AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system.

BACKGROUND ART

In a large-scale air-conditioning system, various operation control programs (hereinafter, also referred to as firmware or F/W) are often upgraded for purposes such as multifunctionalization and improvement of controllability. There is known an air-conditioning equipment in which an operation control program is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile storage device in order to facilitate version up of the operation control program.

CITATION LIST
Patent Literature

- PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 3819583

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

Conventionally, when an operation control program for an air-conditioning device is updated, a service person needs to go to an installation site, search for a target device, shut off power, and update the program. In some cases, a sheet metal of a housing of the air-conditioning device needs to be removed for work. In addition, if the site is far away, it takes time to move, and the work such as power shutoff and sheet metal removal also takes time. As a result, it is not possible to provide the service quickly. In addition, since an air-cooling outdoor unit is often installed in an environment without a roof such as a rooftop, providing the service may be difficult depending on the weather.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioning system with which the work time is reduced and the program can be updated regardless of weather.

Solution to Problem

The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system. The air-conditioning system includes: an air-conditioning device to store a control program in a nonvolatile manner; and a distribution device to distribute, to the air-conditioning device, an update program for updating the control program stored in the air-conditioning device in a nonvolatile manner, the distribution device being connected to the air-conditioning device via a first network.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the air-conditioning system of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the work time required for updating the program, and the program can be updated regardless of the weather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air-conditioning system having a function of F/W update by communication.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system in which an air-conditioning device also serves as a distribution device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system capable of performing F/W distribution by connecting a maintenance device on site.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system that collects information from an air-conditioning device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system in which a network server manages a plurality of distribution devices.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system that provides F/W by a manual rewrite instruction.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system that automatically provides F/W in response to addition of new F/W.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for automatically performing F/W distribution.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system in which a network server selects various settings related to F/W distribution.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flow from unit information acquisition to F/W distribution start.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of F/W distribution from a distribution device 2 to an air-conditioning device 1, and interruption, restart, and cancellation of the distribution.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of F/W distribution completion to update normal completion through update execution.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flow of simultaneous distribution to a plurality of air-conditioning devices by broadcast communication.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flow of procedures of F/W distribution and F/W update based on differential data.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing details of a process of creating F/W differential data in S152 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing a process of creating data for the F/W update by the differential data executed in S164 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning device including a plurality of outdoor units in the same refrigerant system.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of simultaneously updating F/W for a plurality of outdoor units.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of an operation according to success or failure of update of the plurality of outdoor units.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described, but it is planned from the beginning of the application that configurations described in the embodiments are appropriately combined. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air-conditioning system according to a first embodiment. An air-conditioning system 100 includes a distribution device 2 and a network server 3.

Distribution device 2 is connected to an air-conditioning device 1 via a dedicated communication network 5, and distributes an update program for updating air-conditioning device 1. Distribution device 2 collects, via communication network 5, data necessary for distributing the update program to air-conditioning device 1 and collects operation data of air-conditioning device 1.

Network server 3 is connected to distribution device 2 and a user terminal 4 via Internet 6A and 6B. Network server 3 stores an update program to be distributed to air-conditioning device 1. Network server 3 also accumulates the operation data for air-conditioning device 1 collected by distribution device 2. The operation data includes, for example, data indicating a remotely controlled operation such as time at which air-conditioning device 1 starts and ends its operation, a change in temperature setting, and switching of cooling/heating operation, and data indicating a state of air-conditioning device 1 such as temperature and pressure measured by a sensor installed in a refrigerant pipe or the like.

Network server 3 also transmits a program update instruction for air-conditioning device 1 that has been received from user terminal 4 to distribution device 2, and transmits the update program to distribution device 2. Distribution device 2 distributes the update program to air-conditioning device 1 in response to reception of the update instruction or the update program. Network server 3 may be connected to, instead of user terminal 4, an application server operated by a maintenance company.

Distribution device 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20, a storage device (read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, and the like) 21, an air conditioner connecting portion 22, and a communication unit 23.

CPU 20 extracts programs stored in the ROM to the RAM or the like, and executes the programs. The programs stored in the ROM are programs in which a processing procedure for operating as distribution device 2 is described. CPU 20 executes processing as a FW update unit 25, a data collection unit 27, and a data reception unit 28 according to the programs. Note that FW update unit 25, data collection unit 27, and data reception unit 28 may be one control unit controlled by the same CPU as illustrated in FIG. 1, or may be separate control units controlled by different CPUs.

FW update unit 25 downloads firmware for update from network server 3 and stores the firmware in storage device 21. The firmware is, for example, an operation control program of air-conditioning device 1 or distribution device 2, or data used for the operation control program. The firmware is stored in a rewritable nonvolatile storage device mounted on air-conditioning device 1 and distribution device 2, and can be electrically rewritten. In the present specification, rewriting such an operation control program or data used for the operation control program is referred to as firmware update. When the downloaded firmware is firmware for distribution device 2, FW update unit 25 applies the firmware to distribution device 2 itself. When the downloaded firmware is firmware for the air-conditioning device, FW update unit 25 transfers the firmware to air-conditioning device 1.

