JP4520671B2 - Download system - Google Patents

Description

【００２７】
【表２】

【００２８】
また、上述した完了通知のフォーマットと再送要求のフォーマットとは、それぞれ表３、表４のようになる。完了通知はショートメールの形で伝送されるから、先頭に完了通知のメッセージが記述され、「機器種別データ」と、「アップデート対象バージョン」と、アップデータとしてのプログラムのバージョンである「アップデータのプログラムバージョン」とを含み、さらに、固有識別データである「製造番号」および「タイムスタンプ」も完了通知に含まれる。再送要求のフォーマットも完了通知とほぼ同様であるが、先頭にはブロックの再送要求のメッセージが記述され、「タイムスタンプ」に代えて「受信成否のビットパターン」が含まれる。
【００２９】
「受信成否のビットパターン」は、ブロック番号をビット位置に対応付けるとともに、各ブロックごとに受信の成否をビット値で表したビットパターンである。たとえばアップデータが１６ブロックに分割されているとすれば、１６ビットのデータの各ビット位置をブロック番号に対応付けるとともに、受信が成功したブロック番号に対応するビット位置のビット値を１とし、受信が失敗したブロック番号に対応するビット位置のビット値を０とするのである。いま、最上位ビットをブロック番号の１に対応付けるものとし、ブロック番号が３のブロックと、ブロック番号が１０のブロックとの受信に失敗したとすれば、１６ビットのデータは「１１０１１１１１１０１１１１１１」になるから、これを１６進数の４桁で表し、「ＤＦＢＦ」というデータを「受信成否のビットパターン」として伝送する。
【００３０】
【表３】

【００３１】
【表４】

【００３２】
上述の説明は、アップデータをサーバ４から機器１に対して１回送信する動作であるが、本実施形態では、サーバ４から機器１へはアップデータを複数回送信する。すなわち、同じアップデータを複数回送信し、すべてのアップデータの送信が終了するまで、移動端末２から基地局４への返送を禁止し、１回目のアップデータが受信したときにエラーの生じたブロックがあっても２回目以降に受信したアップデータによって当該ブロックの補完が可能であればアップデータを補完する。複数回受信したアップデータによってもエラーが解消されないブロックがあるときには、そのブロックについてのみ再送を要求するのである。このように、同じアップデータを複数回受信し、ブロック単位でアップデータを補完すれば、最終的にエラーが解消されないブロックはごく少数であり、ほとんどの機器１ではエラーが解消されると考えられるから、再送を要求する可能性が大幅に低減され、移動体通信網５のトラフィックの増加を抑制することができる。なお、データの再送を要求する場合にも完了通知と同様に、再送要求のタイミングをタイマによってランダムに設定すれば、再送要求についても移動体通信網５のトラフィックの増加を抑制することができる。
【００３３】
上述したアップデータの伝送手順について図４にまとめて示す。図示するようにメーカ側端末６（６ａ〜６ｃ）ではアップデータをサーバ４に転送する。メーカ側端末６ではアップデータの配信開始時刻および配信回数を指定することができ、サーバ４では指定された配信開始時刻になると基地局３を通して一斉同報（ブロードキャスト）によって機器１にアップデータを配信する。図示例では機器１が３台設けられている例を示している。ここに、各機器１と区別するために機器ａ、機器ｂ、機器ｃと呼ぶことにする。機器ａ、機器ｂについてはデータの受信が成功してアップデートが行われたものとし、機器ｃについてはブロック番号が５であるブロック（以下、ブロックＮｏ．５と呼ぶ）に伝送エラーが生じたものとする。アップデートの成功した機器ａ、機器ｂではランダムに設定された時間間隔Ｔａ，Ｔｂで完了を通知し、機器ｃについてはランダムに設定された時間間隔ＴｃでブロックＮｏ．５の再送を要求する。サーバ４では機器ｃからのブロックＮｏ．５の再送要求に応答してブロックＮｏ．５を再送し、これによって機器ｃにおいてもアップデートが完了する。アップデートの完了通知はショートメールの形でメールシステム８に対して伝送され、メールシステム８では完了通知をサーバ４に転送する。こうして、サーバ４からメーカ側端末６に対して各機器ａ、機器ｂ、機器ｃのバージョン管理情報を一覧するアップデート完了リストとして通知することができる。
【００３４】
なお、上述した実施形態では機器１としてコピー機を想定しているから機器１には商用電源から給電され、移動端末２についても機器１を通して商用電源から電源を供給している。一方、機器１や移動端末２では電池を電源とすることがあり、アップデートの処理中に電池が消耗して電池容量が不足するとアップデートの処理を継続できなくなる可能性がある。一方、電池を電源とする機器１あるいは移動端末２では一般に電池残量を監視する機能を備えるから、この機能を利用し、アップデータの受信を開始する前にアップデートの処理を終了するのに必要と想定して設定した基準値よりも電池残量が少ないときには、機器１においてアップデートの処理を中止する。この場合、バージョン管理テーブルにはアップデートが未完了である機器１として登録されるから、アップデータの配信時に電源が遮断されている場合と同様に、機器１ごとに個別に対応することになる。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
