Distribution server, method for controlling the distribution server, and control program for the distribution server

Abstract

To efficiently and fairly implement FOTA (Free On-the-Air) among multiple communication devices connected to a base station. [Solution] A distribution server that distributes update software to multiple communication devices connected to a base station comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the communication method between the multiple communication devices and the base station; a setting unit that sets the ratio of each communication method to which the update software is distributed in a single distribution based on the information regarding the communication method; and a distribution unit that distributes the update software to the base station in the number of distribution devices for each communication method set based on the ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution server, a control method for the distribution server, and a control program for the distribution server.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology called FOTA (Firmware Over The Air) is known for wireless communication devices, which updates the firmware (software program) of the own device via wireless communication to correct defects or add functions. FOTA is also performed for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a firmware providing apparatus that provides firmware to IoT devices.

Related Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] A distribution server that distributes update software to a plurality of communication devices connected to a base station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information related to a communication scheme with the base station from the plurality of communication devices; a setting unit configured to set, based on the information related to the communication scheme, a ratio for each communication scheme of communication devices to which the update software is distributed in one distribution; and a distribution unit configured to distribute the update software to the base station by the number of distribution devices for each communication scheme set based on the ratio.

[0005] In the distribution server according to the embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition unit may acquire the information related to the communication scheme via a management server that communicates with the communication devices using a predetermined protocol.

[0006] In a distribution server according to one embodiment of the present invention, the distribution unit may distribute update software to base stations in a number of units for each communication method, which is obtained based on the maximum number of units and ratio that can be distributed to base stations in a single distribution.

[0007] In a distribution server according to one embodiment of the present invention, information regarding the communication method with the base station may include Category M1.

[0008] In a distribution server according to one embodiment of the present invention, information regarding the communication method with the base station may include NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things).

[0009] A control method for a distribution server that distributes update software to a plurality of communication devices connected to a base station, according to one embodiment of the present invention, involves a computer performing the following steps: acquiring information about the communication methods between the plurality of communication devices and the base station; setting the ratio of each communication method for which update software is distributed in a single distribution based on the information about the communication methods; and distributing the update software to the base station in the number of devices for each communication method set based on the ratio.

[0010] A control program for a distribution server that distributes update software to multiple communication devices connected to a base station, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provides a computer with the following functions: a function to acquire information regarding the communication methods between the multiple communication devices and the base station; a function to set the ratio of each communication method for which update software is distributed in a single distribution based on the information regarding the communication methods; and a function to distribute the update software to the base station with the number of distribution devices for each communication method set based on the ratio. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Figures 2(a) to 2(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a distribution server and communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a sequence between a communication device and a distribution server according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereafter, an embodiment of the invention described herein (also referred to as the present invention) will be explained using the figures. Note that the figures are examples only, and the present invention is not limited to those shown in the figures. For example, the illustrated distribution server (information processing device), management server, base station, communication device (IoT device), core network, number of database servers, and sequence diagram are examples only, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0013] Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) is attracting attention as a communication technology for IoT. LPWA is a communication technology that enables low power consumption and long-distance communication, making it suitable for IoT devices that are installed in various indoor and outdoor locations and powered by built-in batteries without external power supplies. Examples of IoT communication methods classified as LPWA include Category M1 (an extension of LTE (Long Term Evolution)) and NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT). Both Category M1 and NB-IoT offer low power consumption and long-distance communication compared to LTE and Wi-Fi, but they have narrow bandwidths and slow communication speeds. Therefore, downloading large amounts of data, such as firmware update software, takes time compared to the data that IoT devices normally send and receive, resulting in the problem of occupying bandwidth for extended periods. Consequently, there is an operational limit on the number of communication devices that can receive update software at one time. Here, there is a difference in the maximum number of communication devices that can perform FOTA simultaneously between NB-IoT and Category M1 due to differences in their communication bandwidths and speeds. Specifically, the number of devices that can simultaneously receive update software is in the thousands for Category M1, compared to only a few hundred for NB-IoT.

[0014] Thus, although the number of devices to which update software can be simultaneously delivered differs depending on the communication method, conventional FOTA (Forward-Oriented Access) has not taken into consideration the differences in communication methods of communication devices. Therefore, if the update software is delivered to the maximum number of NB-IoT devices in order to reduce the FOTA failure rate, the resources of Category M1 are not utilized to their fullest potential, resulting in inefficiency. In contrast, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the number of IoT devices performing FOTA may differ depending on the communication method of the IoT devices located in the cell. This makes it possible to achieve stable FOTA while making maximum use of the resources for each communication method.

