Automatic update system and control method thereof

Abstract

To allow a destination IP address stored in a communication device to be suitably updated in the communication device that transmits transmission data relating to building facilities to a server.SOLUTION: When a server A100 receives transmission data from a communication device 300, the server, when it is unable to process the transmission data, transfers the transmission data to a server B200. When receiving the transmission data from the server A100, the server B200 processes the transmission data and then transmits response data to the transmission data to the communication device 300. When receiving the response data from the server B200, the communication device 300 updates the destination IP address from a first IP address to a second IP address assigned to the server B200 based on the response data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic update system and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In a building management system, local devices (communication devices) are sometimes installed within the building to collect various data from building facilities and transmit the data to a server installed in a remote information center. This server processes and stores the data transmitted from the communication devices installed in each of the multiple buildings.

[0003] Each of these communication devices stores the IP address assigned to the server as the destination IP address, allowing each communication device to specify the server to which it should connect and send data.

[0004] On the other hand, there may be cases where the server you are accessing becomes temporarily or permanently unable to process the transmitted data due to system maintenance, updates or malfunctions of some functions, server relocation, etc. In such cases, it is necessary to prepare another server to process the transmitted data.

[0005] When changing the server, it becomes necessary to change all of the destination IP addresses stored in the communication devices in multiple buildings managed by the information center. In this case, workers must go to the site and rewrite the destination IP addresses stored in the communication devices installed in each building one by one, which creates the problem of time-consuming and labor-intensive rewriting work.

[0006] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-32103 (Patent Document 1) discloses a server switching method in which the IP address of the main server is sent to a DNS server under normal circumstances, and the IP address of the backup server is sent from the source user terminal after a failure occurs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-32103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] As in the method described in Patent Document 1, it is also conceivable to configure the communication device to store a domain name instead of an IP address, have a DNS server identify the IP address, and connect to the server.

[0009] However, since the building management company does not manage the DNS server, there is no way to check whether the IP address has been updated on all DNS servers. If you want to check this, you will need to check the communication records of all communication devices.

[0010] In a building management system, communication devices periodically send data to a server. When using a DNS server, there is a time lag in switching (updating) IP addresses. For this reason, it is not possible to perform switching that requires real-time performance, such as switching to another server the moment server maintenance begins.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an automatic update system and a control method thereof that can suitably update the destination IP address stored in a communication device that transmits transmission data related to building facilities to a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The automatic update system according to the present disclosure includes a communication device, a first server, and a second server. The communication device stores a destination IP address and specifies the stored destination IP address to transmit transmission data related to building facilities to the server to which the destination IP address is assigned. The first server is capable of communicating with the communication device and processes the transmission data. The second server is capable of communicating with the communication device and processes the transmission data when the first server is unable to process the transmission data. The communication device stores the first IP address assigned to the first server as the destination IP address. When the first server receives transmission data from the communication device, if the first server is unable to process the transmission data, it forwards the transmission data to the second server. When the second server receives transmission data from the first server, it processes the transmission data and then transmits response data to the transmission data to the communication device. When the communication device receives the response data from the second server, it updates the destination IP address from the first IP address to the second IP address assigned to the second server based on the response data.

[0013] A control method according to the present disclosure is a control method for an automatic update system. A communication device stores a destination IP address and, by specifying the stored destination IP address, transmits transmission data related to building equipment to a server to which the destination IP address is assigned. A first server is capable of communicating with the communication device and processes the transmission data. A second server is capable of communicating with the communication device and processes the transmission data when the first server is unable to process the transmission data. The communication device stores the first IP address assigned to the first server as the destination IP address. The control method includes the steps of: when a first server receives transmission data from a communication device and is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data, transferring the transmission data to a second server; when the second server receives the transmission data from the first server, processing the transmission data and then transmitting response data to the transmission data to the communication device; and when the communication device receives response data from the second server, updating the destination IP address from the first IP address to a second IP address assigned to the second server based on the response data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, in a communication device that transmits transmission data related to building facilities to a server, it is possible to preferably update the destination IP address stored in the communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an automatic update system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an automatic update system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when a destination IP address is changed. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the contents of a status. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating response data. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when a destination IP address is changed. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a process executed by the automatic update system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow when a destination IP address is changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0017] First, an automatic update system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the automatic update system 10 according to the present embodiment. The automatic update system 10 includes a communication device (local device) 300, a terminal 400, a server A100 as a first server, and a server B200 as a second server.

