equipment and machinery

Abstract

This technology provides users with easy access to information about the importance and urgency of software updates. [Solution] The equipment is a heating device. The equipment comprises a storage unit for storing software and a notification unit for notifying update information regarding update software that updates the software stored in the storage unit. The update software is associated with an update level, which is set according to at least one of the importance of the update content and the urgency of the update. The update level increases as the importance and urgency of at least one of these increases. The notification unit notifies the update information of the update software in different ways according to the update level corresponding to the update software.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to equipment. Specifically, it relates to the update of software for equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses equipment related to heating (for example, water heaters, etc.). The equipment includes a storage unit that stores software, and a notification unit that notifies update information regarding the software to update the software stored in the storage unit. The notification unit notifies the update information in a specific manner when it becomes necessary to execute an update by the software for updating the software.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the equipment of Patent Document 1, the notification unit notifies the update information in a specific manner. However, there may be cases where it is better for the user to know the importance and urgency of the update software. Just notifying the update information in a specific manner by the notification unit does not allow the user to recognize the importance and urgency of the update software.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology that enables a user to easily recognize the importance and urgency of update software.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In a first aspect of the technology disclosed herein, the equipment is equipment related to heating. The equipment includes a storage unit for storing software and a notification unit for notifying update information relating to update software that updates the software stored in the storage unit. The update software is associated with an update level, which is set according to at least one of the importance of the update content and the urgency of the update. The update level is higher as the importance and urgency of at least one of these increases. The notification unit notifies the update information of the update software in different ways according to the update level corresponding to the update software.

[0007] The above-mentioned equipment notifies users of software update information in different ways depending on the update level. This allows users to recognize the update level of the notified update information (i.e., the importance and urgency of the update).

[0008] In a second aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first embodiment described above, the update level may include a first update level and a second update level that is higher than the first update level. The notification unit may notify the update information of the second update level in a manner that is more emphasized than the update information of the first update level.

[0009] With this configuration, the notification unit notifies users of update information with a higher update level in a more emphasized manner than update information with a lower update level. This makes it easier for users to recognize the update level of the update information.

[0010] In a third aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the first or second aspect described above, the equipment may further include a receiving unit that receives instructions from a user regarding update information notified by a notification unit, and an update unit that updates the software stored in a storage unit using update software. The receiving unit may, when the update level corresponding to the update information is a first level, receive an execution instruction from the user to perform an update using the update software, and a hold instruction to postpone the update using the update software. If the receiving unit receives an execution instruction, the update unit may perform an update using the update software to the software stored in the storage unit, and if the receiving unit receives a hold instruction, the update unit may postpone the update using the update software to the software stored in the storage unit.

[0011] With this configuration, for update information with an update level of Level 1 (for example, a relatively low level), the user can choose to perform the update or postpone the update. This allows the user to recognize the importance or urgency of the notified update information (for example, they can recognize that the update level is relatively low). Furthermore, since the user can choose to postpone the software update as well as perform the update, convenience is improved.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to third aspects described above, the equipment may further include a receiving unit that receives instructions from a user regarding update information notified by a notification unit, and an update unit that updates the software stored in a storage unit using update software. The receiving unit may be capable of receiving an execution instruction to perform an update using update software if the update level corresponding to the update information is the second level. If the receiving unit receives an execution instruction, the update unit may perform an update of the software stored in the storage unit using update software.

[0013] With this configuration, for update information with an update level of Level 2 (for example, a medium level), the software is updated only when the user instructs the system to perform the update. This prevents the software from being updated at times unintended by the user, as the software will not be updated until the user instructs the system to perform the update.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, the equipment may further include an update unit that updates the software stored in the storage unit using update software. The update unit may automatically perform an update of the software stored in the storage unit using update software when the update level corresponding to the update information is the third level.

