Electronic device and electronic device update method

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to, when one electronic device is selected and a program thereof is updated, automatically update programs of other electronic devices. This electronic device is provided with: a determination unit that determines whether or not a program of the electronic device has been updated; an update unit that updates the program with an update program on the basis of the result of the determination by the determination unit; and a communication unit that communicates with other electric devices belonging to the same group as this electronic device, and with an external device. When the determination unit determines that the program has not been updated with the update program, the update unit updates the program with an update program obtained from the external device by the communication unit or received by the communication unit. When the update unit has updated the program, the communication unit transmits the update program to other electronic devices belonging to the group.

Description

Electronic device and method for updating electronic device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and an updating method for an electronic device.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-124992 describes a technique for installing software and setting values ​​corresponding to the software stored in one external storage device in an information processing device.

[0003] JP 2015-46075 A

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, when installing or updating a program on an information processing device from an external storage device (external device), the external device is connected to each information processing device to install or update the program. Therefore, if there are multiple information processing devices, it takes time to connect the external device to each information processing device to install or update the program. Furthermore, if the information processing devices (electronic devices) are located indoors and outdoors, it is necessary to carry the external device outdoors, which is time-consuming.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide an electronic device and an updating method for electronic devices that, when one electronic device is selected and a program is updated, automatically updates the programs of other electronic devices.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the electronic device of the present disclosure comprises a judgment unit that judges whether or not a program of the electronic device has been updated, an update unit that updates the program with an update program based on the judgment result of the judgment unit, and a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices belonging to the group and an external device, and if the judgment unit determines that the program has not been updated with the update program, the update unit updates the program with the update program obtained from the external device by the communication unit or the update program received by the communication unit, and once the update unit has updated the program, the communication unit sends the update program to the other electronic devices belonging to the group.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the method for updating an electronic device according to the present disclosure includes a step of determining whether or not a program of the electronic device has been updated, a step of updating the program with an update program based on the determination result of the determination step, and a step of communicating with other electronic devices belonging to a group and an external device, wherein in the updating step, if it is determined in the determination step that the program has not been updated, the program is updated with the update program obtained from the external device in the communication step or the update program received from another electronic device in the communication step, and in the communicating step, once the program has been updated in the update step, the update program is sent to the other electronic devices belonging to the group.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when a program in one electronic device is selected and updated, the programs in the other electronic devices can also be automatically updated.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of communication processing by the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that acquires an update program according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that receives an update program according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of communication processing by the electronic device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that receives an update program according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of communication processing by the electronic device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that acquires an update program according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that receives an update program according to the third embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the components of these embodiments include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially identical.

[0011] First Embodiment (Communication System) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a management device 10, an external device 12, and electronic devices 14a, 14b, and 14c. That is, the communication system 1 includes the management device 10, the external device 12, and multiple electronic devices 14. The electronic devices 14a to 14c each belong to Group A. The electronic devices 14a to 14c are located within a predetermined range (e.g., several kilometers to several tens of kilometers) and perform group communication with each other. The locations of the electronic devices 14a to 14c are not limited. For example, all of the electronic devices may be located indoors or outdoors, or any of the electronic devices may be located indoors or outdoors. For simplicity, FIG. 1 shows three electronic devices 14, 14a to 14c, but the number of electronic devices 14 may be more than three. Group A is the first group. Furthermore, when a group is not specified, it will be referred to as a "group" as appropriate.

[0013] In the communication system 1, an external device 12 storing an update program A for an electronic device 14 belonging to group A is connected to one electronic device (e.g., electronic device 14a). Electronic device 14a acquires update program A from the external device 12 and updates the program stored in electronic device 14a with the acquired update program A. Electronic device 14a transmits update program A to electronic devices 14b and 14c via group communication. Upon receiving update program A via group communication, electronic devices 14b and 14c automatically update their respective programs with the received update program A. After updating their respective programs with update program A, electronic devices 14b and 14c transmit update program A to the other electronic devices belonging to group A via group communication. In other words, the communication system 1 is a system that can automatically update the programs of the remaining electronic devices belonging to the group by updating the program of one electronic device. The update program is preferably a program corresponding to the electronic devices belonging to the group. For example, the update program is a program corresponding to electronic device 14 belonging to group A. The update program may include not just one update program but multiple updates. This allows programs for multiple functions of electronic device 14 to be updated. Furthermore, the update program may be setting data for the electronic device 14. Examples of the update program include a firmware update program, FPU (Field Programming Unit) data, and a license update program.

[0014] (Management Device) The management device 10 is a device that manages the electronic devices 14 of the communication system 1. The management device 10 manages, for example, communications of the electronic devices 14. The management device 10 stores update programs in the external device 12. The management device 10 may encrypt the update programs when storing them in the external device 12. At this time, the management device 10 writes a decryption file for decrypting the encrypted file in the electronic device 14 to which the external device 12 is connected. The management device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a computer.

[0015] (External Device) The external device 12 is a data storage device that can be connected to the outside of the management device 10 or the electronic device 14. The external device 12 stores, for example, update programs for the electronic device 14. The external device 12 is connected to the management device 10 and stores update programs for the electronic device 14 from the management device 10. The external device 12 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0016] (Electronic Device) The electronic device 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an electronic device according to the first embodiment. The electronic device 14 is realized by a portable communication device such as a business radio or a smartphone. In the present disclosure, the electronic device 14 is a radio.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 14 includes a communication unit 20 , an operation unit 22 , an output unit 24 , a storage unit 26 , and a control unit 30 .

