Server device, network system, setting method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device capable of more appropriately updating firmware of an electrical apparatus.SOLUTION: A list generation section 14 generates a firmware update target list that is a list of an electrical apparatus whose firmware is to be updated, and includes a download start date indicating a date and time at which the electrical apparatus is to start downloading the firmware, and an update start date indicating a date and time at which the electrical apparatus is to start updating the firmware. A change section 15 changes the download start date in the firmware update target list generated by the list generation section 14 on the basis of operation data indicating the past operation state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a network system, a setting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electrical appliances that can perform firmware updates after sale have become known. For example, air conditioners, which are an example of electrical appliances, are designed to stop operation when updating their firmware and then restart after the firmware update.

[0003] As an example of an air conditioner that can perform such firmware updates, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for an air conditioning control system that updates firmware (control programs) at any time while preventing a decrease in indoor comfort. The air conditioning control system described in Patent Document 1 comprises a plurality of grouped air conditioners and a centralized control device connected to the air conditioners so that they can communicate with each other. When it is determined that a plurality of air conditioners belonging to a target group are in air conditioning operation, the system updates the firmware for all air conditioners while staggering the timing of firmware updates for those air conditioners. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-9004 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 above aims to update the firmware of air conditioners at appropriate times while preventing a decrease in indoor comfort, but its content is limited to grasping the current operating status of the air conditioner.

[0006] In addition to air conditioners, network systems in which various electrical appliances are connected to an indoor network using a predetermined communication standard are becoming widespread in homes, workplaces, etc. In these network systems, electrical appliances such as air conditioners, lighting fixtures, televisions, and refrigerators are connected to the network by wire or wirelessly, and each electrical appliance can be managed (monitored and controlled) using a dedicated monitor or a general-purpose terminal device. In such a network system, each electrical device is equipped with, for example, a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit, and the firmware executed by the control unit is stored in the memory unit, and it is possible to update to a new version of firmware downloaded from an external server device via the communication unit.

[0007] The electrical equipment has a function called automatic firmware update, which means that, for example, when a new version of firmware is registered in a server device, the electrical equipment automatically communicates with the server device to download and update the firmware without requiring any user operation. In order to enable such automatic firmware updates, for example, the server device communicates with electrical devices used in each home, workplace, etc. that meet the update conditions, and sets the download start date and time and the update start date and time. At this time, the server device sets download start dates and times for each electrical device with a time interval between them so that access (download) from the electrical devices does not become concentrated and the processing load does not increase.

[0008] However, even if the download start date and time and the update start date and time are set for each electrical device in this way, in reality, there will be a certain percentage of electrical devices for which firmware updates are not performed. For example, even if the set download start date and time has arrived for an electrical device, if the power to the electrical device is turned off or the communication environment of the electrical device has deteriorated, the firmware download may not be completed successfully. On the other hand, even if the download is completed successfully for an electrical device, the set update start date and time may not be appropriate. Generally, the update start date and time is set to a late-night time slot when electrical devices are expected to be less used. Nevertheless, depending on the user's lifestyle, the electrical device may be used during such a late-night time slot. If the electrical device is in operation when the set update start date and time arrives, it must be stopped, and it must also be restarted after the firmware update is complete. In other words, the electrical device remains stopped from the set update start date and time until the restart of the electrical device is complete, which can cause a problem that some users cannot use the electrical device for a certain amount of time.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a server device, a network system, a setting method, and a program that can more appropriately update the firmware of electrical devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the server device according to the present disclosure includes: a list creation means for creating a firmware update target list that is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, the list including a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a change means for changing the download start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation means based on operation data indicating past operation status; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, firmware updates for electrical devices can be performed more appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electrical device [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation data. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of a firmware update target list [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of operation data for a target electrical device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time slot table. [Figure 8] Diagram for explaining the priority of actions [Figure 9] Diagram to explain weekly priorities [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time slot table for reserved driving. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time slot table for communication loads; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time slot table for communication volume; [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams each showing an example of a notification screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time change screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 15] Flowchart for explaining an example of setting processing DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. While the following describes updating firmware for an electrical device installed in a home, the present disclosure can also be applied to updating firmware for an electrical device installed outside the home. In other words, the embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art may employ embodiments in which each or all of the elements are replaced with equivalents, and these embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings described in the following embodiments, common elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0014] (Embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As an example, the network system 1 includes a server device 10, a terminal device 20, a router 30, and a plurality of electrical devices 40. The router 30 and each of the electrical devices 40 are installed in a user's residence JT. The server device 10, the terminal device 20, and the router 30 are communicably connected via a network NT, such as the Internet. The server device 10 and each electrical device 40 are communicably connected via the router 30. The terminal device 20 can communicate with the server device 10 even from within the residence JT. In this case, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected via the router 30 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0015] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the network system 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows a minimum configuration limited to one user (a single house JT).