[0015] With this configuration, for update information with an update level of Level 3 (for example, a relatively high level), the software is automatically updated without waiting for a user instruction to perform the update. This ensures that the software is updated reliably and quickly.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, the equipment may further include a determination unit that determines, based on predetermined conditions, whether or not an update of the software stored in the storage unit by update software has been postponed for a long period of time. If the determination unit determines that the update has been postponed for a long period of time, it may raise the update level corresponding to the update software. The notification unit may notify the update information in a manner corresponding to the update level raised by the determination unit.

[0017] With this configuration, if software updates have been pending for a long period, the update level is increased. This facilitates the updating of software that has been on hold for an extended period.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the sixth aspect described above, the update level may comprise a first update level and a second update level that is higher than the first update level. The predetermined condition may be that the number of times an update has been withheld exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold for the second update level may be lower than the threshold for the first update level.

[0019] With this configuration, the higher the update level, the sooner the update level is increased. This means that the higher the update level, the sooner users can be notified in the manner of a higher update level.

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in the sixth or seventh aspect described above, the update level may comprise a first update level and a second update level that is higher than the first update level. The predetermined condition may be that the elapsed time since the first notification in the aspect corresponding to the update level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold for the second update level may be smaller than the threshold for the first update level.

[0021] With this configuration, the higher the update level, the sooner the update level is increased. This means that the higher the update level, the sooner users can be notified in the manner of a higher update level.

[0022] In a ninth aspect of the technology disclosed herein, in any one of the third to eighth aspects described above, when the update unit performs an update using the update software stored in the storage unit, if there is other update software that has not yet been updated, the update unit may perform an update using the software update software as well as an update using the other software update software.

[0023] With such a configuration, at the timing of executing an update by one piece of update software of the software, it is possible to also execute an update by other un-updated update software of the software. As a result, the un-updated update software is eliminated, and the software can be updated to the latest state.

[0024] In a tenth aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, in any one of the first to ninth aspects described above, the facility equipment may be at least one of a hot water supply system including a water heater and a remote controller, a cooking heater, a clothes dryer, and a dishwasher.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of facility equipment according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A flowchart showing an example of a process for updating the software of a remote controller. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a display screen where only an execution instruction for an update can be selected. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a display screen where either an execution instruction for an update or a hold instruction for an update can be selected.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] (Example) The equipment of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The equipment is heating equipment used in a house. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the equipment is a hot water supply system 2 comprising a water heater 50 and a remote control 10. The remote control 10 is connected to the Internet 6 via a repeater 8. The server 60 is also connected to the Internet 6. The remote control 10 can communicate with the server 60 via the repeater 8 and the Internet 6. The server 60 is a server provided by the manufacturer of the water heater 50 and the remote control 10. The server 60 transmits update software (hereinafter also referred to as update software) for updating the software of the remote control 10 to the remote control 10 via the Internet 6 and the repeater 8.

[0027] The remote control 10 is installed inside the house. The remote control 10 is connected to the water heater 50. The remote control 10 can receive various instructions for the water heater 50 (for example, instructions for operation, instructions for setting temperature, etc.). The water heater 50 is a thermal appliance that has the function of heating tap water or a heat transfer medium to produce hot water (i.e., the function of hot water supply). The water heater 50 may be equipped with only a gas heat source, only a heat pump heat source, both a gas heat source and a heat pump heat source, or other types of heat sources.

[0028] The remote control 10 comprises a control unit 12, an operation unit 20, a display unit 22, and a communication unit 24.

[0029] The control unit 12 includes a CPU 14 and a memory 16. The CPU 14 controls the operation of the remote control 10 according to the program stored in the memory 16. The memory 16 stores the software for the remote control 10. Examples of the software for the remote control 10 include software related to controlling the display on the display unit 22, software related to the control unit 12's control of the water heater 50, and software related to the control of communication by the communication unit 24. When the software is updated, the update software is stored in the memory 16. The update software is associated with an update level corresponding to the importance or urgency of the update (or importance and urgency). The update software and its update level are transmitted from the server 60 to the remote control 10. When an update execution instruction (described later) is input to the operation unit 20, or automatically, the control unit 12 updates the software to the update software.