[0018] The communication unit 20 includes a connection unit 20a and a wireless communication unit 20b. The connection unit 20a reads and writes data from the external device 12. The connection unit 20a includes, for example, a connection terminal for a USB memory. When the control unit 30 detects connection of the external device 12, the connection unit 20a communicates with the external device 12. The communication unit 20 includes the wireless communication unit 20b, which performs communication between the electronic devices 14. The wireless communication unit 20b wirelessly communicates with other electronic devices belonging to the group. The wireless communication unit 20b transmits various types of information to the other electronic devices and receives various types of information from the other electronic devices. Note that there are no particular limitations on the types of data that the communication unit 20 transmits and receives between the other electronic devices and the external device 12. The communication unit 20 transmits and receives, for example, update programs. When the update unit 46, described below, updates a program, the wireless communication unit 20b transmits the update program to the other electronic devices. The wireless communication unit 20b may have, for example, a function of performing short-range wireless communication or a function of performing long-range wireless communication. The communication unit 20 is composed of a communication circuit and the like.

[0019] The operation unit 22 accepts various input operations for the electronic device 14. The operation unit 22 outputs an input signal corresponding to the accepted input operation to the control unit 30. The operation unit 22 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, switches, a microphone, a PTT (Push to Talk) button, and the like.

[0020] The output unit 24 outputs various types of data. For example, the output unit 24 displays execution information for downloading and installing an update program. For example, the output unit 24 outputs the voice of the user of the other electronic device 14. The output unit 24 includes, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and a speaker.

[0021] The storage unit 26 stores various types of information. The storage unit 26 stores information about the electronic device 14. The storage unit 26 stores, for example, the ID (IDentifier) ​​of the electronic device 14. The ID of the electronic device 14 includes an ID (terminal ID) assigned to each electronic device 14 and an ID assigned to the group to which the electronic device 14 belongs, i.e., an ID for each group (group ID). The storage unit 26 stores decryption files to be decrypted. The storage unit 26 stores information such as the contents of calculations performed by the control unit 30 and programs. The storage unit 26 stores update programs stored in the external device 12. The storage unit 26 includes, for example, at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an external storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0022] The control unit 30 controls each unit of the electronic device 14. The control unit 30 includes, for example, an information processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM. The control unit 30 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 may also be implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] The control unit 30 includes a processing unit 40 , an acquisition unit 42 , a determination unit 44 , an update unit 46 , and an output control unit 48 .

[0024] The processing unit 40 executes various processes for the electronic device 14. For example, the processing unit 40 determines whether the external device 12 is connected. When the processing unit 40 detects that the external device 12 is connected to the electronic device 14, it performs a process of confirming with the user whether to run an update program. For example, if the update program is encrypted, the processing unit 40 performs a decryption process. The processing unit 40 reads a decryption file from the storage unit 26 and decrypts the encrypted update program. For example, the processing unit 40 launches an update function provided in the electronic device 14. The processing unit 40 may also generate a message for the user. For example, if the update program for the external device 12 connected to the electronic device 14 is not compatible, the processing unit 40 generates a message indicating that the update program is incompatible.

[0025] The acquisition unit 42 acquires an update program for the electronic device 14. When the external device 12, which stores an update program for the group to which the electronic device belongs, is connected to the connection unit 20a of the communication unit 20, the acquisition unit 42 acquires the update program from the external device 12. The acquisition unit 42 outputs the acquired update program to the storage unit 26.

[0026] The determination unit 44 performs various determination processes for the electronic device 14. For example, the determination unit 44 determines whether to update a program for operating the control unit 30 of the electronic device 14. For example, the determination unit 44 determines whether an update program has been acquired by the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14. For example, the determination unit 44 determines whether the program of the electronic device 14 has been updated. Furthermore, the determination unit 44 determines, for example, the communication frequency of the electronic device 14.

[0027] The update unit 46 updates the program of the electronic device 14 with the update program. If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14 has not been updated, the update unit 46 updates the current program with the update program acquired from the external device 12 via the communication unit 20. If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14 has not been updated, the update unit 46 updates the current program with the update program that the electronic device 14 received from another electronic device via the communication unit 20. The update unit 46 updates the current program by overwriting the pre-update program with the update program. After updating the program of the electronic device 14 with the update program, the update unit 46 does not update the program even if the same update program is acquired.

[0028] The output control unit 48 outputs various data of the electronic device 14 to the output unit 24. For example, the output control unit 48 outputs user voice data received through wireless communication with another electronic device via the communication unit 20, and causes the output unit 24 to output the voice. The output control unit 48 causes the output unit 24 to display the progress of the update of the update program for the electronic device 14, etc.

[0029] (Communication Processing) Next, the communication processing of the electronic device 14 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the communication processing of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. For simplicity, Fig. 3 shows an example in which the electronic device 14a acquires the update program A from the external device 12, but either the electronic device 14b or the electronic device 14c may acquire the update program A from the external device 12.

[0030] 3, the electronic device 14a is an electronic device that is connected to the external device 12 and obtains update programs from the external device 12. The electronic devices 14b and 14c are electronic devices that receive update programs via wireless communication.

[0031] The acquisition unit 42 of the electronic device 14a acquires the update program A from the external device 12 (step S10). If the acquired update program A is encrypted, the processing unit 40 of the electronic device 14a decrypts the update program A.

[0032] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14a updates the program of the electronic device 14a with the update program A (step S12). The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14a overwrites the program of the electronic device 14a with the update program A acquired by the acquisition unit 42 of the electronic device 14a, thereby automatically updating the program.

