Wireless communication system, central device, base station, and wireless communication terminal

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to appropriately transmit software modules for updates. A wireless communication system according to the present invention is configured such that a central device generates a plurality of software module segments by segmenting an update software module for a wireless communication terminal and allocates each of the software module segments to a different first clear channel of a first existing service, and the wireless communication terminal receives the plurality of software module segments as allocated to the corresponding first clear channels and distributed from the central device via a base station and uses the update software module as obtained by combining the software module segments to update a software module.

Description

Wireless communication system, central device, base station, and wireless communication terminal

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to wireless communication technology.

[0002] Conventionally, when remotely updating the software of a wireless communication terminal, it has been necessary to transmit all the data corresponding to the software module from the base station to the wireless communication terminal. Therefore, if the size of all the data corresponding to the software module is large, there is a concern that the transmission capacity may be insufficient.

[0003] On the other hand, a technique has been proposed to suppress the size of each data transmitted for updating the software module of a wireless communication terminal by dividing the software module and transmitting the divided software modules to the wireless communication terminal (mobile body) via the base station (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] International Publication No. 2023 / 152917

[0005] In the above Patent Document 1, a method is described in which a software module update channel is prepared by dividing a communication radio frame for each wireless communication terminal (mobile body), and the divided software modules are received through the channel. On the other hand, for example, in the case where a fixed channel is assigned for each service common to each base station, such as in a Shinkansen train wireless communication system, it may be difficult to prepare a software module update channel for each wireless communication terminal (mobile body).

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification has been made in view of the problems described above, and is a technology for appropriately transmitting an update software module even when it is difficult to prepare a channel for distributing the update software module.

[0007] A first aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification is a wireless communication system comprising a central device, at least one base station capable of communicating with the central device, and a wireless communication terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the base station, wherein the central device generates a plurality of divided software modules, which are data in which an update software module for updating the software module of the wireless communication terminal is divided, and further assigns each of the divided software modules to a first different available channel in a first existing service, and the wireless communication terminal receives the plurality of divided software modules distributed from the central device via the base station to the corresponding first available channel, and further updates the software module of the wireless communication terminal using the update software module obtained by combining the plurality of divided software modules.

[0008] According to at least a first aspect of the technology disclosed in this specification, a mobile station can receive a software module for updates without having to provide a new channel for allocating the software module for updates.

[0009] Furthermore, the purposes, features, aspects, and advantages related to the technology disclosed in this specification will become even clearer from the detailed description and accompanying drawings provided below.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial example of the configuration of a central device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial example of the configuration of a base station according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a partial example of the configuration of a mobile station according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the central device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central device according to an embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a base station according to an embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a partial example of the configuration of a central device according to an embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the central device according to an embodiment. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central device according to an embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a partial example of the configuration of a central device according to an embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the central device according to an embodiment. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the central device according to an embodiment.

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following embodiments, detailed features will be shown for the purpose of explaining the technology, but these are illustrative, and not all of them are necessarily essential features for the embodiments to be implementable.

[0012] Please note that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and for the sake of clarity, some components may be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, the relative sizes and positions of components shown in different drawings are not necessarily accurately represented and may be modified as appropriate. In addition, hatching may be used in drawings other than cross-sectional views, such as plan views, to facilitate understanding of the embodiment.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following explanations, similar components will be denoted by the same symbols, and their names and functions will also be the same. Therefore, detailed explanations of them may be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0014] Furthermore, in the descriptions contained in this specification, when a certain component is described as "equipped with," "includes," or "has," unless otherwise specified, it is not an exclusive expression that excludes the existence of other components.

[0015] Furthermore, even if ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" are used in the descriptions contained herein, these terms are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the embodiments, and the contents of the embodiments are not limited to the order that may result from these ordinal numbers.

[0016] Furthermore, when the description in this specification states "A or B," such statement shall include both cases where only A or B is indicated, and cases where both A and B are indicated, as long as there is no contradiction.

[0017] <First Embodiment> The following describes the wireless communication system, central unit, base station, and wireless communication terminal according to this embodiment.

[0018] <About the configuration of the wireless communication system> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless communication system according to this embodiment.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 as an example, the wireless communication system comprises a central unit 11a, base stations 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43.

[0020] A wireless zone indicates the wireless communication area covered by each base station. Wireless zone 61 is the wireless communication area covered by base station 21. Wireless zone 62 is the wireless communication area covered by base station 22. Wireless zone 63 is the wireless communication area covered by base station 23. Wireless zone 64 is the wireless communication area covered by base station 24. Wireless zone 65 is the wireless communication area covered by base station 25.