請求項１の発明は、移動体通信の技術を利用してアップデータを一斉同報により複数台の機器に同時に配信するので、サーバ側が１回線のみであっても多数台の機器に一度にアップデータを配信することが可能になり、結果的に、１対１通信によってアップデータを配信する場合や多数回線を用意してアップデータを配信する場合に比較すると、アップデータの配信に要する時間を大幅に短縮することができ、しかもサーバ側で多数回線を用意する場合に比較して設備費用を大幅に低減することが可能になるという利点がある。
【００３７】
また、アップデータを複数のブロックに分割して送信するから、基地局と移動端末との間の電波の伝送状況に変化が生じるなどして正しいアップデータが伝送できなかった場合でも、エラーが検出されたブロックについてのみ再送を要求すればよく、アップデータの全体を再送する場合に比較して移動体通信網のトラフィックを大幅に低減することができるという利点がある。しかも、アップデータの受信終了後にエラーが検出されたブロックの再送を要求するから、アップデータの送信中にはブロックの再送要求が発生せず、基地局と移動端末との間でのデータの伝送方向を単純化されて伝送制御が容易になるという利点がある。
【００３８】
さらに、アップデータが複数回送信される間に同じブロックでエラーが生じる確率は小さいから、同じアップデータをサーバから複数回送信するとともに、１回目の受信時にエラーの生じたブロックについて２回目以降の受信時に補完することによって、再送を要求するブロックの個数が低減されることになり、結果的に移動体通信網のトラフィックの低減に寄与するという利点がある。加えて、時計手段を備えているから、夜間のように機器が使用される可能性が低く、かつ移動体通信網のトラフィックが少ない時間帯を利用するように時刻を指定してアップデータを配信することが可能になるという利点がある。
【００３９】
請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明において、バージョン管理テーブルの内容を見ることによってアップデートの完了していない機器を確認することができるから、アップデータの配信時に電源が遮断されているなどアップデートが可能な状態ではなかった機器に対して個別に対応することができ、すべての機器について確実にプログラムのアップデートが可能になるという利点がある。
【００４０】
請求項３の発明は、請求項２の発明において、アップデータの書換完了から固有識別データを返送するまでの時間を機器ごとにランダムに設定するタイマを設けているから、各機器から固有識別データを送信するタイミングがずれることによって、固有識別データの送信の集中を抑制することができるという利点がある。
【００４１】
請求項４の発明は、請求項１ないし請求項３の発明において、移動端末ではアップデータの受信完了までは送信しないから、携帯電話機のような移動端末において通常行われているようにパケット単位で送信と受信とを繰り返す場合に比較すると移動端末での送信に要する電力消費を大幅に低減することができる。つまり、機器が多数存在していてもプログラムのアップデートに要する電力の総使用量は比較的小さくなるという利点がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態の要部を示すブロック図である。
【図２】同上の全体構成を示すブロック図である。
【図３】同上の動作説明図である。
【図４】同上の動作説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 機器
１ａ〜１ｃ 機器
２ 移動端末
３ 基地局
４ サーバ
５ 移動体通信網
６ａ〜６ｃ メーカ側端末
７ａ〜７ｃ プログラム
８ メールシステム
９ 制御装置
１０ 制御手段
１１ 通信インタフェース
１２ プログラム記憶部（記憶手段）
１３ 書込手段
１４ 機器インタフェース
４１ 時計手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a download system for distributing updater to a device controlled by a program.ToIt is related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, microcomputers have been incorporated into various devices ranging from vending machines, car navigation systems, mobile phones, and various home appliances as well as office equipment such as personal computers, copiers, and fax machines. The operation is controlled by.
