connected to the lower level of the own device via the second communication method (step T13). The above is the processing when the wireless communication apparatus 200 functions as a parent device.

  When the operation mode of the wireless communication apparatus 200 is the second operation mode, the process proceeds to step T14, and the notification regarding the update firmware is transmitted in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method. Received from another wireless communication device 200 that operates. Thereafter, an attempt is made to establish communication with the server 100 by the first communication method (step T15), and when the first communication method is established, firmware for update is provided via the first communication method. Receive from the device (step T16). When the first communication method is not established, update firmware is received via the second communication method from any other wireless communication device 200 that operates in the first operation mode and the second operation mode ( Step T17). The above is the processing when the wireless communication apparatus 200 functions as a slave unit.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of means, steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided. . The structures described in the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, each component described as being included in the server 100 may be realized by being distributed by a plurality of servers. Further, the processing described as the function of the server 100 may be performed by the wireless communication device 200. Conversely, the processing that is performed by the wireless communication apparatus 200 may be performed by the server 100.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above description, the table of FIG. 4 has been described with respect to the storage unit 140 of the server 100 and the storage unit 240 of the wireless communication device 200. However, the various types of information are different from the server 100 and the wireless communication device 200. It may be stored as a database in another memory. Moreover, although the aspect which performs the multihop communication in FAN by the tree structure was demonstrated above, a mesh structure may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, although the gas meter has been described as an example in the above description, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a meter such as water supply or oil. Or it is not restricted to a meter, FAN is comprised with a some radio | wireless communication apparatus, and this invention is applicable to the arbitrary systems which perform FOTA from a server by each radio | wireless communication apparatus.

  Each functional unit of the server 100 or the wireless communication apparatus 200 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) or a dedicated circuit formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)) or the like. However, it may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Each functional unit may be realized by one or a plurality of integrated circuits, and the functions of the plurality of functional units may be realized by a single integrated circuit.

  FIG. 11 shows a hardware configuration showing an example of a computer 20 capable of realizing the server 100 or the wireless communication device 200 in the present embodiment. When each function unit of the server 100 or the wireless communication device 200 is realized by software, the server 100 or the wireless communication device 200 includes a CPU 24 that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, and the program and various data are stored in a computer. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 26 or a storage device (referred to as “recording medium”) 27 recorded so as to be readable by the CPU (or CPU) 27, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 25 for expanding the program, and the like are provided. . Then, the computer 20 (or the CPU 24) reads the program from the recording medium and executes it to achieve the object of the present invention. In other words, the server 100 or the wireless communication device 200 according to the present invention allows the communication control unit 111, the acquisition unit 112, the determination unit 113, the input / output control unit 114, and the CPU 24 to execute the program loaded on the RAM 25. , Function as a mode switching unit 211, a communication control unit 212, an update unit 213, an acquisition unit 214, a determination unit 216, and an input / output control unit 217. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a semiconductor memory or a programmable logic circuit can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

  Note that the above programs are, for example, script languages such as ActionScript, JavaScript (registered trademark), Python, Ruby, object-oriented programming languages such as C language, C ++, C #, Objective-C, Swift, Java (registered trademark), It can be implemented using a markup language such as HTML5.

100 server (information processing device)
10 FAN
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Control part 111 Communication control part 112 Acquisition part 113 Determination part 114 Input / output control part 120 Communication I / F part 130 Input / output I / F part 140 Storage part 200,200-1,200-2,200-3 Wireless communication apparatus 210 control unit 211 mode switching unit 212 communication control unit 213 update unit 214 acquisition unit 215 determination unit 216 input / output control unit 220 communication I / F unit 221 first communication unit 222 second communication unit 230 input / output I / F unit 240 storage Unit 300, 300-1, 300-2, 300-3 meter 400 network 500 communication system

Claims (17)