[0030] Here, we will explain the update levels. Each update software is associated with one of several update levels. The update levels are classified according to the importance or urgency of the update (or importance and urgency). In this embodiment, four types of update levels are set: update levels 0 to 3. The importance or urgency of the update increases sequentially from update level 0 to update level 3. For example, an update associated with update level 3 is an update that includes matters related to safety, such as an update that changes the combustion control of the water heater 50. Update level 3 is the most important or urgent update. An update associated with update level 2 is an update that includes matters related to functional changes, such as an update that reduces the lower limit of the hot water temperature of the water heater 50. An update associated with update level 1 is an update that includes matters related to the user interface, such as an update that changes the display layout on the display unit 22. An update associated with update level 0 is an update that makes minor corrections that do not affect the user, and no problems will occur if the update is not performed.

[0031] The control unit 20 is equipped with multiple keys. By operating the control unit 20, the user can input various instructions to the remote control 10. For example, the control unit 20 accepts input of update instructions and update hold instructions, which will be described later.

[0032] The display unit 22 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays various information. The display unit 22 may also be a touchscreen, in which case the display unit 22 is part of the operation unit 20. The display unit 22 displays various information related to the water heater 50. For example, the display unit 22 displays information related to updating the remote control 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "update information"). The update information includes information indicating to the user that an update is necessary. The update information may also include information allowing the user to select an instruction to execute the update, or it may further include information allowing the user to select an instruction to postpone the update. The update information displayed on the display unit 22 differs depending on the update level. In this embodiment, each update information corresponding to update levels 0 to 3 displayed on the display unit 22 will be described in detail later. The update information may also include the reason for the update and the content of the update.

[0033] Furthermore, the different notification methods corresponding to the update level may include not only the content of the update information displayed on the display unit 22, but also the following methods. Specifically, the display unit 22 may display the update information in a more emphasized manner as the update level increases. For example, the display unit 22 may display the update information in larger characters as the update level increases. Also, the display unit 22 may display the update information in different colors for each update level. Specifically, the display unit 22 may display the characters and background in different colors for each update level. For example, the display unit 22 may display update information for update level 3 in red, update information for update level 2 in yellow, update information for update level 1 in blue, and update information for update level 0 in black. Furthermore, the different notification methods corresponding to the update level may include voice notification. For example, the remote control 10 is equipped with a voice generator (not shown), and when displaying update information on the display unit 22, the voice generator may notify the update information by warning sound or voice. In this case, the volume of the voice generator (not shown) may be increased as the update level increases. Furthermore, the display unit 22 (and the sound generation unit) may increase the notification frequency as the update level increases. For example, if the update level is low, update information may be notified only when the user operates the remote control 10. If the update level is high, update information may be notified at predetermined timings (for example, when the update software is acquired or at predetermined intervals) regardless of whether the user operates the remote control 10 or not.

[0034] The communication unit 24 is an interface for performing communication via LAN 4. LAN 4 is wireless or wired and is formed by a repeater 8. The repeater 8 is a device that relays communication between the Internet 6 and LAN 4. The repeater 8 is, for example, a router, a combination of a router and an access point, etc. The repeater 8 is connected to the Internet 6. LAN 4 is, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The remote control 10 can communicate with the server 60 on the Internet 6 via the communication unit 24.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, the process of updating the software of the remote control 10 will be explained. First, the control unit 12 queries the server 60 for the software version of the remote control 10 at a preset query time (S12). The query time is, for example, a time when it is highly likely that the user is not using the water heater 50, for example, 2 a.m. The query time is preset by the manufacturers of the remote control 10 and the water heater 50 and stored in memory 16. The control unit 12 queries the server 60 for the latest software version of the remote control 10 via the relay 8 and the internet 6 from the communication unit 24. In response to the query from the remote control 10 (specifically the control unit 12), the server 60 transmits the latest software version of the remote control 10 to the communication unit 24. The communication unit 24 outputs the received software version to the control unit 12.

