Base station and communication method

Abstract

To shorten the occupation time of a channel used for communication when updating a program by radio communication.SOLUTION: The base station includes an extractor configured to extract, from data received from the wireless communication device, update request information including location information of the wireless communication device and information of a program desired to be updated, a calculator configured to calculate an inter-device distance between the wireless communication devices based on the extracted location information, an identifier configured to identify a target device and an updater based on the update request information, and a determiner configured to determine the number of identified updaters as a division number and to determine divided data size information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a base station and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for updating programs installed in wireless communication devices used for communication. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables efficient downloading of update program data to multiple terminals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-17114 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a base station updates a program on a wireless communication device by transmitting update data to the wireless communication device via wireless communication, the channel of the base station that transmits the update data may be occupied for a long time. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the channel occupation time when updating a program on a wireless communication device via wireless communication.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a base station and a communication method that can reduce the occupancy time of a channel used for communication when updating a program via wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The base station of the present disclosure comprises an extraction unit that extracts update request information from data received from a wireless communication device, the update request information including location information of the wireless communication device and information on an update-requested program that is a program that the wireless communication device wishes to update; a calculation unit that calculates an inter-device distance, which is the distance between the wireless communication devices, based on the location information extracted by the extraction unit; an identification unit that identifies a target device, which is a wireless communication device that requests an update, based on the update request information extracted by the extraction unit, and identifies an update device, which is a wireless communication device that possesses latest program information, which is information on the latest version of the update-requested program; and a determination unit that determines the number of update devices identified by the identification unit as a division number, and determines divided data size information, which is information on the data size obtained by dividing program data related to the latest program information, based on the division number and at least one of device status information, which is information on the status of the wireless communication device, and the inter-device distance.

[0007] The communication method disclosed herein includes the steps of: extracting update request information from data received from a wireless communication device, the update request information including location information of the wireless communication device and information on an update-requested program, which is a program that the wireless communication device wishes to update; calculating an inter-device distance, which is the distance between the wireless communication devices, based on the extracted location information; identifying an update device, which is a wireless communication device that possesses latest program information, which is information on the latest version of the update-requested program, based on the extracted update request information; determining the number of identified update devices as a division number, and determining divided data size information, which is information on the data size obtained by dividing program data related to the latest program information, based on the division number and at least one of device status information, which is information on the status of the wireless communication device, and the inter-device distance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when updating a program via wireless communication, the time that a channel used for communication is occupied can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining information that the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment periodically transmits to the base station. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method in which the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment requests a program update. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining data transmitted and received between the management device and the base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for identifying an update device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating a program of a target device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of update start information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of update request information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method in which the update device according to the first embodiment transmits divided data to the target device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method in which the target device according to the first embodiment updates a program. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the target device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the update device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining an update device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the base station according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] [First embodiment] (wireless communication system) An example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] 1, the wireless communication system 1 includes a management device 10, a base station 12, a wireless communication device 14-1, a wireless communication device 14-2, a wireless communication device 14-3, a wireless communication device 14-4, and a wireless communication device 14-5. When there is no need to distinguish between the wireless communication devices 14-1 to 14-5, they are collectively referred to as the wireless communication device 14. The wireless communication system 1 is a system that can reduce the occupancy time of a channel used for communication when updating a program installed in the wireless communication device 14 via wireless communication.

[0013] (Management device) An example of the configuration of the management device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] 2, the management device 10 includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 24. The management device 10 is configured as an information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0015] The communication unit 20 is a communication interface that performs communication between the management device 10 and the base station 12. The communication unit 20 transmits and receives various data to and from the base station 12. The communication unit 20 performs communication in accordance with the control of the control unit 24.

[0016] The storage unit 22 stores various types of information. The storage unit 22 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 24 and programs. The storage unit 22 includes at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0017] The storage unit 22 stores, for example, program information indicating the version of a program currently installed in each wireless communication device 14 included in the wireless communication system 1. The program information indicating the latest version of a program currently installed in each wireless communication device 14 is also referred to as latest program information.

[0018] The control unit 24 controls each unit of the management device 10. The control unit 24 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 24 executes a program that controls the operation of the management device 10 according to the present disclosure. The control unit 24 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 24 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0019] (base station) An example of the configuration of a base station according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a base station according to the first embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the base station 12 includes a communication unit 30, a storage unit 32, and a control unit .

[0021] The communication unit 30 is a communication interface that performs communication between the base station 12 and the management device 10 and the wireless communication device 14. The communication unit 30 transmits and receives various types of data to and from the management device 10 and the wireless communication device 14, for example. The communication unit 30 performs communication under the control of the control unit 34.