[0015] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The distribution system 600 may be a system that distributes update software for updating firmware to a communication device 200. Here, "distribution" may refer to making the update software available for acquisition by the communication device 200. For example, the distribution unit 113 may store the update software in a location where the communication device 200 can download it and notify the communication device 200 of information about that location (the download URL (Uniform Resource Locator)).

[0016] The distribution system 600 may include a distribution server 100, a management server 101, a database server 400, base stations 300 (300A, 300B), multiple communication devices 200 (200Aa, 200Ab, ..., 200Ba, 200Bb, ...), and a mobile communication network 500. Here, the mobile communication network 500 may include a wireless access network through which the base stations 300 and the communication devices 200 exchange data, and a core network 50. In Figure 1, the communication devices 200 connected to base stations 300A and 300B are assigned the same uppercase letters A and B, respectively, and when distinguishing between communication devices, lowercase letters a, b, ... are assigned. However, when there is no particular need to distinguish between them, they will simply be described as base stations 300 and communication devices 200.

[0017] The communication device 200 is connected to a base station 300 and may be various IoT devices located within the cell of each base station 300. Hereafter, the communication device 200 will be described as an IoT device installed in smart meters for gas (city gas, LP gas), water, electricity, etc., and transmitting meter reading data, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the communication device 200 may be an IoT sensor used for monitoring infrastructure such as bridges and roads, or a wearable device, etc.

[0018] The communication device 200 is a device that conforms to an IoT communication method classified as LPWA, such as NB-IoT or Category M1. Multiple communication devices 200 located within a cell of a single base station 300 may each communicate with the base station 300 using one of the above-mentioned communication methods. For example, the communication methods with base station 300A may differ, such as NB-IoT for communication device 200Aa and Category M1 for communication device 200Ab.

[0019] The distribution server 100 manages the firmware version of each communication device 200 connected to the base station 300 and may have a function to send update software to update the firmware of each communication device 200 as needed (a function to perform FOTA). Note that the provider of the update software and the provider that distributes it may be different. For example, the update software may be provided by the manufacturer of each communication device 200 and distributed to each communication device 200 via the distribution server 100 by the communication carrier managing the base station 300.

[0020] The management server 101 may function as an IoT-PF (platform) that processes meter readings and other data transmitted from each smart meter by each communication device 200 and delivers the necessary data to the smart meter administrator. The management server 101 may remotely control the communication devices 200 via the mobile communication network 500, and the management server 101 may be connected to a centralized monitoring center (not shown) where the administrator is on standby. The management server 101 and the distribution server 100 may be provided as the same server, or their functions may be distributed across multiple servers. The management server 101 and the distribution server 100 may be any information processing device capable of realizing the functions described in each embodiment, and may include, for example, a server device, a computer (not limited to, but examples include a desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a communication platform, etc.

[0021] The database server 400 may store various types of data for associating each communication device 200 with the base station 300, and various types of information necessary for processing related to FOTA. For example, the database server 400 may store information on the communication devices 200 that should perform FOTA. Although the database server 400 is illustrated as separate from the distribution server 100 in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and the data stored in the database server 400 may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 170 of the distribution server 100. In addition, the database server 400 may exist separately for each type of data to be stored, or for each entity that manages the database.

[0022] The core network 50 may include nodes such as an MME (Mobility Management Entity), an S-GW (Serving Gateway), a P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway), and an SCEF (Service Capability Exposure Function), which are not illustrated. The MME has functions of performing location management and authentication management of the communication device 200, session management between respective nodes (that is, communication bearer management), and the like. The MME also has a function of transmitting paging to the base station 300 when calling the communication device 200. The S-GW has a function as a gateway that performs routing and transfer of user packets between the base station 300 and the core network 50. The P-GW assigns an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the communication device 200 that is usable in the IP communication network after the core network 50, and has a function as a gateway that enables communication between the communication device 200 and an external network of the mobile communication network 500 by using the IP address. Note that the S-GW and the P-GW may be integrated and implemented as a single node. In addition, the core network 50 may further include an SCS (Service Capability Server) not illustrated.

