Data communication method and server

Abstract

To provide a data communication method and a server that can reduce processing delays and costs involved in data transfer.SOLUTION: In a data communication method in a switching process in which one server is switched to another server, and the total amount of communication data transmitted and received during the switching process is greater for a cloud server 1 (an example of a new server) than for a cloud server 2 (an example of an old server). Also, the cloud server 1 is a post-switching server in a switching process in which one server is switched to another server, and the total amount of communication data transmitted and received during the switching process is greater than for the cloud server 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data communication method and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] When a user's data is moved from one server to another, a technique is known in which the source server checks with each user's client terminal whether or not to move the user's data, and if a permission response is received, the source server transmits the user's data to the destination server (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-310750 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A source server that is an older generation than a destination server may be inferior to the destination server in terms of processing power and cost. In this case, if the source server is the main player in moving user data, there is a problem that processing delays may occur when the data is moved. In addition, if costs are incurred for each data processing on the source server, the cost of maintaining servers is decreasing year by year, so the cost of each data processing on an older generation server is more expensive than that of a newer generation server. This causes a problem that the cost of moving user data may be high.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a data communication method and server that can reduce processing delays and costs involved in data movement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a data communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a data communication method in a switching process for switching a server from one server to another server, characterized in that the total amount of communication data sent and received in the switching process is greater for the new server than for the old server.

[0007] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a server according to one aspect of the present invention is a server after switching in a switching process in which a server is switched from one server to another, and is characterized in that the total amount of communication volume of sent and received data associated with the switching process is greater than that of the old server. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce processing delays and costs involved in data movement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a server and an indoor conditioning system including the server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a data communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a user data transmission request process in the data communication method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a data communication method and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing data handover by a database stored in the server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention are examples of devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention does not specify the materials, shapes, structures, arrangements, etc. of the components as described below. The technical idea of ​​the present invention can be modified in various ways within the technical scope defined by the claims.

[0011] [Configuration of the air conditioning system] An air conditioning system including a server according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a cloud server 1 and an air conditioning system 10 including the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment.

[0012] 1, an air conditioning system 10 includes a cloud server 1, a cloud server 2, user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c, and air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c, all of which are connected to a communication network 9. An app store 8 is also connected to the communication network 9. The communication network 9 is, for example, an information and communication network such as the Internet.

[0013] In this embodiment, the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c installed indoors each have an indoor unit arranged in the same or different rooms. The air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c also have an outdoor unit arranged outdoors. The outdoor unit may be shared by at least two of the indoor units provided in each of the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c, or may be provided individually in each of these indoor units. Each of the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c heats or cools the air in the room in which the indoor unit is located. In FIG. 1, the indoor units provided in the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c are illustrated, but the outdoor unit is not illustrated. The indoor units provided in each of the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c are connected to the communication network 9, for example, via different adapters and routers (neither of which is illustrated). The adapter is, for example, a wireless local area network (wireless LAN) adapter.

[0014] The air conditioner 7a and the user terminal device 6a are used by a user 5a, the air conditioner 7b and the user terminal device 6b are used by a user 5b, and the air conditioner 7c and the user terminal device 6c are used by a user 5c. The users 5a, 5b, and 5c can use the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c to make various settings for controlling the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c.

[0015] The user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c are mobile communication terminal devices such as smartphones. The user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c are provided so as to be connectable to the cloud servers 1 and 2 via a communication network 9. The users 5a, 5b, and 5c can use the cloud servers 1 and 2 by registering user identification information in the cloud servers 1 and 2 using the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c. The users 5a, 5b, and 5c can also control the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c by using the cloud servers 1 and 2 by operating the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c.

[0016] The cloud servers 1 and 2 store data for controlling the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c, identification information for identifying users 5a, 5b, and 5c who use the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c, and other data. Hereinafter, "identification information for identifying a user" may be abbreviated to "user identification information."