[0016] The server device 10 is, for example, a computer for a server, and manages (monitors and controls) the electric devices 40. As an example, the server device 10 manages firmware for each of the electrical devices 40. When a new version of firmware is registered, for example, by a manufacturer, the server device 10 communicates with the target electrical device 40 and sets a download start date and time and an update start date and time. The download start date and time indicates the date and time when the target electrical device 40 should start downloading the new version of firmware from the server device 10. The update start date and time indicates the date and time when the electrical device 40 that has downloaded the new version of firmware should start updating the firmware.

[0017] The terminal device 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like, and is used by a user of each electrical device 40. As an example, the terminal device 20 is capable of communicating with the server device 10 and managing the electrical appliances 40. Furthermore, when a firmware update is required for any of the electrical devices 40, notification information is sent from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20, as will be described later.

[0018] The router 30 is, for example, a broadband router, and is installed in the user's residence JT, and relays communication between the server device 10 and each electrical appliance 40 in the residence JT. Furthermore, the router 30 is capable of transmitting communication status data indicating the communication status within the residence JT to the server device 10, as will be described later.

[0019] The electrical appliances 40 are, for example, a television, a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, etc., and are installed in the user's house JT. The configuration of this electrical device 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a main function unit 44.

[0021] The communication unit 41 is, for example, a wireless communication unit or a wired communication unit, and communicates with the router 30. More specifically, the communication unit 41 communicates with the server device 10 through the router 30 and over the network NT.

[0022] The control unit 42 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the operation of the electric device 40. More specifically, the control unit 42 realizes various operations in the electric device 40 in accordance with firmware stored in the storage unit 43.

[0023] The storage unit 43 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and stores firmware. Various programs are stored in the storage unit 43. For example, the storage unit 43 may store a program for updating firmware.

[0024] The main function unit 44 is a component for realizing the functions of the electrical device 40. For example, if the electrical device 40 is an air conditioner, the main functional unit 44 includes a pump that circulates the refrigerant, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and a fan motor that blows air. Similarly, if the electric device 40 is of another type, the main function unit 44 will be configured to realize a function appropriate for that electric device 40 .

[0025] Hereinafter, details of the server device 10 that updates firmware for the electrical device 40 configured as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the server device 10.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the server device 10 includes a communication unit 11 which is an example of a communication means, a collection unit 12, a memory unit 13, a list creation unit 14 which is an example of a list creation means, a change unit 15 which is an example of a change means, and a notification unit 16. As mentioned above, the server device 10 is a computer for a server, and includes, for example, a CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an auxiliary storage device represented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a communication unit represented by a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. The server device 10, for example, has a CPU that uses RAM as a working memory, executes a program stored in ROM or an auxiliary storage device, and appropriately controls the communication unit, thereby realizing a collection unit 12, a list creation unit 14, a change unit 15, a notification unit 16, etc.

[0027] The communication unit 11 transmits and receives necessary information to and from the terminal device 20, the router 30, and the electric appliance 40 via the network NT.

[0028] The collection unit 12 controls the communication unit 11 to collect operation data from the electric device 40. For example, the collection unit 12 periodically collects operation data of the electric device 40. Then, the collection unit 12 accumulates and stores the collected operation data in the storage unit 13. The collection unit 12 may also periodically collect communication status data from the router 30. The collection unit 12 then accumulates and stores the collected communication status data in the storage unit 13.