[0023] <Embodiment> An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0024] First, the distribution server 100 may acquire information on the communication apparatus 200 that is to perform FOTA, based on the information stored in the database server 400. The communication apparatus that is to perform FOTA may be, for example, a communication apparatus that requires firmware update for purposes such as adding functions, addressing vulnerabilities, or updating to comply with communication standards. The information on the communication apparatuses that are to perform FOTA may be listed in the database server 400 in the form of, for example, a CSV data file. Hereinafter, the communication apparatus that is to perform FOTA is also referred to as a communication apparatus that is a distribution target of the update firmware.

[0025] The distribution server 100 may acquire, from the communication apparatus 200 that is the distribution target of the update software, identification information for identifying the base station 300 to which the communication apparatus 200 connects. The identification information for identifying the base station may be a cell ID (IDentifier: a type of identification information). The cell ID may be a number that is uniquely assigned to the base station and uniquely identifies the communication range (cell) of the base station. When connecting to the base station 300, the communication apparatus 200 may be capable of storing the cell ID of the connected base station 300 in its own storage unit. Note that the distribution server 100 may request the cell ID of the communication apparatus 200 from the management server 101. In response to the request from the distribution server 100, the management server 101 may request the communication apparatus 200 to transmit the cell ID, and transmit the cell ID acquired from the communication apparatus 200 to the management server 101. This makes it possible to reliably acquire the cell ID.

[0026] The communication device 200 may use the LwM2M protocol to send and receive data with the distribution server 100. LwM2M uses a resource model for data management, which is a tree structure of objects, object instances, and resources, with each element assigned a number. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell ID that identifies the base station 300 to which the communication device 200 is connected may be stored in resource "8" of the connectivity monitoring object "4". Therefore, when the distribution server 100 requests the transmission of the cell ID, it may generate an instruction that specifies resource " / 4 / 0 / 8". When the communication device 200 receives a request from the distribution server 100 to specify resource " / 4 / 0 / 8", it may read the cell ID stored in that resource and send it to the distribution server 100. The method for identifying the base station 300 to which each communication device 200 is connected is not limited to the above.

[0027] Furthermore, the distribution server 100 may obtain information regarding the communication method between the base station 300 and multiple communication devices 200. The information regarding the communication method may be information for identifying the communication method used by the communication device 200 for communication with the base station 300. The communication method may be a communication method equivalent to LPWA, such as the NB-IoT or Category M1 mentioned above. In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication method is not limited to NB-IoT or Category M1. The distribution server 100 may request the management server 101 to provide information regarding the communication method of the communication device 200. In response to the request from the distribution server 100, the management server 101 may request the communication device 200 to transmit information regarding the communication method and transmit the information regarding the communication method obtained from the communication device 200 to the management server 101.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, information regarding the communication method of the communication device 200 may be stored as a network bearer in resource "0" of the connectivity monitoring object "4". Therefore, when the distribution server 100 requests the transmission of information regarding the communication method, it may generate an instruction specifying resource " / 4 / 0 / 0". When the communication device 200 receives a request from the distribution server 100 specifying resource " / 4 / 0 / 0", it may read the information stored in that resource (information regarding the communication method) and send it to the distribution server 100.

[0029] Figure 2(a) may be an example of a table that associates communication devices 200 (200Aa, 200Ab, ...) that are targets for distribution of update software connected to base station 200A with the communication method of the communication device 200. Table TB10 may store the communication method of the communication device 200 having a communication device ID that uniquely identifies the communication device. In Figure 2(a), for simplicity, each ID is shown with the same symbols as in Figure 1. For example, referring to table TB10, the communication method of communication device 200Aa is NB-IoT, and the communication method of communication device 200Ab is Category M1. Note that the figure is just an example, and the format of the table is not limited to this, as long as the communication method of the communication device 200 can be identified.

[0030] The distribution server 100 may obtain the number of communication devices 200 for each communication method based on information about the communication methods obtained from multiple communication devices 200. Figure 2(b) may be a table storing the number of communication devices for each communication method connected to the base station 300A. For example, table TB11 may be obtained based on table TB10 in Figure 2(a), and the number of communication devices 200 may be associated with each communication method. In the example of table TB11, the number of communication devices 200 connected to the base station 300A that are the target of distribution of the update software is 70 devices with communication method category M1 and 30 devices with communication method NB-IoT. Note that the numerical values ​​in table TB11 are simplified for clarity and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0031] The distribution server 100 may set the ratio of communication devices for which update software is distributed in a single distribution, based on the number of communication devices (200) connected to the base station 300, according to the communication method. This will be explained using Figure 2(c). From Table TB11, the ratio of Category M1 to NB-IoT may be "7:3". Therefore, the distribution server 100 may set the number of communication devices for which update software is distributed in a single distribution to be "7:3" for Category M1 and NB-IoT. The distribution server 100 may then distribute the update software to the number of devices for each communication method, which is set based on the above ratio. That is, in Figure 2(c), if band 40 represents the number of devices for a single distribution, the update software may be distributed to Category M1 communication devices and NB-IoT communication devices in a ratio of 7:3.