[0018] The terminal 400 and the communication device 300 are used (installed) in a building 3 in which building facilities 391, 392, etc. are installed. The building facilities 391, 392, etc. are, for example, facilities for air conditioning, lighting, etc. The building facilities 391, 392, etc. may be IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

[0019] The building facilities 391, 392, etc. are connected to a communication device 300. The communication device 300 may be a gateway server, a router, etc. connected to the building facilities 391, 392, etc. Furthermore, the communication device 300 may be a server device connected to the building facilities 391, 392, etc. via a controller such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0020] The communication device 300 may be configured as a monitoring server that acquires various data (for example, temperature information on air conditioning) measured by the building facilities 391, 392, etc., and transmits control data (for example, an ON / OFF command for air conditioning, etc.) to the building facilities 391, 392, etc. Furthermore, the communication device 300 may be configured by multiple devices, such as a communication device for communicating with the servers A100, B200, and a monitoring device for monitoring and controlling the building facilities 391, 392, etc.

[0021] Server A100 and Server B200 are servers that manage the building facilities of each building in a remote location different from Building 3. Server A100 is installed in Information Center 1. Server B200 is installed in Information Center 2. Information Centers 1 and 2 are facilities owned by a management company that manages the building facilities of multiple buildings including Building 3. Note that Server A100 and Server B200 may be installed in the same facility.

[0022] The communication device 300 is communicatively connected to the server A100 and periodically transmits various data acquired from the building facilities 391, 392, etc. to the server A100 as transmission data. The server A100 processes the transmission data. Here, "processing the transmission data" includes, for example, the server A100 storing the transmission data (data related to the building facilities) in a storage device, or making some kind of judgment (judgment of anomalies) based on the transmission data.

[0023] On the other hand, the server B200 is capable of communicating with the communication device 300, and processes the transmission data in place of the server A100 when the server A100 is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data (for example, due to maintenance of the server A100, etc.).

[0024] Server A100 is assigned the IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" as a first IP address. Server B200 is assigned the IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" as a second IP address. Communication device 300 stores the IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" (first IP address) assigned to server A100 as a destination IP address.

[0025] The communication device 300 specifies the stored destination IP address and transmits the data related to the building facilities to the server to which the destination IP address has been assigned. In other words, in this state, the communication device 300 always communicates with the server A100.

[0026] The terminal 400 can be connected to the communication device 300 via a wired connection. The terminal 400 is provided with an input unit 431 such as a keyboard, and receives input from a user via the input unit 431. When an IP address is received by the terminal 400, the communication device 300 updates the destination IP address with the received IP address.

[0027] That is, a worker of the building facilities management company can go to building 3 and manually rewrite the destination IP address of communication device 300 using terminal 400. When the destination IP address is rewritten from "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" to "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" using terminal 400, the connection destination of communication device 300 can be changed from server A100 to server B200.

[0028] The server A100 is connected to communication devices 300 installed in many buildings. Therefore, when maintenance or the like is performed on the server A100, it would take time and effort to visit all the buildings on-site and rewrite the destination IP addresses. Therefore, in this embodiment, the destination IP addresses stored in the communication devices 300 are configured to be automatically updated using the method described below.

[0029] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the automatic update system 10. The server A100 includes a processor 121, a memory 122, a storage device 123, and a communication device 124. These are connected via a bus 126 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0030] The processor 121 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 122 may be configured to include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 123 is a non-volatile storage device, and may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0031] The processor 121 loads programs stored in the ROM or storage device 123 into the RAM and executes them to realize various functions of the server A100. The ROM or storage device 123 stores programs that describe the processing procedures of the server A100. The RAM serves as a working area when the processor executes the programs, and temporarily stores the programs, data used to execute the programs, and the like. The server A100 can be connected to the server B200 and the communication device 300 via the communication device 124.