[0029] The storage unit 13 stores information about the user and information about each electrical appliance 40 installed in the user's house JT. For example, the storage unit 13 stores operation data as shown in Fig. 4. This operation data includes, for each electrical device 40, the date and time (the date and time when the operation data was acquired), the operation status, the model name, etc. The operating status includes "operating," "stopped," and "-." "Operating" indicates that the electric device 40 is operating. "Stopped" indicates that the electric device 40 has stopped operating. "-" indicates that communication with the electric device 40 has failed and the operating status is unknown.

[0030] The storage unit 13 also stores, for example, a firmware update target list as shown in Fig. 5. The firmware update target list in Fig. 5 is a list of electrical devices 40 that are targets for firmware update. This firmware update target list includes the download start date and time, the update start date and time, etc. As will be described later, the firmware update target list is created by the list creation unit 14. The download start date and time and update start date and time are changed by the change unit 15 as appropriate in accordance with the operation data.

[0031] In addition, the storage unit 13 stores firmware registered by the manufacturer of the electrical device 40, for example.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 3, the list creation unit 14 creates a list of electrical devices 40 that are targets for firmware update. For example, when a new version of firmware is registered, the list creation unit 14 creates a firmware update target list such as that shown in FIG. 5 for the target electrical device 40. At this time, the list creation unit 14 sets an initial download start date and time and an initial update start date and time. For example, the list creation unit 14 sets download start dates and times spaced apart for each of the target electric devices 40. Furthermore, the list creation unit 14 sets update start dates and times for a late-night time period for each of the target electric devices 40.

[0033] The change unit 15 changes, based on the operation data, the download start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation unit 14. The change unit 15 also changes, based on the operation data, the update start date and time in the firmware update target list.

[0034] The change of the start date and time performed by the change unit 15 will be described in detail below. First, the change unit 15 extracts the operation data of the target electric device 40 from the operation data of each electric device 40 accumulated and stored in the storage unit 13 (the operation data as shown in FIG. 4 described above). For example, if the target electrical appliance 40 is an "air conditioner" (more specifically, an air conditioner with a model name of A-AA1 made by Company A), the change unit 15 extracts operation data (history) as shown in Fig. 6. Note that the operation data (history) in Fig. 6 shows only the operation data for the air conditioner (electrical appliance 40 with registration number "536") installed in the user's house JT.

[0035] The change unit 15 creates a time period table according to the operation data (history) of FIG. For example, the changing unit 15 creates a time slot table as shown in FIG. The time period table shown in FIG. 7 is a table in which the operating status of the target electrical appliance 40 (air conditioner) is divided into time periods for each day of the week from one week's worth of data (this week's worth) in the operation data (history) of FIG. In the time slot table of FIG. 7, a unit time slot is four hours long, and each day of the week is divided into six time slots, but this is just an example, and the length of the unit time slot can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] The change unit 15 calculates a numerical priority based on the time slot table of Fig. 7. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the change unit 15 calculates a weighted priority such that the priority increases in the order of the operation status of "stopped," "driving," and "-." As an example, the change unit 15 calculates the priority by assigning "stopped" a "+2," "driving" a "+1," and "-" a "0."

[0037] Similarly, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table from the data for the last week in the operation data (history) of Fig. 6, and further creates a time slot table from the data for the week before last in the operation data (history) of Fig. 6. In other words, the change unit 15 creates time slot tables for several weeks (predetermined weeks). When calculating the numerical priorities from such a time slot table for several weeks, the change unit 15 calculates weighted priorities such that the more recent the priorities are, the higher the priorities are (the further back the priorities are), as shown in Fig. 9. As an example, the change unit 15 calculates the priorities by multiplying this week's priorities by "x2" (double), last week's priorities by "x1", and the week before last by "x0.5".

[0038] From the weighted time period table in this way, the change unit 15 identifies the time period with the highest priority (priority time period) and changes at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time to the date and time of the identified priority time period.