[0032] Let's explain the advantages mentioned above. For example, in the state of table TB11, suppose that of the communication devices 200 connected to base station 300A, 20 use the Category M1 communication method and 12 use NB-IoT. Also, suppose that the maximum number of devices to which distribution is possible for each communication method is 10 for Category M1 and 6 for NB-IoT. In this case, conventionally, in order to reduce FOTA failures, the number of devices that can be distributed at one time by the distribution server 100 may be set to 6, in line with the number of NB-IoT devices. In this case, if the update software is distributed to a total of 32 communication devices in batches of 6, at least 6 distributions will be required until the distribution is complete. Here, although Category M1 has a wider bandwidth than NB-IoT and can distribute to more than 6 devices, the distribution resources of Category M1 are not being fully utilized.

[0033] In contrast, according to one embodiment of the present invention, update software may be distributed according to the communication method. Therefore, in the first distribution, the maximum number of devices in category M1, which is 10, may be adopted, and FOTA may be performed for 7 devices in category M1 and 3 devices in NB-IoT. This makes it possible to execute FOTA by making full use of resources, and the time required for FOTA of IoT devices can be shortened.

[0034] Furthermore, the distribution server 100 may set the number of devices to be distributed for each communication method based on the maximum number of devices that can be distributed in a single distribution and the ratio described above, as described above. This makes it possible to perform FOTA without wasting resources, even when there is a limit on the number of devices to which the update software can be distributed.

[0035] Next, using Figure 3, the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the distribution server 100 and communication device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0036] <Distribution Server> (1) Hardware configuration of the distribution server Figure 3 shows an example block diagram of a distribution server 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The distribution server 100 may include a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, an input / output unit 130, and a storage unit 170.

[0037] The storage unit 170 is typically implemented using various recording media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), and flash memory, and may have the function of storing various programs and data necessary for the operation of the distribution server 100.

[0038] The control unit 110 is typically a processor and may be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The control unit 110 may perform the functions and methods shown in each embodiment by reading a program stored in the storage unit 170 and executing the code or instructions contained in the read program. The control unit 110 may implement each process disclosed in each embodiment by logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc. Furthermore, these circuits may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be implemented by a single integrated circuit.

[0039] The communication unit 120 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, communication software, or a combination thereof, and transmits and receives various types of data with external devices. This communication may be performed via wired or wireless connection, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the two devices is possible. For example, the distribution server 100 and the communication device 200 may transmit and receive data using protocols for IoT developed by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), such as LwM2M (Lightweight M2M), MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport), and CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol). The communication unit 120 may transmit and receive various types of data using a communication bearer established between the distribution server 100 and each communication device 200.

[0040] The input / output unit 130 may include an input device for inputting various operations to the distribution server 100, and an output device for outputting processing results processed by the distribution server 100. The input device may include, for example, hardware keys such as a touch panel, touch display, or keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (for image-based operation input), or a microphone (for voice-based operation input). The output device outputs the processing results processed by the control unit 110 and may include, for example, a touch panel or speaker. The input device and output device may be installed in a centralized monitoring center (not shown) for remotely monitoring the communication device 200, and may receive operations from a monitor (administrator) or output various information to the monitor.

[0041] The distribution server 100 may include an acquisition unit 111, a setting unit 112, and a distribution unit 113 as functions implemented by the control unit 110. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire identification information (cell ID) that identifies the base station 300 to which the communication device 200 is connected from the communication device 200 to which the update software is to be distributed. The acquisition unit 111 may also acquire information regarding the communication method between multiple communication devices 200 and the base station 300. The acquisition unit 111 may acquire the identification information via a management server 101 that communicates with the communication device 200 using a predetermined protocol. Here, the predetermined protocol may be LwM2M.

