Information storage method, program, and information storage system

Abstract

The controller saves the collected information without erasing it as much as possible. [Solution] The information storage method comprises a state determination step, a transmission step, and a storage step. In the state determination step, it is determined whether or not communication is possible between the first controller and a server that stores the information collected by the first controller. In the transmission step, the information collected by the first controller is transmitted to the server via the second controller. In the storage step, if the functional unit has multiple functions, one or more functions are deleted from the multiple functions so that at least one function remains, and the information collected by the first controller is stored in the storage unit of the first controller. If the state determination step determines that communication is not possible between the server and the first controller, the information storage method selects to perform either the transmission step or the storage step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an information storage method, program, and information storage system, and more particularly, to an information storage method, program, and information storage system for collecting information.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a collection unit that collects first information and second information from a target apparatus, a transmission unit that can transmit the first information and the second information to an external apparatus in a first state communicable with the external apparatus, a storage unit that stores and accumulates the first information among the first information and the second information collected from the target apparatus in a second state non-communicable with the external apparatus, and a control unit that causes the information stored in the storage unit to be transmitted to the external apparatus when shifting from the second state to the first state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in an information storage system including an information processing apparatus (controller) as in Patent Document 1, it is desired that the information collected by the controller can be stored without being deleted as much as possible even in a state where communication between the server that stores the information collected by the controller and the controller cannot be performed.

[0005] In view of the above reasons, the present disclosure is made, and an object thereof is to provide an information storage method, program, and information storage system that can store the information collected by the controller without being deleted as much as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information storage method according to one aspect of this disclosure is performed by an information storage system. The information storage system comprises a first controller and a second controller, each having a functional unit for continuously collecting information from external devices and configured to communicate with each other. The information storage method includes a state determination step, a transmission step, and a storage step. In the state determination step, it is determined whether or not the first controller is in a state where it can communicate with a server that stores the information collected by the first controller. In the transmission step, the information collected by the first controller is transmitted to the server via the second controller. In the storage step, if the functional unit has multiple functions, one or more of the multiple functions are deleted so that at least one of the multiple functions remains, and the information collected by the first controller is stored in a storage unit of the first controller. If the state determination step determines that it is not possible to communicate between the server and the first controller, the information storage method selects and performs either the transmission step or the storage step.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the information storage method described above.

[0008] An information storage system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a first controller and a second controller. The first controller comprises a function unit, a storage unit, a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a state determination unit, and a management unit. The function unit continuously collects information from external devices. The storage unit stores the information collected by the function unit. The first communication unit is configured to communicate with a server that stores the information collected by the function unit. The second communication unit is configured to communicate with the second controller. The state determination unit determines whether or not communication is possible between the first communication unit and the server. If the state determination unit determines that communication is not possible between the first communication unit and the server, the management unit performs processing on the information collected by the function unit. The management unit selects and performs either a first process or a second process as the processing. In the first process, the information collected by the function unit is transmitted to the server via the second controller. In the second process, if the functional unit has multiple functions, one or more of the multiple functions are deleted so that at least one of the functions remains, and the information collected by the functional unit is stored in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the information collected by the controller can be stored with as little deletion as possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the information storage system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information storage system described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Common elements in the embodiments described below are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of common elements may be omitted. The embodiments and modifications described below represent only a portion of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. It is also possible to combine the configurations of the embodiments and modifications as appropriate.

[0012] The figures described herein are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0013] (Embodiment) (1) Overview First, an overview of the information storage system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The information storage system 1 is a system that stores information (or logs) collected by the controller 3 from external devices such as sensors on the server 4.

[0014] The information storage system 1 comprises a first controller (e.g., controller 3A) and a second controller (e.g., controller 3B).

[0015] The first controller comprises a functional unit 5, a storage unit 33, a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a state determination unit 341, and a management unit 342.

[0016] The functional unit 5 continuously collects information from external devices such as sensors.

[0017] The memory unit 33 stores the information collected by the function unit 5.

[0018] The first communication unit 31 is configured to communicate with the server 4, which stores the information collected by the functional unit 5.

[0019] The second communication unit 32 is configured to communicate with the second controller.

[0020] The state determination unit 341 determines whether communication can be performed between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4.

