Communication system

Abstract

A communication system is provided which can perform appropriate firmware updating without automatically making a special version of firmware an updating target. When a hot-water utilization device (100) and a server (50) are communicatively connected via a communication adapter (150), a firmware update instruction for updating firmware in the communication adapter (150) is generated based on a comparison of the version of firmware of the communication adapter (150) and the version of the updating firmware. The firmware update instruction is generated when the version of firmware of the communication adapter (150) and the version of the updating firmware are not consistent, with the condition that the version of firmware of the communication adapter (150) and a special version registered in advance are not consistent at the time of initial communication connection of the hot-water utilization device (100) and the server (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a communication system, and more specifically, to firmware update control of a machine constituting a hot water utilization device via a communication system that connects the hot water utilization device to a server. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that a remote management system is used in a multi-hot water supply system, which is an example of a hot water utilization device. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-128653 (Patent Document 1) describes a technology for writing an update program downloaded from a management server via a communication adapter (relay device) to the constituent machine of a hot water supply system in a remote management system as described above.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the management server, during periodic communication with the communication adapter, obtains the software version information of the constituent machines of the hot water supply system collected by the communication adapter. Furthermore, when the obtained version information differs from the version information of the new program to be updated, the management server sends software update information to the communication adapter. Subsequently, the communication adapter downloads the update program based on the received software update information and sends it to the constituent machines, thereby implementing the writing of the update program in each constituent machine.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-128653 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, the machine that stores and manages the latest version of the program kept by the management server is always set as the object of software update whenever it communicates with the management server.

[0009] Therefore, there are concerns that machines with firmware of a special specification that is preferably not modified may be automatically targeted for updates. On the other hand, there are concerns about increased workload when managing software updates with such special specifications in mind through manual operations on the management server side.

[0010] This invention was developed to solve this problem, and its purpose is to provide a control system for a communication system that can perform appropriate firmware updates without automatically updating firmware of a specific specification.

[0011] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0012] In one aspect of the invention, a communication system is provided, comprising multiple water-using devices constituting machines that are communicatively connected to a server. The communication system includes a control unit configured to generate a firmware update instruction for the firmware of the specified constituting machines when the water-using devices are communicatively connected to the server, based on a comparison between a specified firmware version of one of the multiple constituting machines and a firmware version for updating. The control unit generates the firmware update instruction when the firmware version of the specified constituting machines is inconsistent with the firmware version for updating, provided that the initial communication connection between the water-using devices and the server is established, or when the specified firmware version of the constituting machines is not a specific version.

[0013] [The effects of the invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a communication system can be controlled to perform appropriate firmware updates without automatically updating firmware of a specific specification. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the communication system of the hot water utilization device according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of a schematic structure of a server.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of an example of the structure of a communication adapter.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating firmware version updates.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the firmware update control in the communication system of the hot water utilization device of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process for firmware updates performed by the server.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the firmware update control process in the communication system of the hot water utilization device of this embodiment.

[0022] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0023] 5: Communication System

[0024] 20: Interface machine

[0025] 30: Portable terminal device

[0026] 40: External communication network (Internet)

[0027] 50: Server

[0028] 57, 155: Memory

[0029] 60: LAN router

[0030] 70: Base station

[0031] 100: Warm water utilization equipment

[0032] 101: Communication Line

[0033] 110: Hot water supply unit

[0034] 111: Hot water supply outlet

[0035] 115: Circuit board

[0036] 120, 130: Remote control

[0037] 122, 132: Input Section

[0038] 140: Controller

[0039] 150: Communication Adapter

[0040] 151: Control Department

[0041] 154: Power Supply Circuit

[0042] 157: Antenna

[0043] 158: Connector

[0044] C01~C04: Communication

[0045] VRA~VRD: Version (Firmware)

[0046] VRX: Special Edition (Firmware) Detailed Implementation

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same symbols, and their descriptions will not be repeated in principle.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the communication system of the hot water utilization device according to this embodiment.