Upon receiving the information necessary for updating the program or operation data of air-conditioning device 1 from air-conditioning device 1, data reception unit 28 stores the information or the operation data in storage device 21.

When there is a request from network server 3 for collecting operation data of air-conditioning device 1 or data necessary for program update, data collection unit 27 extracts corresponding data of air-conditioning device 1 from storage device 21 which is a database of the remote distribution device and transmits the data to network server 3.

Network server 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 30, a storage device (read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk, and the like) 31, a distribution device communication unit 32, and an application communication unit 33.

CPU 30 extracts programs stored in the ROM to the RAM or the like, and executes the programs. The programs stored in the ROM are programs in which a processing procedure for operating as network server 3 is described. CPU 30 executes processing as a FW update unit 36, a device registration unit 38, and a device management unit 39 according to the programs. Note that FW update unit 36, device registration unit 38, and device management unit 39 may be one control unit controlled by the same CPU as illustrated in FIG. 1, or may be separate control units controlled by different CPUs. In addition, network server 3 may be realized by a plurality of servers dispersedly arranged on the Internet.

Air-conditioning system 100 further includes user terminal 4. Application communication unit 33 communicates with user terminal 4 via Internet 6B. As user terminal 4, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like can be used. Application software is installed in user terminal 4.

The application software is configured to transmit the update instruction of the program to the network server according to an operation of the user.

The application software acquires various parameters of air-conditioning device 1 from network server 3, and displays the parameters on a display unit of user terminal 4. The display unit may be an application on the Internet, a client operating on an operating system (OS), or a combination of another network server and a web browser. Instead of user terminal 4, network server 3 may be connected to an application server operated by a maintenance company, and the maintenance company may monitor various parameters of air-conditioning device 1 on the application server.

Device management unit 39 has a function for preventing the user from operating the remote distribution device used by another user. Storage device 31 accumulates information unique to distribution device 2 (device data).

FW update unit 36 has a function of transmitting and managing the firmware of distribution device 2 and the firmware of air-conditioning device 1.

Device registration unit 38 has a function of registering distribution device 2 in network server 3.

Distribution device communication unit 32 communicates with distribution device 2 via Internet 6A. Note that distribution device communication unit 32 is distinguished from application communication unit 33, and user terminal 4 cannot be directly connected to distribution device 2.

Storage device 21 that stores the update program for air-conditioning device 1 such as firmware to be updated is disposed in distribution device 2, but may be provided in an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a remote controller, or the like of air-conditioning device 1. However, since a communication speed of communication network 5 among the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the remote controller is low, even if data retransmission is requested again, it takes time for the data to reach network server 3. Therefore, it is desirable to provide storage device 21 inside distribution device 2 that can communicate with the network server 3 at a high speed by a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or the like.

Device management unit 39 of network server 3 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a function for preventing a user from operating a distribution device used by another user. Therefore, it is necessary to notify network server 3 that the device is owned by the user at the start of use of distribution device 2. Therefore, the user or a person in charge of installation work transmits the information unique to distribution device 2 from user terminal 4 to network server 3 at the time of installation of distribution device 2.

The information unique to distribution device 2 may be any value as long as the value can uniquely specify the distribution device. For example, the unique information may be a serial number, a combination of a serial number and a random number, or the like.

(Description of Update of Firmware)

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the air-conditioning system having a function of F/W update by communication. The air-conditioning system illustrated in FIG. 2 includes network server 3, distribution device 2, and air-conditioning device 1. Network server 3, distribution device 2, and air-conditioning device 1 constitute a communication network.

Communication between network server 3 and distribution device 2 is executed according to a communication standard A. For example, in Internet 6A, communication standard A is assumed to be connection by Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) which is a general communication method. TCP/IP is a set of communication protocols normally employed in many computer networks, including the Internet.

Communication between distribution device 2 and air-conditioning device 1 is executed according to a communication standard B. Communication standard B is, for example, bus communication unique to a manufacturer. Although not particularly limited, in many cases, communication standard B has a communication speed lower than that of communication standard A.

Distribution device 2 and air-conditioning device 1 are disposed at an installation site F1. Network server 3 is disposed at a remote place F2 far away from installation site F1.

The air-conditioning system illustrated in FIG. 2 includes network server 3 that provides firmware (hereinafter, referred to as F/W), distribution device 2, and air-conditioning device 1. Distribution device 2 has a function of communicating with network server 3 and air-conditioning device 1, and distributes the F/W to air-conditioning device 1. Air-conditioning device 1 includes a storage area 1M that stores the downloaded F/W, and has an update function by the F/W.

The F/W of air-conditioning device 1 can be updated by Network server 3 providing the F/W to distribution device 2, and distribution device 2 providing the F/W to air-conditioning device 1.