[0032] The server B200 includes a processor 221, a memory 222, a storage device 223, and a communication device 224. These are connected via a bus 226 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0033] The processor 221 is, for example, a CPU. The memory 222 may be configured to include a ROM and a RAM. The storage device 223 may be a non-volatile storage device, such as an HDD or SSD. The processor 221 loads a program stored in the ROM or storage device 223 into the RAM and executes it, thereby realizing various functions of the processor 221. The server B 200 is connectable to the server A 100 and the communication device 300 via the communication device 224.

[0034] The communication device 300 includes a processor 321, a memory 322, a storage device 323, and a communication device 324. These are connected via a bus 326 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0035] The processor 321 is, for example, a CPU. The memory 322 may be configured to include a ROM and a RAM. The storage device 323 is a non-volatile storage device, and may be, for example, an HDD or SSD. The storage device 323 stores a destination IP address.

[0036] The processor 321 loads a program stored in the ROM or the storage device 323 into the RAM and executes it to realize various functions of the processor 321. The communication device 300 is connectable to the server A100, the server B200, and the terminal 400 via the communication device 324.

[0037] The terminal 400 includes a processor 421, a memory 422, a storage device 423, a communication device 424, an input unit 431, and a display unit 432. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 426. The processor 421, the memory 422, and the storage device 423 have the same functions as the server A100 and the like.

[0038] The terminal 400 can be connected to the communication device 300 via the communication device 424. The display unit 432 is, for example, a display. The input unit 431 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel display integrated with the display unit 432.

[0039] 3 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the flow of processing when the destination IP address is changed. As explained using FIG. 1, the communication device 300 normally transmits transmission data to the server A100.

[0040] When server A100 receives transmission data from communication device 300, if it is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data, it transfers the transmission data to a different server. In this case, communication device 300 selects server B200 as the transfer destination server and transfers the transmission data to server B200. "A state where it is not possible to process the transmission data" refers to a state where it is possible to receive the transmission data but is unable to process the transmission data due to some of the following reasons.

[0041] "A state in which the transmitted data cannot be processed" refers to, for example, a state in which the transmitted data cannot be processed temporarily because server A100 is undergoing maintenance, a state in which the transmitted data cannot be processed due to some kind of failure, such as a malfunction in some functions of server A100 or the server to which server A100 is connected, or some functions of these servers being updated, or a state in which server A100 cannot process the transmitted data because use of server A100 has been stopped and switching to another server has been made.

[0042] When the server B200, which is the transfer destination, receives the transmission data from the server A100, it processes the transmission data. The content of the processing of the transmission data performed by the server B200 is the same as the content of the processing of the transmission data performed by the server A100.

[0043] After processing the transmission data, the server B 200 generates response data for the transmission data and transmits this to the communication device 300. The response data includes a status.

[0044] 4 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the status. The status includes STATUS01 to 03, and 99. When the status is set to STATUS01, it indicates that maintenance will be performed on the server A100 for just under an hour.

[0045] If the status is set to STATUS02, it indicates that maintenance will be performed on server A100 for one day or more. If STATUS01 or 02 is set, server A100 will be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, but will be available again once the maintenance is completed.

[0046] If the status is set to STATUS03, it indicates that the server is being switched (in this case, from server A100 to server B200). In this case, after switching to server B200, server B200 will continue to be used.

[0047] If STATUS01 to 03 is set, the destination IP address is updated. When transferring transmission data to the server B200, the server A100 may transmit information on STATUS01 to 03 together with the transmission data.

[0048] When the status is set to STATUS99, it indicates that the server B200 is requesting the communication device 300 to send test data. In this case, the communication device 300 sends the test data to the server B200, but does not update the destination IP address.