[0021] The service area 51 of the wireless communication system consists of wireless zones 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65, all sharing a common channel. In other words, each base station and each mobile station communicates wirelessly using one or more common channels (common radio frequencies).

[0022] The mobile station 41 is mounted on a train 31 that travels across multiple radio zones. In Figure 1, the train 31 on which the mobile station 41 is mounted is located within the service area 51. When the train 31 on which the mobile station 41 is mounted is located in radio zone 61, the mobile station 41 and the base station 21 can communicate wirelessly. When the train 31 on which the mobile station 41 is mounted is located in radio zone 62, the mobile station 41 and the base station 22 can communicate wirelessly. When the train 31 on which the mobile station 41 is mounted is located in radio zone 63, the mobile station 41 and the base station 23 can communicate wirelessly. When the train 31 on which the mobile station 41 is mounted is located in radio zone 64, the mobile station 41 and the base station 24 can communicate wirelessly. When the train 31 on which the mobile station 41 is mounted is located in radio zone 65, the mobile station 41 and the base station 25 can communicate wirelessly.

[0023] Mobile stations 42 and 43, like mobile station 41, are capable of wireless communication with their respective base stations (base station 21, base station 22, base station 23, base station 24, or base station 25).

[0024] Here, communication from base station 21, base station 22, base station 23, base station 24, or base station 25 to the mobile station is called downlink communication, and communication from the mobile station to base station 21, base station 22, base station 23, base station 24, or base station 25 is called uplink communication.

[0025] The central unit 11a is connected to base stations 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 by a wired network 12.

[0026] Figure 2 shows an example of a part of the configuration of the central device 11a according to this embodiment. As shown in the example in Figure 2, the central device 11a includes a control unit 71 composed of a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a wired communication processing unit 72 that performs wired communication, a storage unit 73 composed of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, and a channel determination unit 74 that checks the available channels (wireless channels) common to each base station provided for each of the company's existing services and determines the channels (used channels) to be used for distribution between each base station and each mobile station.

[0027] The memory unit 73 includes a system parameter area 73a and an update software module storage area 73b. The system parameter area 73a stores base station information 202, and the update software module storage area 73b stores update software module version 205 and update software module 206.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a base station 21 according to this embodiment. As shown in the example in Figure 3, the base station 21 includes a control unit 81 composed of a processing unit such as a CPU, a wired processing unit 82 that performs wired communication, a wireless processing unit 83 that performs wireless communication, and a temporary storage unit 84 composed of volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The same configuration applies to base stations 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a mobile station 41 according to this embodiment. As shown in the example in Figure 4, the mobile station 41 includes a control unit 91 composed of a processing unit such as a CPU, a radio processing unit 92 that performs wireless communication, a storage unit 93 composed of non-volatile memory or the like, and a temporary storage unit 94 composed of volatile memory such as RAM. The same configuration applies to mobile stations 42 and 43.

[0030] The memory unit 93 stores the boot program 95, the software module 96, and the version information of the software module 96, which is the running software module version 97. The temporary memory unit 94 stores the software module version being updated 98 and multiple split software modules 99 (including identification numbers) in the updated software module storage table 100.

[0031] Next, an example of the operation of the central device 11a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the central device 11a according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the central device 11a according to this embodiment.

[0032] First, the new software module 301, which is a new software module for the mobile station (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, or mobile station 43), is stored in the update software module 206 of the storage unit 73 of the central device 11a. Here, the new software module 301 is data for updating the software module of the mobile station (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, or mobile station 43).

[0033] The control unit 71 of the central device 11a reads the new software module 301 from the update software module 206 in the storage unit 73 (step ST101). Then, the control unit 71 of the central device 11a instructs the channel determination unit 74 to check for available channels common to all base stations, which are provided for each of the company's existing services.

[0034] Specifically, the channel determination unit 74 determines whether there is an available channel in the existing service for distributing the segmented software module described later (step ST102). If there is an available channel (YES), the channel determination unit 74 determines the channel to use and proceeds to step ST103. On the other hand, if there is no available channel (NO), the operation ends.

[0035] In step ST103, the control unit 71 divides the new software module 301 so that the data size is less than or equal to the data size that can be allocated to the available channels (used channels). In doing so, the control unit 71 generates divided software modules 302 (including identification numbers). Here, each divided software module 302 is designated as divided software module 302a, divided software module 302b, divided software module 302c, divided software module 302d, and divided software module 302e.

[0036] As a result, the control unit 71 obtains the divided software module 302 and the number of software module divisions 303, which is the number of divisions of the software module at this time.