[0022] The storage unit 32 stores various types of information. The storage unit 32 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 34 and programs. The storage unit 32 includes at least one of, for example, a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0023] The control unit 34 controls each unit of the base station 12. The control unit 34 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 34 executes a program that controls the operation of the base station 12 according to the present disclosure. The control unit 34 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 34 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] The control unit 34 includes a request unit 40, an extraction unit 42, a calculation unit 44, an identification unit 46, and a determination unit 48.

[0025] When the communication unit 30 receives program update request information from the wireless communication device 14, the request unit 40 requests the management device 10 for latest program request information indicating a request for the latest program.

[0026] The extraction unit 42 extracts various types of information from the data received by the communication unit 30 from the management device 10 and the wireless communication device 14. For example, the extraction unit 42 extracts, from the data received by the communication unit 30 from the wireless communication device 14, location information of the wireless communication device 14, device status information which is information about the status of the wireless communication device 14, owned program information which is information about programs owned by the wireless communication device 14, and update request information which includes information about an update-requested program which is a program that the wireless communication device 14 requests to update. For example, the extraction unit 42 extracts latest program information which is information about the latest version of the update-requested program from the data received by the communication unit 30 from the management device 10.

[0027] The device status information includes, for example, at least one of a remaining battery level, which is the remaining battery level of the update device, and a communication rate, which is the rate of communication time to usage time of the update device.

[0028] The calculation unit 44 calculates the inter-device distance, which is the distance between each wireless communication device 14. The calculation unit 44 calculates the inter-device distance between each wireless communication device 14, for example, based on the position information of each wireless communication device 14 extracted by the extraction unit 42.

[0029] The identification unit 46 identifies, among each wireless communication device 14, a target device, which is a wireless communication device 14 that requests an update of an installed program, and an update device, which is a wireless communication device 14 that owns a program whose latest program information is included in the owned program information. The identification unit 46 identifies, for example, the target device among each wireless communication device 14 based on the update request information extracted by the extraction unit 42, and identifies, among each wireless communication device 14, an update device based on the latest program information extracted by the extraction unit 42.

[0030] The determination unit 48 determines the number of divisions of program data related to the latest program information to be installed on the target device. The determination unit 48, for example, determines the number of update devices identified by the identification unit 46 as the number of divisions of the program data. For example, if there are three update devices, the number of divisions of the program data will be three. The determination unit 48 determines divided data size information, which is information on the data size of the update data into which the program data is divided, and an update order, which is the order in which the update devices will transmit the update data to the target device. The determination unit 48 determines the divided data size information and the update order based on, for example, at least one of the device status information and the distance between the devices, and the number of divisions of the program data. Specifically, the determination unit 48 assumes that the shorter the distance between the devices, the better the communication conditions, and therefore increases the data size and advances the update order. Specifically, when the size of the program data of the latest program is 100 MB and there are three update devices (A to C), and the inter-device distance between the target device and each update device is 300 m for update device A, 100 m for update device B, and 600 m for update device C, the determination unit 48 determines the data size as the inter-device distance ratio {[first data size (shortest distance)]:[second data size (second shortest distance)]:[data size (third shortest distance)]}. Based on the following formula: {"shortest distance between three devices") = ["100m" / "total distance between three devices: 1000m"]:["300m" / "total distance between three devices: 1000m"]:["600m" / "total distance between three devices: 1000m"] = 1:3:6}, the divided data sizes are set to 10MB, 30MB, and 60MB, and the divided data sizes are determined in descending order of divided data size, starting with the update device with the closest distance between the devices, and the update order is determined in ascending order of the distance between the update devices. That is, update device A will be second in update order with 30MB, update device B will be first in update order with 60MB, and update device C will be third in update order with 10MB.

[0031] When the extraction unit 42 extracts the update request information, the communication unit 30 transmits to the update device update request information that is information including the divided data size information determined by the determination unit 48. The communication unit 30 transmits to the target device update start information that is information indicating the start of a program update that includes the update order of the update device determined by the determination unit 48 and the divided data size information.

[0032] The identification unit 46 identifies, among the wireless communication devices 14, a wireless communication device whose distance to the target device is less than a predetermined distance based on the inter-device distance between the wireless communication devices 14 calculated by the calculation unit 44, as an update device.

[0033] If the remaining battery level of the update device is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the determination unit 48 determines the data size information to be large because there is little risk of the battery running out, based on the device status information of the wireless communication device 14 extracted by the extraction unit 42. Furthermore, if the remaining battery level of the update device is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the determination unit 48 may delay the update order.

