Communication equipment, firmware update method, and firmware update program.

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of contributing to resolving problems in wireless communication.SOLUTION: A communication device monitors the connection status to a public network of another communication device connected to the local area network to which an own device is connected. When a malfunction is detected in which another communication device becomes unable to connect to the public network, the communication device acquires log data from another communication device. The communication device also analyzes the acquired log data and analyzes malfunctions in another communication device. In addition, the communication device acquires an update file capable of resolving malfunctions in another communication device via the public network on the basis of the analysis results. Furthermore, the communication device updates firmware in another communication device so as to resolve malfunctions in another communication device on the basis of the acquired update file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a firmware update method, and a firmware update program.

Background Art

[0002] Some communication devices download update files and the like via wireless communication. When a problem occurs in the wireless communication in such a communication device, the update file itself for resolving the problem cannot be downloaded. In such a case, it is conceivable to connect the communication device to a PC (personal computer) by wire and analyze the problem on the PC to resolve the problem (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The following analysis is made from the viewpoint of the present invention. The disclosures of each of the above prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, a smartphone is assumed as a communication device in which a problem occurs in wireless communication. Further, Patent Document 1 describes specialized skills such as "displaying log data on a PC". Since most smartphone users do not have specialized skills for problem resolution, they bring their smartphones to a carrier shop or the like and request a shop clerk with specialized skills to perform work to resolve the problem.

[0006] Here, we consider a scenario where a wireless communication malfunction occurs simultaneously on numerous smartphones due to the distribution of an update file containing errors (an error file). In such a situation, it is expected that a large number of users will flock to carrier shops at once to resolve the problem. Naturally, providing individual user support at carrier shops is impractical due to staffing limitations.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technology that contributes to resolving problems in wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, A monitoring unit that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device itself is connected, A log data acquisition unit that acquires log data from other communication devices when a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, An analysis unit analyzes the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in other communication devices, Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition unit obtains update files that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via a public network. An update unit that updates the firmware of other communication devices to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, Communication equipment, including [specific equipment / devices], will be provided.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, A monitoring unit that monitors the connection status of the device to the public network, A log data acquisition unit acquires log data from its own device when a malfunction is detected that prevents connection to the public network. An analysis unit analyzes the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in the device, Based on the analysis results, the update file acquisition unit requests other communication devices connected to the local area network to which the device is connected to download the update file and acquires the update file. An update unit that updates the device's firmware based on an update file obtained via other communication devices, Communication equipment, including [specific equipment / devices], will be provided.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, When the device receives a request to download an update file from another communication device connected to the local area network to which it is connected, the update file acquisition unit downloads and obtains the said update file. Communication equipment, including [specific equipment / devices], will be provided.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, A monitoring step that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device itself is connected, When a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, a log data acquisition step is performed to acquire log data from other communication devices. An analysis step involves analyzing the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in other communication devices, Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition step is performed to obtain an update file that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via a public network, An update step to update the firmware of other communication devices in order to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, A method for updating firmware using communication equipment is provided, including the following.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, A monitoring process that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device is connected, When a defect is detected in which another communication device is unable to connect to the public network, a log data acquisition process for acquiring log data from the other communication device, an analysis process for analyzing the acquired log data to analyze the defect in the other communication device, an update file acquisition process for acquiring, via the public network, an update file capable of resolving the defect in the other communication device based on the analysis result, an update process for updating the firmware in the other communication device so as to resolve the defect in the other communication device based on the acquired update file, A firmware update program is provided that causes a computer as a communication device to execute the above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to each aspect of the present invention, a communication device, a firmware update method, and a firmware update program that contribute to resolving defects in wireless communication are provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining an overview. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining an overview. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing by a communication device (smartphone). [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining a system modification example. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining a system modification example. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining a system modification example. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a computer as a communication device.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The reference numerals in the drawings provided below are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines between blocks in each figure include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows schematically represent the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectional flow. In addition, although not explicitly shown, input and output ports exist at the input and output ends of each connecting line in the circuit diagrams, block diagrams, internal configuration diagrams, and connection diagrams disclosed herein. The same applies to input / output interfaces.

[0016] First, an overview of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the communication device 100 includes a monitoring unit 110, a log data acquisition unit 120, an analysis unit 130, an update file acquisition unit 140, and an update unit 150. The monitoring unit 110 monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device is connected. The log data acquisition unit 120 acquires log data from other communication devices when a malfunction is detected that prevents the other communication devices from connecting to the public network. The analysis unit 130 analyzes the acquired log data to analyze the malfunction in the other communication devices. The update file acquisition unit 140 acquires an update file that can resolve the malfunction in the other communication devices via the public network based on the analysis results. The update unit 150 updates the firmware of the other communication devices to resolve the malfunction in the other communication devices based on the acquired update file.