[0033] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14a transmits the update program A to the other electronic devices belonging to the same group A (step S14). The wireless communication signal contains, for example, information such as a terminal ID or a group ID indicating the destination of the communication, and the electronic device 14 that receives the wireless communication signal determines whether the signal was addressed to itself. Specifically, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14a transmits a signal containing information about the group ID of group A as the destination in order to transmit the update program A to the electronic devices 14b and 14c.

[0034] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b receives the update program A transmitted from the electronic device 14a (step S16). In the example shown in Fig. 3, the electronic device 14c is unable to receive the update program A from the electronic device 14a due to radio wave malfunction caused by an obstacle, an interfering signal, or the like.

[0035] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b updates the program with the update program A received from the electronic device 14a (step S18). The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b overwrites and updates the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program A received by the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b from the electronic device 14a.

[0036] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b transmits the update program A to the other electronic devices belonging to the same group A (step S20). Specifically, in order to transmit the update program A to the electronic devices 14a and 14c, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b transmits a signal including information about the group ID of group A as the destination.

[0037] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14a receives the update program A transmitted from the electronic device 14b (step S22).

[0038] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14a does not update the program of the electronic device 14a (step S24). Because the update unit 46 of the electronic device 14a has already updated the program with update program A, the update unit 46 does not update the program of the electronic device 14a with update program A received from the electronic device 14b.

[0039] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14a does not transmit the update program A to the other electronic devices (step S26). Specifically, because the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14a has already updated the program of the electronic device 14a with the update program A, the communication unit 20 does not transmit the update program A to the electronic devices 14b and 14c in the same group A.

[0040] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c receives the update program A transmitted from the electronic device 14b (step S28).

[0041] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14c updates the program of the electronic device 14c with the update program A (step S30). The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14c overwrites and updates the program of the electronic device 14c with the update program A received by the communication unit 20 from the electronic device 14b.

[0042] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c transmits the update program A to the other electronic devices (step S32). Specifically, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c transmits the update program A to the electronic devices 14a and 14b in the same group A.

[0043] The electronic device 14b receives the update program A (step S34). The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b receives the update program A transmitted from the electronic device 14c. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the electronic device 14a is unable to receive the update program A from the electronic device 14c due to poor radio wave conditions or the like.

[0044] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b does not update the program of the electronic device 14b (step S36). Because the update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b has already updated the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program A, the update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b does not update the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program A received from the electronic device 14c.

[0045] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b does not transmit the update program A to the other electronic devices (step S38). Specifically, because the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b has already updated the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program A, the communication unit 20 does not transmit the update program A to the electronic devices 14a and 14c in the same group A.

[0046] (Processing of Electronic Device) Next, processing of the electronic device 14 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0047] First, a description will be given of the processing of the electronic device 14a that acquires an update program from the external device 12. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the electronic device that acquires an update program according to the first embodiment.

[0048] When the external device 12 is connected, the processing unit 40 detects the update program A stored in the external device 12 (step S100).

[0049] The processing unit 40 determines whether to execute the update program A for the external device 12 (step S102). More specifically, the processing unit 40 performs a process of confirming with the user whether to execute the update program A for the external device 12. For example, the processing unit 40 displays a message on the output unit 24 to the user, asking whether to execute the update program A.

[0050] If the processing unit 40 does not execute the update program A for the external device 12, that is, if the user selects not to execute the update program A (step S102; No), the processing unit 40 performs processing in accordance with the user's instructions (step S104) and terminates the processing for the update program A for the external device 12. An example of the processing in accordance with the user's instructions is processing that occurs before the external device 12 is connected.

[0051] When the update program A of the external device 12 is to be executed, that is, when the user selects to execute the update program A (step S102; Yes), the processing unit 40 decrypts the update program A (step S106). Note that, when the update program A is not encrypted, the processing unit 40 performs the process of step S108.

[0052] The acquisition unit 42 acquires the decrypted update program A (step S108), and outputs the update program A to the storage unit 26 of the electronic device 14a.

[0053] The determination unit 44 determines whether to update the program of the electronic device 14a (step S110). The determination unit 44 determines whether the update program A stored in the external device 12 is compatible, that is, whether the update program A stored in the external device 12 is valid, thereby determining whether to update the program of the electronic device 14a.

[0054] If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14a will not be updated (step S110; No), the processing unit 40 generates a message indicating that the program of the electronic device 14a will not be updated, displays the message on the output unit 24 (step S112), and ends the processing. The message generated by the processing unit 40 may be, for example, "incompatible update program." An example of a case in which the program of the electronic device 14a will not be updated is when update program A is invalid after the decryption process.

[0055] If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14a should be updated (step S110; Yes), the update unit 46 overwrites the program of the electronic device 14a to automatically update it (step S114). At this time, the processing unit 40 starts up an update function provided in the electronic device 14a.

[0056] The communication unit 20 transmits the update program A to the other electronic devices via the wireless communication unit 20b (step S116). Specifically, the communication unit 20 reads the update program A from the storage unit 26 and transmits it via wireless communication to the other electronic devices belonging to the same group A. The communication unit 20 transmits the update program A to the group ID stored in the other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 20 transmits the update program A to the electronic devices 14b and 14c that store the same group ID (ID of the first group) as the electronic device 14a. Note that the communication unit 20 may also transmit the update program A to the other electronic devices based on the terminal ID.

[0057] The determination unit 44 determines whether the communication unit 20 has received the update program A via the wireless communication unit 20b (step S118). If the determination unit 44 determines that the communication unit 20 has not received the update program A (step S118; No), the process ends.

[0058] If the judgment unit 44 determines that the communication unit 20 has received the update program A via the wireless communication unit 20b (step S118; Yes), the update unit 46 does not update the program (step S120), and the communication unit 20 does not transmit the update program A to other electronic devices via the wireless communication unit 20b (step S122), and the processing ends.