[0039] In this way, the case where the operation data is divided by week to obtain the priority has been described, but this is just an example, and the priority may be obtained by dividing by month or by season. Also, although a day is divided into six segments, it may be divided into any number of segments.

[0040] Furthermore, the priority may be determined based on not only the above-mentioned operation data but also other data. For example, if the collection unit 12 further acquires scheduled operation data (timer scheduled operation data) from the electric appliance 40, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table according to the scheduled operation data of the electric appliance 40. For example, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table as shown in Fig. 10. Then, the change unit 15 calculates a numerical priority based on the time slot table of Fig. 10. For example, the change unit 15 calculates a weighted priority such that "no reservation" has a higher priority than "reservation."

[0041] In addition to this, for example, if the collection unit 12 further acquires processing load data from the router 30, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table in accordance with the processing load data of the router 30. For example, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table as shown in Fig. 11. Then, the change unit 15 calculates a numerical priority based on the time slot table of Fig. 11. For example, the change unit 15 calculates a weighted priority such that "low load" has a higher priority than "high load".

[0042] Furthermore, for example, if the collection unit 12 further acquires communication status data from the router 30, the change unit 15 creates a time period table in accordance with the communication status data of the router 30. For example, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table as shown in Fig. 12. Then, the change unit 15 calculates a numerical priority based on the time slot table of Fig. 12. For example, the change unit 15 calculates a weighted priority such that "low communication volume" has a higher priority than "high communication volume."

[0043] Furthermore, to enable smoother automatic firmware updates, after changing the download start date and time or the update start date and time, the change unit 15 may reset (re-change) the start date and time depending on the operating status of the electrical device 40 or the router 30 in accordance with the operation data, processing load data, or communication status data as described above, just before the start date and time.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 3, the notification unit 16 controls the communication unit 11 to cause the communication unit 11 to transmit notification information for notifying the terminal device 20 of the start date and time. For example, when the change unit 15 changes the download start date and time or the update start date and time, the notification unit 16 notifies the terminal device 20 of this. Specifically, when the change unit 15 changes the download start date and time, the notification unit 16 notifies the terminal device 20 of notification information MS1 ​​as shown in Fig. 13(a). Also, when the change unit 15 changes the update start date and time, the notification unit 16 notifies the terminal device 20 of notification information MS2 as shown in Fig. 13(b). The notification information MS1 ​​and MS2 include buttons BT1 and BT2, and button BT1 is pressed when the user approves the start date and time, and conversely, button BT2 is pressed when the user does not approve the start date and time (wants to change the start date and time). When the button BT2 is pressed, the screen transitions to a start date and time change screen MS3 as shown in FIG. 14, multiple candidates are presented in descending order of priority, for example. When a start date and time is selected from the candidates on the start date and time change screen MS3, or when a different start date and time is manually entered, desired information that sets the selected start date and time as the user's desired start date and time is transmitted from the terminal device 20 to the server device 10. Then, when the server device 10 receives the desired information, the change unit 15 changes the download start date and time or the update start date and time to the desired start date and time.

[0045] The operation of the network system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process executed by the server device 10. This setting process is executed, for example, when a new version of firmware is registered by the manufacturer.

[0046] First, the server device 10 creates an initial firmware update target list (step S101). That is, the list creation unit 14 creates a list of electrical devices 40 that are targets for firmware update. For example, the list creation unit 14 creates a firmware update target list for the target electrical devices 40 as shown in FIG. At this time, the list creation unit 14 sets an initial download start date and time and an initial update start date and time. For example, the list creation unit 14 sets download start dates and times spaced apart for each of the target electric devices 40. In addition, the list creation unit 14 sets a late-night time period for each of the target electric devices 40. Note that step S101 is an example of a list creation step.

[0047] The server device 10 extracts the operation data of the electric appliance 40 of the user N (step S102). That is, the change unit 15 extracts the operation data of the electrical device 40 of user N from the operation data of each electrical device 40 (operation data as shown in FIG. 4) accumulated and stored in the memory unit 13. For example, if the target electrical appliance 40 is an "air conditioner" (more specifically, an air conditioner with a model name A-AA1 made by company A), the change unit 15 extracts operation data (history) for user N as shown in FIG. 6.