[0034] If the remaining battery level of the update device is lower than a predetermined level based on the device status information of wireless communication device 14 extracted by extraction unit 42, determination unit 48 determines the data size information to be small because there is a high risk of the battery running out. Furthermore, determination unit 48 may advance the update order if the remaining battery level of the update device is lower than a predetermined level. For example, if the size of the program data of the latest program is 100 MB, there are three update devices (A to C), and the remaining battery power of update device A is 30, that of update device B is 60, and that of update device C is 10, then determination unit 48 determines the divided data sizes to be 10 MB, 30 MB, and 60 MB based on the battery power level ratio of each update device {[first data size (first smallest remaining battery power level)]:[second data size (second smallest remaining battery power level)]:[third data size (third smallest remaining battery power level)]=[``10'' / ``total of three remaining battery powers 100'']:[``30'' / ``total of three remaining battery powers 100'']:[``60'' / ``total of three remaining battery powers 100'']=1:3:6}, and determines the divided data sizes in descending order of the divided data sizes from the update device with the largest remaining battery power level, and the update order is determined in ascending order of the remaining battery power levels of the update devices. That is, update device A is determined to be second in the update order with 30 MB, update device B is determined to be third in the update order with 60 MB, and update device C is determined to be first in the update order with 10 MB.

[0035] If the communication rate of the update device is smaller than a predetermined rate based on the device status information of the wireless communication device 14 extracted by the extraction unit 42, the determination unit 48 determines the data size information to be large because there is a low possibility of communication with other communication devices, etc.

[0036] Based on the device status information of the wireless communication device 14 extracted by the extraction unit 42, if the communication rate of the updated device is equal to or higher than a predetermined rate, the determination unit 48 determines the data size information to be small because there is a high possibility that communication will be performed with other communication devices, etc. For example, if the size of the program data of the latest program is 100 MB, there are three update devices (A to C), and the communication rate is 30% for update device A, 60% for update device B, and 10% for update device C, determination unit 48 determines the data size as divided data sizes of 10 MB, 30 MB, and 60 MB based on the communication rate ratio of each update device {[first data size (first smallest communication rate)]:[second data size (second smallest communication rate)]:[third data size (third smallest communication rate)]=[``10%'' / ``total of three communication rates 100%'']:[``30%'' / ``total of three communication rates 100%'']:[``60%'' / ``total of three communication rates 100%'']=1:3:6}, and determines the divided data sizes in descending order of the divided data sizes from the update device with the smallest communication rate, and the update order is determined in ascending order of the communication rates of the update devices. That is, update device A is determined to be second in the update order with 30 MB, update device B is determined to be third in the update order with 10 MB, and update device C is determined to be first in the update order with 60 MB.

[0037] (wireless communication device) An example of the configuration of the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless communication device according to the first embodiment.

[0038] 4, the wireless communication device 14 includes an input unit 50, an output unit 52, a communication unit 54, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiving unit 56, a storage unit 58, and a control unit 60. The wireless communication device 14 is, for example, a communication device such as a commercial radio or a smartphone.

[0039] In this embodiment, the wireless communication device 14 includes a target device whose program is to be updated, and an update device used to update the program of the target device. The target device and the update device have the same configuration.

[0040] The input unit 50 is a device that accepts various input operations to the wireless communication device 14. The input unit 50 is composed of buttons, switches, a touch panel, and the like.

[0041] The output unit 52 is a device that outputs various types of information. The output unit 52 includes, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The output unit 52 includes, for example, a speaker that outputs sound.

[0042] The communication unit 54 is a communication interface that performs communication between the wireless communication device 14 and the base station 12. The communication unit 54, for example, transmits and receives various types of data to and from the base station 12. The communication unit 54 performs communication in accordance with the control of the control unit 60.

[0043] The GNSS receiving unit 56 is configured with a GNSS receiver that receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites, etc. The GNSS receiving unit 56 outputs the received GNSS signals to the position information acquiring unit 70.

[0044] The storage unit 58 stores various types of information. The storage unit 58 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 60 and programs. The storage unit 58 includes at least one of, for example, a RAM, a main storage device such as a ROM, and an external storage device such as an HDD.

[0045] The control unit 60 controls each unit of the wireless communication device 14. The control unit 60 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 60 executes a program that controls the operation of the wireless communication device 14 according to the present disclosure. The control unit 60 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 60 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0046] The control unit 60 includes a location information acquisition unit 70, an extraction unit 72, an identification unit 74, a battery detection unit 76, a synthesis unit 78, an update unit 80, a division unit 82, and a communication control unit 84.

[0047] The position information acquisition unit 70 acquires position information indicating the current position of the wireless communication device 14. The position information acquisition unit 70 calculates the position information of the current position of the wireless communication device 14 based on the GNSS signal received by the GNSS receiver 56 using a known method.

[0048] When the device itself is a target device, when the communication unit 54 receives update start information from the base station 12, the extraction unit 72 extracts information indicating the update order, an update device ID for identifying the update device, divided data size information, and a communication frequency from the update start information.