[0059] Next, the processing of the electronic devices 14b and 14c that are not connected to the external device 12 and receive the update program via the wireless communication unit 20b of the communication unit 20 will be described. The electronic devices 14b and 14c perform similar processing. In the present disclosure, the electronic device 14b will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the electronic device that receives the update program according to the first embodiment.

[0060] The communication unit 20 receives the update program A transmitted from the electronic device 14a (step S200). At this time, if the data received by the wireless communication unit 20b of the communication unit 20 is an update program, the processing unit 40 activates the update function provided in the electronic device 14b.

[0061] The determination unit 44 determines whether the program currently being used by the electronic device 14b has been updated with the update program A (step S202). If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14b has not been updated with the update program A (step S202; No), the process proceeds to step S204. The processes of steps S204 and S206 are the same as the processes of steps S114 and S116 in FIG. 4 executed by the electronic device 14a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14b has been updated with the update program A (step S202; Yes), the process proceeds to step S208. The processes of steps S208 and S210 are the same as the processes of steps S120 and S122 in FIG. 4 executed by the electronic device 14a, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] As described above, in the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 14b) updates its program and then transmits the update program to other electronic devices in the same group. Therefore, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 14a) that has already updated its program will receive the same update program again. In this case, the update program and transmission process are not performed. As a result, update programs are transferred from electronic devices in various locations. For example, electronic device 14c, which is located out of reach of the radio waves transmitted by electronic device 14a, can receive the update program from electronic device 14b, which is located within reach of the radio waves, and all electronic devices in the group can complete the update process sequentially.

[0064] As described above, in the electronic device 14 according to the first embodiment, one of the electronic devices belonging to group A (electronic device 14a in the present disclosure) acquires update program A from the external device 12 and updates the program of electronic device 14a with the acquired update program A. After updating the program of electronic device 14a with update program A, electronic device 14a transmits update program A to the other electronic devices 14b and 14c belonging to group A. Electronic devices 14b and 14c receive update programs directly or indirectly from electronic device 14a, update their programs with the received update program A, and then transmit the update programs to the other electronic devices 14 belonging to group A. Therefore, by connecting an external device 12 to one electronic device, the programs of electronic devices belonging to the group can be updated. This eliminates the need to connect an external device 12 to each electronic device.

[0065] Furthermore, the electronic device (electronic device 14b in this disclosure) transmits (transfers) an update program regardless of whether the program updates of the other electronic devices have been completed. Therefore, even if the electronic device (electronic device 14c in this disclosure) is unable to receive the update program the first time (when electronic device 14a transmits update program A), it will receive update program A when electronic device 14b transfers update program A. Therefore, even if electronic device 14c is unable to receive the update program the first time, it can receive update program A and update its program.

[0066] Furthermore, the electronic device according to the first embodiment transmits (transfers) the update program A regardless of whether the program updates of other electronic devices have been completed. Therefore, even after updating the program of the electronic device with the update program A, the electronic device receives the update program A again. In this case, the electronic device does not update the program with the re-received update program A and does not transfer the update program A to the other electronic devices. This causes the process to end sequentially starting with the electronic devices that have completed updating their programs with the update program A, preventing the transfer of the update program A from being repeated endlessly.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] A communication system 1A according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a communication system according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication processing of an electronic device according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that receives an update program according to the second embodiment. In the following description, components similar to those of the communication system 1 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the communication system 1A is similar to that of the communication system 1 of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that the electronic device 14 belongs to multiple groups.

[0068] (Communication System) The communication system 1A includes a management device 10, an external device 12, and electronic devices 14a, 14b, and 14c. Specifically, the communication system 1A differs from the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the electronic devices 14a and 14b belong to group A, and the electronic devices 14b and 14c belong to group B. In other words, the electronic device 14b belongs to two groups, group A and group B. There may be two or more groups. For example, the electronic device 14b may also belong to group C and group D. Group B is the second group.

[0069] When electronic device 14a updates its program with update program A obtained from external device 12, it transmits update program A to electronic devices 14b belonging to groups A and B. Electronic device 14b automatically updates its program with update program A received from electronic device 14a and transmits update program A to electronic device 14c belonging to group B. At this time, electronic device 14b may also transmit update program A to other electronic devices 14 belonging to group A. When electronic device 14c receives update program A from electronic device 14b, it automatically updates electronic device 14c with the update program and transmits it to other electronic devices belonging to group B. In other words, communication system 1A is a system in which, by updating the program of one electronic device, it can transmit programs to electronic devices belonging to different groups and automatically update the programs of those electronic devices. However, in communication system 1A, it is assumed that electronic device 14 belonging to group B has not yet obtained update program B corresponding to the electronic device belonging to group B from external device 12 and transmitted or received it.

[0070] Note that update program A is update program A that corresponds to electronic devices that belong to group A, but may also include programs that correspond to electronic devices that belong to group B. In other words, update program A may include an update program that is common to electronic devices that belong to group A and electronic devices that belong to group B. In this way, by updating one electronic device, even if other electronic devices belong to different groups, it is possible to update the programs of electronic devices that belong to different groups with an update program that is common to the groups.

[0071] (Communication Processing) The communication processing of the electronic device 14 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows an example in which the electronic device 14a acquires an update program A from the external device 12.

[0072] 7, the electronic device 14a is an electronic device that is connected to the external device 12 and obtains update programs from the external device 12. The electronic devices 14b and 14c are electronic devices that receive update programs.