[0037] The control unit 71 refers to the base station information 202 in the storage unit 73 and, via the wired processing unit 72, distributes information on the number of software module divisions 303, the updated software module version 205 in the storage unit 73, and the divided software module 302 (for example, divided software module 302a) to each of the base stations 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. Here, the channel determination unit 74 determines the available channels of existing services to be used when distributing the divided software module 302 between the base station and the mobile station (step ST104).

[0038] Next, the control unit 71 determines whether or not all of the divided software modules 302 have been distributed (step ST502). If all of the divided software modules 302 have already been distributed (YES), the operation ends. On the other hand, if all of the divided software modules 302 have not yet been distributed (NO), the process proceeds to step ST105.

[0039] In step ST105, the channel determination unit 74 determines whether there are any additional available channels in the existing service for distributing the previously transmitted segmented software module 302. Specifically, the channel determination unit 74 determines whether there are any available channels in the existing service that have a capacity greater than or equal to the data size of the previously transmitted segmented software module 302. Note that if there are still available channels in the channels determined as the channels to be used in step ST103, those channels may also be included in the determination of additional available channels.

[0040] If there is an available channel with a data size greater than or equal to the previously transmitted segmented software module 302 (YES), the process returns to step ST104, where the channel determination unit 74 determines that the available channel will be used as a new channel to be allocated when distributing the segmented software module 302 between the base station and the mobile station, and distributes the already generated but undistributed segmented software module 302.

[0041] On the other hand, if there is an available channel with a data size less than that of the previously transmitted divided software module 302 (in the case of NO), the process proceeds to step ST106, where the control unit 71 further divides the undistributed divided software module 302 into a re-divided software module 312 so that the data size is less than or equal to that of the available channel, and updates the software module division number 303. Then, the process returns to step ST104, where the channel determination unit 74 determines that the available channel will be used as a new channel to be allocated when distributing the divided software module 302 between the base station and the mobile station, and distributes the re-divided software module 312.

[0042] As described above, the division size of the division software module is changed according to the available data size of the available channel, and the division software module 302 (or the redivision software module 312) is repeatedly distributed by switching the used channel. When there are a plurality of channels to which the division software module 302 (or the redivision software module 312) can be allocated, for example, a channel with a large traffic volume may be preferentially selected, or a channel provided for a service with a low usage frequency may be preferentially selected.

[0043] Next, the operation of the base station 21 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the base station 21 according to the present embodiment. The content of the operation of the base station 21 according to the present embodiment is the same for the base stations 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0044] First, the base station 21 receives the updated software module version 205, the software module division number 303, and the division software module 302 (or the redivision software module 312) distributed from the central device 11a via the wired processing unit 82.

[0045] The control unit 81 records the updated software module version 205 and the software module division number 303 in the temporary storage unit 84. Further, the control unit 81 registers the division software module 302, the number of the division software module 302 (the reception order of the division software module 302), and the used channel in the software module distribution table 85 of the temporary storage unit 84. The base station 21 sequentially receives the division software module 302a, the division software module 302b, the division software module 302c, the division software module 302d, and the division software module 302e as the division software module 302.

[0046] The base station 21 generates a downlink communication radio frame storing each divided software module 302 for the used channels of the existing service, and sequentially distributes it to the radio zone 61. Here, the used channels to which each divided software module 302 is assigned are the used channels determined by the channel determination unit 74 of the central device 11a. Also, the downlink communication radio frame stores the updated software module version 205, the number of software module divisions 303, and the number of the divided software module 302 (the reception order of the divided software module 302). Further, the distribution of the downlink communication radio frame storing each divided software module 302 may generate and distribute a corresponding downlink communication radio frame from the received divided software module 302 at any time without waiting for the reception of all the divided software modules 302.

[0047] Next, the operation of the mobile station 41 according to the present embodiment will be described while referring to FIG. 4. Note that the content of the operation of the mobile station 41 according to the present embodiment similarly applies to the mobile stations 42 and 43.

[0048] Here, the train 31 on which the mobile station 41 is mounted is present in the radio zone 61, and the mobile station 41 can perform radio communication with the base station 21. Also, the train 32 on which the mobile station 42 is mounted is present in the radio zone 63, and the mobile station 42 can perform radio communication with the base station 23. Also, the train 33 on which the mobile station 43 is mounted is present in the radio zone 65, and the mobile station 43 can perform radio communication with the base station 25.