[0049] Reference Figure 1The communication system 5 of the warm water utilization device in this embodiment includes: a warm water utilization device 100, an interface machine 20, an external communication network 40, and a server 50. The communication system 5 connects the warm water utilization device 100 to the server 50 for remote management and operation of the warm water utilization device 100 via the server 50.

[0050] The hot water utilization device 100 is, for example, a hot water supply device, and includes a hot water supply unit 110, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a "remote controller") 120, a remote controller 130, and a communication adapter 150. Hot water from the hot water supply unit 110 is delivered to a hot water supply destination via piping connected to a plurality of hot water supply ports 111. For example, the hot water supply destination includes a faucet and a bathtub (not shown). Alternatively, the hot water supply destination includes a heater (not shown) that uses hot water as a heat source, thereby enabling the hot water supply device to have a heating function.

[0051] A circuit board 115 is installed inside the hot water supply unit 110. A controller 140 for driving and controlling the hot water supply unit 110 is mounted on the circuit board 115. The controller 140 controls a solenoid valve (not shown) for controlling the supply of fuel gas to a burner (not shown), and an air supply fan (not shown) for supplying air mixed with the fuel gas.

[0052] The hot water supply unit 110 and remote controls 120 and 130 are connected to the communication adapter 150 via a communication cable (e.g., a two-core communication cable) 101. Remote controls 120 and 130 include display units 121 and 131, and input units 122 and 132. Users operate the input units 122 and 132 based on the displays on display units 121 and 131, thereby setting the hot water output or hot water supply temperature, etc.

[0053] For example, remote control 120 can be installed in the bathroom. Additionally, remote control 130 can be installed in the kitchen. Thus, users can use remote control 120 and remote control 130 to set various functions of the hot water utilization device 100.

[0054] The communication adapter 150 has wireless communication capabilities for communicating with the interface machine 20 via a defined communication protocol (such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11n).

[0055] Interface machine 20 has the function of communicating with server 50 via external communication network 40 to machines within a certain range, including remote controller 120 and remote controller 130. For example, interface machine 20 may include a so-called wireless local area network (LAN) router. In addition, external communication network 40 is representative of the Internet. Hereinafter, external communication network 40 will also be referred to as Internet 40.

[0056] Furthermore, a wired LAN router can be used instead of a wireless LAN router as the interface device 20. In this case, the communication adapter 150 can be configured to communicate with the wired LAN router via a specified communication protocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.3 standard of Ethernet).

[0057] Server 50 is connected to Internet 40 and has the function of managing remote control (remote operation and remote monitoring) of the hot water utilization equipment 100. Communication adapter 150 is wirelessly connected to interface machine 20, thereby enabling communication with server 50 via Internet 40. Thus, the hot water utilization equipment 100 communicates with server 50 using communication adapter 150 as a relay device.

[0058] The server 50 can also communicate with a portable terminal device 30, such as a smartphone or tablet. When the portable terminal device 30 is within range of the interface device 20, it connects to the interface device 20 wirelessly, thereby enabling communication between the portable terminal device 30 and the server 50. Alternatively, when the portable terminal device 30 is located outside a residence, it connects to the Internet 40 via a router 60 or a base station 70, thereby enabling communication with the server 50.

[0059] In this way, users can not only operate remote control 120 and remote control 130, but also access server 50 from both inside and outside the range that can be connected to interface machine 20 by using portable terminal device 30 to remotely control (operate and monitor) the hot water utilization equipment 100.

[0060] An application for the hot water utilization device 100 can be installed on the remote control 130 and the portable terminal device 30. For example, the application is downloaded from the server 50 and then installed.

[0061] In addition, the hot water supply unit 110 (controller 140), remote control 120, remote control 130, and communication adapter 150 each store a program (hereinafter also referred to as "firmware") for controlling the operation of the respective machines. The firmware is written to a version at the time of factory shipment, and in this embodiment, it can be rewritten to different versions of firmware through distribution from server 50. Figure 1 In the structural example, remote controller 120, remote controller 130 and controller 140 correspond to an embodiment of "controlling machine", and communication adapter 150 corresponds to an embodiment of "relay device".