[0073] Steps S10, S12, and S50 are the same processes as steps S10, S12, and S14 in Fig. 3, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. Note that in step S50, electronic device 14c belongs only to the second group, and therefore does not receive update program A transmitted by communication unit 20 of electronic device 14a. Step S52 is the same process as step S16 in Fig. 3, and therefore its explanation will be omitted.

[0074] The determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b determines that the electronic device 14b has not received the update program within a predetermined period (step S54). The determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b determines that the electronic device 14b has not received the update program B corresponding to the electronic device belonging to group B within a predetermined period after receiving the update program A. In the present disclosure, the predetermined period is approximately one to three days, taking into account the time it takes for all electronic devices belonging to the group to sequentially receive the update program. In other words, the electronic device 14b has not received the update program B within three days. Although not shown, the processing unit 40 of the electronic device belonging to group B (electronic device 14c) may switch processing so that the program of the electronic device 14c can be updated with the update program of group A. For example, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b transmits information to the electronic device 14c indicating that the electronic device 14b has received the update program A but not the update program B. The processing unit 40 of the electronic device 14c switches processing based on the information transmitted from the electronic device 14b indicating that the electronic device 14b has received the update program A but not the update program B. This allows the electronic devices 14 belonging to different groups to update their programs with the update programs of other groups.

[0075] Steps S56 and S58 are the same as steps S18 and S20 in Fig. 3, and therefore will not be described further. In step S58, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b transmits the update program A to the group members of group B (other electronic devices).

[0076] Steps S60 to S64 are the same as steps S28 to S32 in Fig. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Note that in step S64, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c transfers the update program A to the group members of group B.

[0077] Steps S66 to S70 are the same as steps S34 to S38 in Fig. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Note that in step S70, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b does not transmit the update program A to the group members of group B (other electronic devices) and the group members of group A (other electronic devices).

[0078] (Processing of Electronic Device) Next, a description will be given of the processing of the electronic device 14 according to the second embodiment. Note that the processing of the electronic device 14a is the same as steps S100 to S122 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] The processing of the electronic device 14b will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The processing of step S400 in Fig. 8 is the same as step S200 in Fig. 5, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] The determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b determines that the update program B has not been received within a predetermined period of time since the reception of the update program A (step S402). The determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b determines that the communication unit 20 has not received the update program B for group B from another electronic device belonging to group B (e.g., electronic device 14c) within the predetermined period of time.

[0081] Step S404 is the same process as step S202 in FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b updates the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program A (step S406). The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b overwrites the program of the electronic device 14b to automatically update it. When the electronic device 14b receives the update program A from another electronic device in the group A to which the electronic device 14b belongs via the communication unit 20, the update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b automatically updates the program with the received update program A. At this time, the processing unit 40 starts up the update function provided in the electronic device 14b.

[0083] 5 except that the destination of update program A is different, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the destination of update program A sent by electronic device 14b is the group to which electronic device 14b belongs, and other electronic devices in group B. Since electronic device 14b also belongs to group A, update program A may also be sent to other electronic devices in group A.

[0084] Although not shown in the figure, the electronic device 14c receives the update program from the electronic device 14b, performs the processes of steps S400 to S410 in FIG. 8, and then ends the process.

[0085] As described above, the electronic devices 14 according to the second embodiment belong to multiple groups. In the second embodiment, the electronic device 14b belongs to two groups. Therefore, if the electronic device 14b does not receive update program B for group B, an electronic device belonging to a different group (e.g., the electronic device 14c) can receive update program A via the electronic device 14b. The processing unit 40 of the electronic device 14c can then switch processing so that the electronic device 14c can update with update program A, thereby updating the program of the electronic device 14c with update program A. Furthermore, because the electronic device 14b belongs to multiple groups, the electronic device 14a can also send update program A to the electronic device 14c, which belongs to another group. Therefore, by connecting the external device 12 to a single electronic device, it is possible to update the programs of electronic devices across multiple groups. In other words, the effort of connecting the external device 12 to each electronic device in each group can be eliminated.

[0086] [Third Embodiment] A communication system 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of communication processing of an electronic device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that acquires an update program according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of an electronic device that receives an update program according to the third embodiment. In the following description, components that are similar to those in the communication systems of the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the basic configuration of the communication system 1B is similar to that of the communication system 1A according to the second embodiment, except that the electronic device 14c acquires an update program from an external device 12B.

[0087] (Communication System) Communication system 1B includes management device 10, management device 10B, external device 12, external device 12B, electronic device 14a, electronic device 14b, and electronic device 14c. Communication system 1B differs from communication system 1A shown in FIG. 6 in that external device 12 and external device 12B, in which update programs for electronic device 14 are stored, are connected to electronic device 14a and electronic device 14c, respectively. Electronic device 14a obtains update program A from external device 12. Electronic device 14c obtains update program B from external device 12B. Electronic device 14a updates the program of electronic device 14a with the obtained update program A. Electronic device 14c updates the program of electronic device 14c with the obtained update program B. Electronic device 14a transmits update program A to group members (other electronic devices) of group A. Electronic device 14c transmits update program B to group members (other electronic devices) of group B. In other words, electronic device 14b receives update program A and update program B. When electronic device 14b receives the plurality of programs, electronic device 14b automatically updates the program of electronic device 14b with the update program that satisfies the conditions. In other words, communication system 1B is a system that can automatically update the programs of the remaining electronic devices belonging to the group by updating the program of one electronic device.

[0088] (Communication Processing) The communication processing of the electronic device 14 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] 10, electronic devices 14a and 14c are electronic devices to which external devices 12 are connected and which acquire update programs from external devices 12 and 12b, respectively. Electronic device 14b is an electronic device that receives update programs via wireless communication.