[0003]
For devices such as a personal computer that can be rewritten by a general user, manufacturers need it for customers when there is a problem with the program or when the program is modified to improve its functions. Accordingly, the presence of the updater (repair program) is announced, and the updater is distributed in the form of a medium such as a CD-ROM, or the updater is distributed via a communication line such as the Internet. Can be upgraded.
[0004]
On the other hand, for devices other than personal computers, it is generally impossible for the user to rewrite the program, and the engineers of the device development manufacturer and the program development manufacturer either replace the updater or update the program as a recall. It is currently being replaced with an equivalent product that incorporates. When performing the work to replace with the updater, the user himself / herself brings the device to the designated service base, or the technician dispatched from the manufacturer of the device visits one customer at a time and updates the device one by one. We are currently working to incorporate
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the method described above, the updater is incorporated into the update target device one by one, so if hundreds of thousands to millions of target devices are operating, the total number of target devices However, the time and cost for completing the process of incorporating the updater is enormous.
[0006]
In consideration of such circumstances, the program of the target device is updated using a communication line, and the effect of reducing the dispatching cost of engineers is obtained. However, since the updater is transmitted to each of the target devices by one-to-one communication, the program can be updated in a relatively short time when the number of target devices is small. If the number of devices increases, it will be difficult to update in a short time. For example, assuming that there are 1 million devices to be updated for one line of the server that distributes the updater, if it takes 5 minutes to distribute the updater, it takes about 10 years. . Therefore, even if 500 lines can be secured for the distribution of the updater, it takes about 7 days. As described above, the conventional method still requires a large amount of time and cost for updating the program, and is insufficient as a method for distributing updater to a device having a large number of operating units.
[0007]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned reasons, and its purpose is to make it possible to distribute updater data from a server to a plurality of operating devices at a time, thereby significantly increasing the time and cost required to update a program. Download system that can be reducedTheIt is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base station of a mobile communication network, a mobile terminal capable of data transmission between the base station, a device controlled by a program, a device through which the program updater is registered and the base station A device for transmitting update data to the device, the device includes a rewritable storage means for storing the program, a control means for controlling the operation of the device by the program stored in the storage means, and the server to the mobile terminal Writing means for writing the program transmitted through the storage means to the storage means, and the server includes a clock means for designating a time for transmitting the updater, and is a program transmission target when the updater is transmitted. At least device type data specifying the device type and program identification data indicating the program version The update data is divided into a plurality of blocks, and block identification data for identifying each block and error check data are added for each block, and the update data having the same contents is defined multiple times. Repeatedly sent to the mobile terminal by simultaneous broadcast. In the writing means, the received device type data matches the device type data set in the writing means in advance, and the program identification data has not been rewritten. The updater is stored in the storage means when it is confirmed that the updater isWhen the updater is received, the response is prohibited until the transmission of the updater is completed multiple times.Block in which an error was detected by error check data when the updater was received for the first timeThere isUpdaterCan be received more than onceAfter the secondIf the block can be complemented by the updater receivedComplement,When you can respondUncompleted blocksIf anySpecify block identification data for the block and request retransmission to the serverIn response to a retransmission request from the device, the server retransmits the block to the device that requested the retransmission.It is characterized by that.