[0062] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of server 50.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 The server 50 includes: a central processing unit (CPU) 55 for controlling the entire device; a communication unit 56 and a memory 57 connected to the CPU 55; and a display unit 58. The communication unit 56 has the function of communicating with other machines or servers via a connection to the Internet 40. The display unit 58 includes a display screen.

[0064] The memory 57 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) 57a for storing programs executed by the CPU 55; a random access memory (RAM) 57b for serving as a working area or storing calculated values ​​when the CPU 55 executes the program; and a hard disk drive (HDD) 57c, an example of a large storage device. The server 50 may be configured to have functions equivalent to a general computer. The server 50 may also include an operation unit for accepting operation input.

[0065] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the communication adapter 150.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 The communication adapter 150 includes: a control unit 151, a communication unit 152, a communication unit 153, a power supply circuit 154, a memory 155, an antenna 157, and a connector 158. The connector 158 is connected... Figure 1 The communication line 101 shown is a two-core communication line.

[0067] The control unit 151 may include a microcomputer containing a CPU 151a and an interface (I / F) 151b. The communication unit 152 is configured to transmit and receive information bidirectionally between the hot water supply unit 110 and the remote controllers 120 and 130 via a two-core communication line 101 connected to the connector 158.

[0068] The communication unit 153 is configured to transmit and receive data bidirectionally with the interface machine 20 (wireless LAN router) via wireless communication through the antenna 157.

[0069] The power supply circuit 154 receives power from the two-core communication line 101 connected to the connector 158, and generates the operating power supply voltage for each component in the communication adapter 150.

[0070] The memory 155 includes a ROM 155a and a RAM 155b. The ROM 155a typically includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) that stores the firmware of the communication adapter 150 and control data. During startup, the control unit 151 reads the firmware stored in the ROM 155a and expands it in the RAM 155b. The control unit 151 executes the program expanded in the RAM 155b to control the operation of the communication adapter 150.

[0071] Furthermore, in Figure 3 In this document, the memory 155 and the control unit 151 are described as independent components, but part or all of the memory 155 may also be built into the control unit 151.

[0072] Communication unit 153 can send and receive data with communication unit 56 of server 50 via interface device 20 and Internet 40. Thus, communication adapter 150 can periodically send the operation information of hot water utilization device 100 to server 50.

[0073] As a result, server 50 can collect and manage various information from the hot water utilization equipment 100 of each customer, such as households and accommodation facilities, which are connected via communication adapter 150.

[0074] On the other hand, server 50 can also send data and information to communication adapter 150. This provides remote operation services for the hot water utilization device 100. For example, prescribed operations of the hot water utilization device 100 can be performed from server 50 or portable terminal device 30 via Internet 40, such as switching the hot water supply operation switch on / off and changing the hot water supply set temperature.

[0075] Thus, the communication adapter 150, which serves as a relay device, can be used to perform bidirectional data communication between the hot water utilization device 100 and the server 50. Furthermore, the communication adapter 150 can also be configured to be built into the remote control 120 or the remote control 130.

[0076] In the communication system 5 of this embodiment, firmware updates for each component of the hot water utilization device 100 can be automatically performed via distribution from the server 50. Hereinafter, as an example, the firmware update control of the communication adapter 150 will be described. In the communication adapter 150, the firmware can be updated by storing the firmware downloaded from the server 50 in the ROM 155a.

[0077] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows a concept diagram illustrating firmware version updates.

[0078] Reference Figure 4 The firmware of the communication adapter 150 is updated from the initial VRA version for purposes such as adding features or fixing bugs. Figure 4 In the example, version upgrades are performed in the order of version VRB, version VRC, and version VRD. Currently, version VRD is the latest version.

[0079] Furthermore, unlike the usual version upgrade process, there are sometimes special versions of VRX with unique specifications in the firmware. For example, in the event of a malfunction in the warm water utilization device 100, in order to find out the cause, there may be a situation where firmware with data logging and collection functions is specially installed on the communication adapter 150.