[0017] Cloud server 1 according to this embodiment is a server after switching in a switching process for switching a server from one server to another, and the total amount of communication data transmitted and received in the switching process is larger than that of cloud server 2. Cloud server 1 corresponds to an example of a server after switching and a new server in the switching process, and cloud server 2 corresponds to an example of a server before switching in the switching process. Cloud server 2 is a server from which data for controlling an air conditioner is moved (migration source), and cloud server 1 is a server to which data for controlling an air conditioner is moved (migration destination). Hereinafter, the "server switching process" is abbreviated to "server switching process". Although details will be described later, the cloud server used by users 5a, 5b, and 5c is switched from cloud server 2 to cloud server 1 by the server switching process.

[0018] User terminal devices 6a, 6b, 6c can access both cloud servers 1 and 2, but cloud servers 1 and 2 are not used simultaneously in parallel. After the data for controlling the air conditioner has been transferred from cloud server 2 to cloud server 1 by the server switching process, the user terminal device corresponding to the data for which the transfer has been completed accesses cloud server 1 without accessing cloud server 2.

[0019] The app store 8 is a site where various users can view, download, or purchase computer programs and applications primarily for mobile terminal devices. The app store 8 is placed on a server (not shown). In this embodiment, the app store 8 provides applications for controlling the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c.

[0020] [Server configuration] The server according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the cloud server 1 (an example of a server) according to this embodiment includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, at least one of a volatile semiconductor storage device (RAM) and a non-volatile semiconductor storage device (ROM). The storage unit 12 stores, for example, various computer programs, identification information for identifying users who use the cloud server 1, and user data. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 12 stores user identification information for identifying users 5a, 5b, and 5c. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 12 stores user data including data for controlling air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c set by users 5a, 5b, and 5c by operating user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c. The data for controlling the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c corresponds to an example of user data.

[0021] The communication unit 13 is an interface that communicates with each of the cloud server 2, the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c, the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c, and the app store 8 via the communication network 9. The communication unit 13 may be a wired communication interface that is connected to a wired communication device such as a switch or a router via a communication cable, or may be a wireless communication interface that is wirelessly connected to a base station or an access point. The communication unit 13 executes various processes to communicate with each of the cloud server 2, the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c, the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c, and the app store 8.

[0022] The processor 11 is, for example, a computer, and is configured by, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs) or microprocessing units (MPUs). As shown in Fig. 1, the processor 11 includes, as functional elements or units, a user identification information reception determination unit 111, a user data request unit 112, and a user data reception determination unit 113. The processor 11 functions as the user identification information reception determination unit 111, the user data request unit 112, and the user data reception determination unit 113 by executing a program for server switching processing stored in the storage unit 12 as one of the computer programs.

[0023] The user identification information reception determination unit (an example of a first determination unit) 111 determines whether or not user identification information identifying the users 5a, 5b, and 5c has been received from the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c. Specifically, the user identification information reception determination unit 111 determines whether or not user identification information identifying the users is included in a data handover request signal transmitted from the user terminal device and received by the communication unit 13 via the communication network 9 in a server switching process. The data handover request signal is a signal that requests the cloud server 1 to hand over user data stored in the cloud server 2 to the cloud server 1. The data handover request signal includes at least user identification information identifying the user and information requesting handover of the user data. When the data handover request signal includes the user identification information, the user identification information reception determination unit 111 determines that the user identification information has been received. On the other hand, when the data handover request signal does not include the user identification information, the user identification information reception determination unit 111 determines that the user identification information has not been received. 1, the user identification information reception determination unit 111 determines whether or not user identification information for identifying the users 5a, 5b, 5c is included in the data transfer request signals Sta, Stb, Stc transmitted from the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, 6c and received by the communication unit 13. The user identification information for identifying the users 5a, 5b, 5c includes at least a user ID and a password.