[0049] When the device itself is an update device, when the communication unit 54 receives update request information from the base station 12, the extraction unit 72 extracts from the update request information a target device ID for identifying the target device, divided data size information, and information indicating the communication frequency.

[0050] The identifying unit 74 identifies a communication ratio, which is the ratio of the communication time during which the communication unit 54 performed communication, to the startup time of the device itself. The identifying unit 74 periodically identifies the communication ratio, for example, by using the communication time, which is the sum of the time during which the communication unit 54 received data and the time during which the communication unit 54 transmitted data, to the startup time of the device itself. Information indicating the communication ratio is a type of device status information.

[0051] For example, if the startup time of the device itself is 100 hours and the communication time is 50 hours, the communication ratio is "50%."

[0052] The battery detection unit 76 detects the remaining battery capacity of the battery installed in the device itself. The battery detection unit 76, for example, periodically determines the remaining battery capacity. The remaining battery capacity is a type of device status information.

[0053] Specifically, the remaining battery capacity represents the remaining battery capacity level when the maximum remaining battery capacity level is "100" and the minimum remaining battery capacity level is "0." For example, when the remaining battery capacity is half of the maximum, the remaining battery capacity level is "50."

[0054] When the device itself is a target device, the synthesis unit 78 synthesizes the divided data of the update programs received from multiple update devices to generate update data for updating the program of the device itself. For example, the synthesis unit 78 rearranges the divided data of the update programs in order of divided data number and synthesizes them to generate update data for updating the program of the device itself.

[0055] The update unit 80 uses the update data generated by the synthesis unit 78 to update the program of its own device.

[0056] If the device itself is an update device, the dividing unit 82 divides the update data to generate divided data. Specifically, the dividing unit 82 generates the divided data based on the divided data size information extracted by the extraction unit 72.

[0057] If the device itself is the target device, the communication control unit 84 transmits a program update request indicating a request for a program update to the base station 12.

[0058] When the own device is an update device, the communication control unit 84 sets a communication frequency for transmitting the divided data generated by the division unit 82 to the target device. Specifically, the communication control unit 84 sets the communication frequency of the own device to the communication frequency extracted by the extraction unit 72, based on information indicating the communication frequency extracted by the extraction unit 72. The communication control unit 84 transmits the divided data to the target device via the communication unit 54.

[0059] [How to update the program] 5 is a diagram illustrating information that a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment periodically transmits to a base station. The communication control unit 84 of each wireless communication device 14 periodically transmits terminal information to the base station 12. The terminal information includes location information of the device itself, device status information, and proprietary program information related to proprietary programs. The proprietary program information includes, for example, main firmware version information and sub-firmware version information.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method by which a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment requests a program update. The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-1 requests a program update by transmitting program update request information to the base station 12. In this case, the wireless communication device 14-1 is the target device. The update request information includes owned program information and update-request program information indicating the program to be updated. The update request information may be automatically transmitted to the base station 12, for example, when the wireless communication device 14-1 is started up or at predetermined intervals. The update request information may also be transmitted to the base station 12 in accordance with an operation by the user of the wireless communication device 14-1.

[0061] 7 is a diagram illustrating data transmitted and received between the management device and the base station according to the first embodiment. When the request unit 40 of the base station 12 receives update request information from the wireless communication device 14-1, it transmits latest program request information to the base station 12 and requests the latest program. When the management device 10 receives the update program request information, it transmits latest program information stored in the storage unit 22 to the base station 12. The latest program information includes the program name and version information of the latest program.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for identifying an update device according to the first embodiment. The identifying unit 46 of the base station 12 references the owned program information (see FIG. 5) included in the terminal information of each wireless communication device acquired in advance. If the information contains the latest program information acquired from the management device 10, the identifying unit 46 identifies the wireless communication device 14 that owns the owned program information as an update device. In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the wireless communication device 14-2, the wireless communication device 14-4, and the wireless communication device 14-5 own the latest program information. In this case, the identifying unit 46 identifies the wireless communication device 14-2, the wireless communication device 14-4, and the wireless communication device 14-5 as update devices. The identifying unit 46 excludes the wireless communication device 14-3, which does not own the latest program information, from the update devices. The determining unit 48 determines the divided data size information and update order of the wireless communication device 14-2, the wireless communication device 14-4, and the wireless communication device 14-5.

[0063] 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for updating a program of a target device according to the first embodiment. Base station 12 transmits update start information to wireless communication device 14-1, which is a target device. Base station 12 transmits update request information to wireless communication device 14-2, wireless communication device 14-4, and wireless communication device 14-5, which are update devices.