[0049] The mobile station 41 receives the downlink communication radio frame of the existing service distributed from the base station 21 via the radio processing unit 92. Then, the control unit 91 records the updated software module version 205 and the number of software module divisions 303 in the temporary storage unit 94 together with the data of the used channels of the distributed downlink communication radio frame (divided software module 302 or re-divided software module 312).

[0050] As train 31 operates, mobile station 41 sequentially moves to radio zones 62, 63, 64, and 65. The mobile station 41 sequentially receives the divided software modules 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and 302e, which are distributed from the central device 11a by splitting the update software module 206, when it is located at one of base stations 22, 23, 24, or 25, and records them in the update software module storage table 100 of the temporary storage unit 94. The data size of the divided software modules is less than or equal to the data size of the update software module 206. If the received divided software module 302 is already recorded in the update software module storage table 100, it is discarded without being recorded in the update software module storage table 100.

[0051] Then, when the control unit 91 detects that it has received all of the divided software modules 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and 302e that were assigned to and delivered on the channel being used, the control unit 91 combines all of the divided software modules 99 (divided software modules 302) registered in the updated software module storage table 100 of the temporary storage unit 94. The control unit 91 can detect whether or not all of the divided software modules 302 have been received by receiving the same number of divided software modules 302 as the number of software module divisions 303.

[0052] The control unit 91 then reflects the combined software module into the software module 96 of the storage unit 93, and reflects the software module version 98 being updated into the operating software module version 97 of the storage unit 93.

[0053] The next time the mobile station 41 is powered on, the software module 96 will be read from the memory unit 93, and the new software module will be started.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the central device 11a appropriately divides the software module of the wireless communication terminal (mobile station) to match the available channels of its existing services, and distributes the divided software modules 302 to each mobile station (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) by assigning them to the channels used by its existing services. The data size of each divided software module 302 may be different. The base station assigns and distributes the divided software modules 302 to the channels used by the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) at their respective timings. After receiving all the divided software modules 302, the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) combine them to complete the software update.

[0055] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the mobile station can receive the software module for the update and perform the software update without having to prepare a new channel for allocating the software module for the update. As a result, the software modules of the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) can be efficiently updated while using a limited wireless communication bandwidth.

[0056] In the above embodiment, multiple split software modules 302 with data sizes that can be allocated to the free channels identified in step ST103 were generated. However, it is also possible to generate one split software module 302 with a data size that can be allocated to the identified free channels in step ST103, and then, when further free channels are identified in step ST105, generate another split software module 302 with a data size that can be allocated to the further free channels, thereby generating a split software module 302 each time according to the free data size of the identified free channels. In this case, by making the free channel with the smallest free data size the free channel identified in step ST103, the data size of the split software module 302 can be maintained without changing when further free channels are identified thereafter.

[0057] <Second Embodiment> A wireless communication system, central unit, base station, and wireless communication terminal according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a case in which the central unit 11a of the first embodiment is further equipped with a distribution sequence control unit 75 will be described. In the following description, components similar to those described in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0058] <Regarding the configuration of the wireless communication system> In the first embodiment, the case in which a divided software module 302 assigned to a channel is received by a mobile station was shown. In this embodiment, however, the case in which mobile stations 41, 42, and 43 have already received several divided software modules 302 and are on the network will be described. In this embodiment as well, the wireless zone shown in Figure 1 will be formed in the same way.

[0059] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the central device 11b according to this embodiment. As shown in the example in Figure 8, the central device 11b includes a control unit 71, a wired processing unit 72, a storage unit 73, a channel determination unit 74, and a distribution order control unit 75 that controls the distribution order of the divided software modules 302.

[0060] Next, an example of the operation of the central device 11b according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the central device 11b according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the central device 11b according to this embodiment.

[0061] Steps ST101, ST102, and ST103 are the same as in the case shown in Figure 6.

[0062] Next, the central device 11b obtains the divided software module 302 and the number of software module divisions 303. The central device 11b also obtains the divided software modules 99 stored in the update software module storage table 100 for mobile stations 41, 42, and 43 via the base station.

[0063] The distribution order control unit 75 compares the divided software module 99 (including the identification number) and the divided software module 302 (including the identification number) stored in the acquired mobile station update software module storage table 100, determines the distribution order so that the divided software modules that have not yet been distributed to any mobile station are distributed first, and notifies the control unit 71 of the distribution order (step ST201). Note that the data size of the divided software module 302 generated in step ST103 for comparison with the divided software module 99 is a predetermined fixed value.

