Communication device and air conditioning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices for air conditioning systems face issues when firmware updates collide with the timing of a scheduled timer function, leading to disruptions in the control of the air conditioning apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a firmware existence determination section, postponement time determination section, and decision section that determines the need for and sets a postponement time for firmware updates based on the air conditioning apparatus's timer function schedule, ensuring updates occur at appropriate times without interfering with the timer function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If firmware update is performed immediately when latest firmware exists, then firmware is kept up-to-date, but timer function operation may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware currencyVSAvoidtimer function operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checking of timer function settings before executing firmware update. The determination section checks whether timer functions are configured, and based on this preliminary assessment, decides whether to postpone the update, thereby preventing disruption to scheduled operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The firmware update timing is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the update timing based on real-time conditions (presence of timer functions), switching between immediate update and postponed update modes to optimize both firmware currency and operational continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If firmware update is postponed to avoid timer function disruption, then timer function operation is maintained, but firmware update timing becomes delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimer function operationVSAvoidfirmware update timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the determination section continuously monitors timer function configurations. When timer functions are detected, the system provides feedback to postpone the update; when no timer functions are present, immediate update is permitted, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes update timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the timing parameter of firmware update based on the detected operational conditions. By adjusting the update timing parameter dynamically according to timer function presence, the system resolves the conflict between maintaining operational schedules and keeping firmware current

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4707689A1Communication device and air conditioning system

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a communication device and an air conditioning system that make it possible to update firmware at an appropriate timing. A WLAN adapter 1 according to the present disclosure includes a firmware existence determination section 112, a postponement time determination section 113, and a postponement time decision section 114. The firmware existence determination section 112 determines whether the latest firmware for the WLAN adapter 1 exists. The postponement time determination section 113 determines whether postponement of a firmware update is needed, based on a setting on a timer function that controls an air conditioning apparatus 2 in accordance with a predetermined schedule. When it is determined that postponement of the firmware update is needed, the postponement time decision section 114 decides on, from among a plurality of candidates, a postponement time that sets how long the firmware update is postponed.