[0064] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of update start information according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the update start information D1 includes information such as "update order," "update device ID," "divided data No.", "communication frequency," and "necessity of update."

[0065] "Update order" is information indicating the order in which the divided data are transmitted. "Update device ID" is information for identifying the wireless communication device 14, which is the update device. In this embodiment, an update device ID that can uniquely identify the update device is set, for example, "ID1" for wireless communication device 14-2, "ID2" for wireless communication device 14-4, and "ID3" for wireless communication device 14-5. "Divided data No." is information for identifying the divided data and information indicating the number of divided data. "Communication frequency" is information indicating the receiving frequency to be set when receiving divided data. "Update necessary" is information indicating whether a program update is "necessary" or "not necessary."

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 10, for example, the distance between wireless communication device 14-1 and wireless communication device 14-2 is 300 m, the distance between wireless communication device 14-1 and wireless communication device 14-4 is 100 m, and the distance between wireless communication device 14-1 and wireless communication device 14-5 is 600 m. Also, the size of the program data of the latest program is 100 MB. In the example shown in Figure 10, the program data of the latest program is divided into 10 pieces of data: divided data No. 1, divided data No. 2, divided data No. 3, divided data No. 4, divided data No. 5, divided data No. 6, divided data No. 7, divided data No. 8, divided data No. 9, and divided data No. 10. The size of each of divided data No. 1 to No. 10 is 10 MB.

[0067] The determining unit 48 determines that the wireless communication device 14-4 with "ID2" has an update order of "1" and will transmit 60 MB of divided data of "divided data No. 1 to divided data No. 6" to the target device.

[0068] The determining unit 48 determines that the wireless communication device 14-2 with "ID1" has an update order of "2" and will transmit 30 MB of divided data of "divided data No. 7 to divided data No. 9" to the target device.

[0069] The determination unit 48 determines that the wireless communication device 14-5 with "ID3", whose update order is "3", is to transmit 10 MB of divided data of "divided data No. 10" to the target device.

[0070] One example of update start information D1 indicates that the update device with update order "1" is wireless communication device 14-4 with update device ID "ID2," and that six pieces of divided data, "divided data No. 1 to divided data No. 6," are to be transmitted at a communication frequency of "430 MHz." In this case, it indicates that it is "necessary" to update the program of the target device using "divided data No. 1 to divided data No. 6."

[0071] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of update request information according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11(a) shows update request information D2 transmitted to the wireless communication device 14-4. Fig. 11(b) shows update request information D3 transmitted to the wireless communication device 14-2. Fig. 11(c) shows update request information D4 transmitted to the wireless communication device 14-5.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, update request information D2 to update request information D4 include information such as "communication frequency," "target device ID," and "divided data No.".

[0073] "Communication frequency" is information indicating the transmission frequency to be set when transmitting divided data. "Target device ID" is information for identifying the wireless communication device 14, which is the target device. In this embodiment, for example, a target device ID that can uniquely identify the target device, such as "ID0," is set for wireless communication device 14-1 as the target device ID. "Divided data No." is information for identifying divided data and information indicating the number of divided data.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 11(a), the wireless communication device 14-4 with the update device ID "ID2" transmits "split data No. 1 to split data No. 6" to the wireless communication device 14-1 with the target device ID "ID0" at a communication frequency of "430 MHz."

[0075] 12 is a diagram illustrating a method in which an update device according to the first embodiment transmits divided data to a target device. When wireless communication device 14-4, which is an update device with an update order of "1," receives update request information D2 from base station 12, it transmits the divided data to wireless communication device 14-1, which is a target device, in accordance with the update request information D2. When wireless communication device 14-1 receives the divided data from wireless communication device 14-4, it transmits a divided data reception notification to base station 12. Thereafter, similar processing is performed between wireless communication device 14-1 and wireless communication device 14-2, which is an update device with an update order of "2," and wireless communication device 14-5, which is an update device with an update order of "3."

[0076] 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for updating a program in a target device according to the first embodiment. The combining unit 78 of the wireless communication device 14-1 combines the divided data received from the wireless communication devices 14-4, 14-2, and 14-5 to generate update data for updating the program. The update unit 80 of the wireless communication device 14-1 updates the program to the latest version using the update data generated by the combining unit 78. When the program update is complete, the communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-1 transmits a program update completion notification to the base station 12. This completes the program update process of the wireless communication device 14-1.

[0077] [Processing flow of wireless communication system] The flow of processing in the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0078] The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-1 transmits terminal information to the base station 12 (step S10a). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-2 transmits terminal information to the base station 12 (step S10b). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-3 transmits terminal information to the base station 12 (step S10c). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-4 transmits terminal information to the base station 12 (step S10d). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-5 transmits terminal information to the base station 12 (step S10e). The processes of steps S10a to S10e are performed periodically.