  According to this configuration, since the updater is simultaneously distributed to a plurality of devices using a mobile communication technology, even if the server side has only one line, the updater is distributed to many devices at once. It becomes possible to do. As a result, the time required to distribute the updater can be greatly reduced compared to the case where the updater is distributed by one-to-one communication or the case where multiple lines are prepared and the updater is distributed. It is possible to significantly reduce the equipment cost as compared with the case of preparing the device. The writing means determines whether or not the program should be updated based on the device type data and program identification data received together with the update data, and writes the update data to the storage means only when the update is necessary. Even if it is transmitted, the updater is transferred only to the target device, and the program is prevented from being rewritten accidentally.
[0010]
Furthermore,Because the updater is divided into multiple blocks and transmitted, even if the correct updater could not be transmitted due to changes in the radio wave transmission status between the base station and the mobile terminal, the block where the error was detected It is only necessary to request retransmission, and the traffic of the mobile communication network can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the entire updater is retransmitted. This is particularly effective when the number of devices to be updated is large. In addition, since the retransmission of the block in which the error is detected is requested after the reception of the update data, the block retransmission request is not generated during the transmission of the update data, and the data transmission direction between the base station and the mobile terminal is changed. Simplification facilitates transmission control.
[0011]
further,Since the probability that an error will occur in the same block during multiple transmissions of the updater is small, the same updater is transmitted multiple times from the server, and the block in which an error occurred during the first reception is complemented during the second and subsequent receptions. As a result, the number of blocks requesting retransmission is reduced, resulting in a reduction in traffic in the mobile communication network.In addition, since it has a clock means, it is unlikely that the device will be used at night, and the updater is distributed by designating the time so as to use a time zone in which the traffic of the mobile communication network is low It becomes possible.
[0012]
  Claim 2The invention ofClaim 1In the invention, when the update of the update data is successful, the writing means returns unique identification data for individually identifying the device within a predetermined time after completion of the update, and the server returns the unique identification data. Update the version management table that associates the version of the program with the device, and by checking the contents of the version management table, you can check the devices that have not been updated. It is possible to individually deal with devices that were not in an updateable state, such as the power supply being cut off at the time of distribution, and it is possible to reliably update the program for all devices.
[0013]
  Claim 3The invention ofClaim 2In the invention, the device includes a timer for randomly setting the predetermined time for each device from when the rewriting of the updater is completed to when the unique identification data is returned, and is unique from the mobile terminal to the base station. When identification data is transmitted in a concentrated manner, the traffic of the mobile communication network increases, but since a timer is provided that randomly sets the time from the completion of rewriting the updater to returning the unique identification data for each device, By shifting the timing for transmitting the unique identification data from each device, concentration of transmission of the unique identification data can be suppressed.