[0024] When the user data request unit (an example of a request unit) 112 is accessed by the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c used by the users 5a, 5b, and 5c, the user data request unit 112 requests the cloud server 2 to transmit data associated with the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c stored in the cloud server 2. That is, the user data request unit 112 requests the cloud server 2 to transmit user data corresponding to the user identification information determined to have been received by the user identification information reception determination unit 111. Here, the user data corresponding to the user identification information is data associated with the user terminal devices. Specifically, when the communication unit 13 receives at least one of the data handover request signals Sta, Stb, and Stc transmitted from the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c, the user data request unit 112 transmits to the cloud server 2 a data transmission request signal Stm including the user identification information determined by the user identification information reception determination unit 111 to be included in the data handover request signal received by the communication unit 13 and information requesting transmission of the user data. For example, it is assumed that the user identification information reception determination unit 111 determines that the user ID and password of the user 5a are included in the data transfer request signal Sta received by the communication unit 13. In this case, the user data request unit 112 transmits a data transmission request signal Stm including the user ID and password of the user 5a and information requesting transmission of user data corresponding to the user ID to the cloud server 2 via the communication unit 13 and the communication network 9.

[0025] The user data reception determination unit (an example of a second determination unit) 113 determines whether the user data requested to the cloud server 2 is included in the data transmitted from the cloud server 2. Specifically, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether the user data requested by the user data request unit 112 is included in the response signal Sr transmitted from the cloud server 2 via the communication network 9 and received by the communication unit 13. The response signal Sr includes user identification information, user data, and information indicating that it is a response to the request for user data. If the user identification information included in the response signal Sr matches the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that the user data requested by the user data request unit 112 has been received. On the other hand, if the user identification information included in the response signal Sr does not match the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that the user data requested by the user data request unit 112 has not been received.

[0026] In the server switching process, the cloud server 1 receives data handover request signals Sta, Stb, and Stc from the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c, transmits a data transmission request signal Stm to the cloud server 2, and receives a response signal Sr from the cloud server 2. Therefore, the cloud server 1 transmits and receives three types of signals in the server switching process. The cloud server 1 transmits and receives a data handover request signal, a data transmission request signal, and a response signal for each user terminal device. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the cloud server 1 transmits and receives a total of nine signals in the server switching process. However, the number of user terminal devices that use the cloud server 1 is actually three or more. Therefore, the cloud server 1 transmits and receives a total of nine or more signals in the server switching process.

[0027] Meanwhile, in the server switching process, the cloud server 2 transmits an update instruction signal Sit to the app store 8, receives a data transmission request signal Stm from the cloud server 1, and transmits a response signal Sr to the cloud server 1. Therefore, the cloud server 2 transmits and receives three types of signals in the server switching process. The cloud server 2 generates only one update instruction signal Sit including all stored user identification information (e.g., user IDs), and transmits the generated update instruction signal Sit to the app store 8. Therefore, the number of update instruction signals Sit transmitted from the cloud server 2 to the app store 8 in the server switching process is one, regardless of the number of user identification information stored in the cloud server 2.

[0028] The data transmission request signal Stm that cloud server 1 transmits to cloud server 2 is the same as the data transmission request signal Stm that cloud server 2 receives from cloud server 1. Similarly, the response signal Sr that cloud server 2 transmits to cloud server 1 is the same as the response signal Sr that cloud server 1 receives from cloud server 2. Therefore, in the server switching process, the amount of data communication transmitted and received between cloud server 1 and cloud server 2 is the same as the amount of data communication transmitted and received between cloud server 2 and cloud server 1.

[0029] Therefore, in the server switching process, the difference between the total amount of communication data transmitted and received by cloud server 1 and the total amount of communication data transmitted and received by cloud server 2 is the difference between the data handover request signal and the update instruction signal. As described above, the number of data handover request signals increases by the number of user terminal devices, whereas the number of update instruction signals is one regardless of the number of pieces of user identification information. Furthermore, there are multiple user terminal devices that use cloud server 1. Therefore, in the server switching process, the data handover request signal has a larger data communication amount than the update instruction signal. Therefore, the total amount of communication data transmitted and received in the server switching process is larger for cloud server 1 than for cloud server 2.

