Software update device

Abstract

To provide a software update apparatus for updating software.SOLUTION: A software update apparatus 1 which is connected to a household equipment apparatus 2 over a network to update software to be used in the household equipment apparatus 2 includes: an update file storage unit 10 which stores, as an update file, update software to be used for updating the software; an operation information acquisition unit 11 which acquires, from the household equipment apparatus 2, operation information indicating an operation condition of the household equipment apparatus 2; an operation condition determination unit 12 which determines whether or not the household equipment apparatus 2 is in operation on the basis of the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 11; a distribution target setting unit 13 which sets, on the basis of a result determined by the operation condition determination unit 12, the household equipment apparatus 2 which is not in operation at least, as a distribution target to which the update file is to be distributed; and an update file distribution unit 14 which distributes the update file to the household equipment apparatus 2 set as the distribution target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a software updating device that is connected to a household equipment device via a network and updates software used in the household equipment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, IoT has been increasingly adopted for devices, and a variety of services are being provided. Examples of such devices include residential equipment such as water heaters and fuel cells installed in homes. Some residential equipment has the function of receiving remotely distributed software (parameters) and setting up the software within the residential equipment. An example of a technology related to the distribution of such software is described in Patent Document 1, the source of which is shown below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a fuel cell system. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell unit having a fuel cell, a processor that executes a control program for operating the fuel cell, a memory including a first area and a second area, and an update instruction unit. The first area stores a first control program as a control program executed by the processor, and the second area stores a second control program as an updated control program that is executed by the processor in place of the first control program. The update instruction unit is configured to switch the control program executed by the processor from the first control program to the second control program while power generation by the fuel cell is stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-73546 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Software updates are often performed irregularly, and may also be performed as a troubleshooting measure, so it is desirable to perform them quickly and reliably. Software updates are usually distributed from a server, but depending on the network communication situation or the device's status (other than a shutdown), updates may not be possible or the software update may fail, resulting in a malfunction due to the software not being updated. Furthermore, depending on the software update status, there is a possibility that the expected operation may be affected, and there is also a risk of impacting energy efficiency and economic efficiency. Furthermore, if a malfunction does occur, on-site repairs will be required, causing inconvenience to users.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a software updating device that can update software quickly and reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the software update device according to the present invention is as follows: A software update device that is connected to a home equipment device via a network and updates software used in the home equipment device, an update file storage unit that stores update software used for updating the software as an update file; an operating information acquisition unit that acquires operating information indicating an operating status of the household equipment from the household equipment; an operating state determination unit that determines whether the household equipment is operating based on the operating information acquired by the operating information acquisition unit; a distribution target setting unit that sets at least the household equipment devices that are not in operation as distribution targets to which the update file is to be distributed based on a determination result of the operating state determination unit; an update file distribution unit that distributes the update file to the household equipment devices that have been set as distribution targets; Equipped with 、 The household equipment determined to be stopped due to an error by the operation status determination unit based on the operation information is restored; The update file distribution unit automatically distributes the update file in response to recovery of the household equipment. The point is that

[0008] This feature allows the system to distribute update software used by household equipment over the network under optimal conditions while keeping track of the operating status of the household equipment. This also avoids situations where update files cannot be distributed depending on the operating status of the household equipment. This allows for the realization of a software update device that can quickly and reliably update software.

[0009] It is also preferable that the distribution target setting unit sets the household equipment that is stopped as the distribution target.

[0010] This configuration can prevent interference with the operation of household equipment.

[0011] Preferably, the distribution target setting unit excludes the household equipment that has stopped operating due to an error from the distribution targets.

[0012] This configuration can avoid situations where update files cannot be delivered depending on the operating status of the household equipment. It also prevents situations where updates cannot be performed even after update files have been delivered, and avoids situations where the network becomes unnecessarily congested.

[0013] Further, the software update device a load calculation unit that calculates a load on the update file distribution unit at the time when the update file distribution unit is about to distribute the update file; It is preferable that the system further comprises a distribution canceling unit that cancels distribution by the update file distribution unit when the load calculated by the load calculation unit is greater than a preset value.

[0014] With this configuration, it is possible to reliably update software used in household equipment via the network under optimal conditions according to the load on the update file distribution section.