[0079] The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-1 transmits update request information to the base station 12 (step S12). The communication unit 30 of the base station 12 transmits latest program request information to the management device 10 (step S14). The communication unit 20 of the management device 10 transmits latest program information to the base station 12 (step S16).

[0080] The identifying unit 46 of the base station 12 identifies the wireless communication device 14-1 as the target device, and identifies at least one updated device from among the wireless communication devices 14-2 to 14-5 (step S18). In the example shown in Fig. 14, the identifying unit 46 of the base station 12 identifies the wireless communication device 14-2, the wireless communication device 14-4, and the wireless communication device 14-5 as updated devices.

[0081] The determination unit 48 of the base station 12 determines the update order, which is the order in which to request updates (step S20). In the example shown in Fig. 14, the determination unit 48 of the base station 12 determines the update order of the wireless communication device 14-4 to be "1," the update order of the wireless communication device 14-2 to be "2," and the update order of the wireless communication device 14-5 to be "3."

[0082] The communication unit 30 of the base station 12 transmits update start information to the wireless communication device 14-1 (step S22).

[0083] The communication unit 30 of the base station 12 transmits update request information to the wireless communication device 14-4, whose update order is "1" (step S24). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-4 transmits the divided data to the wireless communication device 14-1 (step S26). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-1 transmits a divided data reception notification to the base station 12 (step S28).

[0084] The communication unit 30 of the base station 12 transmits update request information to the wireless communication device 14-2 whose update order is "2" (step S30). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-2 transmits the divided data to the wireless communication device 14-1 (step S32). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-1 transmits a divided data reception notification to the base station 12 (step S34).

[0085] The communication unit 30 of the base station 12 transmits update request information to the wireless communication device 14-5, whose update order is "3" (step S36). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-5 transmits the divided data to the wireless communication device 14-1 (step S38). The communication unit 54 of the wireless communication device 14-1 transmits a divided data reception notification to the base station 12 (step S40).

[0086] The combining unit 78 of the wireless communication device 14-1 combines the divided data received from the wireless communication devices 14-2, 14-4, and 14-5 to generate update data (step S42). The update unit 80 of the wireless communication device 14-1 updates the program installed in the wireless communication device 14-1 using the update data generated by the combining unit 78 (step S44). The communication unit 30 of the wireless communication device 14-1 transmits a program update completion notification to the base station 12 (step S46).

[0087] [Base station processing flow] The flow of processing by the base station according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the base station according to the first embodiment.

[0088] The communication unit 30 receives terminal information from each wireless communication device 14 (step S100). Specifically, the communication unit 30 receives the terminal information from each wireless communication device 14 periodically.

[0089] The control unit 34 determines whether or not update request information has been received from any of the wireless communication devices 14 (step S102). If it is determined that update request information has been received (step S102; Yes), the control unit 34 proceeds to step S104. If it is determined that update request information has not been received (step S102; No), the control unit 34 repeats the process of step S102.

[0090] If the determination in step S102 is Yes, the identification unit 46 identifies the target device (step S104). Specifically, the identification unit 46 identifies the wireless communication device 14 that transmitted the update request information as the target device.

[0091] The request unit 40 requests the latest program information by transmitting latest program request information to the base station 12 (step S106).

[0092] The identifying unit 46 determines whether the program owned by the target device is the latest (step S108). Specifically, the identifying unit 46 determines whether the program owned by the target device is the latest based on the latest program information received from the base station 12. If it is determined that the program owned by the target device is the latest (step S108; Yes), the process proceeds to step S1102. If it is determined that the program owned by the target device is not the latest (step S108; No), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0093] If the determination in step S108 is Yes, the control unit 34 transmits a response to the target device indicating that the program update is not required (step S110), and the processing in FIG. 15 then ends.

[0094] If the determination in step S108 is No, the identification unit 46 identifies the update device (step S112). Specifically, the identification unit 46 identifies the wireless communication device 14 that has the latest program as the update device.

[0095] The determination unit 48 determines the number of divisions of the update data for updating the program of the target device (step S114). Specifically, the determination unit 48 determines the number of identified update devices as the number of divisions of the update data (the number of divided data).

[0096] The calculation unit 44 calculates the distance between the target device and each update device (step S116). Specifically, the calculation unit 44 calculates the distance between the target device and each update device based on the location information of each wireless communication device 14 included in the terminal information received in step S100.

[0097] The determination unit 48 determines the data size of each divided data and an update order indicating the order in which the divided data will be transmitted to the target device (step S118). Specifically, the determination unit 48 determines the data size of the divided data and the update order for each update device based on the distance to the target device and the device status information of the update device.