[0030] [Data communication method] The data communication method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the data communication method according to the present embodiment. That is, Fig. 2 shows an example of the processing flow in the data communication method in a switching process for switching a server from one server to another. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a user data transmission request process in the data communication method according to the present embodiment. The data communication method according to the present embodiment is a method in a switching process for switching a server from one server to another server, and therefore, in the narrow sense, is a server switching method for switching a server from one server to another server.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, in the data communication method according to the present embodiment, first, in step S1, the cloud server 2 before server switching instructs the app store 8 to notify the user of an update of an application used to control the air conditioner. Here, an update of an application stored in the cloud server 2 is performed by the creator of the application uploading a new application to the cloud server 2. This upload triggers the start of step S1. Specifically, the cloud server 2 transmits to the app store 8 an update instruction signal Sit (see FIG. 1) including user identification information stored in the database and information instructing a notification of an application update. The user identification information includes, for example, a user ID and password registered in the cloud server 2 by the user.

[0032] In step S2 following step S1, the app store 8 notifies the user terminal device 6 used by the user who uses the user identification information included in the update instruction signal Sit that the application will be updated. Specifically, the app store 8 transmits an update notification signal Sup (see FIG. 1) including information notifying that the application will be updated to the user terminal device 6 corresponding to the user identification information included in the update instruction signal Sit. The update of the application also includes address information (e.g., URL) of the cloud server 1 to be used after the server switching process.

[0033] In step S3, which is the next step after step S2, an update of the application on the user terminal device 6 is started. When the update of the application is completed, an image is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal device 6, prompting the user to perform an operation to transfer the user data stored in the cloud server 2 to the cloud server 1 to be used after the server switching process. Application updates are also performed to fix bugs, for example, but the update here refers to a case where a server handover is involved.

[0034] In step S4, which is the next step after step S3, the user terminal device 6 transmits a data transfer request signal to the cloud server 1 based on a user operation in order to request the transfer of user data to the cloud server 2. The data transfer request signal includes user identification information (e.g., user ID and password).

[0035] In step S5, which is the next step after step S4, a user data transmission request process is executed. In this way, when the cloud server 1 (an example of a new server) is accessed by the user terminal device 6 (an example of a terminal device used by a user), it requests the cloud server 2 to transmit data stored in the cloud server 2 (an example of an old server) and associated with the user terminal device 6 to the cloud server 1. The data associated with the user terminal device 6 is user data of the user who uses the user terminal device 6. As described above, the user data includes data for controlling the air conditioners 7a, 7b, and 7c.

[0036] In the user data transmission request process, first, the cloud server 1 transmits to the cloud server 2 a data transmission request signal Stm (see FIG. 1) including the user identification information included in the received data transfer request signal and information requesting the transmission of the user data, and requests the transmission of the user data. In this way, when the cloud server 1 receives the identification information identifying the user from the user terminal device 6, it requests the cloud server 2 to transmit data corresponding to the identification information to the cloud server 1.

[0037] In the user data transmission request process, next, cloud server 2 judges whether or not it stores the data requested by cloud server 1. In response to the data transmission request, cloud server 2 transmits to cloud server 1 a response signal Sr (see FIG. 1) including information that varies depending on the result of the judgment of the storage status of the requested data (i.e., user data).

[0038] If the cloud server 2 stores user data corresponding to the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm (user data present), it transmits a response signal Sr to the cloud server 1, the response signal Sr including the user identification information, the user data, and information indicating that the response is to a request for user data.

[0039] If the cloud server 2 does not store user data corresponding to the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm (no user data), it transmits a response signal Sr to the cloud server 1, the response signal Sr including information indicating that the user data is not stored (no user data stored) and information indicating that the response is a response to the request for user data.

[0040] If the cloud server 2 is unable to confirm whether or not it has stored user data corresponding to the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm due to a failure caused by some factor (or other), it transmits to the cloud server 1 a response signal Sr that includes error information indicating that it has failed to confirm the user data and information indicating that this is a response to the request for user data.

[0041] Here, the operation of the cloud server 1 in the user data transmission request process will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The user data transmission request process shown in Fig. 3 is started when the communication unit 13 receives a data transmission request signal Stm.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, when the user data transmission request process is started, in step S51, the user data request unit 112 (see FIG. 1) transmits a data transmission request signal Stm to the cloud server 2 via the communication unit 13 and the communication network 9 (see FIG. 1) as described above, and proceeds to the process of step S52.