[0015] Further, the software update device The communication system further includes a communication status determination unit that determines the communication status of the network for each time period obtained by dividing a day into predetermined time periods, It is preferable that the update file distribution unit distributes the update file while avoiding a time period when the communication state is worse than a preset standard.

[0016] This configuration can shorten the time required to distribute the update file. It also makes it possible to avoid situations where the network communication status deteriorates further as the update file is distributed. It also makes it possible to avoid situations where distribution fails due to deterioration of the network communication status.

[0017] In addition, the area in which the housing equipment is managed is divided into multiple blocks, A single block includes a plurality of the home equipment devices, It is preferable that the update file distribution unit distributes the update file for each of a plurality of groups into which the plurality of household equipment devices included in a single block are divided.

[0018] With this configuration, it becomes easier to avoid situations where the network communication state deteriorates compared to when update files are distributed to all household equipment devices at once, and it is also possible to avoid situations where distribution fails due to deterioration of the network communication state.

[0019] Preferably, the housing equipment is a fuel cell device.

[0020] For example, if the household equipment is a fuel cell device, it is possible to update the software while reducing the impact on power generation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a software update device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operating status of the household equipment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the traffic volume and distribution status over time. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping related to distribution of update files. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The software update device according to the present invention is configured to have a function of updating software used in household equipment connected via a network. The software update device 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a software update device 1. FIG. 1 also shows a household equipment device 2 connected to the software update device 1 via a network. The household equipment device 2 is equipment provided in a home 3, specifically, household equipment such as a water heater, a stove, a fan heater, an alarm, an air conditioner, a floor heating system, and a fuel cell system. It also includes a remote control, which is an operating device for remotely controlling these devices. Such household equipment device 2 can grasp its own status (e.g., whether it is normal or not) and is connected to a network directly or via a remote control. The network is an Internet line, and includes both wireless and wired networks. For example, wired networks include not only optical cable lines and cable television lines, but also other priority networks. The software update device 1 and the household equipment device 2 are configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally via this network. This allows various data to be transmitted from the household equipment device 2 to the software update device 1, enabling the software update device 1 to grasp the status of the household equipment device 2. Therefore, the software update device 1 not only updates the software used in the household equipment 2 but also functions as a server that manages the household equipment 2.

[0024] The software update device 1 updates software used in the household equipment 2 via such a network. The software used in the household equipment 2 is software that is built into the household equipment 2 and operates the household equipment 2. As shown in Fig. 1, when there are multiple household equipment 2 connected via a network, it is advisable to assign identification information (e.g., an identification number) to each household equipment 2 so that they can be identified and managed.

[0025] The software update device 1 is also configured to monitor the operating state (operating, stopped, stopped due to an error) of the household equipment 2, and to monitor the equipment state (the state of the household equipment 2). The household equipment 2 is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects the equipment state. If the household equipment 2 is a fuel cell device, it is preferable to provide a sensor that acquires information about the power generation state (for example, gas usage, power generation, temperature, etc.).

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the software update device 1 is configured with an update file storage unit 10, an operating information acquisition unit 11, an operating state determination unit 12, a distribution target setting unit 13, an update file distribution unit 14, a load calculation unit 15, a distribution cancellation unit 16, and a communication state determination unit 17, and each functional unit is constructed using hardware or software, or both, with a CPU as the core component in order to perform processing related to software updates.

[0027] The update file storage unit 10 stores update software used for software updates as an update file. Update software used for software updates is software that updates software installed in the household equipment 2. Such update software is stored in the update file storage unit 10 in the form of an electronic file. As described above, the household equipment 2 includes various types of devices, and the update file storage unit 10 stores update software for each type and model number of the household equipment 2. Of course, if there is a household equipment 2 that does not require software updating, it is not necessary to store update software for that household equipment 2. Furthermore, in some household equipment 2, after the installed software is updated with update software, further updates may be required. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the update file storage unit 10 to sequentially store update software as it becomes available. Of course, the update file storage unit 10 may also be configured to store only the latest update software for each type and model number of the household equipment 2.