[0017] To illustrate with a concrete example, as shown in Figure 2, communication device 100 is exemplified by a smartphone, and other communication devices are exemplified by a WiFi router (hereinafter, for ease of distinction, they will be referred to as smartphone and WiFi router, respectively). The WiFi router is wired to the public network and provides a local area network. The smartphone is connected to the local area network provided by the WiFi router and normally connects to the public network via the WiFi router, but it can also connect to the public network via a mobile network. Now, suppose a problem occurs in the WiFi router that makes it impossible to connect to the public network. An update file containing a countermeasure for this problem has already been created and stored on the update file server, but the WiFi router is unable to download the update file and therefore the problem remains unresolved.

[0018] In this situation, the smartphone monitors the Wi-Fi router's connection status as a measure of other communication devices' connections to the public network. When it detects a problem, it retrieves log data from the Wi-Fi router and analyzes it. Next, the smartphone retrieves update files from the update file server via the mobile network and public network (i.e., without going through the Wi-Fi router). Then, the smartphone updates the Wi-Fi router's firmware based on the retrieved update files. As a result, the communication problem in the Wi-Fi router is resolved.

[0019] In short, in the above summary, the smartphone can be said to be downloading update files on behalf of the Wi-Fi router.

[0020] In this invention, conversely, the communication device 100 can be considered a WiFi router, and other communication devices can be considered smartphones, allowing the WiFi router to download update files on behalf of the smartphone. In other words, even if a wireless communication problem occurs in the smartphone, the update file can be downloaded via the WiFi router, and the wireless communication problem in the smartphone is automatically resolved. As a result, according to this invention, smartphone users no longer need to take their smartphones to carrier shops or other locations to resolve problems.

[0021] [Embodiment 1] A more specific example will be described below as Embodiment 1.

[0022] Communication device 100 is exemplified by a smartphone, and other communication devices are exemplified by a WiFi router. However, it is also possible to reverse the roles, with communication device 100 being a WiFi router and other communication devices being smartphones. Furthermore, as described later, the present invention can be applied to a variety of systems, and a system in which communication device 100 is a smartphone and other communication devices are WiFi routers is just one example. Hereafter, for ease of distinction, communication device 100 will be referred to as a smartphone, and other communication devices as WiFi routers.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the smartphone (communication device 100) includes a monitoring unit 110, a log data acquisition unit 120, an analysis unit 130, an update file acquisition unit 140, and an update unit 150.

[0024] The monitoring unit 110 monitors the connection status of the WiFi router connected to the local area network to which its device is connected, to the public network. The log data acquisition unit 120 acquires log data from the WiFi router when a malfunction is detected that prevents the WiFi router from connecting to the public network. The analysis unit 130 analyzes the acquired log data to analyze the malfunction in the WiFi router.

[0025] For example, a smartphone typically connects to a public network via a Wi-Fi router. Therefore, if the Wi-Fi router becomes unable to connect to the public network, communication from the smartphone will be interrupted at the Wi-Fi router (i.e., a network error occurs). In such a situation, the monitoring unit 110 detects the network error, the log data acquisition unit 120 acquires log data from the Wi-Fi router, and the analysis unit 130 analyzes the log data to identify the network error in the Wi-Fi router. Various existing technologies can be applied to the detection, analysis, and diagnosis of network errors. For example, the analysis unit 130 may determine whether the malfunction in the Wi-Fi router can be resolved by a firmware update, and if it determines that it cannot be resolved, it may display the log data.

[0026] The update file acquisition unit 140 acquires an update file that can resolve the malfunction in the WiFi router via the public network, based on the analysis results. To put the above situation simply, a smartphone can connect to the WiFi router, but it cannot connect to the public network via the WiFi router. Therefore, the smartphone switches from a WiFi connection to a mobile network connection (4G, 5G, etc.) to acquire (download) the update file.

[0027] In other words, the update files are stored on the WiFi router vendor's server (update file server), and normally the WiFi router downloads them on its own. However, under the circumstances described above, the WiFi router cannot download the update files. Therefore, the update file acquisition unit 140 downloads the update files on behalf of the WiFi router. The update file acquisition unit 140 can obtain the necessary information for downloading the update files (for example, the address of the update file server and the device information of the WiFi router) from the WiFi router.

[0028] The update unit 150 updates the firmware of the WiFi router to resolve any malfunctions in the WiFi router based on the acquired update file. Typically, a firmware update is necessary to resolve malfunctions that prevent connection to public networks. In this case, the update file for updating the WiFi router's firmware is often programmed to be extracted by the WiFi router. Therefore, the update unit 150 only needs to transfer the update file downloaded by the update file acquisition unit 140 to the WiFi router, and the firmware update can be left to the WiFi router. Of course, the update unit 150 can also extract the update file and update the WiFi router's firmware.