[0014]
  Claim 4The invention of claim 1 to claim 1Claim 3In the invention, when the mobile terminal receives the update data by simultaneous broadcast from the base station, transmission to the base station is prohibited until transmission of the update data from the server is completed. Since the terminal does not transmit until reception of the updater is completed, the power consumption required for transmission at the mobile terminal is smaller than when transmission and reception are repeated in units of packets as is normally done in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. It can be greatly reduced. That is, even when there are a large number of devices, the total amount of power used to update the program is relatively small.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In this embodiment, a copy machine is illustrated as an example of a device. However, the present invention is not limited to a copy machine, and the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to any device that is controlled by a program.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that there are a plurality of types of copy machines (apparatuses) 1a to 1c, and programs for controlling operations are different for the respective copy machines 1a to 1c. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 2 is connected to the devices 1 that are the copy machines 1 a to 1 c. The mobile terminal 2 performs data transmission wirelessly with the base station 3 of the mobile communication network 5, and the base station 3 is connected to the server 4 via the mobile communication network 5. The mobile communication network 5 is connected to manufacturer-side terminals 6a to 6c provided in the manufacturers of the respective copy machines 1a to 1c. If there is update data to be transmitted to the copy machines 1a to 1c in the manufacturer-side terminals 6a to 6c, the mobile communication network 5 The data can be transferred to the server 4 through the body communication network 5. The illustrated example shows a state in which programs 7a to 7c corresponding to the respective copy machines 1a to 1c are prepared in the respective maker side terminals 6a to 6c.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 that is the copiers 1 a to 1 c includes a communication interface 11 for connecting a mobile terminal 2 such as a mobile phone or a PHS phone. Further, the device 1 is provided with a program storage unit 12 as a storage unit, and the control unit 10 formed of a microcomputer controls the operation of each unit of the device 1 according to a program stored in the program storage unit 12. The program storage unit 12 is composed of a rewritable memory such as a flash ROM that retains stored contents without power supply, and the storage of the program in the program storage unit 12 is connected to the mobile terminal 2 via the communication interface 11. Performed by the writing means 13. The writing unit 13 includes a working memory including a RAM as a buffer for data exchanged with the mobile terminal 2 through the communication interface 11. Furthermore, a device interface 14 for connecting to each part such as a motor, a lamp, and a sensor is also provided in the device 1.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the writing means 13, device type data representing the type of the device 1 and unique identification data for individually identifying each device 1 are set. The device type data is data corresponding to the model number of the device 1, and the unique identification data includes a manufacturing number of the device 1, a version of the program, and a time stamp indicating the date and time of the latest update of the program. On the other hand, the updater transmitted from the server 4 to the device 1 through the base station 3 and the mobile terminal 2 includes at least device type data set in the device 1 and program identification data representing a program version updated by the updater. The included identification data is added to the top of the updater. In addition, a communication parameter indicating transfer of the updater may be added to the updater to distinguish it from normal communication.
[0020]
In the following, the operation will be described on the assumption that the program of the copy machine 1a needs to be upgraded. In this case, the maker of the copier 1a transfers the update program 7a (updater) to the server 4 in a specified format as one file through the maker side terminal 6a. It is also possible to specify the time at which the updater distribution starts from the manufacturer side terminal 6a, and when the time measured by the clock means 41 provided in the server 4 becomes the time specified by the manufacturer side terminal 6a, Distribution of updater is started through the base station 3.
[0021]
  By the way, when the base station 3 recognizes that the update data is distributed based on the communication parameter added to the update data,BroadcastUpdater is distributed by (broadcast). Here, the base station 3 notifies the presence / absence of the updater as broadcast information notifying the transmission of the updater. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, all the mobile terminals 2 existing within the radio wave reception area from the base station 3 receive the notification information (S1), and the writing means 13 analyzes the notification information. When the broadcast information indicates transmission of update data (S2), communication parameters for causing the mobile terminal 2 to respond to reception of update data are set in the mobile terminal 2 (S3). Thus, when the communication parameters are set in the mobile terminal 2, the update data can be received (downloaded) (S4). However, since the device type data and program identification data, which are identification data, are added to the top of the updater as described above, the received device type data matches the device type data registered in advance in the writing means 13. The updater is read only when the version indicated by the program identification data is newer than the version of the program stored in the program storage unit 12. If the device type data does not match or the version of the program is not new, reception of the updater is stopped and a standby state is entered.