[0048] The server device 10 weights each time slot in the time slot table according to the operation data (step S103). That is, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table from one week's worth of data (this week's worth) in the operation data (history) as shown in Fig. 6. For example, the change unit 15 creates a time slot table as shown in Fig. 7. Then, the change unit 15 calculates a numerical priority based on a time slot table such as that shown in Fig. 7. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the change unit 15 calculates a weighted priority such that the priority increases in the order of the operation status of "stopped," "driving," and "-." Similarly, the change unit 15 creates a time period table from the data for the last week in the operation data (history) as shown in Fig. 6, and further creates a time period table from the data for the week before last in the operation data (history) as shown in Fig. 6. In other words, the change unit 15 creates time period tables for several weeks. When calculating the numerical priority from such a time slot table for several weeks, the change unit 15 calculates a weighted priority such that the more recent the time slot, the higher the priority, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0049] The server device 10 changes the start date and time of the firmware update target list in accordance with the weighted time period table (step S104). That is, the change unit 15 identifies the time period with the highest priority (priority time period) from the weighted time period table, and changes at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time to the date and time of the identified priority time period. Note that step S104 is an example of a changing step.

[0050] The server device 10 notifies the terminal device 20 of the user N of the start date and time (step S105). That is, the notification unit 16 controls the communication unit 11 to cause the communication unit 11 to transmit notification information for notifying the terminal device 20 of the start date and time. For example, when the download start date and time is changed in step S104, the notification unit 16 notifies the terminal device 20 of notification information MS1 ​​as shown in Fig. 13(a). Also, when the update start date and time is changed in step S104, the notification unit 16 notifies the terminal device 20 of notification information MS2 as shown in Fig. 13(b).

[0051] The server device 10 determines whether or not the process has been completed for all the users' electric devices 40 (step S106). If the server device 10 determines that the processing has not been completed for all of the users' electric devices 40 (step S106; No), the server device 10 returns the processing to the above-mentioned step S102 and extracts the operation data of the electric devices 40 of another user.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that the process has been completed for all the users' electric devices 40 (step S106; Yes), the server device 10 ends the setting process.

[0053] Through this setting process, an appropriate download start date and time or an appropriate update start date and time is set for each of the electrical devices 40 for which firmware is to be updated, taking into consideration past operation data. In other words, the time period with the highest priority (priority time period) is set for the download start date and time using the operation data of the electrical device 40, and by avoiding time periods when the electrical device 40 cannot communicate, the firmware is downloaded successfully, increasing the likelihood that the automatic firmware update will be completed successfully. In addition, the time period with the highest priority (priority time period) is set as the update start date and time using the operation data of the electrical device 40, which avoids the electrical device being in operation and increases the likelihood that the automatic firmware update will be completed successfully. In addition, by grouping the operation data of the electrical device 40 into unit time periods and weighting each unit time period, the influence of the most recent data becomes stronger than that of past operation data, and the recent usage status of the electrical device 40 is reflected, thereby increasing the possibility that the automatic firmware update will be completed successfully.

[0054] As a result, the firmware of the electrical device 40 can be updated more appropriately.