[0028] The operation information acquisition unit 11 acquires operation information indicating the operation status of the household equipment 2 from the household equipment 2. The operation status of the household equipment 2 corresponds to the state of the household equipment 2. As shown in FIG. 2, such operation status includes at least "operating" and "stopped." Also, as shown in FIG. 2, "stopped" can be divided into "stopped (normal)" (hereinafter also referred to as "normally stopped"), which indicates that the household equipment 2 is stopped in response to a user's intention, the device's own judgment, or a command from a management device (not shown), and "stopped (error)" (hereinafter also referred to as "error stopped"), which indicates that the household equipment 2 is stopped due to an operation problem. In this embodiment, information indicating such an operation status is treated as operation information. The operation information is transmitted from the household equipment 2 to the software update device 1 via a network at intervals preset for the household equipment 2, and is acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 11. The operation information acquisition unit 11 may store the acquired operation information for each household equipment 2 together with time information indicating the time of acquisition.

[0029] Returning to FIG. 1 , the operating state determination unit 12 determines whether the household equipment 2 is operating based on the operating information acquired by the operating information acquisition unit 11. The operating information acquired by the operating information acquisition unit 11 is information indicating the operating status of the household equipment 2 transmitted from the household equipment 2 via the network, and is stored in the operating information acquisition unit 11 in this embodiment. The operating information also includes information indicating whether the household equipment 2 is operating, normally stopped, or error stopped at the time the operating information is acquired. Therefore, the operating state determination unit 12 determines whether the household equipment 2 is operating at the time the operating information is acquired, based on the operating information indicating the operating status of the household equipment 2 transmitted from the household equipment 2 via the network, which is stored in the operating information acquisition unit 11.

[0030] The distribution target setting unit 13 sets at least household equipment 2 that is not in operation as a distribution target for distributing the update file, based on the determination result of the operating state determination unit 12. The determination result of the operating state determination unit 12 is the result of the operating state determination unit 12 determining whether or not the household equipment 2 is in operation. The software update device 1 is configured to avoid distributing the update file to the household equipment 2 that is not in operation in order to prevent any problems if the household equipment 2 is in operation. The distribution target for distributing the update file is the household equipment 2 to which the software update device 1 will distribute the update file.

[0031] A household equipment device 2 that is not operating corresponds to a household equipment device 2 that is stopped. Therefore, the distribution target setting unit 13 sets a household equipment device 2 that is stopped as a distribution target. In this case, even if an update file is distributed to a household equipment device 2 that is stopped due to an error, the household equipment device 2 that is stopped due to an error may not be able to properly receive the update file. Furthermore, even if a household equipment device 2 that is stopped due to an error receives the update file, it may not be able to update the software. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distribution target setting unit 13 excludes a household equipment device 2 that is stopped due to an error from the distribution target. A household equipment device 2 that is stopped due to an error can be identified based on the operation information as described above. Therefore, the distribution target setting unit 13 may set a household equipment device 2 that is normally stopped as a distribution target for the update file, and exclude a household equipment device 2 that is operating and a household equipment device 2 that is stopped due to an error from the distribution target for the update file. Such household equipment devices 2 that are distribution targets may be managed based on the identification information described above.

[0032] Therefore, in the software update device 1, as shown in Fig. 2, it is preferable that distribution is "not possible" for household equipment 2 that is "in operation" and distribution is "possible" for household equipment 2 that is "normally stopped." It is also preferable that distribution is "not possible" for household equipment 2 that is "stopped due to an error."

[0033] Returning to Fig. 1, the update file distribution unit 14 distributes update files to household equipment devices 2 that have been set as distribution targets. The household equipment devices 2 that have been set as distribution targets are the household equipment devices 2 to which the update file is to be distributed, as set by the distribution target setting unit 13 described above. Therefore, the update file distribution unit 14 distributes update files to the household equipment devices 2 that are the targets to which the update file is to be distributed. Note that, as described above, the household equipment devices 2 are assigned identification information, so the household equipment devices 2 to which the update file distribution unit 14 distributes the update file may also be managed based on the identification information.