[0064] For example, if the distribution order is divided software module 302e, divided software module 302d, divided software module 302c, divided software module 302b, and divided software module 302a, the control unit 71 refers to the base station information 202 in the storage unit 73 and distributes the software module division number 303, the updated software module version 205 in the storage unit 73, the divided software modules 302, and the distribution order to each base station via the wired processing unit 72. When distributing the divided software modules 302 from each base station to each mobile station, the distribution order of the divided software modules 302 is set to divided software module 302e, divided software module 302d, divided software module 302c, divided software module 302b, and divided software module 302a.

[0065] The subsequent operations are the same as shown in Figure 6, but in order to compare the split software module 99 with the split software module 302, the subsequent operations ST104, ST502, ST105, and ST106 may be terminated instead of step ST106.

[0066] The next time the power is turned on to each of the mobile stations 41, 42, and 43 after all the divided software modules 302 have been acquired, the software module 96 will be read from the memory unit 93 and the new software module will be started.

[0067] In this embodiment, the distribution order control unit 75 determined the distribution order so that the segmented software modules 302 that have not yet been distributed to the mobile station are distributed first, but the distribution order is not limited to this. For example, it may be decided that only the segmented software module 302e is distributed first, and the distribution order of the subsequent segmented software modules 302 may be random, or the distribution order may be set so that the software update for a specific mobile station is completed first, or various algorithms may be applied to determine the distribution order.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the central device 11b divides the software module of the wireless communication terminal (mobile station) and assigns the divided software modules 302 to the channels used by existing services. Then, the distribution order is changed depending on whether or not there is reception from a mobile station on the network, and the divided software modules 302 are sequentially distributed from the base station to the mobile station.

[0069] The base station distributes the divided software modules 302 to the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) by assigning them to the channels they are using at their respective timings. After receiving all the divided software modules 302, the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) combine them to complete the software update.

[0070] Therefore, according to this embodiment, without having to prepare a new channel for allocating software modules for updates, the mobile station can receive software modules for updates in the order they were received and perform software updates. As a result, the software modules of the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) can be updated efficiently using a limited wireless communication bandwidth.

[0071] <Third Embodiment> A wireless communication system, central unit, base station, and wireless communication terminal according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a case in which the central unit 11a of the first embodiment is further equipped with a third-party channel arbitration unit 76 will be described. In the following description, components similar to those described in the embodiments described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0072] <Regarding the configuration of the wireless communication system> In the first embodiment, it was shown that the channel determination unit 74 checks for available channels in the company's existing services and determines the channel to be used. In this embodiment, however, we will explain the case where there are no available channels in the company's existing services.

[0073] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of the central device 11c according to this embodiment. As shown in the example in Figure 11, the central device 11c comprises a control unit 71, a wired processing unit 72, a storage unit 73, a channel determination unit 74, and a third-party channel arbitration unit 76 that arbitrates channels with services of other companies.

[0074] Next, an example of the operation of the central device 11c according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the central device 11c according to this embodiment. Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the central device 11c according to this embodiment.

[0075] First, the new software module 301, which is a new software module for the mobile station (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, or mobile station 43), is stored in the update software module 206 of the storage unit 73 of the central device 11c.

[0076] The control unit 71 of the central device 11c reads the new software module 301 from the update software module 206 in the storage unit 73 (step ST101). Then, the control unit 71 of the central device 11c instructs the channel determination unit 74 to check for available channels common to all base stations, which are provided for each of the company's existing services.

[0077] Specifically, the channel determination unit 74 determines whether there is an available channel in the company's existing service for distributing the segmented software module (step ST102). If there is an available channel (YES), the channel determination unit 74 determines the channel to use and proceeds to step ST103. On the other hand, if there is no available channel (NO), the process proceeds to step ST301.

[0078] In step ST301, the control unit 71 of the central device 11c instructs the other company channel arbitration unit 76 to check for available channels common to all base stations, which are provided for each of the other company's existing services.

[0079] Specifically, the third-party channel arbitration unit 76 determines whether there is an available channel in the other party's existing service for distributing the segmented software module. If there is an available channel (YES), the process proceeds to step ST302. On the other hand, if there is no available channel (NO), the process terminates.

[0080] In step ST302, the third-party channel arbitration unit 76 arbitrates the availability of an available channel in the existing service of another company. Specifically, the third-party channel arbitration unit 76 sends a request for use to the company that owns the existing service in which the above-mentioned available channel is provided.

[0081] Then, if the third-party channel arbitration unit 76 obtains permission to use the channel from the other party (success), it notifies the control unit 71 of the above-mentioned available channel (used channel) and proceeds to step ST103. On the other hand, if permission to use the channel is not obtained from the other party (failure), the operation ends.