[0036] When the software version of the remote control 10 is received, the control unit 12 determines whether the software version stored in memory 16 is the received version (i.e., the latest version) (S14). If the software stored in memory 16 is the latest version (YES in S14), there is no need to update the software stored in memory 16, and the process shown in Figure 2 is terminated.

[0037] On the other hand, if the software stored in memory 16 is not the latest version (NO in S14), the software stored in memory 16 needs to be updated. For this reason, the control unit 12 obtains the latest version of the software (hereinafter also referred to as the update software) from the server 60 (S16). Specifically, the control unit 12 sends a request signal to the server 60 requesting that it send the update software. When the server 60 receives the request signal, it sends the update software and the update level of the software to the communication unit 24. The update software and the update level of the software received by the communication unit 24 are stored in memory 16.

[0038] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether the update level of the acquired update software is update level 3 (S18). If the update level of the update software is update level 3 (YES in S18), the control unit 12 updates the software stored in memory 16 with the update software (S20). Update level 3 indicates the highest importance or urgency of the update. Therefore, there is a high need to update the software stored in memory 16 with the update software. Thus, if the update level of the update software is update level 3, the control unit 12 automatically updates the software stored in memory 16 with the update software without prompting the user to select an update execution command. This ensures that the software is updated reliably and quickly with update software at update level 3. The control unit 12 may execute the update process immediately after determining that the update level of the update software is update level 3, or it may execute the update process after a certain period of time has elapsed during which the user has not operated the remote control 10.

[0039] Furthermore, if other unupdated update software is stored in memory 16, the control unit 12 updates the software with update level 3 update software and also updates the software with the other unupdated update software. The other unupdated update software may be update software for the same software or update software for other software. This allows the update process for the unupdated update software, which had its update pending, to be executed at the same time as the software is updated with update level 3 update software.

[0040] In S18, if the update level of the update software is not update level 3 (NO in S18), the control unit 12 determines whether the update level of the update software is update level 2 (S22). If the update level of the update software is update level 2 (YES in S22), the control unit 12 displays a screen on the display unit 22 that allows the user to select an update instruction (S24). The importance or urgency of an update at update level 2 is the second highest after update level 3. Therefore, there is a relatively high need to update the software stored in memory 16 using the update software. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 3, the display unit 22 displays a screen in which only the execution instruction button 30 for inputting an update execution instruction to the user can be selected. Since the user cannot select an update postponement instruction, the update of the software stored in memory 16 using the update software is promoted.

[0041] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not an update execution instruction has been input from the operation unit 20 (S26). If an update execution instruction has been input (YES in S26), the control unit 12 updates the software stored in memory 16 with the update software (S20). For update software of update level 2, the update process is executed when the user inputs an update execution instruction. This prevents the software update process from being executed at a time unintended by the user. The control unit 12 may execute the update process immediately when an update execution instruction is input, or it may execute the update process after a certain period of time has elapsed during which the user has not operated the remote control 10. The system may also be configured to allow the user to input the timing of the update start along with the update instruction. For example, the system may be configured to allow the user to input the time to start the update process (e.g., 11 PM) along with the update execution instruction. Alternatively, the system may be configured to allow the user to input the time between inputting the update execution instruction and starting the update process (e.g., 3 hours later) along with the update execution instruction. Furthermore, if other unupdated update software is stored in memory 16, the control unit 12 updates the software with update level 2 update software, and also updates the software with other unupdated update software.