[0043] In step S52, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether or not the requested user data has been received. Specifically, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether or not the response signal Sr transmitted from the cloud server 2 via the communication network 9 and received by the communication unit 13 contains user data corresponding to the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm (i.e., the requested user data). If the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that the requested user data has been received (YES in step S52), it proceeds to processing in step S53. On the other hand, if the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that the requested user data has not been received (NO in step S52), it proceeds to processing in step S54.

[0044] In step S53, the processor 11 (see FIG. 1) stores the received user data in a database stored in the storage unit 12 (see FIG. 1), and ends the user data transmission request process. Specifically, the processor 11 stores the user data included in the data transmission request signal Stm in the database stored in the storage unit 12, in association with the same user identification information as the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm.

[0045] In step S54, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether or not user data different from the request has been received. Specifically, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether or not the response signal Sr transmitted from the cloud server 2 via the communication network 9 and received by the communication unit 13 contains user data that does not correspond to the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm (i.e., user data different from the request). If the user identification information included in the response signal Sr is different from the user identification information included in the data transmission request signal Stm, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that user data different from the request has been received. If the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that user data different from the request has been received (YES in step S54), the process returns to step S51. As a result, the user data request unit 112 transmits the same data transmission request signal Stm as the previous time to the cloud server 2, and again requests the cloud server 2 to transmit the user data as requested. On the other hand, if the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that user data different from the request has not been received (NO in step S54), the process proceeds to step S55.

[0046] In step S55, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether or not information indicating non-storage of user data has been received. Specifically, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether or not information indicating non-storage of user data is included in the response signal Sr transmitted from the cloud server 2 and received by the communication unit 13. If the response signal Sr contains information indicating non-storage of user data, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that information indicating non-storage of user data has been received (YES in step S55) and ends the user data transmission process. On the other hand, if the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that error information is included in the response signal Sr, it determines that information indicating non-storage of user data has not been received (NO in step S55) and proceeds to the process of step S56.

[0047] In step S56, the user data reception determination unit 113 determines whether the error information included in the response signal Sr has been received for the nth time (for example, n=3). When the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that the number of times the error information has been received is n times (YES in step S56), it ends the user data transmission process. On the other hand, when the user data reception determination unit 113 determines that the number of times the error information has been received is less than n times (NO in step S56), it counts up the number of times and then returns to the process of step S51. As a result, the user data request unit 112 transmits a data transmission request signal Stm similar to the previous time to the cloud server 2, requesting it to transmit the user data again. Even if the cloud server 2 stores the requested user data, it may fail to confirm the user data due to a malfunction. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the number of times that the response signal Sr including error information is transmitted from the cloud server 2 to the cloud server 1 reaches n (i.e., when the error information is received multiple times), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the cloud server 2, that it is not possible to transmit user data, and the user data transmission request processing is terminated.

[0048] Returning to Fig. 2, in step S6 following step S5, the processor 11 notifies the user terminal device 6 that transmitted the data transfer request signal that the user data transfer process has been completed via the communication unit 13 and the communication network 9. The processor 11 notifies the user terminal device 6 that the transfer process has been completed, including information on the processing result of the user data transmission request process in step S5. The processing result information included in the notification of the completion of the transfer process is, for example, any one of the following: that the transfer (switching) of user data has been completed, that there is no user data in the cloud server 2, and that an abnormality has occurred in the cloud server 2 and transfer of the user data is not possible.

[0049] Next, the user data transmission request process in the data communication method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 while referring to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the user data transmission request process using the databases stored in the cloud servers 1 and 2. Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the database stored in the cloud server 2. Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of the database stored in the cloud server 1, and is a diagram showing a state in which a data transfer request signal Sta is transmitted from the user terminal device 6a and the user identification information of the user 5a is stored in the database. Fig. 4(c) is a diagram showing an example of the database stored in the cloud server 1, and is a diagram showing a state in which the user data transmission request process is completed and the user data of the user 5a is stored.

[0050] Fig. 4(d) is an example of a database stored in the cloud server 1, and is a diagram showing a state in which a data transfer request signal Stc is transmitted from the user terminal device 6c and the user identification information of the user 5c is stored in the database. Fig. 4(e) is an example of a database stored in the cloud server 1, and is a diagram showing a state in which the user data transmission request process is completed and the user data of the user 5c is stored. Fig. 4(f) is an example of a database stored in the cloud server 1, and is a diagram showing a state in which the user data transmission request process is completed and the user data of the user 5b is stored.