[0098] The communication unit 30 transmits the update request information to the update device that is earliest in the update order (step S120).

[0099] The control unit 34 determines whether or not a divided data reception notification corresponding to the update request information transmitted from the target device to the update device has been received (step S122). If it is determined that a divided data reception notification has been received (step S122; Yes), the control unit 34 proceeds to step S124. If it is determined that a divided data reception notification has not been received (step S122; No), the control unit 34 repeats the process of step S122.

[0100] If the determination in step S122 is Yes, the control unit 34 determines whether or not all divided data reception notifications have been received (step S124). Specifically, the control unit 34 determines that all divided data reception notifications have been received when the same number of divided data reception notifications as the number of divided data determined in step S114 have been received. If it is determined that all divided data reception notifications have been received (step S124; Yes), the control unit 34 proceeds to step S128. If it is determined that all divided data reception notifications have not been received (step S124; No), the control unit 34 proceeds to step S126.

[0101] If the determination in step S124 is No, the communication unit 30 transmits update request information to the update device that is next in the update order (step S126), and then the process proceeds to step S122.

[0102] If it is determined as Yes in step S124, the control unit 34 determines whether or not an update completion notification has been received from the target device (step S128). If it is determined that an update completion notification has been received (step S128; Yes), the control unit 34 ends the processing in Fig. 15. If it is determined that an update completion notification has not been received (step S128; No), the control unit 34 repeats the processing in step S128.

[0103] [Processing of target device] The flow of processing by the target device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the target device according to the first embodiment.

[0104] The communication unit 54 transmits update request information to the base station 12 (step S140). The communication unit 54 receives update start information from the base station 12 (step S142).

[0105] The control unit 60 determines whether or not a program update is necessary (step S144). If it is determined that a program update is necessary (step S144; Yes), the process proceeds to step S146. If it is determined that a program update is not necessary (step S144; No), the process of FIG. 16 ends.

[0106] The extraction unit 72 extracts the update order, the update device ID, the divided data size information, and the communication frequency information from the update start information (step S146).

[0107] The communication control unit 84 changes the reception frequency of its own device to the communication frequency extracted in step S146 (step S148).

[0108] The communication unit 54 receives the divided data from the update device that has the earliest update order (step S150). The communication unit 54 transmits a divided data reception notification to the base station 12 (step S152).

[0109] The control unit 60 determines whether or not divided data has been received from all update devices (step S154). If it is determined that divided data has been received from all update devices (step S154; Yes), the process proceeds to step S158. If it is determined that divided data has not been received from all update devices (step S154; No), the process proceeds to step S156.

[0110] If the determination in step S154 is No, the communication unit 54 receives the divided data from the update device that is next in the update order (step S156), and then the process proceeds to step S152.

[0111] If the determination in step S154 is Yes, the combining unit 78 combines the divided data received from each update device to generate update data (step S158).

[0112] The update unit 80 updates the program of its own device using the update data generated by the synthesis unit 78 (step S160).

[0113] The communication unit 54 transmits an update completion notification to the base station 12 (step S162), and then ends the processing of FIG.

[0114] [Update device processing] The processing of the update device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the update device according to the first embodiment.

[0115] The control unit 60 acquires terminal state information of the own device (step S170). Specifically, the identification unit 74 identifies a communication ratio, which is the ratio of communication time to the startup time of the own device, and the battery detection unit 76 detects the remaining battery capacity of the battery installed in the own device.

[0116] The communication unit 54 transmits the terminal information of the own device to the base station 12 (step S172).

[0117] The control unit 60 determines whether or not update request information has been received from the base station 12 (step S174). If it is determined that update request information has been received (step S174; Yes), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S176. If it is determined that update request information has not been received (step S174; No), the control unit 60 repeats the process of step S174.

[0118] If the determination in step S174 is Yes, the extraction unit 72 extracts information such as the target device ID, divided data size information, and communication frequency from the update request information (step S176).

[0119] The dividing unit 82 divides the proprietary program based on the divided data size information extracted by the extracting unit 72 to generate divided data (step S178).

[0120] The communication control unit 84 changes the transmission frequency of its own device to the communication frequency extracted in step S176 (step S180).

[0121] The communication unit 30 transmits the divided data to the target device (step S182), and then the process of FIG. 17 ends.

[0122] As described above, in the first embodiment, the base station transmits update start information to the target device and transmits update request information to multiple update devices, thereby updating the program of the target device. As a result, in the first embodiment, when the base station updates the program of the target device, it is possible to shorten the occupancy time of the channel used for communication.

[0123] [Second embodiment] A method for determining an update device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining an update device according to the second embodiment.