[0021] When the state determination unit 341 determines that communication cannot be performed between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4, the management unit 342 performs processing related to the information collected by the functional unit 5.

[0022] The management unit 342 selects and performs either the first process or the second process as the process related to the information collected by the functional unit 5. In the first process, the information collected by the functional unit 5 is transmitted to the server 4 via the second controller. In the second process, when the functional unit 5 has a plurality of functions (for example, the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53), one or more functions among the plurality of functions are deleted so that at least one function remains among the plurality of functions, and the information collected by the functional unit 5 is stored in the storage unit 33.

[0023] According to the information storage system 1 of the present embodiment, even when communication between the first controller (controller 3A) and the server 4 cannot be performed, the information collected by the first controller is transmitted to the server 4 via the second controller (controller 3B). Therefore, the information collected by the first controller can be stored without being erased as much as possible.

[0024] Further, according to the information storage system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, even when neither the first controller nor the second controller can communicate with the server 4, the functions of the functional unit 5 of the first controller are deleted to increase the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 33. As a result, more information can be stored in the storage unit 33, and the information collected by the first controller can be stored without being erased as much as possible.

[0025] In addition, in the information storage system 1 of the present embodiment, cost reduction can be achieved compared to the case where a storage device for storing information is provided in addition to the first controller and the second controller.

[0026] (2) Details The detailed configuration of the information storage system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0027] (2.1) Information storage system The information storage system 1 comprises a controller system 2 and a server 4. The controller system 2 and the server 4 are configured to communicate with each other via a network NT1 such as the Internet. In this disclosure, "communication possible" means that signals can be sent and received directly or indirectly via a network or repeater, etc., by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication.

[0028] (2.2) Server Server 4 is, for example, a cloud server located in a different location from the facility 100 where the controller system 2 is installed. In this embodiment, we illustrate a case where the entity that owns Server 4 and the entity that owns the controller system 2 are different entities.

[0029] Server 4 comprises a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a processing unit 43.

[0030] The communication unit 41 includes an interface that can communicate with each of the multiple controllers 3. More specifically, the server 4 includes an interface that can communicate with each of the controllers 3A, controller 3B, and controller 3C via a network NT1 such as the Internet.

[0031] The storage unit 42 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit 42 may also include a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 42 stores information received from each of the multiple controllers 3.

[0032] The processing unit 43 primarily consists of a computer system having, for example, one or more processors and one or more memory units. In the server 4, the functions of the processing unit 43 are realized by one or more processors executing a program stored in memory. The program may be pre-stored in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0033] The processing unit 43 includes a data collection unit 431 and a response unit 432.

[0034] The collection unit 431 acquires information transmitted from each of the multiple controllers 3 and stores it in the storage unit 42.

[0035] The response unit 432 acquires acknowledgment signals transmitted from each of the multiple controllers 3. Upon acquiring an acknowledgment signal, the response unit 432 transmits a response signal to the source controller 3 via the communication unit 41.

[0036] (2.3) Controller System The controller system 2 of this embodiment is installed in facility 100. In this embodiment, it is assumed that facility 100 is an office. In this disclosure, "facility" includes residential facilities used for living purposes, as well as non-residential facilities such as shops, offices, welfare facilities, educational facilities, hospitals, and factories. Non-residential facilities also include restaurants, amusement parks, hotels, inns, kindergartens, nurseries, and community centers. In other words, facility 100 may be a residential facility such as an apartment building, or a non-residential facility such as an office. Furthermore, facility 100 also includes facilities in which residential and non-residential facilities are mixed, for example, with shops on the lower floors and residential units on the upper floors.

[0037] The controller system 2 comprises multiple controllers 3 (three in the example in Figure 1). Each of the multiple controllers 3 is an IoT (Internet of Things) controller that collects information (or logs) from external devices such as sensors using a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®. More specifically, the controller system 2 of this embodiment comprises controller 3A, controller 3B, and controller 3C as multiple controllers 3. In this embodiment, the configurations of controllers 3A, controller 3B, and controller 3C are generally the same. In the following description, when controllers 3A, controller 3B, and controller 3C are not distinguished, each of them may simply be referred to as "controller 3".

[0038] The controller 3A includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a processing unit 34.

[0039] The first communication unit 31 includes an interface that can communicate with the server 4. More specifically, the first communication unit 31 includes an interface that can communicate with the server 4 via a network NT1 such as the Internet.