[0051] "User ID" in FIG. 4 indicates a number for identifying a user who uses the cloud servers 1 and 2, "user name" in FIG. 4 indicates the name of the user, and "password" in FIG. 4 indicates a password for authenticating the user. "Serial number of air conditioner" in FIG. 4 indicates the serial number of the air conditioner that the user controls using the cloud servers 1 and 2. "Control data" in FIG. 4 indicates various data for controlling the air conditioner. The various data refers to various data specific to the air conditioner and the user, such as the time and temperature of timer operation, the user's preferred temperature and air volume acquired by machine learning, or the total operation time of the air conditioner. In FIG. 4, for ease of understanding, users corresponding to each user ID, etc. are illustrated on the right side of the database by the reference symbols shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the structure of the database shown in FIG. 4, each item, and the data stored in each item are for explanation purposes only and are different from the actual ones.

[0052] For example, it is assumed that users 5a, 5b, 5c have registered air conditioners 7a, 7b, 7c as their own air conditioners in the cloud server 2 along with user identification information (user ID and password). Furthermore, since users 5a and 5b use the cloud server 2 to control air conditioners 7a and 7b, it is assumed that they have registered data for controlling air conditioners 7a and 7b as user data in the cloud server 2. On the other hand, since user 5c does not use the cloud server 2 to control air conditioner 7c, it is assumed that they have not registered data for controlling air conditioner 7c as user data in the cloud server 2. Hereinafter, "data for controlling" an air conditioner may be abbreviated as "control data".

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the database stored in the cloud server 2 stores the user ID of the user 5a as "1", the user name as "aiu", and the password as "aaa" for the user identification information of the user 5a. The database stored in the cloud server 2 also stores the serial number of the air conditioner 7a used by the user 5a as "XXX". The database stored in the cloud server 2 also stores the control data item D1 as "α1", item D2 as "β1", item D3 as "γ1", and item D4 as "ε1" for the user data of the user 5a. The user identification information, the serial number of the air conditioner, and the user data of the user 5b are also stored in the database as shown in FIG. 4(a). In contrast, the user identification information and the serial number of the air conditioner are stored in the database for the user 5c, but the control data as the user data is not stored in the database.

[0054] Now, assume that the application for controlling the air conditioner that has been downloaded to the user terminal device 6a has been updated (step S3 shown in FIG. 2). As a result, the user terminal device 6a transmits a data transfer request signal Sta including the user identification information to the cloud server 1 (step S4 shown in FIG. 2). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the database stored in the cloud server 1 stores the user ID "1", the user name "aiu", and the password "aaa" in association with each other for the user identification information of the user 5a.

[0055] Based on receiving the data handover request signal Sta, the cloud server 1 transmits a data transmission request signal Stm including user identification information of the user 5a (e.g., user ID “1” and password “aaa”) to the cloud server 2 (step S5 shown in FIG. 2).

[0056] Upon receiving a data transmission request signal Stm including the user identification information of the user 5a (e.g., user ID "1" and password "aaa"), the cloud server 2 transmits a response signal Sr including the user identification information and user data associated with the user identification information to the cloud server 1 (step S5 shown in FIG. 3). Specifically, the response signal Sr includes, as user data, the serial number of the air conditioner "XXX" and "α1, β1, γ1, ε1" of the items D1, D2, D3, and D4 of the control data.

[0057] Thereafter, the cloud server 1 receives a response signal Sr including the user identification information of the user 5a (user ID "1" and password "aaa") and user data (air conditioner serial number "XXX" and control data "α1, β1, γ1, ε1"). As a result, the cloud server 1 determines that it has received the requested user data (YES in step S52 shown in FIG. 3).

[0058] As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the cloud server 1 stores user data (the air conditioner's serial number "XXX" and the control data "α1, β1, γ1, ε1") in a database corresponding to the user identification information of user 5a (user ID "1", user name "aiu" and password "aaa") (step S53 shown in FIG. 3).