[0080] This special version of VRX firmware is typically written to the communication adapter 150 after it has been put into use, through special manual operations by service personnel. This special version of VRX firmware needs to run continuously for a certain period until data is collected that can help identify the cause.

[0081] On the other hand, at the time of factory shipment, the communication adapter 150 stores the appropriate version of firmware at that point in time, along with information indicating the firmware version (F / W version information). Therefore, if the inventory period after factory shipment is long, there is a risk that the stored firmware version may become outdated when actual use begins. In this case, an update to a new firmware version is required.

[0082] When the server 50 establishes a communication connection with the communication adapter 150, it can determine the firmware version currently stored in the communication adapter 150 by receiving the firmware version information of the communication adapter 150. For example, the server 50 can detect whether the communication adapter 150, through which the communication is connected, stores firmware of at least version VRA to version VRD.

[0083] For example, if the method in Patent Document 1 is applied, at each time the communication adapter 150 communicates with the server 50, the communication adapter 150 that stores a firmware version different from the latest version (VRD) managed by the server 50 is always designated as the firmware update target. Therefore, firmware of a special version VRX is also automatically identified by the server 50 as the update target. As a result, there is concern that the program for the special version VRX may be automatically rewritten, violating the intention of identifying the cause of the fault. On the other hand, when managing software updates with such special specifications in mind on the management server side using manual operations, there is concern about the increased workload.

[0084] Furthermore, it is preferable to immediately establish a monitoring period after firmware version upgrade, from the start of use of the upgraded firmware until a certain period is reached to prevent malfunctions. Therefore, it is not advisable to update to the latest firmware version during this monitoring period. Figure 4 In the example, the risk of immediately rewriting to version VRC, which has a stable track record, after updating to version VRD is relatively low.

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of the latest version following the update order, a stable version is predefined on the server 50 side. Figure 4 In the example, version VRD is initially used, but during the monitoring period, version VRC, therefore different from the latest version VRD, is designated as the stable version. Furthermore, as the use of version VRD progresses, the designation of the stable version can be changed from version VRC to version VRD. The stable version firmware corresponds to one embodiment of the "update firmware" prepared in server 50.

[0086] exist Figure 5 The diagram shows a sequence of firmware update control in the communication system of the hot water utilization device according to this embodiment.

[0087] Reference Figure 5 During the setup of the communication adapter 150, as part of the initial setup for construction, a test is conducted to establish a communication connection with the server 50. At this time, the initial communication connection to the server 50 is established in the communication adapter 150.

[0088] In the initial communication connection, during communication CO1 from communication adapter 150 to server 50, identifier (ID) information for identifying the hot water utilization device 100 including the communication adapter 150 is sent. In communication CO1, in addition to the ID information, the F / W version information of the communication adapter 150 is also sent. Furthermore, the ID information may also include information indicating the installation location of the hot water utilization device 100 (residential data or latitude, longitude, and altitude data).

[0089] Based on this, server 50 automatically determines whether communication adapter 150 needs a firmware update.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process for firmware updates performed by server 50. Figure 6 The control processing shown is performed, for example, by the CPU 55 of server 50.

[0091] When the ID information and F / W version information of the communication adapter 150 connected via communication are read in step (hereinafter referred to as "S") 110, the server 50 determines in S120 whether the communication connection from the communication adapter 150 is the first one.

[0092] In the case of an initial communication connection (when S120 is YES), server 50 retains the process of completing the communication connection with the communication adapter 150 in S125, and in S130, determines whether the F / W version information read in S110 matches the stable version information. Figure 4 Consistent with VRC.

[0093] Then, if the firmware version information is inconsistent with the stable version information (when NO is determined in S130), it is determined that the firmware version of the communication adapter 150 is inconsistent with the stable version. In this case, an update instruction (F / W update instruction) for the stable version (VRC) firmware of the communication adapter 150 is generated in S140.