[0029] The following describes the processing flow by the smartphone. As shown in Figure 3, the smartphone monitors the connection status to the public network on the WiFi router (step S01). If the smartphone detects a problem where the WiFi router is unable to connect to the public network (step S01, Yes), it obtains log data from the WiFi router (step S02) and analyzes the problem (step S03). Based on the analysis results, the smartphone obtains an update file (step S04) and resolves the problem on the WiFi router (step S05).

[0030] As described above, the present invention can be applied to a variety of systems. Therefore, we will now describe some system modifications to which the present invention can be applied. Note that the following system modifications are merely examples.

[0031] [System Variation 1] As shown in Figure 4, communication device 100 may be a WiFi router, and other communication devices may be smartphones. In this system, when a problem occurs with the mobile network connection on the smartphone, the WiFi router can be said to be downloading the update file on behalf of the smartphone.

[0032] Here, the WiFi router may download update files even to smartphones that are not registered to connect to it. In other words, although the WiFi router is rejecting communication from the smartphone through it, it is not a problem because it will unilaterally send the update files to the smartphone. The WiFi router may also be a communication device that provides so-called free WiFi. This situation is useful for smartphone users who do not have a WiFi environment. That is, even smartphone users without a WiFi environment can bring their smartphones to a free WiFi access point and download update files to resolve problems with their mobile network connection. In light of this, it can be said that it does not matter whether the smartphone is registered to connect to the WiFi router or not. Therefore, the expression "other communication devices (smartphones) connected to the local area network to which this device (WiFi router) is connected" can also be rephrased as "other communication devices within the cell to which this device is deployed."

[0033] [System Variation 2] The WiFi router, as a communication device 100, is not limited to those that connect to a public network via a wired connection; it can also be a mobile WiFi that connects to a public network wirelessly. For example, if the mobile WiFi's carrier and the smartphone's carrier are different, it's possible that the mobile WiFi may be unable to connect to the public network while the smartphone can. In such a situation, it can be said that the smartphone is downloading an update file via its own carrier to fix a problem with the WiFi router's carrier. This point can also be described as the WiFi router "connecting to the public network using a different communication method than other communication devices (smartphones)."

[0034] [System Variation 3] The processing by the monitoring unit 110, log data acquisition unit 120, analysis unit 130, update file acquisition unit 140, and update unit 150 may be primarily performed by the WiFi router. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the WiFi router as a communication device 100 includes the monitoring unit 110, log data acquisition unit 120, analysis unit 130, update file acquisition unit 140, and update unit 150. The monitoring unit 110 monitors the device's connection status to the public network. The log data acquisition unit 120 acquires log data from the device when a problem is detected that prevents connection to the public network. The analysis unit 130 analyzes the problem. The update file acquisition unit 140 requests other communication devices (smartphones) to download update files, and the update unit 150 updates the device's firmware based on the update files downloaded by the other communication devices.

[0035] [System Variation 4] The processing performed by the monitoring unit 110, log data acquisition unit 120, analysis unit 130, update file acquisition unit 140, and update unit 150 may be performed on an information processing device that does not have communication capabilities. For example, as shown in Figure 6, in a system including an information processing device, smartphone A (another communication device), and smartphone B (another communication device), smartphones A and B are assumed to be on different carriers. In this case, if a problem occurs in smartphone B that makes it impossible to connect to the public network, the information processing device requests smartphone A to download an update file and transfers it to smartphone B.

[0036] [Summary of System Variations] As described above, the present invention can be applied to a variety of systems. In short, the essence of the present invention is based on the premise that there are two routes for downloading update files, and that if an error occurs in one route, the update file will be downloaded via the other route. As long as this essence is met, the present invention can be applied to any form of system.

[0037] Furthermore, the present invention can also be developed as a program that causes a computer, acting as a communication device 100, to execute the processing of the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the computer includes memory, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and an interface. The CPU reads the program of the present invention from memory and executes it to realize processing modules corresponding to the monitoring unit 110, the log data acquisition unit 120, the analysis unit 130, the update file acquisition unit 140, and the update unit 150.

[0038] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0039] (Note 1) A monitoring unit that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device itself is connected, A log data acquisition unit that acquires log data from other communication devices when a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, An analysis unit analyzes the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in other communication devices, Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition unit obtains update files that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via a public network. An update unit that updates the firmware of other communication devices to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, Communication equipment, including

[0040] (Note 2) A communication device as described in Appendix 1, which connects to a public network using a communication method different from that of other communication devices.