[0042] The setting unit 112 may set the ratio of each communication method for which the update software is distributed in a single distribution, based on the information on the communication method of each communication device 200 acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0043] The distribution unit 113 may distribute the update software to the base station 300 in a number of units for each communication method, which is set based on a ratio. Alternatively, the distribution unit 113 may distribute the update software to the base station 300 in a number of units for each communication method, which is obtained based on the maximum number of units that can be distributed in a single distribution and the ratio.

[0044] <Communication equipment> Next, a communication device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The communication device 200 may include a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, an input / output unit 230, and a storage unit 270. The control unit 210 and the communication unit 220 constituting the communication device 200 may be software or modules whose processing is executed by a processor executing a program stored in memory. Alternatively, the control unit 210 and the communication unit 220 constituting the communication device 200 may be hardware such as a circuit or a chip.

[0045] The communication unit 220 may communicate with the base station 300 using a predetermined communication method and send and receive various data with the distribution server 100 and the management server 101 via the mobile communication network 500. For example, the communication unit 220 may be compatible with NB-IoT, Category M1, LTE, etc., as the predetermined communication method.

[0046] The control unit 210 may be composed of, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and may execute a program stored in the memory unit 270 to perform processing to operate the communication device 200 in accordance with NB-IoT, Category M1, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 210 may perform various processes for connecting to the mobile communication network 500 (registration with the core network 50) and disconnecting from the mobile communication network 500. In addition, the control unit 210 may download FOTA update software via the communication unit 220. Furthermore, the control unit 210 may update the firmware of its own device using the downloaded update software.

[0048] The storage unit 270 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the communication device 200. The storage unit 270 may include, for example, semiconductor memory (magnetic memory, flash memory, etc.). The storage unit 270 may also include memory (RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.) that provides a working area for the control unit 210. The storage unit 270 may store base station identification information (cell ID) 271 that uniquely identifies the base station 300 to which the device is connected, and information regarding the communication method (communication method information) 272.

[0049] The input / output unit 230 is an interface to external devices such as sensors, and may include, for example, a U-bus interface, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) interface, an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) interface, an I2C interface, etc. The communication device 200 may transmit data detected by sensors connected via the input / output unit 230 to the management server 101 or the like.

[0050] <Distribution process for update software> The software update distribution process according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram between the distribution server 100 and the communication device 200, which are responsible for executing the software update distribution process (FOTA). Here, the explanation will focus on the NB-IoT communication device 200Aa and the Category M1 communication device 200Ab, both connected to the base station 300A. Furthermore, it is assumed that the distribution server 100 identifies that the communication devices 200Aa and 200Ab are connected to the base station 300A by the cell IDs obtained from the communication devices 200Aa and 200Ab.

[0051] Communication devices 200Aa and 200Ab may, upon receiving a request from the management server 101, transmit information regarding their own communication method via the management server 101 (steps S11 and S12). The distribution server 100 may obtain information regarding the communication method between the base station 300A and the multiple communication devices 200Aa and 200Ab of the update software (step S13). This may result in obtaining table TB10 in Figure 2(a).

[0052] The distribution server 100 may set the ratio of each communication method for which communication devices distribute the update software in a single distribution, based on the communication method information obtained from multiple communication devices 200Aa and 200Ab (step S14). This may result in the ratios shown in table TB11 in Figure 2(b) and Figure 2(c).

[0053] The distribution server 100 may then distribute the update software to the base stations 300A in a number of units for each communication method, which is set based on a ratio (steps S15, S16, S17). The distribution of the update software may be carried out by sending an FOTA command (distribution notification) to each communication device 200 indicating that FOTA will be performed. The FOTA command may include information (URL) regarding the download location of the update software.

[0054] Furthermore, the communication device 200 may download the update software and update its own firmware using the downloaded update software. Additionally, once the firmware update is complete, communication devices 200Aa and 200Ab may send a notification to the distribution server 100 indicating that FOTA is complete. Subsequently, for communication devices 200 that did not receive the update software in the first distribution, additional FOTA commands may be sent in a number determined by the ratio set for each communication method.

[0055] While the present invention has been described based on various drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each means, each step, etc., can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means or steps, etc., can be combined into one or divided. Furthermore, the configurations shown in the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, each component described as being provided by the distribution server 100 may be implemented by multiple servers in a distributed manner. Also, the processing described as a function of the distribution server 100 may be performed by the communication device 200. Conversely, the processing described as being performed by the communication device 200 may be performed by the distribution server 100 or the management server 101.