[0094] In contrast, when the communication with the communication adapter 150 is not the first time (when S120 is negative), or when the F / W version information is consistent with the stable version information (when S130 is positive), the F / W update instruction is determined to be unnecessary through S150 and is not generated.

[0095] Refer again Figure 5 In the initial communication connection, as a response to communication C01, communication C02 is executed from server 50 to communication adapter 150. For example, in communication C02, a notification is sent establishing information that the communication connection from communication adapter 150 to server 50 has been established.

[0096] Furthermore, when in Figure 6 When an F / W update command is generated in S140, it is sent in communication CO2. The F / W update command includes a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for the download destination and information indicating the start date and time of the F / W update.

[0097] Communication adapter 150 can access the URL via communication C03 with server 50 at the stated start date and time. Thereby, a specified stable version of firmware can be downloaded from server 50 via communication C04. Alternatively, during communication C02, the stable version of firmware can be sent from server 50 to communication adapter 150.

[0098] After the initial communication connection, the communication adapter 150 periodically or according to events, appropriately performs the m-th (m: a natural number ≥ 2) communication connection with the server 50. In subsequent communication connections, Figure 6 In the process, based on the history remaining in S125, S120 is determined to be no, therefore no F / W update instruction is generated.

[0099] As a result, according to the communication system of the hot water utilization device of this embodiment, when the communication adapter 150 (in-stock) storing an older version of firmware is first connected to the server 50, an update to the stable version of firmware can be automatically performed, and special versions of firmware written after the initial connection will not be selected as update targets. Therefore, the firmware of the in-stock device can be automatically updated without automatically selecting special firmware as update targets.

[0100] exist Figure 7 The diagram shows a variation of the control process for firmware updates performed by server 50.

[0101] Reference Figure 7 Server 50 via Figure 6 In the same S110, ID information and F / W version information are read whenever communication occurs with communication adapter 150. Then, server 50 determines in S160 whether the F / W version information read in S110 matches a specific version pre-registered with server 50. Then, when the F / W version information read in S110 matches the version information of the specific version (S160 is the determination time), it communicates with... Figure 6 In the same S150, it is set not to generate F / W update instructions. That is, in S160, it is determined whether the condition that the firmware version stored in the communication adapter 150 connected by the communication connection is "not a special version" is met.

[0102] When the version indicated by the F / W version information read in S110 is not a special version (in the case of the negative check in S160), execute the AND... Figure 6 The same processing steps S130 to S150 apply. Therefore, in cases where the firmware version information differs from the stable version information (when S130 is negative), an firmware update command for the stable version is generated via S140. That is, in... Figure 7 In the control processing, F / W update instructions can also be generated in subsequent communication connections.

[0103] Thus, according to Figure 7 The variant shown is similar to Figure 6 Similarly, in the case described above, during the initial communication connection, the old version of firmware stored in the communication adapter 150 of the stock item can be automatically updated without targeting a specific version of firmware for update.

[0104] Furthermore, according to Figure 7 The control processing can automatically update firmware that is different from the stable version at the time point without targeting special versions of firmware in subsequent communication connections. On the other hand, on the server 50 side, version information needs to be managed in a way that includes special versions.

[0105] In other words, in Figure 6 In the control process, firmware updates are limited to the initial communication connection. Furthermore, firmware update commands are generated based on inconsistencies with the stable version, thus eliminating the need for server 50 to have complete knowledge of specific versions. This reduces the management load on server 50.

[0106] However, by Figure 7 The determination of "not a special version" by S160 may not be based on detecting the consistency between the version information of a special version and the F / W version information, but rather on detecting the version shown in the F / W version information and the versions that follow the normal version upgrade process (e.g., Figure 4 The implementation is achieved by different versions (VRA to VRD) in the system. In this case, the management load of the special version on the server 50 side can be reduced.

