Software updating method, software updating system and software updating program
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Solution Overview
Problem
In equipment systems like air conditioning, where some units may be shut down for extended periods, collective software updates can fail due to incomplete reception states, leading to prolonged software updates and version discrepancies among operational units.
Innovation Solution
A method that acquires operation and reception state information for each equipment unit, determining whether to switch to updated software based on incomplete reception states, ensuring only operational units with complete reception switch, and prioritizing updates for non-operational units when they become operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software update is continuously performed for all equipment until completion, then update completion rate is improved, but update time is prolonged due to equipment shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides equipment into two segments: operational equipment and non-operational equipment. The software update process is separately handled for each segment - operational equipment receives updates only when reception is complete, while non-operational equipment receives continuous updates. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing parallel processing strategies for different equipment states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the update strategy based on equipment operation state and reception status. For operational equipment, the update is conditional (only when reception complete). For non-operational equipment, the update is continuous. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize update timing for each equipment individually, reducing overall update time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If software update is continuously performed for all equipment, then update coverage is improved, but version consistency deteriorates due to incomplete receptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments equipment into operational and non-operational groups, applying different update rules to each. Operational equipment with incomplete reception is excluded from switching, maintaining version consistency. Non-operational equipment receives continuous updates, improving coverage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different update quality requirements to different equipment based on their operation state. For operational equipment, the local quality requirement is strict (only switch when reception complete). For non-operational equipment, the requirement is relaxed (continuous update). This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between coverage and consistency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If software update waits for complete reception before switching, then version consistency is improved, but update speed deteriorates due to equipment shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into two parallel tracks: for operational equipment, it waits for complete reception before switching (maintaining consistency); for non-operational equipment, it performs continuous updates (improving speed). This segmentation allows both consistency and speed to be optimized in their respective contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of equipment into operational and non-operational states before executing the update. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare appropriate update strategies for each group, enabling non-operational equipment to receive updates in advance without affecting operational equipment's version consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is technology to implement an updating process according to a situation of each equipment when software is collectively updated with respect to a plurality of equipment items constituting an equipment system. With respect to a software updating method for a plurality of equipment items constituting the equipment system, the software updating method includes acquiring information indicating an operation state of at least respective equipment to be updated among the plurality of equipment items, acquiring information indicating a reception state of updated software of the respective equipment, determining whether to perform switching to the updated software by the respective equipment, and instructing switching to the updated software based on a result of a determination. The determining determines that the switching to the updated software by the respective equipment is not to be performed in a case where equipment in operation and from which reception is incomplete exists.