[0041] (Note 3) The monitoring unit monitors the connection status of its device to the public network. If a malfunction is detected in which the log data acquisition unit is unable to connect to the public network, the log data of the device will be acquired. The acquired log data is analyzed to identify malfunctions in the device. The update file acquisition unit requests other communication devices to download the update file and acquires the update file. The update unit updates the device's firmware based on update files obtained via other communication devices. Communication equipment as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0042] (Note 4) The update file acquisition unit, upon receiving a request to download an update file from another communication device, downloads and acquires the said update file. A communication device listed in any one of the following appendices 1 to 3.

[0043] (Note 5) A monitoring unit that monitors the connection status of the device to the public network, A log data acquisition unit acquires log data from its own device when a malfunction is detected that prevents connection to the public network. An analysis unit analyzes the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in the device, Based on the analysis results, the update file acquisition unit requests other communication devices connected to the local area network to which the device is connected to download the update file and acquires the update file. An update unit that updates the device's firmware based on an update file obtained via other communication devices, Communication equipment, including

[0044] (Note 6) When the device receives a request to download an update file from another communication device connected to the local area network to which it is connected, the update file acquisition unit downloads and obtains the said update file. Communication equipment, including

[0045] (Note 7) A monitoring step that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device itself is connected, When a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, a log data acquisition step is performed to acquire log data from other communication devices. An analysis step involves analyzing the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in other communication devices, Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition step is performed to obtain an update file that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via a public network, An update step to update the firmware of other communication devices in order to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, A method for updating firmware using communication equipment, including this method.

[0046] (Note 8) A monitoring process that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device is connected, When a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, a log data acquisition process is performed to acquire log data from the other communication devices. The acquired log data is analyzed to identify malfunctions in other communication devices, and Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition process is performed to obtain update files that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via the public network. An update process to update the firmware of other communication devices in order to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, A firmware update program that causes a computer, as a communication device, to run.

[0047] Furthermore, appendices 2-4 can also be extended to the firmware update method in appendice 7 and the firmware update program in appendice 8. For example, the firmware update method in appendice 7 may include an update step in which the device downloads and obtains an update file when a request for download of an update file is received from another communication device.

[0048] Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents cited is incorporated into this document by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention as necessary. Within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), further modifications and adjustments to the embodiments or examples are possible based on the basic technical concept. Also, within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure, including the claims, and various modifications and alterations that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical concept. In particular, with respect to the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or sub-range included within that range should be interpreted as being specifically described, even if not otherwise stated. Furthermore, each disclosure of the above-mentioned cited documents may, as necessary, be used in part or in whole as part of the disclosure of the present invention, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, and this is also considered to be included in the disclosure of this application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 100 Communication devices 110 Monitoring Department 120 Log data acquisition unit 130 Analysis Department 140 Update File Acquisition Section 150 Update section

Claims

1. A monitoring unit that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device itself is connected, A log data acquisition unit that acquires log data from other communication devices when a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, An analysis unit analyzes the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in other communication devices, Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition unit obtains update files that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via a public network. An update unit that updates the firmware of other communication devices to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, Communication equipment, including

2. The communication device according to claim 1, which connects to a public network using a communication method different from that of other communication devices.

3. The monitoring unit monitors the connection status of its device to the public network. If a malfunction is detected in which the log data acquisition unit is unable to connect to the public network, the log data of the device will be acquired. The acquired log data is analyzed to identify malfunctions in the device. The update file acquisition unit requests other communication devices to download the update file and acquires the update file. The update unit updates the device's firmware based on update files obtained via other communication devices. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The update file acquisition unit, upon receiving a request to download an update file from another communication device, downloads and acquires the said update file. The communication device according to claim 1.

5. A monitoring unit that monitors the connection status of the device to the public network, A log data acquisition unit acquires log data from its own device when a malfunction is detected that prevents connection to the public network. An analysis unit analyzes the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in the device, Based on the analysis results, the update file acquisition unit requests other communication devices connected to the local area network to which the device is connected to download the update file and acquires the update file. An update unit that updates the device's firmware based on an update file obtained via other communication devices, Communication equipment, including

6. A monitoring step that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device is connected, When a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, a log data acquisition step is performed to acquire log data from other communication devices. An analysis step involves analyzing the acquired log data to analyze malfunctions in other communication devices, Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition step is performed to obtain an update file that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via a public network, An update step to update the firmware of other communication devices in order to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, A method for updating firmware using communication equipment, including the method described above.

7. A monitoring process that monitors the connection status of other communication devices connected to the public network to the local area network to which the device is connected, When a malfunction is detected that prevents other communication devices from connecting to the public network, a log data acquisition process is performed to acquire log data from the other communication devices. The analysis process involves analyzing the acquired log data to identify malfunctions in other communication devices, Based on the analysis results, an update file acquisition process is performed to obtain update files that can resolve malfunctions in other communication devices via the public network. An update process to update the firmware of other communication devices in order to resolve malfunctions in those devices based on the acquired update file, A firmware update program that causes a computer, as a communication device, to run.

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