[0022]
By the way, in this embodiment, a configuration in which a program is divided into a plurality of blocks and transmitted is adopted, and each block is given a block number as block identification data, and error check data is added to each block. It is. In addition, the number of blocks constituting the updater is notified before the start of transmission of the updater. Therefore, when the reception of the updater is started, the notified block number is set as a block counter (S5), and the block counter is decremented every time a block is received (S6), and it is determined whether or not the final block has been reached. (S7). Each block is stored in a working memory provided in the writing means 13, and when reaching the final block, it is determined whether or not there is a transmission error in each block (S8), and if there is no error, the writing means All blocks from 13 are transferred to the program storage unit 12, and the program stored in the program storage unit 12 is updated (updated) (S9). Thus, when the update of the program is completed, the server 4 is notified of completion (S10).
[0023]
On the other hand, if it is detected in step S8 that any block has an error, the server 4 is requested to retransmit only the block in which the error has occurred (S11). The resent block (S12) is also verified for errors (S13). If there is no error, the updater is supplemented together with the previously received block and the program stored in the program storage unit 12 is updated (S14). ), The server 4 is notified of completion (S15).
[0024]
Here, the time from when the program is successfully rewritten until the completion notification is transmitted is randomly set for each device 1 by a timer (not shown) provided in the device 1, and the completion notification from each device 1 is 1 The possibility of simultaneous transmission to one base station 3 is reduced. As the completion notification, the unique identification data of the device 1 is returned to the server 4 in the form of a short mail. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile communication network 3 is provided with a mail system 8 for receiving a short mail. When the mail system 8 receives the unique identification data, the unique identification data is sent via the control device 9. Deliver to server 4. The server 4 is provided with a version management table. The version management table manages the version of the program set in each device 1 based on the unique identification data returned from each device 1. In addition, based on the contents of the version management table, a list of devices 1 to which completion notifications are returned is automatically created and transferred as version management information to the manufacturer-side terminals 1a to 1c of the device 1 for management at the manufacturer. Can be provided. In this way, by creating the version management table, it is possible to check the device 1 that has not been updated. Therefore, the update cannot be performed, for example, when the power supply is interrupted due to a power failure during update distribution. It is possible to deal with each device 1 individually.
[0025]
Tables 1 and 2 show the format of the updater and the format of each block. In Table 1, “update target version” is the version of the program to be updated. This is because even if the device type data is the same, even if the program is specialized for the customer, it may be inadvertently replaced with the program of the other non-specialized device 1. It is added as information for prevention. In other words, the update is not performed unless the version of the program stored in the program storage unit 12 of the device 1 matches the version designated as the “update target version”. A version different from that of a general program is set for the program that has been created, thereby preventing the specialized program from being inadvertently updated when the general program is updated. The “updater program version” corresponds to program identification data. “File size” represents the size of the updater, and “number of blocks” means the number of blocks constituting the updater. Further, the “update notification destination” represents the manufacturer side terminals 6a to 6c to which the version management information is transferred after the update is completed.
[0026]
[Table 1]

[0027]
[Table 2]

[0028]
The completion notification format and the retransmission request format described above are as shown in Table 3 and Table 4, respectively. Since the completion notification is transmitted in the form of a short mail, a completion notification message is described at the top, and the "device type data", "update target version", and the program version as the updater "updater program version" In addition, the unique identification data “manufacturing number” and “time stamp” are also included in the completion notification. The format of the retransmission request is substantially the same as the completion notification, but a block retransmission request message is described at the top, and “reception success / failure bit pattern” is included instead of “time stamp”.
[0029]
The “reception success / failure bit pattern” is a bit pattern in which a block number is associated with a bit position and reception success / failure is represented by a bit value for each block. For example, if the updater is divided into 16 blocks, each bit position of 16-bit data is associated with a block number, and the bit value of the bit position corresponding to the block number that has been successfully received is set to 1, and reception has failed. The bit value at the bit position corresponding to the block number is set to 0. Now, assuming that the most significant bit is associated with the block number 1 and the reception of the block with the block number 3 and the block with the block number 10 fails, the 16-bit data becomes “11011111110111111”. This is expressed by four hexadecimal digits, and data “DFBF” is transmitted as a “reception success / failure bit pattern”.