[0034] The load calculation unit 15 calculates the load on the update file distribution unit 14 when the update file distribution unit 14 attempts to distribute the update file. The time when the update file distribution unit 14 attempts to distribute the update file refers to at least the time between when the distribution target setting unit 13 sets the household equipment devices 2 to which the update file is to be distributed and when the update file distribution unit 14 distributes the update file. The load on the update file distribution unit 14 refers to the computational load on the update file distribution unit 14. For example, when an update file is being distributed to a household equipment device 2, the load is greater than when an update file is not being distributed. In addition to the distribution of the update file, the load also increases when, for example, the distribution target setting unit 13 acquires information (identification information) indicating the household equipment devices 2 to which the distribution target setting unit 13 sets the update file, receives commands from a management device (not shown), or transmits information to the management device (not shown). If the load on the update file distribution unit 14 is too large, the distribution of the update file may be hindered. Therefore, the load calculation unit 15 calculates the load on the update file distribution unit 14 at least from the time when the distribution target household equipment 2 is set by the distribution target setting unit 13 until the update file distribution unit 14 distributes the update file. The load on the update file distribution unit 14 can be calculated, for example, as the operating rate or utilization rate of the processing unit of the update file distribution unit 14, or as the ratio between the number of household equipment 2 to which the update file distribution unit 14 can simultaneously distribute and the number of household equipment 2 to which the update file distribution unit 14 is currently distributing the update software. Furthermore, the load calculation unit 15 can also be calculated as the file size of the update file being distributed to the household equipment 2 or the communication volume of information transmitted from the operating state determination unit 12. The load calculation unit 15 may calculate the load at a predetermined point in time from the time when the distribution target household equipment 2 is set by the distribution target setting unit 13 until the update file distribution unit 14 distributes the update file. Alternatively, the load calculation unit 15 may be configured to calculate the average load from the time when the distribution target household equipment 2 is set by the distribution target setting unit 13 until the update file distribution unit 14 distributes the update file. Note that a large load is the same as a heavy load.

[0035] The distribution canceling unit 16 causes the update file distribution unit 14 to cancel distribution when the load calculated by the load calculation unit 15 is greater than a preset value. The load calculated by the load calculation unit 15 is the load on the update file distribution unit 14. When the load on the update file distribution unit 14 is calculated, the update file distribution unit 14 is scheduled to distribute an update file. For example, if the update file distribution unit 14 that is scheduled to distribute an update file is under a certain load, further distribution of the update file may interfere with the processing currently being performed by the update file distribution unit 14. Therefore, the distribution canceling unit 16 causes the update file distribution unit 14 to cancel distribution when the load on the update file distribution unit 14 is greater than a preset value. When the distribution of the update file is canceled by the distribution canceling unit 16, the suspension of distribution may be canceled and the update file distribution unit 14 may perform distribution when the load on the update file distribution unit 14 falls below a preset value. Alternatively, the update file may be distributed when the update file distribution unit 14 is re-set as a distribution target by the distribution target setting unit 13.

[0036] The communication status determination unit 17 determines the network communication status for each time period, which is a predetermined time period dividing a day. The network communication status is an index that indicates whether the amount of data (communication volume) being transmitted and received using the lines that make up the network is high or low, and corresponds to so-called network traffic. Generally, the network communication speed often decreases around lunchtime and from the evening until midnight. Therefore, the communication status determination unit 17 determines the network communication status in the home 3 in which the household equipment 2 is installed, or the network communication status in the area including the home 3 in which the household equipment 2 is installed, for each time period, which is a predetermined time period divided into several time periods.

[0037] FIG. 3(a) shows an example of the communication volume determined by the communication status determination unit 17. In the example of FIG. 3(a), it is shown that the communication volume is low from midnight to 8:00 and medium from 8:00 to 12:00. It is also shown that the communication volume is high from 12:00 to 13:00, medium from 13:00 to 16:00, and high from 16:00 to 24:00. The determination result of the communication status determination unit 17 is transmitted to the update file distribution unit 14. Note that a low communication volume refers to a case where the amount of data transmitted over the network is less than a predetermined first data volume, a high communication volume refers to a case where the amount of data transmitted over the network is equal to or greater than a second data volume that is greater than the first data volume, and a medium communication volume refers to a case where the amount of data transmitted over the network is equal to or greater than the first data volume and less than the second data volume.