[0059] After the user data handover process for the user 5a is completed, for example, it is assumed that an application for controlling an air conditioner downloaded to the user terminal device 6c is updated. As a result, the user terminal device 6c transmits a data handover request signal Stc including the user identification information to the cloud server 1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(d), the database stored in the cloud server 1 stores the user ID "3", the user name "sa-shi-su", and the password "sss" in association with each other for the user identification information of the user 5c.

[0060] Upon receiving the data handover request signal Stc, the cloud server 1 transmits to the cloud server 2 a data transmission request signal Stm including the user identification information of the user 5c (for example, the user ID "3" and the password "sss").

[0061] Upon receiving a data transmission request signal Stm including user identification information of user 5c (e.g., user ID "3" and password "sss"), the cloud server 2 transmits a response signal Sr including the user identification information and user data associated with the user identification information to the cloud server 1. Specifically, the response signal Sr includes the air conditioner's serial number "◇◇◇" as the user data.

[0062] Thereafter, the cloud server 1 receives a response signal Sr including the user identification information of the user 5c (user ID "3" and password "sss") and user data (the air conditioner's serial number "◇◇◇"). As a result, the cloud server 1 determines that it has received the user data as requested.

[0063] As a result, as shown in Figure 4(e), the cloud server 1 stores user data (the air conditioner's serial number "◇◇◇") in the database, corresponding to the user identification information of user 5c (user ID "3", user name "sa-shi-su" and password "sss").

[0064] Although detailed description is omitted, after the handover process of the user data for the user 5c is completed, for example, if an application for controlling an air conditioner downloaded to the user terminal device 6b is uploaded, the cloud servers 1 and 2 operate in the same manner as the operation based on the update in the user terminal devices 6a and 6c. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4(f), in the database stored in the cloud server 1 after the user data transmission request process is completed, the user data (the serial number of the air conditioner "△△△" and the control data "α2, β2, γ2, ε2") are stored in association with the user identification information of the user 5b (user ID "2", user name "kakkiku" and password "kkk").

[0065] In the conventional data communication method for server switching processing, the cloud server before the server switching processing (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "old server") takes the initiative in transferring user data stored in the old server to the cloud server used after the server switching processing (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "new server") For example, in the conventional data communication method, the old server checks with the user terminal device of the user who uses the old server whether or not server switching (i.e., server migration) is permitted, and if there is a response of permission, the old server takes the initiative in migrating the user data to the new server.

[0066] Generally, server switching is performed to provide users with services provided by a server with higher performance (e.g., higher throughput). In server switching processing in conventional data communication methods, the new server, which has higher performance than the old server, only performs passive operations of receiving user data transmitted from the old server. For this reason, the server switching processing in conventional data communication methods is dominated by the performance of the old server, which is inferior to the new server in terms of throughput, etc., and there is a possibility that the processing time cannot be shortened or processing delays may occur. In addition, although the new server requires less data processing costs than the old server, since it only performs passive operations, conventional data communication methods in which the old server is the driving force may not be able to reduce the cost of data processing.

[0067] In contrast, in the server switching process in the data communication method according to the present embodiment, cloud server 2 (an example of an old server) does not transmit or receive data to or from user terminal device 6, but transmits user data to cloud server 1 based on a request to transmit user data from cloud server 1 (an example of a new server). That is, in the server switching process in the data communication method according to the present embodiment, cloud server 1 requests cloud server 2 to transmit user data upon receipt of a data transfer request signal based on the start of an application in user terminal device 6. The throughput of cloud server 1 is greater than that of cloud server 2. That is, cloud server 1 is capable of large-capacity and high-speed communication compared to cloud server 2, and various processing costs are also lower. Such high-performance cloud server 1 takes the initiative to transfer the user data stored in cloud server 2 to cloud server 1.