[0049] 5 is a diagram illustrating the response data 82. The first information included in the response data 82 is the IP address assigned to the server that transmits the response data 82 (the IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" of the server B200).

[0050] The second information included in the response data 82 is information indicating whether the server A100 is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data, that is, the status (STATUS01 to 03, etc.) shown in FIG.

[0051] The third information included in the response data 82 is information for determining whether data reception is normal. If the server B200 has received the transmission data from the server A100 normally, "normal" is set, and if the server B200 has not received the transmission data from the server A100 normally, "abnormal" is set.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 3, for example, the server B200 generates response data such as 1: IP address of the server B200, 2: STATUS02 (maintenance for one day or more), and 3: normal data reception, and transmits this to the communication device 300.

[0053] When the communication device 300 receives response data from the server B200, it updates the destination IP address based on the response data from the IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" (first IP address) to the IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" (second IP address) assigned to the server B200.

[0054] More specifically, when communication device 300 receives response data from server B200, and the response data contains information (STATUS01-03) indicating that server A100 is in a state where it cannot process the transmitted data, if the response data contains an IP address that is different from the destination IP address stored in communication device 300, communication device 300 updates (rewrites) the destination IP address.

[0055] At that time, if the response data indicates that the data reception is normal, the destination IP address is updated, but if the response data indicates that the data reception is abnormal, the destination IP address is not updated.

[0056] 6, when the communication device 300 updates the destination IP address from "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" to "eee.fff.ggg.hhh," the communication device 300 specifies the updated destination IP address and transmits the test data to the server B 200.

[0057] When the server B 200 receives the test data from the communication device 300, it determines that the destination IP address stored in the communication device 300 has been updated normally.

[0058] Furthermore, when the server B200 receives test data from the communication device 300, it transmits test response data to the test data to the communication device 300. When the communication device 300 receives test response data from the server B200, it determines that it can successfully transmit transmission data to the server B200. If it is determined that it can successfully transmit transmission data to the server B200, the communication device 300 will thereafter perform periodic data transmission to the server B200 without transmitting data to the server A100.

[0059] The flow of the above process will be explained below using a flowchart. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process executed by the automatic update system 10. This process is executed by the communication device 300, server A100, and server B200. These processes may be started periodically (for example, every 100 msec).

[0060] When this process starts, the communication device 300 acquires a destination IP address in S11. At this point, the IP address of the server A100 is set as the destination IP address. The destination IP address can also be updated using the terminal 400.

[0061] In S12, the communication device 300 specifies a destination IP address and transmits the transmission data. In this example, the server assigned to the destination IP address is server A100, so the transmission data is transmitted to server A100.

[0062] On the other hand, although not shown in the flowchart, the server A100 waits until it receives the transmission data, and executes the process of S21 when it receives the transmission data. In S21, the server A100 determines whether it is in a state where it can process the transmission data.

[0063] If the server A100 is in a state where it can process the transmission data (YES in S21), it processes the transmission data (S23) and ends the processing executed by the server A100. On the other hand, if the server A100 is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data due to reasons such as maintenance or server switching (NO in S21), it determines a destination server and transfers the transmission data to the determined server (S22), and ends the processing executed by the server A100.

[0064] In this case, server A100 determines server B200 as the destination server. There may be one or more destination servers. An example of a case where there are multiple destination servers will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. Regardless of which server is selected as the destination server, the processing content at each server is the same.

[0065] On the other hand, although not shown in the flowchart, the server B 200 waits until it receives transmission data, and when it receives the transmission data, it processes the transmission data in S31.

[0066] In S32, the server B200 generates response data corresponding to the transmitted data. For example, the response data generated may include 1: IP address of the server B200, 2: STATUS02 (maintenance for one day or more), and 3: normal data reception, as shown in Fig. 3. In S33, the server B200 transmits the response data to the communication device 300.

[0067] On the other hand, although not shown in the flowchart, after the process of S12, the communication device 300 waits for a predetermined time until it receives data, and then executes the process of S13. In S13, the communication device 300 determines whether or not response data has been received.