A wireless communication device operable in any one of the operation modes and operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode,
A mode switching unit for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and the notification regarding the update firmware is received via the second communication method. , Transmitting to at least one other wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode connected to a lower level of the device,
When operating in the second operation mode, the other wireless communication operating in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method is notified of the update firmware. A communication unit that receives from the device;
With
When the communication unit operates in the second operation mode, the communication unit establishes communication according to the first communication method with the firmware providing apparatus in response to a notification regarding the update firmware, and the update firmware Is received from the firmware providing apparatus via the first communication method. When the communication unit operates in the second operation mode and communication with the firmware providing apparatus is not established by the first communication method, the communication unit operates in the first operation mode and the second operation mode. Receiving the update firmware from the other wireless communication device via the second communication method;
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1. An update unit that updates the firmware of the device based on the update firmware;
The communication unit receives information indicating that the update of the firmware of the device has been completed in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode. Transmitting to the firmware providing apparatus via a communication method;
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1. When the communication unit operates in the second operation mode, when transmission of information indicating that the firmware update of the own device is completed to the firmware providing device is completed, the communication unit Disconnecting the communication by the first communication method.
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 3. An update unit that updates the firmware of the device based on the update firmware;
The communication unit is
Information indicating that the update of the firmware of the own device has been completed via the second communication method, either directly or indirectly, with at least one of the other wireless communication devices operating in the first operation mode. To transmit to the firmware providing device,
The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2. The mode switching unit switches the operation mode of the own device according to a mode switching instruction based on communication quality of communication of the second communication method in the own device received from a predetermined switching instruction device;
The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is a wireless communication device. The mode switching unit switches the operation mode of the own device according to the mode switching instruction received from the predetermined switching instruction device based on the remaining battery level of the own device.
The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device constitutes a wireless communication device group with a plurality of other wireless communication devices connected to the device through the second communication method,
The mode switching unit switches the operation mode of the device according to a mode switching instruction based on the remaining battery level of the wireless communication device group.
The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device is a wireless communication device. A method for controlling a wireless communication device that is operable in a first operation mode and a second operation mode and operates in any one of the operation modes,
A mode switching step for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and the notification regarding the update firmware is received via the second communication method. , Transmitting to at least one other wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode connected to a lower level of the device,
When operating in the second operation mode, the other wireless communication operating in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method is notified of the update firmware. A communication step for receiving from the device;
Including
When the communication step operates in the second operation mode, the communication step establishes communication with the firmware providing apparatus according to the first communication method in response to the notification about the update firmware, and the update firmware Is received from the firmware providing apparatus via the first communication method. A control program for a wireless communication apparatus that is operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operates in any one of the operation modes,
In the wireless communication device,
A mode switching function for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and the notification regarding the update firmware is received via the second communication method. , Transmitting to at least one other wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode connected to a lower level of the device,
When operating in the second operation mode, the other wireless communication operating in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method is notified of the update firmware. A communication function to receive from the device;
Realized
When the communication function operates in the second operation mode, the communication function establishes communication according to the first communication method with the firmware providing apparatus in response to a notification regarding the update firmware, and the update firmware Is received from the firmware providing apparatus via the first communication method. In the wireless communication device group composed of a plurality of wireless communication devices that are operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operate in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other in the second communication method, A storage unit for storing information about firmware of each wireless communication device;
When there is an update firmware for the firmware stored in the storage unit, the update firmware is wirelessly operated in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the first communication method. A communication unit for transmitting to the device;
With
The communication unit responds to a notification regarding the update firmware transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode to the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via the second communication method. In response to a request transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, establishing communication using the first communication method with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, A firmware providing apparatus that transmits the update firmware to a wireless communication apparatus that operates in the second operation mode via the communication method. In the wireless communication device group composed of a plurality of wireless communication devices that are operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operate in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other in the second communication method, A storage step for storing information about the firmware of each wireless communication device;