[0040] The second communication unit 32 includes an interface that can communicate with controllers 3B and 3C. The second communication unit 32 is configured to communicate with controllers 3B and 3C via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0041] The storage unit 33 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM or EEPROM. The storage unit 33 may also include a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 33 stores information collected by the functional unit 5 from external devices.

[0042] The processing unit 34 primarily consists of a computer system having, for example, one or more processors and one or more memories. In the controller 3, the functions of the processing unit 34 are realized when one or more processors execute a program stored in the storage unit 33. The program may be pre-stored in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0043] The processing unit 34 includes a state determination unit 341, a function unit 5, and a management unit 342.

[0044] The status determination unit 341 determines whether or not communication is possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4. More specifically, the status determination unit 341 sends a confirmation signal to the server 4 via the first communication unit 31 and determines whether or not communication is possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 based on whether or not a response signal is returned from the server 4. If a response signal is returned from the server 4, the status determination unit 341 determines that communication is possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4. If no response signal is returned from the server 4, the status determination unit 341 determines that communication is not possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4. In this embodiment, the status determination unit 341 periodically sends a confirmation signal to the server 4.

[0045] The functional unit 5 continuously collects information from external devices such as sensors. In this embodiment, the functional unit 5 has a first functional unit 51, a second functional unit 52, and a third functional unit 53. Each of the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53 has a different function. In other words, the functional unit 5 in this embodiment has three functions.

[0046] The first functional unit 51 continuously collects temperature information from an external device, such as a temperature sensor. The first functional unit 51 stores the collected information in the storage unit 33.

[0047] The second functional unit 52 continuously collects humidity information from an external device, such as a humidity sensor. The second functional unit 52 stores the collected information in the storage unit 33.

[0048] The third functional unit 53 continuously collects illuminance information from an external device, such as an illuminance sensor. The third functional unit 53 stores the collected information in the storage unit 33.

[0049] In this embodiment, the information collected by the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 33. The information stored in the storage unit 33 is deleted from the storage unit 33 after it has been transmitted to the server 4.

[0050] The functions of the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53 are merely examples, and they may also be functions that collect information other than temperature, humidity, and illuminance.

[0051] The management unit 342 monitors the communication status between the controller 3A (i.e., the first communication unit 31) and the server 4 (status determination step). The management unit 342 periodically obtains the determination result regarding the communication status between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 from the status determination unit 341, thereby monitoring the communication status between the controller 3A and the server 4 (status determination step).

[0052] Furthermore, the management unit 342 manages the storage location of the information collected by the functional unit 5. The management unit 342 has two operating modes: a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is the operating mode to which the system switches when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 is normal. The second mode is the operating mode to which the system switches when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 is abnormal.

[0053] First, the operation of the management unit 342 when the operating mode is the first mode will be explained. When the operating mode is the first mode, the management unit 342 causes the functional unit 5 to transmit the information it has collected to the server 4. Also, if it receives a confirmation signal from another controller 3 (i.e., controller 3B or controller 3C) via the second communication unit 32 to check the communication status between controller 3A and server 4, it sends a response signal to the other controller 3 that includes information indicating that the communication status between controller 3A and server 4 is normal. Furthermore, if it obtains information collected by the functional unit 5 of another controller 3 (for example, controller 3B) from another controller 3, it transmits the information obtained from the other controller 3 to the server 4.

[0054] Next, the operation of the management unit 342 when the operating mode is the second mode will be described. When the operating mode is the second mode, the management unit 342 sends a confirmation signal to the other controllers 3 (i.e., controllers 3B and 3C) to check the communication status between them and the server 4, for example by broadcast transmission or multicast transmission (routing determination step). Based on the response signal returned from the other controllers 3, the management unit 342 determines the communication status between the other controllers 3 and the server 4 (routing determination step).

[0055] If the communication status between the other controller 3 (e.g., controller 3B) and the server 4 is normal, the management unit 342 transmits the information collected by the functional unit 5 of controller 3A to the other controller 3 (e.g., controller 3B), thereby transmitting the information to the server 4 via the other controller 3 (transmission step).