[0068] If the communication device 300 receives response data (YES in S13), the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if the communication device 300 does not receive response data (NO in S13), the process executed by the communication device 300 ends.

[0069] In S14, the communication device 300 determines whether the status in the response data is one of STATUS01 to 03 and whether data reception is normal. If the determination in S14 is YES, the communication device 300 proceeds to S15, and if the determination in S14 is NO, the communication device 300 ends the processing executed by the communication device 300.

[0070] In S15, the communications device 300 updates the destination IP address to the IP address recorded in the response data (the IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" assigned to the server B200). In S16, the communications device 300 specifies the destination IP address (i.e., to the server B200) and transmits the test data.

[0071] Although not shown in the flowchart, the server A100 may also process the transmission data (S23) and then generate response data corresponding to the transmission data and transmit it to the communication device 300. In this case, however, the destination IP address recorded in the communication device 300 is the same as the IP address assigned to the server A100, so the destination IP address is not updated.

[0072] On the other hand, although not shown in the flowchart, after executing the process of S33, the server B 200 waits for a predetermined time until it receives data, and then executes the process of S34. In S34, the server B 200 determines whether or not the test data has been received.

[0073] If the server B200 has received the test data (YES in S34), the process proceeds to S35. On the other hand, if the server B200 has not received the test data (NO in S34), the process executed by the server B200 ends.

[0074] After determining in S35 that the destination IP address has been updated normally in the communication device 300, the server B200 transmits test response data (S36) and ends the processing executed by the server B200.

[0075] On the other hand, although not shown in the flowchart, after executing the process of S16, the communication device 300 waits a predetermined time until receiving data, and then executes the process of S17. In S17, the communication device 300 determines whether or not test response data has been received.

[0076] If the communication device 300 receives the test response data (YES in S17), the process proceeds to S18. On the other hand, if the communication device 300 does not receive the test response data (NO in S17), the process executed by the communication device 300 ends.

[0077] In S18, the communication device 300 determines that it is possible to normally transmit the transmission data to the server B 200, and the process executed by the communication device 300 ends.

[0078] After updating the destination IP address, communication device 300 will transmit transmission data to server B200. In this case, server B200 may be configured to execute the process of server A100 shown in Fig. 7, and server A100 may be configured to execute the process of server B200 shown in Fig. 7.

[0079] For example, if the maintenance time for server A100 is one hour from 9:00 to 10:00, when the maintenance starts at 9:00, the receiving server is switched from server A100 to server B200 by the above-mentioned process. When the maintenance ends at 10:00, server B200 transfers the transmission data to server A100. Server A100 sets the IP address of server A100 in the response data and sends it to communication device 300. As a result, communication device 300 rewrites the destination IP address to the IP address of server A100 again. As a result, communication device 300 will once again send transmission data to server A100.

[0080] If this function were to be realized using a DNS server that is not managed by the building facility management company, it would be impossible to control when the IP address is updated by the DNS server (there is a time lag in the timing of IP address updates), and therefore it would be impossible to perform switching with a specified time as described above. Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is merely an example, and any processing may be performed as long as it is capable of realizing the functions of this embodiment.

[0081] In the above example, server B200 is designated as the second server (transfer destination of transmission data). However, this is not limiting, and the second server may be configured as multiple servers (server B200, server C201, etc.) each assigned a different IP address. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing when the destination IP address is changed.

[0082] 8 illustrates an example in which the second server is configured with a plurality of servers including a server B200 and a server C201. When server A100 receives transmission data from communication device 300 and is unable to process the transmission data, server A100 selects one of the plurality of servers (server B200, server C201, etc.) and transfers the transmission data to the selected server.

[0083] This allows server A100 to freely allocate and operate destination servers, which is useful when, for example, you want to manage destination servers by region, or when you want to distribute the load on destination servers.

[0084] 8, building 3 in which communication device 300 is installed is located in area X. For data transmitted from a communication device installed in a building in area X, server B200 that has jurisdiction over area X is selected as the transfer destination.