[0038] The update file distribution unit 14 distributes update files while avoiding time periods when communication conditions are worse than a preset standard. That is, in the traffic volume state shown in FIG. 3(a), as shown in FIG. 3(b), distribution is performed from midnight to 8:00, but is not performed (prohibited) between 12:00 and 13:00 and between 16:00 and 24:00. Furthermore, distribution may be conditionally performed between 8:00 and 12:00 and between 13:00 and 16:00. Specifically, distribution may be performed according to the content of the update file (e.g., importance), or the number of household equipment devices 2 to be simultaneously distributed may be limited (reduced). Furthermore, if a software update schedule is set in advance, if the schedule is set during a time period with high traffic volume, the number of distribution targets may be reduced, or the timing of the software update may be changed. For example, the number of distribution targets for which software is to be updated may be increased during a time period with low traffic volume, or the timing of the software update may be brought forward. Furthermore, software updates may be performed during time periods with low traffic volume. For example, during periods of line congestion, communication speeds may decrease, requiring more time to deliver update files, and delivery may fail due to a timeout, but by specifying the delivery time periods as described above, such delivery failures can be avoided. If delivery fails, it is possible to configure the system to retry a preset number of times, or to set a new update schedule and deliver update files based on the new update schedule.

[0039] Here, it is assumed that the area (management area) in which the software update device 1 manages the household equipment devices 2 is divided into multiple sections as shown in Fig. 4. In the example of Fig. 4, it is assumed that the management area is divided into four sections: Block A, Block B, Block C, and Block D. It is also assumed that each block, i.e., a single block, includes multiple household equipment devices 2. In the example of Fig. 4, Block A includes seven household equipment devices 2, Block B includes nine household equipment devices 2, Block C includes six household equipment devices 2, and Block D includes six household equipment devices 2.

[0040] In this case, the update file distribution unit 14 may distribute the update file to each group of multiple household equipment devices 2 included in a single block. In the example of FIG. 4, the multiple household equipment devices 2 belonging to each of Blocks A, B, C, and D are divided into three groups: Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. Therefore, when distributing an update file to household equipment devices 2 belonging to Block A, for example, the update file distribution unit 14 may first distribute the update file to the household equipment devices 2 belonging to one of Groups 1, 2, and 3 in Block A. After this distribution is completed, the update file may be distributed to the household equipment devices 2 belonging to one of the remaining two groups. After this distribution is completed, the update file may be distributed to the household equipment devices 2 belonging to the remaining group. This allows the distribution timing within one block to be dispersed (shifted in time), thereby avoiding a situation where distribution is concentrated within one group and excessive communication traffic occurs. In such a case, while an update file is being distributed to household equipment 2 belonging to a predetermined group in block A, the update file may also be distributed to household equipment 2 belonging to a predetermined group in another block. The software update device 1 preferably manages the household equipment 2 using such a map. The above-mentioned block and grouping may be performed manually or automatically. When distributing an update file based on such block and grouping, it is preferable to distribute the update file to household equipment 2 that are not in operation in the group to which the update file is to be distributed.

[0041] With the above configuration, the line usage rate of the network between the software update device 1 and the household equipment 2 can be alleviated, i.e., line congestion can be alleviated. Furthermore, with the above configuration, household equipment 2 that is set as a distribution target and is normally stopped can receive the update file and perform software updates while normally stopped. Therefore, software updates can be performed without interfering with the operation of the household equipment 2. Furthermore, by understanding and controlling the status of the household equipment 2, it is possible to take into consideration the load on the software update device 1 and alleviate network congestion, thereby ensuring software updates. Furthermore, because the household equipment 2 is in an optimal operating state, future breakdowns can be suppressed and maintenance costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by linking with the network, it is possible to understand the health of the household equipment 2, which can lead to improved service.

[0042] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the software update device 1 does not deliver update files to household equipment 2 that is stopped due to an error. For example, the software update device 1 can be configured to restore a household equipment 2 that is stopped due to an error, and can also be configured to automatically deliver update files upon restoration.