[0030]
[Table 3]

[0031]
[Table 4]

[0032]
  The above description isUpdater once from server 4 to device 1In this embodiment,Server 1 to device 1ToUpdaterIs sent multiple times. That is,Send the same updater multiple timesAndUntil transmission of all the update data is completed, return from the mobile terminal 2 to the base station 4 is prohibited, and even if there is a block in which an error occurs when the first update data is received, the update data received after the second time is received. If it is possible to complement the block, the updater is supplemented. When there is a block whose error is not solved by the update data received a plurality of times, a retransmission is requested only for that block. In this way, if the same updater is received multiple times and the updater is supplemented in units of blocks, there are very few blocks where the error is not finally solved, and it is considered that the error is eliminated in most devices 1. The possibility of requesting retransmission is greatly reduced, and an increase in traffic of the mobile communication network 5 can be suppressed. Even when data retransmission is requested, as in the case of completion notification, if the timing of the retransmission request is set at random by a timer, an increase in traffic of the mobile communication network 5 can also be suppressed for the retransmission request.
[0033]
  The update data transmission procedure described above is shown together in FIG.The FigureAs shown, the manufacturer side terminal 6 (6a to 6c) transfers the updater to the server 4. The manufacturer terminal 6 can specify the distribution start time and the number of distributions of the updater, and the server 4 distributes the updater to the device 1 by simultaneous broadcast (broadcast) through the base station 3 when the specified distribution start time is reached. In the illustrated example, an example in which three devices 1 are provided is shown. Here, in order to distinguish from each device 1, they are referred to as device a, device b, and device c. Device a and device b have been successfully received and updated, and device c has a transmission error in the block with block number 5 (hereinafter referred to as block No. 5). And The devices a and b that have been successfully updated notify the completion at randomly set time intervals Ta and Tb, and the device c has a block No. at a randomly set time interval Tc. Request 5 retransmissions. In the server 4, the block No. 5 in response to the retransmission request of No. 5 is retransmitted, and the update is also completed in the device c. The update completion notification is transmitted to the mail system 8 in the form of a short mail, and the mail system 8 transfers the completion notification to the server 4. In this way, the server 4 can notify the manufacturer-side terminal 6 as an update completion list that lists the version management information of each device a, device b, and device c.
[0034]
In the above-described embodiment, since a copier is assumed as the device 1, the device 1 is supplied with power from a commercial power source, and the mobile terminal 2 is also supplied with power from the commercial power source through the device 1. On the other hand, the device 1 or the mobile terminal 2 may use a battery as a power source. If the battery is consumed during the update process and the battery capacity is insufficient, the update process may not be continued. On the other hand, since the battery-powered device 1 or the mobile terminal 2 generally has a function of monitoring the remaining battery level, it is necessary to use this function to end the update process before starting to receive the updater. When the remaining battery level is lower than the assumed reference value, update processing is stopped in the device 1. In this case, since it is registered in the version management table as the device 1 for which the update has not been completed, each device 1 is individually handled in the same manner as in the case where the power supply is shut off when the updater is distributed.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
In the first aspect of the invention, since the updater is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of devices by simultaneous broadcasting using mobile communication technology, the updater can be sent to a large number of devices at a time even if the server side has only one line. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce the time required for distributing the update data as compared with the case where the update data is distributed by one-to-one communication or when a large number of lines are prepared and the update data is distributed. In addition, there is an advantage that the facility cost can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where a large number of lines are prepared on the server side.
[0037]
Also,Because the updater is divided into multiple blocks and transmitted, even if the correct updater could not be transmitted due to changes in the radio wave transmission status between the base station and the mobile terminal, the block where the error was detected There is an advantage that the traffic of the mobile communication network can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the entire updater is retransmitted. In addition, since the retransmission of the block in which the error is detected is requested after the reception of the update data, the block retransmission request is not generated during the transmission of the update data, and the data transmission direction between the base station and the mobile terminal is changed. There is an advantage that transmission control is facilitated by simplification.