[0085] Transmission data from communication device 300 in area X is transferred to server B200. The subsequent processing is as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. When server B200 receives transmission data from server A100, it processes the transmission data and then transmits generated response data to communication device 300. The response data includes the IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" assigned to server B200.

[0086] When communication device 300 receives response data from server B200, it updates the destination IP address based on the response data from the IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" assigned to server A100 to the IP address described in the response data (IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" assigned to server B200).

[0087] On the other hand, the building in which communication device 301 is installed is in area Y. For data transmitted from a communication device installed in a building in area Y, server C201 that has jurisdiction over area Y is selected as the transfer destination.

[0088] Transmission data from communication device 301 in area Y is transferred to server C201. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing described using Figures 3 to 7. When server C201 receives transmission data from server A100, it processes the transmission data and then transmits generated response data to communication device 301. The response data includes the IP address "iii.jjj.kkk.lll" assigned to server C201.

[0089] When communication device 300 receives response data from server B200, it updates the destination IP address based on the response data from the IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" assigned to server A100 to the IP address described in the response data (IP address "iii.jjj.kkk.lll" assigned to server C201).

[0090] As described above, the automatic update system 10 includes the communication device 300, the server A100 as a first server, and the server B200 as a second server. The communication device 300 stores a destination IP address and transmits transmission data related to building facilities to the server assigned the destination IP address by specifying the stored destination IP address. The server A100 is capable of communicating with the communication device 300 and processes the transmission data. The server B200 is capable of communicating with the communication device 300 and processes the transmission data when the server A100 is unable to process the transmission data. The communication device 300 stores the IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" (first IP address) assigned to the server A100 as the destination IP address. When the server A100 receives transmission data from the communication device 300 and is unable to process the transmission data, the server A100 transfers the transmission data to the server B200. When server B200 receives transmission data from server A100, it processes the transmission data and then transmits response data to the transmission data to communication device 300. When communication device 300 receives response data from server B200, it updates the destination IP address from IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" (first IP address) to IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" (second IP address) assigned to server B200 based on the response data.

[0091] In this way, when server A100 is unable to process the transmission data, it transfers the transmission data to server B200. Server B200 processes the transferred transmission data and then transmits response data to the communication device 300, and the communication device 300 updates the destination IP address based on the response data. In this way, this embodiment provides a mechanism in which the communication device 300 automatically rewrites the destination setting of the transmission data in accordance with the response result from the server, rather than changing the settings of a DNS server. This allows the destination IP address to be automatically set without using a DNS server, and the destination IP address of the on-site device (communication device 300) can be updated without the need for a building management company worker to visit the site. This allows the destination IP address stored in the communication device 300, which transmits transmission data related to building facilities to a server, to be updated appropriately.

[0092] With the above configuration, in the communication device 300 that periodically transmits transmission data related to building facilities to a server, even if the server is undergoing maintenance, the transmission data is processed without a transmission error that would require the transmission data to be resent, and from the next transmission data onwards, the communication device 300 can transmit the transmission data to the switched server.

[0093] The response data includes the IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh" and information indicating whether the server A100 is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data. When the communication device 300 receives the response data from the server B200 and receives information indicating that the server A100 is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data, the communication device 300 updates the destination IP address from the IP address "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" to the IP address "eee.fff.ggg.hhh".

[0094] In this way, the communication device 300 does not need to know whether the server A100 is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data due to maintenance or the like, and it only needs to send the transmission data to the server A100. Even if the server is changed, the new IP address is notified from the changed server, so there is no need to check what the IP address of the changed server is, and the destination IP address can be updated.

[0095] When the communication device 300 updates the destination IP address from "aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd" to "eee.fff.ggg.hhh," it sends test data specifying the updated destination IP address. When the server B 200 receives the test data from the communication device 300, it determines that the destination IP address stored in the communication device 300 has been updated successfully. This allows the server to know that the destination IP address has been updated reliably.