[0082] The subsequent operation is the same as shown in Figure 6. The base station generates a downlink communication radio frame containing each received segmented software module 302 for the channel used by the existing service and distributes it sequentially to the radio zone 61. When the mobile station detects that it has received all of the segmented software modules 302, it combines all of the segmented software modules 99 (segmented software modules 302).

[0083] The control unit 91 then reflects the combined software module into the software module 96 of the storage unit 93, and reflects the software module version 98 being updated into the operating software module version 97 of the storage unit 93.

[0084] The next time the mobile station 41 is powered on, the software module 96 will be read from the memory unit 93, and the new software module will be started.

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the central device 11c divides the software module of the wireless communication terminal (mobile station) and assigns the divided software modules 302 to the channels used for existing services of other companies. The divided software modules 302 are then sequentially distributed from the base station to the mobile station.

[0086] The wireless communication terminal (mobile station) receives all the separate software modules 302, combines them, and completes the software update.

[0087] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if no available channels for the company's existing services can be found, the mobile station can search for available channels for other companies' existing services, and then obtain permission to use them through mediation, thereby receiving the software module for the update and performing a software update. As a result, the software modules of the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) can be efficiently updated while using a limited wireless communication band.

[0088] <Effects arising from the multiple embodiments described above> Next, examples of effects arising from the multiple embodiments described above are shown. In the following description, the effects are described based on the specific configurations illustrated in the multiple embodiments described above, but they may be replaced with other specific configurations illustrated in this specification to the extent that similar effects are produced. That is, for convenience, in the following, only one of the corresponding specific configurations may be described as representative, but the specific configuration described as representative may be replaced with other corresponding specific configurations.

[0089] Furthermore, such substitutions may be made across multiple embodiments. That is, the configurations exemplified in different embodiments may be combined to produce similar effects.

[0090] According to the embodiments described above, the wireless communication system comprises a central device 11a (or central device 11b, central device 11c), at least one base station (base station 21, base station 22, base station 23, base station 24, or base station 25) capable of communicating with the central device, and a wireless communication terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the base station. Here, the wireless communication terminal corresponds to, for example, a mobile station 41, a mobile station 42, or a mobile station 43. The central device 11a generates a plurality of divided software modules 302, which are data in which an update software module 206 for updating the software module 96 of the mobile station 41 is divided, and further assigns each divided software module 302 to a different first available channel in a first existing service. Here, the first existing service corresponds to, for example, the company's existing service. The first available channel corresponds to, for example, an available channel in the company's existing service. The mobile station 41 receives a plurality of divided software modules 99 distributed from the central device 11a via base station 21 to the corresponding first available channel. Furthermore, the mobile station 41 updates its software module 96 using an update software module 206 obtained by combining multiple segmented software modules 99.

[0091] With this configuration, the mobile station can receive the software update module and perform the software update without having to prepare a new channel for allocating the software update module. Therefore, the software modules of the wireless communication terminals (mobile station 41, mobile station 42, and mobile station 43) can be efficiently updated using a limited wireless communication bandwidth.

[0092] Furthermore, the same effect can be achieved even if other configurations exemplified in this specification are appropriately added to the above configuration, that is, if other configurations in this specification that are not mentioned as the above configuration are appropriately added.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, multiple base stations are provided, and each base station is configured for each of the multiple divided wireless communication areas. Here, the wireless communication areas correspond to, for example, wireless zone 61, wireless zone 62, wireless zone 63, wireless zone 64, or wireless zone 65. With such a configuration, the mobile station can receive the software module for the update and perform the software update without having to prepare a new channel for allocating the software module for the update.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the mobile station 41 is mounted on a train 31 that moves across multiple radio zones. With this configuration, the mobile station can receive the software module for the update and perform the software update without having to prepare a new channel for allocating the software module for the update.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the central device 11a includes a first storage unit for storing the update software module 206 for the mobile station 41, and a channel determination unit 74 for determining a plurality of first available channels in a first existing service for dividing and distributing the update software module 206. Here, the first storage unit corresponds to, for example, a storage unit 73. With this configuration, by determining available channels for distributing the divided software modules 302 and assigning them to those available channels to distribute the divided software modules 302 to the mobile station, the software of the mobile station can be updated without preparing a new channel for assigning the software modules for the update.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the data size of the divided software module 302 is less than or equal to the data size of the update software module 206 stored in the storage unit 73. With this configuration, by distributing the divided software module 302 to the mobile station by allocating it to an available channel, the software of the mobile station can be updated without having to prepare a new channel for allocating the software module for the update.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the base station 21 includes a first temporary storage unit for storing the segmented software module 302 distributed from the central device 11a, and a first radio processing unit for distributing the segmented software module 302 from the first temporary storage unit to the mobile station 41. Here, the first temporary storage unit corresponds to, for example, a temporary storage unit 84. The first radio processing unit corresponds to, for example, a radio processing unit 83. With this configuration, the mobile station can receive the software module for update and perform a software update without having to prepare a new channel for allocating the software module for update.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the mobile station 41 includes a second radio processing unit for receiving a segmented software module 99 distributed from the base station 21, a second temporary storage unit for storing the received segmented software module 99, a second storage unit for storing the software module 96 currently running in the mobile station 41, and a control unit 91 for updating the running software module 96 using an update software module 206 obtained by combining the segmented software modules 99. Here, the second radio processing unit corresponds to, for example, the radio processing unit 92. The second temporary storage unit corresponds to, for example, the temporary storage unit 94. The second storage unit corresponds to, for example, the storage unit 93. With this configuration, the mobile station can receive an update software module and perform a software update without having to prepare a new channel for allocating an update software module.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, the wireless communication system includes a distribution order control unit 75 for controlling the distribution order so that the segmented software modules 99 not stored in the temporary storage unit 94 are distributed to the mobile station 41 first. With this configuration, the mobile station can receive the software modules for updates in order of priority from those not yet received, without having to prepare a new channel for allocating the software modules for updates, and perform software updates (updates).