[0056] Furthermore, if there is no controller 3 among the one or more other controllers 3 (i.e., controllers 3B and 3C) that has normal communication status with the server 4, the management unit 342 stores the information collected by the function unit 5 in the storage unit 33 (save step). However, if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 33 is below the threshold capacity, the management unit 342 deletes some of the multiple functions of the function unit 5 of controller 3A (for example, the second function unit 52 and the third function unit 53) and stores the information collected by the remaining function unit 5 (for example, the first function unit 51) in the storage unit 33 (save step).

[0057] Furthermore, if the management unit 342 determines that the communication status between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 has become normal, and if there are any deleted functions among the multiple functions of the functional unit 5, it performs redeployment of the deleted functions (redeployment step).

[0058] The controller 3B includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a processing unit 34.

[0059] The first communication unit 31 includes an interface that can communicate with the server 4. More specifically, the first communication unit 31 includes an interface that can communicate with the server 4 via a network NT1 such as the Internet.

[0060] The second communication unit 32 includes an interface that can communicate with controllers 3A and 3C. The second communication unit 32 is configured to communicate with controllers 3A and 3C via a network such as a LAN.

[0061] The storage unit 33 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM or EEPROM. The storage unit 33 may also include a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 33 stores information collected by the functional unit 5 from external devices.

[0062] The processing unit 34 primarily consists of a computer system having, for example, one or more processors and one or more memories. In the controller 3, the functions of the processing unit 34 are realized when one or more processors execute a program stored in the storage unit 33. The program may be pre-stored in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0063] The processing unit 34 of controller 3B, like the processing unit 34 of controller 3A, includes a state determination unit 341 (not shown), a function unit 5, and a management unit 342.

[0064] The status determination unit 341 determines whether or not communication is possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4. More specifically, the status determination unit 341 sends a confirmation signal to the server 4 via the first communication unit 31 and determines whether or not communication is possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 based on whether or not a response signal is returned from the server 4. If a response signal is returned from the server 4, the status determination unit 341 determines that communication is possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4. If no response signal is returned from the server 4, the status determination unit 341 determines that communication is not possible between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4. In this embodiment, the status determination unit 341 periodically sends a confirmation signal to the server 4.

[0065] The functional unit 5 continuously collects information from external devices such as sensors. In this embodiment, the functional unit 5 has a first functional unit 51, a second functional unit 52, and a third functional unit 53. Each of the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53 has a different function. In other words, the functional unit 5 in this embodiment has three functions.

[0066] The first functional unit 51 continuously collects temperature information from an external device, such as a temperature sensor. The first functional unit 51 stores the collected information in the storage unit 33.

[0067] The second functional unit 52 continuously collects humidity information from an external device, such as a humidity sensor. The second functional unit 52 stores the collected information in the storage unit 33.

[0068] The third functional unit 53 continuously collects illuminance information from an external device, such as an illuminance sensor. The third functional unit 53 stores the collected information in the storage unit 33.

[0069] In this embodiment, the information collected by the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 33. The information stored in the storage unit 33 is deleted from the storage unit 33 after it has been transmitted to the server 4.

[0070] The functions of the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53 are merely examples, and they may also be functions that collect information other than temperature, humidity, and illuminance.

[0071] The management unit 342 monitors the communication status between the controller 3B (i.e., the first communication unit 31) and the server 4. The management unit 342 monitors the communication status between the controller 3B and the server 4 by periodically obtaining the determination results regarding the communication status between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 from the status determination unit 341.

[0072] Furthermore, the management unit 342 manages the storage location of the information collected by the functional unit 5. The management unit 342 has two operating modes: a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is the operating mode to which the system switches when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 is normal. The second mode is the operating mode to which the system switches when communication between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 is abnormal.

[0073] First, the operation of the management unit 342 when the operating mode is the first mode will be explained. When the operating mode is the first mode, the management unit 342 causes the functional unit 5 to transmit the information it has collected to the server 4. Also, if it receives a confirmation signal from another controller 3 (i.e., controller 3A or controller 3C) via the second communication unit 32 to check the communication status between controller 3B and server 4, it sends a response signal to the other controller 3 that includes information indicating that the communication status between controller 3B and server 4 is normal. Furthermore, if it obtains information collected by the functional unit 5 of another controller 3 from another controller 3 (for example, controller 3A), it transmits the information obtained from the other controller 3 to the server 4.