[0096] When the server B200 receives test data from the communication device 300, it transmits test response data in response to the test data to the communication device 300. When the communication device 300 receives test response data from the server B200, it determines that it can successfully transmit transmission data to the server B200. By transmitting the test data after updating the destination IP address, it is possible to confirm that the new server is reliably available for use in subsequent communications.

[0097] The second server is made up of multiple servers (server B200, server C201, etc.) each assigned a different IP address. When server A100 receives transmission data from communication device 300 and is unable to process the transmission data, it selects one of the multiple servers (server B200, server C201, etc.) and transfers the transmission data to the selected server. In this way, server A100 can freely allocate and operate the transfer destination server, and the server can update the destination IP address for the local device (communication device 300) in each region and each building. In particular, compared to a case where IP addresses are uniformly changed by a DNS server, flexible operation is possible, such as using different servers for each region.

[0098] The automatic update system 10 further includes a terminal 400 that can be connected to the communication device 300 and that accepts input from a user. When an IP address is accepted by the terminal 400, the communication device 300 updates the destination IP address with the accepted IP address. The terminal 400 and the communication device 300 are used within a building in which building facilities are installed. The transmission data is data acquired from the building facilities. The server A100 and the server B200 are servers that manage the building facilities in a remote location different from the building.

[0099] In this way, in a building management system, if you want to manually rewrite the destination IP addresses stored in the local devices (communication devices 300), you must visit all the buildings managed by the server to rewrite them. However, with the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to rewrite the destination IP addresses stored in all the communication devices 300 in response to a command from a server located in a remote location.

[0100] [Note] The above-described embodiment is a specific example of the following additional notes.

[0101] (Appendix 1) a communication device that stores a destination IP address, and that designates the stored destination IP address and transmits transmission data related to building facilities to a server to which the destination IP address is assigned; a first server capable of communicating with the communication device and processing the transmission data; a second server that can communicate with the communication device and processes the transmission data when the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data; the communication device stores a first IP address assigned to the first server as the destination IP address; when the first server receives the transmission data from the communication device and is unable to process the transmission data, the first server transfers the transmission data to the second server; when the second server receives the transmission data from the first server, it processes the transmission data and then transmits response data to the communication device; An automatic update system in which, when the communication device receives the response data from the second server, it updates the destination IP address from the first IP address to a second IP address assigned to the second server based on the response data.

[0102] (Appendix 2) the response data includes the second IP address and information indicating whether the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data; The automatic update system described in Appendix 1, wherein when the communication device receives the response data from the second server, if the response data includes information indicating that the first server is unable to process the transmission data, the communication device updates the destination IP address from the first IP address to the second IP address.

[0103] (Appendix 3) The automatic update system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein when the communication device updates the destination IP address from the first IP address to the second IP address, it sends test data specifying the updated destination IP address.

[0104] (Appendix 4) The automatic update system described in Appendix 3, wherein when the second server receives the test data from the communication device, it determines that the destination IP address stored in the communication device has been updated successfully.

[0105] (Appendix 5) when the second server receives the test data from the communication device, it transmits test response data in response to the test data to the communication device; The automatic update system described in Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, wherein when the communication device receives the test response data from the second server, it determines that the transmission data can be sent successfully to the second server.

[0106] (Appendix 6) the second server is composed of a plurality of servers each having a different assigned IP address; An automatic update system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein when the first server receives the transmission data from the communication device, if the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data, it selects one of the multiple servers and transfers the transmission data to the selected server.

[0107] (Appendix 7) a terminal connectable to the communication device and configured to receive input from a user; When an IP address is accepted by the terminal, the communication device updates the destination IP address with the accepted IP address; the terminal and the communication device are used in a building in which the building facilities are installed, the transmission data is data acquired from the building facilities, 7. The automatic update system according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the first server and the second server are servers that manage the building facilities in a remote location different from the building.