[0124] The identification unit 46 of the base station 12 identifies, as update devices, wireless communication devices 14 that possess the latest program information and are located within a predetermined distance from the target device, wireless communication device 14-1. For example, the identification unit 46 of the base station 12 sets a circular area R1 centered on wireless communication device 14-1 based on the location information of each wireless communication device 14 extracted by the extraction unit 42. In this case, the identification unit 46 of the base station 12 identifies, as update devices, wireless communication devices 14-2 and 14-4 that possess the latest program information and are located within circular area R1. In the example shown in FIG. 18, wireless communication device 14-3, which does not possess the latest program information, and wireless communication device 14-5, which is located outside circular area R1, are excluded from the update devices.

[0125] [Base station processing] The flow of processing by the base station according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the base station according to the second embodiment.

[0126] The processes from step S200 to step S210 are the same as the processes from step S100 to step S110 shown in FIG. 15, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0127] If the determination in step S208 is No, the identification unit 46 determines whether the distance between the target device and the wireless communication device 14 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (step S212). If the determination is that the distance between the target device and the wireless communication device 14 is equal to or less than the predetermined distance (step S212; Yes), the process proceeds to step S214. If the determination is that the distance between the target device and the wireless communication device 14 exceeds the predetermined distance (step S212; No), the process proceeds to step S216.

[0128] If the determination in step S212 is Yes, the identifying unit 46 identifies the wireless communication device 14 that has the latest program and is located at a distance to the target device that is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance as an update device (step S214).

[0129] If the result of step S212 is No, the identification unit 46 excludes from the update devices those wireless communication devices 14 that do not have the latest program and those whose distance to the target device exceeds a predetermined distance (step S216).

[0130] The processes from step S218 to step S232 are the same as the processes from step S114 to step S128 shown in FIG. 15, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0131] As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to update the program of the target device using an update device that is assumed to have a better communication state with the target device.

[0132] The components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Wireless communication systems 10 Management device 12 base station 14 Wireless communication devices 20, 30, 54 Communications Department 22,32,58 Storage section 24, 34, 60 Control section 40 Request part 42,72 Extraction part 44 Calculation section 46,74 Specific part 48 Decision Section 70 Location information acquisition unit 76 Battery detection section 78 Synthesis Section 80 Update section 82 Division 84 Communication control unit

Claims

1. an extracting unit that extracts, from data received from a wireless communication device, update request information including location information of the wireless communication device and information about an update-request program that is a program that the wireless communication device requests to be updated; a calculation unit that calculates an inter-device distance, which is the distance between the wireless communication devices, based on the location information extracted by the extraction unit; an identification unit that identifies a target device that is a wireless communication device that requests an update based on the update request information extracted by the extraction unit, and also identifies an update device that is a wireless communication device that has latest program information that is information on the latest version of the update-requested program; a determination unit that determines the number of update devices identified by the determination unit as a division number, and determines divided data size information that is information on the data size obtained by dividing program data related to the latest program information based on at least one of device status information that is information on the status of the wireless communication devices and the device-to-device distance and the division number; A base station comprising:

2. the determination unit determines an update order, which is an order in which the update device transmits update data to the target device, based on at least one of the device status information and the device-to-device distance and the number of divisions; a communication unit that, when the extraction unit extracts the update request information, transmits to the update device update request information that is information including the divided data size information determined by the determination unit, and transmits to the target device update start information that is information requesting a start of an update that includes the update order of the update device determined by the determination unit and the divided data size information; The base station of claim 1 further comprising:

3. the identifying unit identifies, as the update device, the wireless communication device whose distance to the target device is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance, among the wireless communication devices, based on the location information of the wireless communication devices extracted by the extracting unit. The base station according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the device status information includes at least one of a battery remaining level, which is a remaining level of a battery of the update device, and a communication ratio, which is a ratio of communication time to usage time of the update device; The determination unit When the remaining battery level is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, the divided data size information is determined to be large, and when the remaining battery level is less than the predetermined level, the divided data size information is determined to be small; When the communication rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined rate, the divided data size information is determined to be small, and when the communication rate is less than the predetermined rate, the divided data size information is determined to be large. The base station according to claim 1 or 2.

5. extracting, from the data received from the wireless communication device, update request information including location information of the wireless communication device and information about an update-requested program that is a program that the wireless communication device requests to be updated; calculating an inter-device distance, which is the distance between the wireless communication devices, based on the extracted position information; A step of identifying an update device that is a wireless communication device that has latest program information that is information on the latest version of the program to be updated, based on the extracted update request information; determining the number of the identified update devices as a division number, and determining divided data size information, which is information on the data size obtained by dividing program data related to the latest program information, based on at least one of device status information, which is information on the status of the wireless communication devices, and the device-to-device distance, and the division number; A communication method, including:

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