[0074] Next, the operation of the management unit 342 when the operating mode is the second mode will be described. When the operating mode is the second mode, the management unit 342 sends a confirmation signal to the other controllers 3 (i.e., controllers 3A and 3C) to check the communication status between them and the server 4. Based on the response signals returned from the other controllers 3, the management unit 342 determines the communication status between the other controllers 3 and the server 4.

[0075] If the communication status between the other controller 3 (e.g., controller 3A) and the server 4 is normal, the management unit 342 transmits the information collected by the functional unit 5 of controller 3B to the other controller 3 (e.g., controller 3A), thereby transmitting the information to the server 4 via the other controller 3.

[0076] Furthermore, if there is no controller 3 among the one or more other controllers 3 (i.e., controllers 3A and 3C) that has normal communication status with the server 4, the management unit 342 stores the information collected by the function unit 5 in the storage unit 33. However, if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 33 is below the threshold capacity, the management unit 342 deletes some of the multiple functions of the function unit 5 of controller 3B (for example, the second function unit 52 and the third function unit 53) and stores the information collected by the remaining functions of the function unit 5 (for example, the first function unit 51) in the storage unit 33. By deleting some of the multiple functions of the function unit 5, the management unit 342 increases the free capacity of the storage unit 33.

[0077] Furthermore, if the management unit 342 determines that the communication status between the first communication unit 31 and the server 4 has become normal, and if there are any deleted functions among the multiple functions of the functional unit 5, it will redeploy the deleted functions.

[0078] Since the explanation of controller 3C would overlap with that of controllers 3A and 3B, the detailed configuration of controller 3C will be omitted.

[0079] (3) Operation of the information storage system Next, the operation of the first controller (or management unit 342) of the information storage system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. In the following description, controller 3A will be referred to as the first controller, and controllers 3B and 3C other than controller 3A will be referred to as second controllers. In other words, the controller system 2 of this embodiment comprises one first controller and a plurality (two) of second controllers. However, controller 3B may be the first controller, and controllers 3A and 3C other than controller 3B may be second controllers. Alternatively, controller 3C may be the first controller, and controllers 3A and 3B other than controller 3C may be second controllers.

[0080] First, the controller 3A determines whether or not it is possible to communicate with the server 4, which stores the information collected by the functional unit 5 of the controller 3A (step S1). Step S1 is a state determination step. If the communication status between the server 4 and the controller 3A is normal (step S1: Yes), the controller 3A sends the information collected by the functional unit 5 stored in the storage unit 33 to the server 4 (step S2), and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, if the communication status between the server 4 and the controller 3A is abnormal (step S1: No), the management unit 342 of the controller 3A switches the operating mode from the first mode to the second mode (step S3).

[0081] Next, controller 3A searches for a second controller (controller 3B or controller 3C) to which the information collected by the functional unit 5 will be routed (step S4). Then, controller 3A determines whether or not a second controller exists to which the information collected by the functional unit 5 will be routed (step S5). Steps S4 and S5 are route determination steps. In other words, the route determination step determines whether or not communication is possible between the second controller and the server 4.

[0082] If controller 3A determines that there is no second controller to which the data will be routed, that is, if it determines that communication between the second controller and server 4 is not possible (step S5: No), it checks the remaining storage capacity of storage unit 33 (step S12). Then, controller 3A determines whether the remaining storage capacity of storage unit 33 is less than or equal to the threshold capacity (step S13).

[0083] If the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 33 is greater than the threshold capacity (step S13: No), the controller 3A stores the information collected by the function unit 5 in the storage unit 33 (step S15). Then, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 33 is less than or equal to the threshold capacity (step S13: Yes), the controller 3A deletes some of the functions of the function unit 5 (for example, the second function unit 52 and the third function unit 53) (step S14). This ensures that if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 33 is greater than the threshold capacity, the information collected by the function unit 5 can be saved with as little deletion as possible, and if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit 33 is less than or equal to the threshold capacity, information with high priority can be saved with as little deletion as possible.

[0084] If the functional unit 5 has only one function, the controller 3A does not delete the function of the functional unit 5. Then, the controller 3A stores the information collected by the remaining function of the functional unit 5 (for example, the first functional unit 51) in the storage unit 33 (step S15). In other words, if the functional unit 5 has multiple functions, the controller 3A deletes one or more of the functions so that at least one function remains, and stores the information collected by the remaining function in the storage unit 33.