[0108] (Appendix 8) A method for controlling an automatic update system, comprising: The automatic update system includes: a communication device that stores a destination IP address, and that designates the stored destination IP address and transmits transmission data related to building facilities to a server to which the destination IP address is assigned; a first server capable of communicating with the communication device and processing the transmission data; a second server that can communicate with the communication device and processes the transmission data when the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data; the communication device stores a first IP address assigned to the first server as the destination IP address; The control method includes: a step of transferring the transmission data to the second server when the first server receives the transmission data from the communication device and is unable to process the transmission data; a step of, when the second server receives the transmission data from the first server, processing the transmission data and then transmitting response data to the communication device in response to the transmission data; and when the communication device receives the response data from the second server, updating the destination IP address from the first IP address to a second IP address assigned to the second server based on the response data.

[0109] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples and are not limited to the above. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1,2 Information center, 3 Building, 10 Automatic update system, 81 Table, 82 Response data, 100 Server A, 111,211,311,411 Processor, 112,212,312,412 Memory, 113,213,313,413 Storage device, 114,214,314,414 Communication device, 126,226,326,426 Communication bus, 200 Server B, 201 Server C, 300,301 Communication device, 391,392 Building equipment, 400 Terminal, 431 Input unit, 432 Display unit, NW Communication network.

Claims

1. a communication device that stores a destination IP address, and that designates the stored destination IP address to transmit transmission data related to building facilities to a server to which the destination IP address is assigned; a first server capable of communicating with the communication device and processing the transmission data; a second server that can communicate with the communication device and processes the transmission data when the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data; the communication device stores a first IP address assigned to the first server as the destination IP address; when the first server receives the transmission data from the communication device and is unable to process the transmission data, the first server transfers the transmission data to the second server; when the second server receives the transmission data from the first server, it processes the transmission data and then transmits response data to the communication device in response to the transmission data; An automatic update system in which, when the communication device receives the response data from the second server, it updates the destination IP address from the first IP address to a second IP address assigned to the second server based on the response data.

2. the response data includes the second IP address and information indicating whether the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data; 2. The automatic update system of claim 1, wherein when the communication device receives the response data from the second server, if the response data includes information indicating that the first server is unable to process the transmission data, the communication device updates the destination IP address from the first IP address to the second IP address.

3. 2. The automatic update system of claim 1, wherein when the communication device updates the destination IP address from the first IP address to the second IP address, the communication device sends test data specifying the updated destination IP address.

4. 4. The automatic update system according to claim 3, wherein the second server determines that the destination IP address stored in the communication device has been successfully updated when the second server receives the test data from the communication device.

5. when the second server receives the test data from the communication device, it transmits test response data in response to the test data to the communication device; 4. The automatic update system according to claim 3, wherein the communication device determines that the transmission data can be normally transmitted to the second server when the communication device receives the test response data from the second server.

6. the second server is composed of a plurality of servers each having a different assigned IP address; 2. The automatic update system according to claim 1, wherein when the first server receives the transmission data from the communication device, if the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data, it selects one of the plurality of servers and transfers the transmission data to the selected server.

7. a terminal connectable to the communication device and configured to receive input from a user; When an IP address is accepted by the terminal, the communication device updates the destination IP address with the accepted IP address; the terminal and the communication device are used in a building in which the building facilities are installed, the transmission data is data acquired from the building facilities, The automatic update system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first server and the second server are servers that manage the building facilities in a remote location different from the building.

8. A method for controlling an automatic update system, comprising: The automatic update system includes: a communication device that stores a destination IP address, and that designates the stored destination IP address to transmit transmission data related to building facilities to a server to which the destination IP address is assigned; a first server capable of communicating with the communication device and processing the transmission data; a second server that can communicate with the communication device and processes the transmission data when the first server is in a state where it cannot process the transmission data; the communication device stores a first IP address assigned to the first server as the destination IP address; The control method includes: a step of transferring the transmission data to the second server when the first server receives the transmission data from the communication device and is unable to process the transmission data; a step of, when the second server receives the transmission data from the first server, processing the transmission data and then transmitting response data to the communication device in response to the transmission data; a step of updating the destination IP address from the first IP address to a second IP address assigned to the second server based on the response data when the communication device receives the response data from the second server.

Images