[0107] Furthermore, in Figure 4The example described uses a stable firmware version as "update software," but the "update software" does not necessarily need to be uniquely determined in advance. It can also be selected based on information such as the installation location of the hot water utilization device 100 contained in the ID information. For example, firmware versions such as "cold region version," "warm region version," "high region version," and "low region version" can be prepared in advance, and the "update firmware" can be determined by selecting from these multiple firmware versions based on the information indicating the installation location of the hot water utilization device 100 read in S110. In this case, the process for determining the "update firmware" is performed in S130, and the version of the determined "update firmware" is compared with the F / W version information read in S110.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, by Figure 6 or Figure 7 The control processing shown in server 50 implements the function of a "control unit" that controls the generation and non-generation of F / W update commands in communication adapter 150. That is, a structural example where the "control unit" is located in server 50 is shown. Alternatively, the structure can be reversed to this embodiment, where server 50 sends an update firmware version to communication adapter 150, and the determination of whether a firmware update is needed is limited to the communication adapter 150 side during the initial communication connection; that is, the function of the "control unit" is located on the communication adapter side. Furthermore, the functions of the "control unit" can be distributed between communication adapter 150 and server 50.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication adapter 150 in the constituent parts of the hot water utilization device 100 is used as the object of firmware update control. However, the firmware of other constituent parts, such as the controller 140 and the remote controllers 120 and 130, can also be updated similarly through... Figure 6 or Figure 7 Control is performed through control processing.

[0110] In addition, Figure 1 In this embodiment, the hot water utilization device 100 is exemplified by a hot water supply device including a hot water supply unit 110. However, in the application of this embodiment, the hot water utilization device 100 is not limited to this example. For example, even when a bathtub hot water filtration device, a bathtub water supply device, a hot water supply device with a fuel cell heat recovery function, or a heat pump type hot water supply device is used as the hot water utilization device 100, the control described in this embodiment can be applied to the automatic update of the firmware of the constituent machine of the hot water utilization device 100.

[0111] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects only, and not limiting. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims rather than the description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A communication system comprising multiple water-utilizing devices constituting a machine that are communicatively connected to a server. The communication system includes a control component, which, when the hot water utilization device establishes a communication connection with the server, generates a firmware update instruction for the firmware of the specified constituent machines based on a comparison between the firmware version of a specified constituent machine and the update firmware version. in, If it is determined that the communication connection with the warm water utilization device is not the first time, or if it is determined that the version of the firmware constituting the machine is consistent with the version information of a specific version, the control unit will not generate the firmware update instruction. The control unit generates the firmware update instruction when the firmware version of the specified constituent machine is inconsistent with the version of the update firmware, provided that the initial communication connection between the hot water utilization device and the server is not a specific version.

2. The communication system according to claim 1 further includes a transmitting component, the transmitting component being used to transmit the specified identification information of the constituent machine and the specified firmware version information of the constituent machine from the warm water utilization device to the server when the communication connection between the warm water utilization device and the server is established. When the version information sent by the sending component during the initial communication connection between the hot water utilization device and the server is inconsistent with the version information of the firmware prepared for updating in the server, the control component generates the firmware update instruction. On the other hand, in the second and subsequent communication connections between the hot water utilization device and the server, the firmware update instruction is not generated regardless of the version information sent.

3. The communication system according to claim 1 further includes a transmitting component, the transmitting component being used to transmit the specified identification information of the constituent machine and the specified firmware version information of the constituent machine from the warm water utilization device to the server when the warm water utilization device and the server are in communication connection. The server pre-stores specific version information that determines the particular version of the firmware. When the control component establishes a communication connection between the hot water utilization device and the server, it does not generate the firmware update instruction if the version information sent by the sending component matches the specific version information.

4. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plurality of constituting machines include: The control of the machine is related to the supply of warm water; and The relay device is communicatively connected to the control machine via a communication line and has wired or wireless communication capabilities with an interface machine that is communicatively connected to the server via an external communication network. The specified constituent machine is the relay device.

5. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The firmware used for the update is a stable firmware version whose operation has been confirmed.

6. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein, The firmware used for the update is a stable firmware version whose operation has been confirmed.

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