[0085] Steps S12 to S15 are saving steps. In other words, the saving steps are executed when the transit determination step determines that communication between the second controller and the server 4 is not possible. In the saving steps, one or more functions from the multiple functions of the functional unit 5 may be deleted, starting with the lowest priority function, based on the priority of the multiple functions of the functional unit 5, so that at least one function remains. The priorities of the multiple functions are set in advance, and for example, information indicating the priority is stored in the storage unit 33. This allows more information with higher priority to be saved. In addition, in the saving steps, one or more functions from the multiple functions of the functional unit 5 may be deleted, based on a predetermined deletion ratio, so that at least one function remains. Here, the "deletion ratio" is the ratio of all functions of the functional unit 5 (i.e., the first functional unit 51, the second functional unit 52, and the third functional unit 53) to the function to be deleted from among the multiple functions of the functional unit 5. For example, if the deletion rate is 33%, one of the first functional unit 51, second functional unit 52, and third functional unit 53 of functional unit 5 will be deleted.

[0086] In step S16, the controller 3A determines whether the communication between the controller 3A and the server 4 has been restored (step S16). If the communication with the server 4 has not been restored (step S16: No), the process returns to step S4. If the communication with the server 4 has been restored (step S16: Yes), the controller 3A determines whether redeployment is necessary (step S9). The controller 3A determines that redeployment is necessary if there is a deleted function among the multiple functions of the functional unit 5. If the controller 3A determines that redeployment is necessary (step S9: Yes), it redeploys the deleted function (step S10). For example, the controller 3A receives the data necessary for redeploying the deleted function from the server 4 and performs the redeployment. Then, the controller 3A switches the operating mode from the second mode to the first mode (step S11) and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, if controller 3A determines that redeployment is not necessary (step S9: No), it switches the operating mode from the second mode to the first mode (step S11) and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 2.

[0087] Steps S9 and S10 are redeployment steps. In other words, in the redeployment steps, if the system transitions from a state where communication between controller 3A and server 4 is not possible to a state where communication between controller 3A and server 4 is possible, and if there are any functions that were deleted in the save step, those deleted functions are redeployed. This allows redeployment to be performed if any of the multiple functions of the functional unit 5 have been deleted.

[0088] In the process of step S5, if controller 3A determines that there is a second controller to which the information will be routed (step S5: Yes), it transmits the information collected by the functional unit 5 to the second controller to which the information will be routed (for example, controller 3B) (step S6). Step S6 is the transmission step. In other words, in the transmission step, if it is determined in the routing determination step that communication is possible between the second controller and the server 4, the functional unit 5 of controller 3A transmits the information collected to the server 4 via the second controller.

[0089] Next, controller 3A determines whether the communication between controller 3A and server 4 has been restored (step S7). If the communication with server 4 has not been restored (step S7: No), it determines whether the communication between the second controller selected as the transit destination (e.g., controller 3B) and server 4 is normal (step S8).

[0090] If the communication status between the second controller selected as the transit destination and server 4 is normal (step S8: Yes), the process returns to step S6. On the other hand, if the communication status between the second controller selected as the transit destination and server 4 is not normal (step S8: No), the process returns to step S4.

[0091] If communication with server 4 is restored during step S7 (step S7: Yes), the process proceeds to step S9. Note that steps S9 through S11 have already been explained, so their explanation will be omitted here.

[0092] Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate, or processes may be added or deleted as appropriate.

[0093] (4) Variations The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment.

[0094] Functions equivalent to the information storage system 1 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in an information storage method, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which a program is recorded. An information storage method according to one embodiment is performed in the information storage system 1. The information storage system 1 includes a first controller (e.g., controller 3A) and a second controller (e.g., controllers 3B and 3C), each having a functional unit 5 that continuously collects information from external devices and configured to communicate with each other. The information storage method includes a state determination step, a transmission step, and a storage step. In the state determination step, it is determined whether or not the first controller is in a state where it can communicate with a server 4 that stores the information collected by the first controller. In the transmission step, the information collected by the first controller is transmitted to the server 4 via the second controller. In the storage step, if the functional unit 5 has multiple functions, one or more functions are deleted from the multiple functions so that at least one function remains, and the information collected by the first controller is stored in a storage unit 33 of the first controller. The information storage method involves selecting and performing either the transmission step or the storage step when the status determination step determines that communication between the server and the first controller is not possible. One embodiment of the program is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the above information storage method.