[0090] Steps S10 and S12, and steps S50 and S52 are the same processes as those in FIG. 8, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The acquisition unit 42 of the electronic device 14c acquires the update program B from the external device 12B (step S72). If the acquired update program B is encrypted, the processing unit 40 of the electronic device 14c decrypts the update program B.

[0092] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14c updates the program of the electronic device 14c with the update program B (step S74). The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14c overwrites the program of the electronic device 14c with the update program B acquired by the acquisition unit 42 of the electronic device 14c, thereby automatically updating the program.

[0093] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c transmits the update program B to the other electronic devices (step S76). Specifically, after the update unit 46 of the electronic device 14c updates the program, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c transmits the update program B to the group member of group B (electronic device 14b).

[0094] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b receives the update program B transmitted from the electronic device 14c (step S78).

[0095] The determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b determines that multiple update programs have been received within a predetermined time (step S80). Specifically, it determines that update program B has been received within a predetermined time after update program A has been received.

[0096] The determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b determines the condition (step S82). For example, the condition to be determined is the number of communications (frequency) between electronic devices belonging to multiple groups and each other, and determines that a group with a high communication frequency over a predetermined past period, e.g., the past week, meets the condition. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b compares the communication frequencies of the electronic devices 14b. For example, the determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b determines that the number of communications between the electronic devices 14b and other electronic devices belonging to group B is greater than the number of communications between the electronic devices 14b and other electronic devices belonging to group A, and selects group B. At this time, the processing unit 40 of the electronic device b switches processing so that the program of the electronic device 14b can be updated with update program B of group B, which meets the condition. The predetermined condition is not limited to communication frequency. For example, the output unit 24 may display that multiple updates have been received, and the update program selected by the user via the operation unit 22 may be determined to meet the condition. For example, the order in which the updates were received may be used as a condition for determination, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b updates the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program B (step S84). Based on the determination result of the determination unit 44 of the electronic device 14b, the update unit 46 of the electronic device 14b updates the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program B that the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b received from the electronic device 14c.

[0098] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b transmits the update program B (the program that satisfies the conditions) to the other electronic devices in the second group B (step S86). Specifically, after updating the program of the electronic device 14b, the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14b transmits the update program B to the group B, i.e., the electronic device 14c. Note that the update program A that was not used to update the program may be transmitted to the electronic devices in the group A.

[0099] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c receives the update program B transmitted from the electronic device 14b (step S88).

[0100] The update unit 46 of the electronic device 14c does not update the program of the electronic device 14c (step S90). Because the program of the electronic device 14c has already been updated with the update program B, the program of the electronic device 14c is not updated with the update program B received from the electronic device 14b.

[0101] The communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c does not transmit the update program B to the other electronic devices (step S92). Because the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c has already updated the program with the update program B, the communication unit 20 does not transmit the update program B received from the electronic device 14b to the group members of group B. In other words, regardless of whether the same update program has been used to update the program, if the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c receives again an update program that is the same as an update program received once before, the program is not updated with the same update program, and the same update program is not transmitted to the other electronic devices.

[0102] (Processing of Electronic Device) Next, processing of the electronic device according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0103] First, the process of the electronic device 14c that acquires the update program will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The process of the electronic device 14a is the same as that shown in Fig. 4, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] The processing unit 40 detects the connection of the external device 12B (step S600).

[0105] The processing unit 40 determines whether to execute the update program B for the external device 12B (step S602). More specifically, the processing unit 40 performs a process of confirming with the user whether to execute the update program B for the external device 12B. For example, the processing unit 40 displays a message on the output unit 24 to the user, asking whether to execute the update program B.

[0106] If the processing unit 40 does not execute the update program B for the external device 12B, that is, if the user selects not to execute the update program B (step S602; No), the processing unit 40 performs processing in accordance with the user's instructions (step S604) and terminates the processing for the update program B for the external device 12B. An example of the processing in accordance with the user's instructions is to continue the processing that was in progress before the external device 12B was inserted.

[0107] When the update program B of the external device 12B is to be executed, that is, when the user selects to execute the update program B (step S602; Yes), the processing unit 40 decrypts the update program B (step S606). Note that when the update program B is not encrypted, the processing unit 40 performs the process of step S608.

[0108] The acquiring unit 42 acquires the update program B from the external device 12B (step S608), and outputs the update program B to the storage unit 26 of the electronic device 14c.

[0109] The determination unit 44 determines whether to update the program of the electronic device 14c (step S610). The determination unit 44 determines whether the update program B stored in the external device 12B is compatible, that is, whether the update program B stored in the external device 12B is valid, thereby determining whether to update the program of the electronic device 14c.

[0110] If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14c will not be updated (step S610; No), the processing unit 40 generates a message indicating that the program of the electronic device 14c will not be updated, displays this on the output unit 24 (step S612), and terminates the process. The message generated by the processing unit 40 of the electronic device 14c may be, for example, "incompatible update program." An example of a case in which the program of the electronic device 14c will not be updated is when update program B is invalid after the decryption process.

[0111] If the determination unit 44 determines that the program of the electronic device 14c is to be updated (step S610; Yes), the update unit 46 overwrites the program of the electronic device 14c to automatically update it (step S614). At this time, the processing unit 40 starts up an update function provided in the electronic device 14c.

[0112] The communication unit 20 transmits the update program B to the other electronic devices via the wireless communication unit (step S616). Specifically, the communication unit 20 reads the update program B from the storage unit 26 of the electronic device 14c and transmits it to the other electronic devices belonging to the same group B. The communication unit 20 transmits the update program B to the group ID stored in the other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 20 transmits the update program B to the electronic device 14b that stores the same group ID (second group ID) as the electronic device 14c. Note that the communication unit 20 may also transmit the update program B to the other electronic devices to the terminal ID.