[0056] For example, as described above, the cell ID was used as an example of base station identification information. However, ECGI (E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier) ​​may also be used as base station identification information. Furthermore, in addition to the cell ID, information about the telecommunications carrier providing the base station 300 and information about the installation area of ​​the base station 300 may also be used to identify the base station 300.

[0057] Furthermore, the ratio of the number of devices to be delivered for each communication method may be changed according to a predetermined weighting. For example, the control unit 210 of each communication device 200 may acquire communication quality information regarding the communication quality of its own device and transmit it to the management server 101 via the communication unit 220. The communication quality information may be, but is not limited to, RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio), etc. The control unit 210 of the communication device 200 may measure the communication quality information based on the state of wireless communication, such as the received strength of radio waves received by the communication unit 220. The delivery server 100 may then reduce the ratio of the number of devices to be delivered for communication methods with poor communication quality. This can reduce the probability of FOTA failure.

[0058] Furthermore, FOTA may be performed with a specified communication method. For example, FOTA may be performed only on the NB-IoT communication device 200. This allows for more flexible execution of FOTA.

[0059] Each functional unit of the distribution server 100 or communication device 200 may be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), or by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Furthermore, each functional unit may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, and the functions of multiple functional units may be implemented by a single integrated circuit.

[0060] The programs of each embodiment of this disclosure may be provided stored in a storage medium readable by the information processing device. The storage medium is a "non-temporary tangible medium" capable of storing programs. The programs include, for example, software programs and information processing device programs. When each functional unit of the distribution server 100 as an information processing device is implemented by software, the distribution server 100 functions as an acquisition unit 111, a setting unit 112, and a distribution unit 113 by having the processor execute a program loaded into memory.

[0061] The storage medium may, where appropriate, include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tape, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards or drives, any other suitable storage medium, or two or more suitable combinations thereof. The storage medium may, where appropriate, be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile.

[0062] Furthermore, each embodiment of this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, where the program is embodied by electronic transmission. The programs of this disclosure may be implemented using, for example, scripting languages ​​such as JavaScript® and Python, C language, Go language, Swift®, Koltin®, Java®, etc.

[0063] According to each aspect of this disclosure described above, by providing technologies related to the monitoring and maintenance of IoT devices for 5G and beyond network technologies, we can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100 Distribution Servers (Information Processing Devices) 110 Control Unit 111 Acquisition Department 112 Settings Section 113 Distribution Department 120 Communications Department 130 Input / output section 170 Storage section 101 Management Server 200 Communication devices (IoT devices) 210 Control Unit 220 Communications Department 230 Input / output section 270 Storage section 271 Base station identification information (cell ID) 272 Communication System Information 300 base stations 500 Mobile Communication Networks 50 Core Network 600 distribution systems

Claims

1. A distribution server that distributes update software to multiple communication devices connected to a base station, An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the communication method between the base station and the plurality of communication devices, A setting unit that sets the ratio for each communication method of the communication device that distributes the update software in a single distribution based on the information regarding the communication method, The base station includes a distribution unit that distributes the update software to a number of devices for each communication method, which is set based on the ratio, A distribution server equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the communication method via a management server that communicates with the communication device using a predetermined protocol. The distribution server according to claim 1.

3. The distribution unit distributes the update software to the base station in the number of units for each communication method, which is determined based on the maximum number of units that can be distributed to the base station in the first distribution and the ratio. The distribution server according to claim 1.

4. The information regarding the communication method with the base station includes Category M1. The distribution server according to claim 1.

5. The information regarding the communication method with the base station includes NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things), The distribution server according to claim 1.

6. A method for controlling a distribution server that distributes update software to multiple communication devices connected to a base station, Computers The steps include obtaining information regarding the communication method between the base station and the plurality of communication devices, Based on the information regarding the aforementioned communication method, the communication device that distributes the update software in a single distribution is configured to set the ratio for each communication method. The steps include: distributing the update software to the base station in a number of units for each communication method set based on the ratio; A method for controlling the distribution server to execute this.

7. A control program for a distribution server that distributes update software to multiple communication devices connected to a base station, On the computer, The function of acquiring information regarding the communication method between the multiple communication devices and the base station, Based on the information regarding the aforementioned communication method, the communication device that distributes the update software in a single distribution has a function to set the ratio for each communication method, The base station has a function to distribute the update software to the number of devices for each communication method, which is set based on the ratio, A control program for the distribution server that makes this possible.

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