[0095] The entity executing the information storage system 1 or information storage method in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, thereby realizing the function of the entity executing the information storage system 1 or information storage method in this disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits referred to here, such as ICs or LSIs, are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of LSIs, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within LSIs, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0096] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the controller system 2 comprises three controllers 3: controller 3A, controller 3B, and controller 3C. However, the controller system 2 may also be configured to have two controllers 3, or four or more controllers 3.

[0097] In the above embodiment, an example was given where the functional unit 5 has three functions (or functional units). However, the functional unit 5 may have one or two functions, or four or more functions. Furthermore, the number and types of functions may differ for each functional unit 5 of the multiple controllers 3.

[0098] (Appearance) As is clear from the embodiments and modifications described above, the information storage method according to the first embodiment is performed in an information storage system (1). The information storage system (1) comprises a first controller (controller 3A) and a second controller (controller 3B; controller 3C), each having a functional unit (5) that continuously collects information from external devices and configured to communicate with each other. The information storage method includes a state determination step, a transmission step, and a storage step. In the state determination step, it is determined whether or not the first controller is in a state where it can communicate with a server (4) that stores the information collected by the first controller. In the transmission step, the information collected by the first controller is transmitted to the server (4) via the second controller. In the storage step, if the functional unit (5) has multiple functions, one or more functions are deleted from the multiple functions so that at least one function remains, and the information collected by the first controller is stored in a storage unit (33) of the first controller. The information storage method is determined in the status determination step to be either the transmission step or the storage step, which is selected to be performed when it is determined that communication between the server (4) and the first controller is not possible.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the information collected by the first controller (controller 3A) can be saved without erasing as much as possible.

[0100] The information storage method according to the second embodiment further includes a route determination step in the first embodiment. In the route determination step, if the state determination step determines that communication is not possible between the server (4) and the first controller (controller 3A), a determination is made as to whether communication is possible between the second controller (controller 3B; controller 3C) and the server (4). The information storage method performs a transmission step if the route determination step determines that communication is possible between the second controller and the server (4).

[0101] The information storage method according to the third embodiment is, in the second embodiment, performed when the transit determination step determines that communication is not possible between the second controller (controller 3B; controller 3C) and the server (4).

[0102] The information storage method according to the fourth embodiment, in any of the first to third embodiments, in the storage step, if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit (33) is less than or equal to the threshold capacity, delete one or more functions from the multiple functions so that at least one function remains, and store the information collected by the first controller (controller 3A) in the storage unit (33).

[0103] According to this embodiment, if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit (33) is greater than the threshold capacity, the information collected by the functional unit (5) can be saved without erasing as much as possible.

[0104] The information storage method according to the fifth embodiment, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, in the storage step, deletes one or more functions from the multiple functions based on the priority of the multiple functions, starting with the function with the lowest priority, so that at least one function remains among the multiple functions, and stores the information collected by the first controller (controller 3A) in the storage unit (33).

[0105] According to this configuration, more high-priority information can be stored.

[0106] The information storage method according to the sixth embodiment, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, in the storage step, deletes one or more functions from a plurality of functions based on a predetermined deletion ratio so that at least one function remains among the plurality of functions, and stores the information collected by the first controller (controller 3A) in the storage unit (33).

[0107] The information storage method according to the seventh embodiment further includes a redeployment step in any of the first to sixth embodiments. In the redeployment step, if the state transitions from one in which communication is not possible between the first controller (controller 3A) and the server (4) to one in which communication is possible between the first controller and the server (4), and if there are functions that were deleted in the storage step, the deleted functions are redeployed.

[0108] According to this embodiment, if any of the functions of the functional unit (5) have been deleted, redeployment can be performed.

[0109] Configurations other than those in the first embodiment are not essential to the information storage method and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0110] The program relating to the eighth aspect is a program that causes one or more processors to execute an information storage method relating to any of the first to seventh aspects.