[0113] The determination unit 44 determines whether the communication unit 20 of the electronic device 14c has received the update program B (step S618). If the determination unit 44 determines that the communication unit 20 has not received the update program B (step S618; No), the process ends.

[0114] If the judgment unit 44 determines that the communication unit 20 has received the update program B (step S618; Yes), the update unit 46 does not update the program (step S620), and the communication unit 20 does not send the update program B to other electronic devices (step S622), and the processing ends.

[0115] Next, the process of the electronic device 14b that receives the update program will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] Step S700 in FIG. 12 is the same process as step S200 in FIG. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] The communication unit 20 receives the update program B for group B (step S702). The communication unit 20 receives the update program B transmitted from the electronic device 14c.

[0118] The determination unit 44 determines that multiple update programs have been received within the predetermined period (step S704). The determination unit 44 determines that the electronic device 14b has received multiple update programs within the predetermined period. Specifically, the determination unit 44 determines that the communication unit 20 has received update program B within the predetermined period since it received update program A.

[0119] The determination unit 44 determines the condition (step S706). The determination unit 44 determines the condition for determining which update program to use among the multiple received update programs. Examples of the condition include communication frequency and the order of reception. For example, the determination unit 44 determines the communication frequency with multiple groups to which the electronic device 14b belongs. Alternatively, the determination unit 44 determines which update program the electronic device 14b received the earliest. Furthermore, the determination unit 44 may prompt the user of the electronic device 14b to determine which update program to use via the output unit 24. In this embodiment, the determination unit 44 determines that update program B satisfies the condition because the electronic device 14b has communicated (communication frequency) more frequently with electronic devices in group B than with electronic devices in group A during a predetermined past period.

[0120] Step S708 is the same process as step S202 in FIG. 5 except that update program B becomes the update program that satisfies the conditions, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] The update unit 46 updates the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program that satisfies the conditions (step S710). The update unit 46 automatically updates the program of the electronic device 14b by overwriting it with update program B that satisfies the conditions. When the electronic device 14b receives update program A corresponding to group A and update program B corresponding to group B via the communication unit 20 within a predetermined period, the update unit 46 updates the program of the electronic device 14b with the update program that satisfies the predetermined conditions. For example, the update unit 46 updates the program with the update program for the group with a higher communication frequency. Also, for example, the update unit 46 updates with the update program that the communication unit 20 received earliest. Also, for example, the update unit 46 updates with the update program selected by the user. In this embodiment, the update unit 46 updates the program of the electronic device 14b with update program B. At this time, the processing unit 40 launches an update function provided in the electronic device 14b.

[0122] The communication unit 20 transmits the update program that satisfies the conditions to the other electronic devices in the group (step S712). Specifically, the communication unit 20 transmits the program that satisfies the conditions from the storage unit 26, i.e., the update program used to update the electronic device 14b (in this embodiment, update program B), to the other electronic devices in the group (in this embodiment, group B). The group here refers to the group to which the electronic device that transmitted the update program belongs. The communication unit 20 selects group B from the multiple groups to which the electronic device 14b belongs, transmits update program B to group B (electronic device 14c), and then terminates the process. The communication unit 20 transmits update program B based on the ID stored in the electronic device itself. For example, update program B is received by electronic device 14c, which stores the same group ID (group B ID) as the destination of the update program transmitted by electronic device 14b. The communication unit 20 may also transmit update programs that satisfy the conditions to the other electronic devices based on their terminal IDs.

[0123] If the judgment unit 44 determines that the communication unit 20 has already been updated with an update program that meets the conditions (step S708; Yes), the update unit 46 does not update the program (step S714), and the communication unit 20 does not send the update program that meets the conditions to other electronic devices in the group (step S716), and the processing ends.

[0124] As described above, in the third embodiment, electronic devices (electronic devices 14b) belonging to multiple groups receive multiple update programs. At this time, electronic device 14b updates its program with an update program that satisfies the conditions. After updating its program with the update program that satisfies the conditions, electronic device 14b transmits the update program only to other electronic devices (electronic devices 14c) belonging to the corresponding group. Furthermore, electronic device 14a is updated with update program A, but does not transmit update program A to electronic device 14c. Meanwhile, electronic device 14a transmits update program A to electronic device 14b. In other words, control can be exercised to transmit update programs only within group A. Furthermore, electronic device 14c is updated with update program B, but does not transmit update program B to electronic device 14a. Meanwhile, electronic device 14c transmits update program B to electronic device 14b. In other words, control can be exercised to transmit update programs only within group B. In other words, by connecting an external device 12 that stores an update program corresponding to each group to one electronic device 14 representing each group, the range to which the update programs are transmitted can be controlled.

[0125] [Another Example] In the above embodiment, when multiple update programs are received, the update programs used in the update are transmitted to the other electronic devices. For example, if electronic device 14b receives update program A and update program B within a predetermined period and updates its program with update program B, electronic device 14b transmits update program B used in the update to electronic device 14c. In another example, electronic device 14b transmits update program A that is not used in the update to other electronic devices belonging to group A. In other words, in another example, when electronic device 14b receives update programs from an electronic device in group A and an electronic device in group B, communication unit 20 of electronic device 14b may transmit the update programs that are not used in the update to the group that transmitted the update programs.

[0126] As a result, the other electronic devices in group A that were unable to receive update program A from electronic device 14a can receive update program A sent from electronic device 14b and update their programs.