When there is update firmware for the firmware stored in the storage step, the update firmware is wirelessly operated in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the first communication method. A communication step for transmitting to the communication device;
Including
The communication step is performed according to a notification regarding the update firmware transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode to the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via the second communication method. In response to a request transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, establishing communication using the first communication method with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, A method for controlling a firmware providing apparatus, wherein the updating firmware is transmitted to a wireless communication apparatus operating in the second operation mode via the communication method. In the firmware providing device,
In the wireless communication device group composed of a plurality of wireless communication devices that are operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operate in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other in the second communication method, A storage function for storing information about the firmware of each wireless communication device;
When there is an update firmware for the firmware stored in the storage function, the update firmware is wirelessly operated in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the first communication method. A communication function for transmitting to a communication device;
Realized
The communication function is responsive to a notification regarding the update firmware transmitted from a wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode to a wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via a second communication method. In response to a request transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, establishing communication using the first communication method with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, A firmware providing apparatus control program that transmits the update firmware to a wireless communication apparatus operating in the second operation mode via the communication method. A wireless communication device group configured by a plurality of wireless communication devices that are operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and that are operated in any one of the operation modes and connected to each other in the second communication method;
A storage unit for storing information on firmware of each of the plurality of wireless communication devices;
When there is an update firmware for the firmware stored in the storage unit, the update firmware is wirelessly operated in the first operation mode in the wireless communication device group via the first communication method. In response to a notification regarding the update firmware transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode to the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode via the second communication method. In response to a request transmitted from the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, establishing communication using the first communication method with the wireless communication device operating in the second operation mode, And a first communication unit that transmits the update firmware to a wireless communication device that operates in the second operation mode via the communication method. ,
A communication system comprising:
The wireless communication device
A mode switching unit for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the device itself is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method, and a notification regarding the update firmware is received in the second communication method. The update firmware is transmitted to at least one other wireless communication device that operates in the second operation mode connected to the lower level of the device and operates in the second operation mode. Is received from the other wireless communication device operating in the first operation mode connected to the host device via the second communication method and operating in the second operation mode, In response to the notification about the update firmware, the communication with the firmware providing apparatus is established by the first communication method, and the update firmware is Communication system comprising a second communication unit, the received via the serial first communication method from the firmware providing apparatus. A wireless communication device operable in any one of the operation modes and operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode,
A mode switching unit for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method,
When operating in the second operation mode, firmware of the other wireless communication device is connected from another wireless communication device operating in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode connected to the device. A communication unit for receiving information on,
With
When the communication unit operates in the second operation mode and the firmware version of the own device is different from the firmware version of the other wireless communication device, the communication unit determines the second communication method from the other wireless communication device. Via which the information for updating to the firmware of the other wireless communication device is received. A method for controlling a wireless communication device that is operable in a first operation mode and a second operation mode and operates in any one of the operation modes,
A mode switching step for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method,
When operating in the second operation mode, firmware of the other wireless communication device is connected from another wireless communication device operating in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode connected to the device. A communication step for receiving information about;
Including
In the communication step, when operating in the second operation mode, if the firmware version of the own device and the firmware version of the other wireless communication device are different, the second communication method is changed from the other wireless communication device. A method for controlling a wireless communication device, which receives information for updating to the firmware of the other wireless communication device via the wireless communication device. A control program for a wireless communication apparatus that is operable in the first operation mode and the second operation mode and operates in any one of the operation modes,
Wireless communication device
A mode switching function for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode;
When operating in the first operation mode, the update firmware of the own device is received from the firmware providing device via the first communication method,
When operating in the second operation mode, firmware of the other wireless communication device is connected from another wireless communication device operating in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode connected to the device. A communication function for receiving information on,
Realized
When the communication function operates in the second operation mode, if the firmware version of the own device is different from the firmware version of the other wireless communication device, the second communication method is changed from the other wireless communication device. A control program for a wireless communication device that receives information for updating to the firmware of the other wireless communication device via the wireless communication device.

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