[0100] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, the wireless communication system includes a channel arbitration unit for arbitrating to allocate the split software module 302 to a second available channel in a second existing service different from the company's existing service, when the split software module 302 cannot be allocated to an available channel in the company's existing service. Here, the second existing service corresponds to, for example, an existing service of another company. The second available channel corresponds to, for example, an available channel in the other company's existing service. The channel arbitration unit corresponds to, for example, a third-party channel arbitration unit 76. With this configuration, even if no available channel in the company's existing service can be found, the mobile station can receive the software module for the update and perform a software update by searching for an available channel in another company's existing service, and then arbitrating to obtain permission to use it.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, if the data size of an available channel in the company's existing service is smaller than the data size of the divided software module 302, the central device 11a further divides the divided software module 302 so that the data size becomes smaller than the available channel in the company's existing service. With this configuration, even if an available channel with a data size smaller than the data size of the already generated divided software module 302 is found, the divided software module 302 can be further divided to generate a re-divided software module 312, which can then be allocated to the available channel and distributed.

[0102] According to the embodiments described above, the central device generates a plurality of divided software modules 302, which are divided data of an update software module 206 for updating the software module 96 of the mobile station 41. Furthermore, the central device assigns each divided software module 302 to a different available channel in its existing service.

[0103] According to the embodiment described above, the central device 11a generates multiple divided software modules 302, which are data obtained by dividing the update software module 206 for updating the software module 96 of the mobile station 41. Furthermore, each divided software module 302 is assigned to a different available channel in the company's existing service. The base station 21 receives the multiple divided software modules 302 from the central device 11a and then assigns each divided software module 302 to the corresponding available channel and distributes it to the mobile station 41.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the central device 11a generates multiple divided software modules 302, which are data obtained by dividing the update software module 206 for updating the software module 96 of the mobile station 41. Each divided software module 302 is then assigned to a different available channel in the company's existing service. The mobile station 41 receives the multiple divided software modules 99 distributed from the central device 11a via the base station 21, and then updates the software module 96 of the mobile station 41 using the update software module 206 obtained by combining the multiple divided software modules 99.

[0105] <Regarding variations of the multiple embodiments described above> In the multiple embodiments described above, the dimensions, shapes, relative arrangements, or conditions for implementation of each component may also be described, but these are all examples and not limiting.

[0106] Accordingly, countless variations and equivalents not shown are conceivable within the scope of the art disclosed herein. These include, for example, modifications, additions, or omissions of at least one component, as well as the extraction of at least one component from at least one embodiment and its combination with a component from another embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, as long as it does not create a contradiction, when it is stated that "one" component is provided in the embodiments described above, "one or more" such components may be provided.

[0108] Furthermore, each component in the embodiments described above is a conceptual unit, and the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification includes cases where one component consists of multiple structures, where one component corresponds to a part of a structure, and where multiple components are provided in a single structure.

[0109] Furthermore, each component in the embodiments described above shall include structures having other structures or shapes, as long as they perform the same function.

[0110] Furthermore, the descriptions in this specification are referenced for all purposes related to the present technology and are not considered to be prior art.