[0127] Furthermore, when transmitting an update program to other electronic devices, the electronic device 14 may check with the other electronic devices belonging to the same group whether they accept the update program. This makes it possible to transmit the update program only to electronic devices that have accepted the program update. Furthermore, if all electronic devices belonging to the same group have rejected the update program, it is possible not to transmit the update program. If acceptance of the update program is confirmed, the output unit 24 of the electronic device 14 that attempted to transmit the update program may display the update program acceptance status to notify the user.

[0128] Furthermore, electronic device 14 that belongs to multiple groups and has received multiple update programs may, when transmitting the update programs to other electronic devices, check whether each group accepts the update programs. This allows only electronic devices that belong to a group that accepts the program update to update their programs.

[0129] Furthermore, for electronic devices 14 that belong to multiple groups, groups from which program updates will not be accepted may be set in advance. This allows electronic devices 14 to be excluded from the group before receiving update programs transmitted from that group. In other words, electronic devices 14 can receive only the necessary update programs.

[0130] <Effects> The electronic device according to this embodiment includes a determination unit 44 that determines whether or not the program of the electronic device 14 has been updated, an update unit 46 that updates the program with an update program based on the determination result of the determination unit 44, and a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices belonging to the group. If the determination unit 44 determines that the program has not been updated with an update program, the update unit 46 updates the program with the update program obtained by the communication unit 20 from the external device 12 or received by the communication unit 20, and once the update unit 46 has updated the program, the communication unit 20 transmits the update program to the other electronic devices belonging to the group.

[0131] This allows the programs of other electronic devices to be automatically updated when one electronic device is selected and its program is updated.

[0132] The electronic devices according to this embodiment belong to groups A and B. When the communication unit 20 receives update program A only from other electronic devices in group A to which the electronic device belongs, the update unit 46 updates the program with the received update program A, and the communication unit 20 transmits update program A to other electronic devices in group B to which the electronic device belongs. This allows electronic devices belonging to group B to receive update programs common to all electronic devices from electronic devices belonging to group A. In other words, even if electronic devices belong to different groups, update programs common to electronic devices belonging to different groups can be sent and received. This means that by simply updating one electronic device with the update program, other electronic devices belonging to different groups can also receive the update program and update their programs. In other words, the programs of multiple electronic devices can be updated appropriately.

[0133] The update unit of the electronic device according to this embodiment updates the program with the update program that satisfies a predetermined condition when the electronic device 14 receives both update program A corresponding to group A and update program B corresponding to group B within a predetermined period of time via the communication unit 20. This allows the electronic device 14 to update the program of the electronic device with the appropriate update program.

[0134] In this embodiment, when the communication unit 20 of the electronic device receives an update program that is identical to an update program received previously, it does not transmit the same update program to other electronic devices. This allows the electronic devices that have completed updating their programs with the update program to complete the process in order, preventing repeated transfer of the update program. In other words, the programs of multiple electronic devices can be updated appropriately.

[0135] The method for updating an electronic device according to this embodiment includes a step of determining whether or not the program of the electronic device 14 has been updated, a step of updating the program with an update program based on the determination result of the determination step, and a step of communicating with other electronic devices belonging to the group and with the external device 12. In the updating step, if it is determined in the determination step that the program has not been updated, the program is updated with an update program obtained from the external device 12 in the communication step or an update program received from another electronic device, and in the communication step, the update program that has updated the program in the update step is sent to the other electronic devices belonging to the group.

[0136] This allows the programs of a plurality of electronic devices to be updated appropriately when a program in one electronic device is selected and updated, and the programs in the other electronic devices can also be updated automatically.

[0137] The components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that this distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0138] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0139] The electronic device and the method for updating the electronic device according to the present embodiment can be used, for example, for updating the software of a plurality of wireless devices and wireless devices.

[0140] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B Communication systems 10, 10B Management devices 12, 12B External devices 14, 14a, 14b, 14c Electronic devices 20 Communication unit 22 Operation unit 24 Output unit 26 Storage unit 30 Control unit 40 Processing unit 42 Acquisition unit 44 Determination unit 46 Update unit 48 Output control unit A First group B Second group

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a judgment unit that judges whether or not a program of an electronic device has been updated; an update unit that updates the program with an update program based on the judgment result of the judgment unit; and a communication unit that communicates with other electronic devices belonging to a group and an external device, wherein if the judgment unit judges that the program has not been updated with the update program, the update unit updates the program with the update program obtained from the external device via the communication unit or the update program received via the communication unit, and when the update unit has updated the program, the communication unit transmits the update program to the other electronic devices belonging to the group.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device belongs to a first group and a second group, and the update unit, when receiving the update program via the communication unit only from other electronic devices in the first group to which the electronic device belongs, updates the program with the received update program, and the communication unit, once the update unit has updated the program, transmits the update program to other electronic devices in the second group to which the electronic device belongs.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the update unit updates the program with the update program that satisfies a specified condition when the electronic device receives both an update program corresponding to a first group and an update program corresponding to a second group within a specified period via the communication unit.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the communication unit receives an update program identical to an update program received in the past, the communication unit does not transmit the identical update program to other electronic devices.

5. A method for updating an electronic device, comprising the steps of: determining whether or not a program of an electronic device has been updated; updating the program with an update program based on the result of the determination step; and communicating with other electronic devices belonging to a group and an external device, wherein in the updating step, if it is determined in the determination step that the program has not been updated, the program is updated with the update program obtained from the external device in the communicating step or the update program received from another electronic device in the communicating step; and in the communicating step, once the program has been updated in the updating step, the update program is transmitted to the other electronic devices belonging to the group.

Images