[0043] (2) In the above embodiment, it has been described that the update file distribution unit 14 distributes the update file. However, it is also possible to configure the update file distribution unit 14 to first distribute the update file to a related terminal (a terminal related to the home appliance 2, i.e., a remote control that can remotely operate the home appliance 2, a mobile terminal owned by the owner of the home appliance 2, etc.), and then transmit the update file from this related terminal to the home appliance 2.

[0044] (3) In the above embodiment, the communication status determination unit 17 is described as determining the communication status of the network, but it is also possible to configure the household equipment 2 to determine the communication status of the network and transmit this determination result to the software update device 1. It is also possible to configure both the communication status determination unit 17 and the household equipment 2 to determine the communication status of the network. These determinations may be made automatically or manually.

[0045] (4) In the above embodiment, the distribution target setting unit 13 is described as setting a home appliance 2 that has stopped operating as a distribution target. However, it is also possible to set a home appliance 2 that is undergoing a trial run due to maintenance, for example, as a distribution target.

[0046] (5) In the above embodiment, the distribution target setting unit 13 is described as excluding the home appliance 2 that has stopped operating due to an error from the distribution target. However, it is also possible to configure the distribution target setting unit 13 to set the home appliance 2 that has stopped operating due to an error as the distribution target.

[0047] (6) In the above embodiment, the load calculation unit 15 calculates the load on the update file distribution unit 14 at the time when the update file distribution unit 14 is about to distribute the update file, and the distribution cancellation unit 16 cancels the distribution by the update file distribution unit 14 if the load calculated by the load calculation unit 15 is greater than a preset value. However, it is also possible to configure the update file distribution unit 14 to distribute the update file regardless of the load at the time when the update file distribution unit 14 is about to distribute the update file.

[0048] (7) In the above embodiment, the update file distribution unit 14 was described as distributing update files while avoiding time periods when the communication conditions are worse than a preset standard. However, the update file distribution unit 14 can also be configured to distribute update files regardless of the communication conditions.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the update file distribution unit 14 was described as distributing update files for each group into which multiple home appliances 2 included in a single block are divided, but it is also possible to configure the update file distribution unit 14 to distribute update files regardless of block or group.

[0050] The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0051] The present invention can be used in a software updating device that is connected to a household equipment device via a network and updates software used in the household equipment device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1: Software update device 2: Housing equipment 10: Update file storage section 11: Driving information acquisition unit 12: Driving state determination unit 13: Distribution target setting section 14: Update file distribution section 15: Load calculation section 16:Discontinuation of distribution 17: Communication status determination unit

Claims

1. A software update device that is connected to a home equipment device via a network and updates software used in the home equipment device, an update file storage unit that stores update software used for updating the software as an update file; an operating information acquisition unit that acquires operating information indicating an operating status of the household equipment from the household equipment; an operating state determination unit that determines whether the household equipment is operating based on the operating information acquired by the operating information acquisition unit; a distribution target setting unit that sets at least the household equipment devices that are not in operation as distribution targets to which the update file is to be distributed based on a determination result of the operating state determination unit; an update file distribution unit that distributes the update file to the household equipment devices that have been set as distribution targets; Equipped with The household equipment determined to be stopped due to an error by the operation status determination unit based on the operation information is restored; The update file distribution unit is a software update device that automatically distributes the update file in response to recovery of the household equipment.

2. The software update device according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution target setting unit sets the household equipment that is stopped as the distribution target.

3. a load calculation unit that calculates a load on the update file distribution unit at the time when the update file distribution unit is about to distribute the update file; 3. The software update device according to claim 1, further comprising: a distribution canceling unit that cancels distribution by the update file distribution unit when the load calculated by the load calculation unit is greater than a preset value.

4. a communication status determination unit that determines the communication status of the network for each time period obtained by dividing a day into predetermined time periods; 4. The software update device according to claim 1, wherein the update file distribution unit distributes the update file while avoiding a time period in which the communication state is worse than a preset standard.

5. The area in which the housing equipment is managed is divided into a plurality of blocks, A single block includes a plurality of the home equipment devices, 5. The software update device according to claim 1, wherein the update file distribution unit distributes the update file for each of a plurality of groups into which the plurality of household equipment devices included in a single block are divided.

6. The software update device according to claim 1 , wherein the household equipment is a fuel cell device.

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