[0055] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible in implementing the present disclosure.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the CPU uses RAM as a work memory, executes programs stored in ROM or an auxiliary storage device, and appropriately controls the communication unit to realize the collection unit 12, list creation unit 14, change unit 15, notification unit 16, etc. However, each of these functions may also be realized by dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0057] In addition, by applying a program that defines the operation of the server device 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiment to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is possible to make the personal computer or information terminal device function as the server device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, the method of distribution of such a program is arbitrary; for example, it may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card and distributed, or it may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0059] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0061] (Appendix 1) a list creation means for creating a firmware update target list that is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, the list including a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a change means for changing the download start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation means based on operation data indicating past operation status; A server device comprising: (Appendix 2) a list creation means for creating a firmware update target list that is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, the list including a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a change unit that changes the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation unit based on operation data that indicates past operation status; A server device comprising: (Appendix 3) the change means identifies a priority time zone having a high priority by weighting each unit time zone in accordance with the operation data, and changes at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time to the date and time of the identified priority time zone. 10. The server device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) the change means uses reservation operation data of the electrical appliance as the operation data, and weights each unit time slot depending on whether or not there is a reservation. 4. The server device according to claim 3. (Appendix 5) the changing means uses communication status data of a router that communicates with the electrical device as the operation data, and weights each unit time period according to the amount of communication. 4. The server device according to claim 3. (Appendix 6) The electrical appliance further includes a communication means for communicating with a terminal device used by a user of the electrical appliance, the communication means transmits notification information including the update start date and time changed by the change means to the terminal device, and receives desired information including a desired start date and time desired by the user, which may be sent from the terminal device; when the communication means receives the desired information, the change means changes the update start date and time to the desired start date and time included in the desired information. 6. The server device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) A network system in which a server device and an electrical device are communicatively connected, The server device a list creation means for creating a firmware update target list that is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, the list including a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; and a change unit that changes at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation unit based on operation data that indicates past operation statuses. Network system. (Appendix 8) A setting method executed by a server device, a list creation step of creating a firmware update target list, which is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, and which includes a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a changing step of changing at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created in the list creating step based on operation data indicating past operation status; A setting method comprising: (Appendix 9) On the computer, a list creation step of creating a firmware update target list, which is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, and which includes a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical devices should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a changing step of changing at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created in the list creating step based on operation data indicating past operation status; A program to execute. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present disclosure can provide a server device, a network system, a setting method, and a program that can more appropriately update the firmware of an electrical device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 network system, 10 server device, 11 communication unit, 12 collection unit, 13 storage unit, 14 list creation unit, 15 change unit, 16 notification unit, 20 terminal device, 30 router, 40 electrical equipment, 41 communication unit, 42 control unit, 43 storage unit, 44 main function unit

Claims

1. a list creation means for creating a firmware update target list, which is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, and which includes a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a change means for changing the download start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation means based on operation data indicating past operation status; A server device comprising:

2. a list creation means for creating a firmware update target list, which is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, and which includes a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a change unit that changes the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation unit based on operation data that indicates past operation status; A server device comprising:

3. the change means identifies a priority time zone having a high priority by weighting each unit time zone in accordance with the operation data, and changes at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time to the date and time of the identified priority time zone.

3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the change means uses reservation operation data of the electrical appliance as the operation data, and weights each unit time slot depending on whether or not there is a reservation. The server device according to claim 3 .

5. the changing means uses communication status data of a router that communicates with the electrical device as the operation data, and weights each unit time period according to the amount of communication traffic. The server device according to claim 3 .

6. The electrical appliance further includes a communication means for communicating with a terminal device used by a user of the electrical appliance, the communication means transmits notification information including the update start date and time changed by the change means to the terminal device, and receives desired information including a desired start date and time desired by the user, which may be sent from the terminal device; when the communication means receives the desired information, the change means changes the update start date and time to the desired start date and time included in the desired information.

3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A network system in which a server device and an electrical device are communicatively connected, The server device a list creation means for creating a firmware update target list, which is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, and which includes a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical device should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; and a change unit that changes at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created by the list creation unit based on operation data that indicates past operation statuses. Network system.

8. A setting method executed by a server device, a list creation step of creating a firmware update target list, which is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, and which includes a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical devices should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a changing step of changing at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created in the list creating step based on operation data indicating past operation status; A setting method comprising:

9. On the computer, a list creation step of creating a firmware update target list, which is a list of electrical devices that are targets for firmware update, and which includes a download start date and time indicating the date and time when the electrical devices should start downloading firmware and an update start date and time indicating the date and time when the firmware update should start; a changing step of changing at least one of the download start date and time and the update start date and time in the firmware update target list created in the list creating step based on operation data indicating past operation status; A program to execute.

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