[0038]
further,Since the probability that an error will occur in the same block during multiple transmissions of the updater is small, the same updater is transmitted multiple times from the server, and the block in which an error occurred during the first reception is complemented during the second and subsequent receptions. As a result, the number of blocks requesting retransmission is reduced, and as a result, there is an advantage that it contributes to a reduction in traffic of the mobile communication network.In addition, since it has a clock means, it is unlikely that the device will be used at night, and the updater is distributed by designating the time so as to use a time zone in which the traffic of the mobile communication network is low There is an advantage that it becomes possible.
[0039]
  Claim 2The invention ofClaim 1In this invention, it is possible to check the devices that have not been updated by looking at the contents of the version management table. For devices that have not been updated, such as when the power is cut off when the updater is distributed This has the advantage that the program can be updated reliably for all devices.
[0040]
  Claim 3The invention ofClaim 2In the present invention, since a timer for randomly setting the time from completion of rewriting of the updater to returning the unique identification data for each device is provided, the unique identification data is shifted by the timing of transmitting the unique identification data from each device. There is an advantage that concentration of data transmission can be suppressed.
[0041]
  Claim 4The invention of claim 1 to claim 1Claim 3In the present invention, since the mobile terminal does not transmit until the reception of the updater is completed, the transmission at the mobile terminal is compared with the case where transmission and reception are repeated in units of packets as is normally done in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone. Power consumption required can be greatly reduced. That is, there is an advantage that even if there are a large number of devices, the total amount of power used for updating the program is relatively small.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the above.
FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory diagram of the above.
FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view of the above.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Equipment
1a-1c equipment
2 Mobile terminals
3 base stations
4 servers
5 Mobile communication network
6a-6c Manufacturer side terminal
7a-7c program
8 Mail system
9 Control device
10 Control means
11 Communication interface
12 Program storage (storage means)
13 Writing means
14 Device interface
41 Clock means

Claims (4)

A base station of a mobile communication network; a mobile terminal capable of transmitting data to and from the base station; a device controlled by a program; a server for registering update data of the program and transmitting the update data to the device through the base station; The device stores rewritable storage means for storing the program, control means for controlling the operation of the device by the program stored in the storage means, and the program transmitted from the server through the mobile terminal. A writing means for writing to the means, and the server comprises a clock means for measuring the time and starting the distribution of the updater when the designated time is reached, and is a program transmission target when the updater is transmitted. The device type data that specifies the device type and the program identification data that indicates the program version are reduced. A plurality of blocks that divide the updater into a plurality of blocks and add block identification data for identifying each block and error check data, and define the updater with the same contents. Repeatedly transmitted to the mobile terminal by simultaneous broadcast. In the writing means, the received device type data matches the device type data set in the writing means in advance, and the program identification data When it is confirmed that the updater is a rewrite updater, the updater is stored in the storage means, and when the updater is received, the response is prohibited until a plurality of transmissions of the updater are completed, and an error check is performed when the updater is first received. or block an error is detected by the data Updater Data the block complement if complemented by the updater received in the reception can second or subsequent two or more times, if there is not yet completion block when it is responsive, the block identification data subsequently to the block A download system comprising: designating and requesting retransmission to the server, wherein the server retransmits the block to a device that has requested retransmission in response to a retransmission request from the device .   When the update of the update data is successful, the writing means returns unique identification data for individually identifying the device within a predetermined time after completion of the update, and the server returns the unique identification data when the unique identification data is returned. The download system according to claim 1, wherein a version management table in which a version of a program is associated with a device is updated.   The download system according to claim 2, further comprising a timer that randomly sets the predetermined time for each device from when the update of the updater is completed until the unique identification data is returned.   2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the mobile terminal receives the update data by simultaneous broadcast from the base station, transmission to the base station is prohibited until transmission of the update data from the server is completed. The download system according to claim 3.

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