[0111] 11a Central unit, 11b Central unit, 11c Central unit, 12 Wired network, 21 Base station, 22 Base station, 23 Base station, 24 Base station, 25 Base station, 31 Train, 32 Train, 33 Train, 41 Mobile station, 42 Mobile station, 43 Mobile station, 51 Service area, 61 Wireless zone, 62 Wireless zone, 63 Wireless zone, 64 Wireless zone, 65 Wireless zone, 71 Control unit, 72 Wired processing unit, 73 Storage unit, 73a System parameter area, 73b Update software module storage area, 74 Channel determination unit, 75 Distribution order control unit, 76 Other company channel arbitration unit, 81 Control unit, 82 Wired processing unit, 83 Wireless processing unit, 84 Temporary storage unit, 85 Software module distribution table, 91 Control unit, 92 Wireless processing unit, 93 Storage unit, 94 Temporary storage unit, 95 Boot program, 96 Software module, 97 Operating software module version, 98 Updating software module version, 99 Split software module, 100 Update software module storage table, 202 Base station information, 205 Update software module version, 206 Update software module, 301 New software module, 302 Split software module, 302a Split software module, 302b Split software module, 302c Split software module, 302d Split software module, 302e Split software module, 303 Number of software module splits, 312 Re-split software module.

Claims

1. A wireless communication system comprising a central device, at least one base station capable of communicating with the central device, and a wireless communication terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the base station, wherein the central device generates a plurality of divided software modules, each of which is data in which an update software module for updating the software module of the wireless communication terminal is divided, and further assigns each of the divided software modules to a first different available channel in a first existing service, and the wireless communication terminal receives the plurality of divided software modules distributed from the central device via the base station to the corresponding first available channel, and further updates the software module of the wireless communication terminal using the update software module obtained by combining the plurality of divided software modules.

2. A wireless communication system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of base stations, wherein each base station is configured for a plurality of divided wireless communication areas.

3. A wireless communication system according to claim 2, wherein the wireless communication terminal is mounted on a train that moves across a plurality of wireless communication areas.

4. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central device comprises a first storage unit for storing the update software module of the wireless communication terminal, and a channel determination unit for determining a plurality of first available channels in the first existing service for dividing and distributing the update software module.

5. A wireless communication system according to claim 4, wherein the data size of the divided software module is less than or equal to the data size of the update software module stored in the first storage unit.

6. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base station comprises a first temporary storage unit for storing the divided software modules distributed from the central device, and a first wireless processing unit for distributing the divided software modules from the first temporary storage unit to the wireless communication terminal.

7. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless communication terminal comprises: a second wireless processing unit for receiving the divided software module distributed from the base station; a second temporary storage unit for storing the received divided software module; a second storage unit for storing the software module currently running in the wireless communication terminal; and a control unit for updating the software module currently running using the update software module obtained by combining the divided software modules.

8. A wireless communication system according to claim 7, further comprising a distribution order control unit for controlling the distribution order so that the divided software modules not stored in the second temporary storage unit are distributed to the wireless communication terminal first.

9. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a channel arbitration unit for arbitrating to allocate the divided software module to a second available channel in a second existing service different from the first existing service when the divided software module cannot be allocated to a first available channel in the first existing service.

10. A wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein if the data size of the first available channel is smaller than the data size of the divided software module, the central device further divides the divided software module so that the data size is smaller than that of the first available channel.

11. A central device in a wireless communication system comprising a central device, at least one base station capable of communicating with the central device, and a wireless communication terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the base station, wherein the central device generates a plurality of divided software modules, each of which is divided data, for updating the software module of the wireless communication terminal, and further assigns each of the divided software modules to a first different available channel in a first existing service.

12. A base station in a wireless communication system comprising a central device, at least one base station capable of communicating with the central device, and a wireless communication terminal capable of wireless communication with the base station, wherein the central device generates a plurality of divided software modules, each of which is data divided into an update software module for updating the software module of the wireless communication terminal, and further assigns each of the divided software modules to a different first available channel in a first existing service, and the base station receives the plurality of divided software modules from the central device and further assigns each of the divided software modules to the corresponding first available channel and delivers it to the wireless communication terminal.

13. A wireless communication terminal in a wireless communication system comprising a central device, at least one base station capable of communicating with the central device, and a wireless communication terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the base station, wherein the central device generates a plurality of divided software modules, each of which is divided data for updating the software module of the wireless communication terminal, and each of the divided software modules is assigned to a first different available channel in a first existing service, and the wireless communication terminal receives the plurality of divided software modules distributed from the central device via the base station to the first available channel, and further updates the software module of the wireless communication terminal using the update software module obtained by combining the plurality of divided software modules.

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