Communication system, relay device, and water warmer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing remote management systems for water warmers face challenges in software updates, where the time required for transmitting update programs is longer than expected, leading to user inconvenience and potential downtime, as the water warmer cannot be used during the update process.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes a water warmer, a relay device, and a communication cable, where the relay device inquires about the possibility of starting software updates, notifies users of the unavailable period, and only proceeds with the update after obtaining user consent, ensuring that the update program is received and executed during a planned downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software update is performed automatically without user notification, then update efficiency is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to unexpected downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback by notifying the user of the upcoming unavailable period before the software update begins. The notification section displays information about the update timing and duration, allowing the user to understand when the water warmer will be unavailable. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining update efficiency while improving user convenience through transparency.
2Extent of automation
If software update is performed without user consent, then automation is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to lack of control over unavailable period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by notifying the user in advance of the software update and the associated unavailable period. The notification is displayed before the update begins, allowing the user to prepare for the downtime. This preliminary notification maintains automation while improving user convenience by providing control and awareness.
3Speed
If update program transmission time is reduced, then update speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential transmission errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by downloading the update program to the communication adaptor in advance, before the actual software update is initiated. This allows the update program to be ready and verified beforehand, enabling faster and more reliable transmission during the actual update process. The preliminary download separates the time-consuming transfer operation from the critical update execution.
Data Source
AI summary
To curb deterioration of user convenience due to software update of a water warmer in a communication system between a management server and the water warmer through a relay device. A communication adaptor executes first communication for inquiring of the water warmer whether or not software update accompanying writing of an update program is capable of being started. The water warmer gives a notification for obtaining a user's consent to occurrence of an unavailable period of the water warmer due to the software update in response to the first communication, and executes second communication on the communication adaptor in a case in which the user's consent is obtained with respect to the notification. The communication adaptor transmits the update program received from a server to the water warmer in response to the second communication, and the water warmer executes the software update using the received update program.