[0042] If no instruction to perform an update is entered (NO in S26), the control unit 12 determines in S24 whether a predetermined time (for example, 30 hours) has elapsed since the update information was displayed on the display unit 22 (S28). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S28), the control unit 12 returns to S26 and repeats S26 and S28. The predetermined time is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0043] If a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S28), the control unit 12 raises the update level of the update software from update level 2 to update level 3 (S30). Because the update level of the update software is changed from update level 2 to update level 3, the control unit 12 automatically updates the software stored in memory 16 with the update software (S20). As described above, update software at update level 2 has a relatively high need to update the software stored in memory 16 with the update software. If no instruction to execute an update is input even after a predetermined time has elapsed, raising the update level of the update software from update level 2 to update level 3 can prevent the state in which the software stored in memory 16 is not updated by the update software at update level 2 from continuing for a long period of time. For this reason, the update from the software stored in memory 16 to the update software can be promoted.

[0044] In S22, if the update level of the update software is not update level 2 (i.e., not update level 2 or 3) (NO in S22), the control unit 12 determines whether the update level of the update software is update level 1 (S32). If the update level of the update software is update level 1 (YES in S32), the control unit 12 determines whether the operation unit 20 has been operated (S34). The importance or urgency of an update at update level 1 is relatively low. Therefore, if the update level of the update software is update level 1, the update information is displayed on the display unit 22 when the user operates the remote control 10 (specifically, the operation unit 20). If the operation unit 20 has not been operated (NO in S34), the control unit 12 waits until the operation unit 20 is operated.

[0045] If the operation unit 20 is operated (YES in S34), the control unit 12 displays a screen on the display unit 22 allowing the user to select either an instruction to execute the update or an instruction to postpone the update (S36). As described above, the importance or urgency of the update level 1 is relatively low, so no problem will occur if the update process is not executed immediately. For this reason, as shown in Figure 4, the display unit 22 displays a screen that allows the user to select not only an execution instruction button 30 for inputting an instruction to execute the update, but also a postponement instruction button 32 for inputting an instruction to postpone the update. During the execution of the update process, the remote control 10 cannot be operated, and therefore the user cannot use the water heater 50. For example, if the user wants to keep the water heater 50 usable for a while, the user can select the postponement instruction. This improves user convenience.

[0046] Next, the control unit 12 determines whether or not an update execution instruction has been input from the operation unit 20 (S38). If an execution instruction has been input (YES in S38), the control unit 12 updates the software stored in memory 16 with the update software (S20). The control unit 12 may execute the update process immediately upon receiving the execution instruction, or it may execute the update process after a certain period of time has elapsed during which the user has not operated the remote control 10. The system may also be configured to allow the user to input the timing for starting the update along with the update instruction. Furthermore, if other unupdated update software is stored in memory 16, the control unit 12 updates the software with the update level 1 update software described above, and also updates the software with the other unupdated update software.

[0047] If no execution instruction is entered (NO in S38), the control unit 12 determines whether or not a hold instruction has been entered from the operation unit 20 (S40). If no hold instruction has been entered (NO in S40), since neither an execution instruction nor a hold instruction has been entered, the control unit 12 returns to S38 and repeats S38 and S40.

[0048] If a hold instruction is entered (YES in S40), the control unit 12 determines whether the hold instruction for updating by the update software acquired in S16 has been entered a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) or more (S42). If the hold instruction has not been entered a predetermined number of times or more (NO in S42), the control unit 12 returns to S34 and repeats steps S34 to S42. In this case, each time the user operates the operation unit 20, the display unit 22 displays a screen in which the user can select between an update execution instruction and an update hold instruction (see Figure 4).

[0049] If a hold instruction is entered more than a predetermined number of times (YES in S42), the control unit 12 raises the update level of the update software from update level 1 to update level 2 (S44). Because the update level of the update software is changed from update level 1 to update level 2, the control unit 12 proceeds to S24 and executes the processes from S24 onward. Update software at update level 1 does not need to perform the update process immediately, but it does need to be updated. If a hold instruction is entered more than a predetermined number of times, the control unit 12 raises the update level of the update software from update level 1 to update level 2 in order to prompt the execution of the update process. Because the update level of the update software is changed to update level 2, the control unit 12 displays a screen on the display unit 22 that allows the user to select only the instruction to execute the update (S24). As a result, the user can no longer select the instruction to hold the update. Therefore, it is possible to promote the update from the software stored in memory 16 to the update software.