[0068] In addition, in the user data transmission request process, based on the user identification information transmitted to the cloud server 1 by the user operating the user terminal device 6, the cloud server 1 transmits the received user identification information to the cloud server 2 to request transmission of user data. If the received user identification information is correct, the cloud server 2 transfers the user data to the cloud server 1. In this case, the cloud server 2 transfers only data associated with the user identification information input from the user terminal device 6 operated by the user. Therefore, the cloud server 2 can transfer only the requested user data to the cloud server 1, and the cost of transferring the user data can be reduced. In addition, since the cloud server 1 is the starting point, it is possible for the cloud server 1 to have many of the mechanisms required for transferring the user data, and the processing capacity can be improved compared to data transfer initiated by the cloud server 2.

[0069] In this way, the server switching process in the data communication method according to the present embodiment can shorten the processing time and prevent the occurrence of processing delays. Furthermore, in the data communication method according to the present embodiment, the cloud server 1 is the driving force, so that the cost of data processing can be suppressed.

[0070] As described above, the data communication method according to this embodiment is a data communication method in a switching process for switching from one server to another, and the total amount of communication data sent and received in the switching process is greater for cloud server 1 (an example of a new server) than for cloud server 2 (an example of an old server).

[0071] Furthermore, cloud server 1 according to this embodiment is a post-switching server in a switching process for switching from one server to another, and the total amount of communication data transmitted and received during the switching process is greater than that of cloud server 2.

[0072] According to the data communication method and cloud server 1 having such a configuration, processing delays and costs involved in data movement can be reduced.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In the above embodiment, the cloud server 1 is accessed by the user terminal devices 6a, 6b, and 6c that have been accessing the cloud server 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the user terminal device that transmits the data transfer request signal to the new server is different from the user terminal device that has been accessing the old server, as long as the user identification information included in the data transfer request signal matches the user identification information registered in the old server, the user data can be transferred from the old server to the new server.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the processor 11 functions as the user identification information reception determination unit 111, the user data request unit 112, and the user data reception determination unit 113 by executing a program for server switching processing stored in the storage unit 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all or part of the user identification information reception determination unit 111, the user data request unit 112, and the user data reception determination unit 113 may be configured by hardware including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0075] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve the same effect as the object of the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of the features of the invention defined by the claims, but may be defined by any desired combination of specific features among all the respective features disclosed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1,2 Cloud Server 5a, 5b, 5c Users 6, 6a, 6b, 6c User terminal device 7a,7b,7c Air conditioner 8. App Store 9. Communication Networks 10. Air conditioning system 11 Processors 12 Storage section 13. Communications Department 111 User identification information reception determination unit 112 User data request section 113 User data reception determination unit Sit update instruction signal Sr Response signal Sta,Stb,Stc Data handover request signal Stm Data transmission request signal Sup Update Notification Signal

Claims

1. A data communication method in a switching process for switching a server from one server to another server, comprising: The total amount of communication data transmitted and received during the switching process is larger in the new server than in the old server. Data communication method.

2. The throughput of the new server is greater than the throughput of the old server. The data communication method according to claim 1.

3. The new server, when accessed by a terminal device used by a user, requests the old server to transmit data stored in the old server and associated with the terminal device to the new server. The data communication method according to claim 1.

4. The new server, when receiving identification information for identifying the user from the terminal device, requests the old server to transmit the data corresponding to the identification information to the new server. The data communication method according to claim 3.

5. The old server judges whether or not the data requested by the new server is stored. The data communication method according to claim 4.

6. The data includes data for controlling an air conditioner. The data communication method according to claim 3.

7. A server after switching in a switching process for switching a server from one server to another server, The total amount of communication data transmitted and received during the switching process is greater than that of the old server. server.

8. The throughput is greater than that of the old server. The server according to claim 7.

9. a request section that requests the old server to transmit data associated with the terminal device stored in the old server when the old server is accessed by the terminal device used by the user; The present invention is characterized by comprising The server according to claim 7.

10. a first determination unit that determines whether or not identification information for identifying the user has been received from the terminal device; The request unit requests the old server to transmit the data corresponding to the identification information determined to have been received by the first determination unit. The server of claim 9.

11. a second determination unit that determines whether the data requested from the old server is included in the data transmitted from the old server; 10. The server according to claim 9.

12. The data includes data for controlling an air conditioner. The server of claim 9.

Images