[0111] According to this embodiment, the information collected by the first controller (controller 3A) can be saved without erasing as much as possible.

[0112] The information storage system (1) according to the ninth aspect comprises a first controller (controller 3A) and a second controller (controller 3B; controller 3C). The first controller comprises a functional unit (5), a storage unit (33), a first communication unit (31), a second communication unit (32), a state determination unit (341), and a management unit (342). The functional unit (5) continuously collects information from external devices. The storage unit (33) stores the information collected by the functional unit (5). The first communication unit (31) is configured to communicate with a server (4) that stores the information collected by the functional unit (5). The second communication unit (32) is configured to communicate with the second controller. The state determination unit (341) determines whether or not communication is possible between the first communication unit (31) and the server (4). The management unit (342) processes the information collected by the function unit (5) when the status determination unit (341) determines that communication is not possible between the first communication unit (31) and the server (4). The management unit (342) selects and performs either the first process or the second process as described above. In the first process, the management unit (342) has the information collected by the function unit (5) sent to the server (4) via the second controller. In the second process, if the function unit (5) has multiple functions, one or more functions are deleted from the multiple functions so that at least one function remains, and the information collected by the function unit (5) is stored in the storage unit (33).

[0113] According to this embodiment, the information collected by the first controller (controller 3A) can be saved without erasing as much as possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Information storage system 3A Controller (First Controller) 3B, 3C Controller (Second Controller) 31. First Communications Department 32 Second Communications Department 33 Storage section 341 State determination unit 342 Management Department 4 servers 5. Functional Section

Claims

1. An information storage method performed in an information storage system comprising a first controller and a second controller, each having a function unit for continuously collecting information from external devices and configured to communicate with each other, wherein A state determination step that determines whether or not communication is possible between a server that stores the information collected by the first controller and the first controller, A transmission step in which the first controller transmits the information it has collected to the server via the second controller, If the functional unit has multiple functions, the first controller deletes one or more of the multiple functions so that at least one of the functions remains, and stores the information collected by the first controller in a storage unit owned by the first controller. It has, If the status determination step determines that communication between the server and the first controller is not possible, then either the transmission step or the storage step is selected and performed. How information is stored.

2. If the state determination step determines that communication is not possible between the server and the first controller, the system further includes a transit determination step that determines whether communication is possible between the second controller and the server. If the route determination step determines that communication is possible between the second controller and the server, the transmission step is performed. The information storage method described in claim 1.

3. If the route determination step determines that communication between the second controller and the server is not possible, the save step is performed. The information storage method according to claim 2.

4. In the storage step, if the remaining storage capacity of the storage unit is less than or equal to a threshold capacity, one or more of the functions are deleted so that at least one of the functions remains, and the information collected by the first controller is stored in the storage unit. The information storage method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In the saving step, based on the priority of the multiple functions, one or more functions from the multiple functions are deleted from the lower priority functions so that at least one function from the multiple functions remains, and the information collected by the first controller is stored in the storage unit. The information storage method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. In the saving step, based on a predetermined deletion ratio, one or more of the functions are deleted so that at least one of the functions remains, and the information collected by the first controller is stored in the storage unit. The information storage method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The system further includes a redeployment step in which, if the state transitions from one where communication between the first controller and the server is not possible to one where communication between the first controller and the server is possible, and any functions deleted in the saving step are redeployed, The information storage method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. To cause one or more processors to execute the information storage method described in any one of claims 1 to 3, program.

9. An information storage system comprising a first controller and a second controller, The first controller is, A functional unit that continuously collects information from external devices, A storage unit that stores the information collected by the aforementioned functional unit, A first communication unit is configured to communicate with a server that stores the information collected by the aforementioned functional unit, A second communication unit configured to communicate with the second controller, A state determination unit that determines whether or not communication is possible between the first communication unit and the server, When the status determination unit determines that communication is not possible between the first communication unit and the server, the management unit performs processing related to the information collected by the function unit, Equipped with, The management unit selects and performs one of the following processes: a first process of causing the functional unit to transmit the information collected by the functional unit to the server via the second controller; and a second process of, if the functional unit has multiple functions, deleting one or more of the multiple functions so that at least one of the multiple functions remains, and then storing the information collected by the functional unit in the storage unit. Information storage system.

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