[0050] In S32, if the update level of the update software is not update level 1 (i.e., not update level 1 to 3) (NO in S32), the control unit 12 determines that the update level of the update software is update level 0. Next, the control unit 12 determines whether the operation unit 20 has been operated (S46). If the operation unit 20 has not been operated (NO in S46), the control unit 12 waits until the operation unit 20 is operated. When the operation unit 20 is operated (YES in S46), the control unit 12 displays a screen on the display unit 22 that allows the user to select either an instruction to execute the update or an instruction to postpone the update (S48). Next, the control unit 12 determines whether an execution instruction has been input from the operation unit 20 (S50). If an execution instruction has been input (YES in S50), the control unit 12 updates the software stored in memory 16 to the update software (S20). Note that S46 to S50 are the same processes as S34 to S38 above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0051] If no execution instruction is entered (NO in S50), the control unit 12 determines whether a hold instruction has been entered from the operation unit 20 (S52). If no hold instruction is entered (NO in S52), neither an execution instruction nor a hold instruction has been entered, so the control unit 12 returns to S50 and repeats S50 and S52. If a hold instruction is entered (YES in S52), the control unit 12 terminates the process shown in Figure 2. Update level 0 indicates the lowest importance or urgency of the update, and as described above, no problems will occur even if the update process is not performed. For this reason, if the user selects a hold instruction, the update process is not performed. However, update software for update level 0 that was not updated is stored in memory 16. For this reason, when the update process for other update software at update levels 1 to 3 is executed, the update process for update software at update level 0 that was not updated can also be executed at the same time.

[0052] In this embodiment, the update levels were classified into four types, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, there may be fewer than four update levels, or more than four update levels.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the update level of the update software is update level 0, the process shown in Figure 2 is terminated when an update postponement instruction is input, but the configuration is not limited to this. Even when the update level of the update software is update level 0, as in the case of update level 1, the process may return to S48 after a postponement instruction is input, and the display unit 22 may again display a screen for selecting an update execution instruction or an update postponement instruction.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, raising the update level from 2 to 3 is determined based on the elapsed time since the update execution instruction was displayed on the display unit 22, while raising the update level from 1 to 2 is determined based on the number of times a hold instruction was entered. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, raising the update level from 2 to 3 and raising the update level from 1 to 2 may both be determined based on the elapsed time since the update execution instruction (and hold instruction) was displayed on the display unit 22. In this case, the threshold for raising the update level from 2 to 3 (i.e., the elapsed time set as the threshold) (for example, 15 hours) may be set to be smaller than the threshold for raising the update level from 1 to 2 (i.e., the elapsed time set as the threshold) (for example, 30 hours).

[0055] Furthermore, update level 0 may also be raised to update level 1 if the update process is not performed for a long period of time. In this case, the decision to raise from update level 0 to update level 1 may be made based on the elapsed time since the display unit 22 displayed the update execution instruction and the hold instruction, or based on the number of hold instructions entered. Also, the threshold for raising from update level 1 to update level 2 (i.e., the elapsed time or number of hold instructions set as the threshold) (for example, 30 hours or 3 times) may be set to be smaller than the threshold for raising from update level 0 to update level 1 (i.e., the elapsed time or number of hold instructions set as the threshold) (for example, 48 hours or 5 times).

[0056] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes updating the software of the remote control 10, updating the software stored in the memory (not shown) of the control unit (not shown) of the water heater 50 can also be performed in the same manner as in this embodiment. Note that the water heater 50 may not have a display unit. In this case, notification of update information may be performed by the remote control 10 (for example, the display unit 22). In addition, user instructions to execute and hold updates may also be input from the remote control 10 (for example, the operation unit 20). Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a hot water supply system comprising a water heater 50 and a remote control 10, the system is not limited to this configuration. Any heating equipment used in a house that performs software update processing can be configured in the same way as in this embodiment. For example, the equipment may be a cooking appliance, a clothes dryer, or a dishwasher.

[0057] The following points should be noted regarding the remote control 10 described in the embodiment. In the embodiment, the control unit 12 is an example of an "update unit" and a "decision unit," the memory 16 is an example of a "storage unit," the operation unit 20 is an example of a "reception unit," and the display unit 22 is an example of a "notification unit."

[0058] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 2: Hot water supply system 4: LAN 6: Internet 8: Repeater 10: Remote control 12: Control Unit 14:CPU 16: Memory 20:Operation section 22:Display section 24: Communications Department 50: Water heater 60: Server

Claims

1. Equipment and devices related to heating, A memory unit for storing software, The system includes a notification unit that notifies update information relating to update software for updating the software stored in the memory unit, The aforementioned update software is associated with an update level, which is set according to at least one of the importance of the update content and the urgency of the update. The update level increases as the importance and urgency of at least one of them increase. The notification unit is equipment that notifies the update information of the update software in different ways according to the update level corresponding to the update software.

2. The update level comprises a first update level and a second update level that is higher than the first update level. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the update information of the second update level in a manner that is more emphasized than the update information of the first update level.

3. A reception unit receives user instructions regarding the update information reported by the aforementioned notification unit, The system further comprises an update unit that updates the software stored in the storage unit using the update software, The receiving unit, when the update level corresponding to the update information is the first level, receives an execution instruction to perform the update by the update software and a hold instruction to postpone the update by the update software, which can be selected by the user. The aforementioned update unit is When the receiving unit receives the execution instruction, it performs the update of the software stored in the storage unit using the update software. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein when the reception unit receives the hold instruction, it holds the update of the software stored in the storage unit by the update software.

4. A reception unit receives user instructions regarding the update information reported by the aforementioned notification unit, The system further comprises an update unit that updates the software stored in the storage unit using the update software, The receiving unit can receive an execution instruction to perform an update by the update software when the update level corresponding to the update information is the second level. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the update unit, when the reception unit receives the execution instruction, performs an update of the software stored in the storage unit using the update software.

5. The system further includes an update unit that updates the software stored in the storage unit using the update software, The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the update unit automatically performs an update of the software stored in the storage unit using the update software when the update level corresponding to the update information is the third level.

6. The system further includes a determination unit that determines, based on predetermined conditions, whether or not the update of the software stored in the storage unit by the update software has been postponed for a long period of time. If the determination unit determines that the update has been postponed for a long period of time, it raises the update level corresponding to the update software. The equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the notification unit notifies the update information in a manner corresponding to the update level raised by the determination unit.

7. The update level comprises a first update level and a second update level that is higher than the first update level. The aforementioned predetermined condition is when the number of times updates have been withheld exceeds a predetermined threshold. The equipment according to claim 6, wherein the threshold of the second update level is smaller than the threshold of the first update level.

8. The update level comprises a first update level and a second update level that is higher than the first update level. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the elapsed time since the first notification in the manner corresponding to the update level exceeds a predetermined threshold, The equipment according to claim 6, wherein the threshold of the second update level is smaller than the threshold of the first update level.

9. The equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein when the update unit performs an update of the software stored in the storage unit using the update software, if there is other update software that has not yet been updated, the update unit performs the update of the software using the update software and also performs the update of the software using the other update software.

10. The equipment is the equipment according to claim 1, wherein the equipment is at least one of a hot water supply system comprising a water heater and a remote control, a cooking appliance, a clothes dryer, and a dishwasher.

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