With such a configuration, the F/W can be updated from the remote place F2 via communication, and therefore it is possible to improve service responsiveness without needing a service person to go to installation site F1 of air-conditioning device 1 from remote place F2.

Distribution device 2 corresponds to both communication standard A of network server 3 and communication standard B of air-conditioning device 1. Therefore, the function of updating the F/W from the remote location can be used by adding distribution device 2 to the existing site.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system in which the air-conditioning device also serves as the distribution device. As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the air-conditioning device itself is compliant with communication standard A of network server 3, an air-conditioning device 11 on the same system can also serve as distribution device 2. Air-conditioning device 11 constitute a communication network with other air-conditioning devices 12 and 13, and has direct or indirect connection with distribution device 2.

Note that network server 3 and distribution device 2 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be replaced with tools or devices having similar functions as described below with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system capable of performing F/W distribution by connecting a maintenance device on site. As illustrated in FIG. 4, network server 3 and distribution device 2 can be replaced with application having a similar F/W distribution function. In this case, a maintenance device 15 used for maintenance by the operator is directly connected to communication network 5 of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 at the installation site. Maintenance device 15 serves as a communication protocol converter that converts a communication protocol between the USB standard of a personal computer and communication standard B. In this method, it is necessary for an operator to go to an installation site, but it is only necessary to connect maintenance device 15 to communication network 5. Therefore, if the outdoor unit of air-conditioning device 11 has a wireless mobile communication function and also serves as distribution device 2, it is not necessary to search for the positions of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12. Accordingly, even in a case where the communication terminal is not provided around the remote controller and the communication terminal is provided inside a housing of the air-conditioning device, it is not necessary to connect the communication terminal to the communication terminal, and thus, it is not necessary to remove a sheet metal of a housing exterior.

Next, processing in which network server 3 collects necessary information in distributing the update program from network server 3 to distribution device 2 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system that collects information from the air-conditioning device.

Distribution device 2 collects information of air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 either when distribution device 2 is powered on or at a constant cycle. The information to be collected includes information indicating compatibility with the F/W distribution function of each air-conditioning device, F/W information corresponding to each air-conditioning device, a current F/W version, a communication method at the time of F/W distribution, a distribution unit, a compression method of distribution data, a data format of the distribution data, and the like. Network server 3 can collect the information collected by distribution device 2 at an arbitrary timing, and an operator can also confirm the content by accessing network server 3.

By collecting the information of air-conditioning devices 11 to 13, network server 3 can provide the F/W to distribution device 2 using the F/W type, the F/W version, and the data compression method that can be supported by the air-conditioning device to be updated. In addition, distribution device 2 can perform F/W distribution to the air-conditioning device using a communication method and a distribution unit suitable for the air-conditioning device to be updated.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system in which the network server manages a plurality of distribution devices. Air-conditioning system 100 includes a plurality of device groups F1A to F1C and a network server 3 connected to distribution devices 2A to 2C of the plurality of device groups F1A to F1C via a second network 6A.

The plurality of device groups F1A are disposed at an installation site A and include air-conditioning device 1A and a distribution device 2A. The plurality of device groups F1B are disposed at an installation site B and include air-conditioning device 1B and a distribution device 2B. The plurality of device groups F1C are disposed at an installation site C and include an air-conditioning device 1C and a distribution device 2C.

Network server 3 is configured to store a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C) respectively corresponding to the plurality of device groups F1A to F1C and information necessary for distributing the plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C), respectively. The information necessary for distribution includes, for example, information specifying a distribution device as a distribution destination, an air-conditioning device information list indicating a configuration of an air-conditioning device distributed by each distribution device, and the like.

An administrator can add the F/W to network server 3 from user terminal 4 arranged at a remote place F2A via a network 6B.

Network server 3 can manage a plurality of distribution devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, and can store a plurality of types of F/W. Network server 3 can distribute the F/W to the plurality of distribution devices 2A, 2B, and 2C. In addition, it is also possible to provide the F/W after compressing the F/W by various compression methods. Note that the F/W may be compressed and held from the beginning. Further, each of air-conditioning devices 1A, 1B, and 1C has a function of decompressing compressed data of F/W.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, since network server 3 and distribution devices 2A to 2C can be connected by one-to-many connection, it is possible to perform parallel processing of information aggregation and F/W update for each of installation sites F1A, F1B, and F1C. In addition, since network server 3 can store the plurality of types of F/W, it is possible to support a plurality of types of air-conditioning devices and update the F/W using data of different versions of F/W for the same device. In addition, the throughput at the time of F/W distribution can be improved by compressing data before distribution.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system that provides the F/W by a manual rewrite instruction. Network server 3 illustrated in FIG. 7 is configured such that F/W provision to distribution device 2 starts in response to a rewrite instruction transmitted from user terminal 4 by the operator.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system that automatically provides F/W in response to addition of new F/W. Network server 3 illustrated in FIG. 8 is configured such that F/W provision to distribution device 2 automatically starts in response to the operator adding new F/W from user terminal 4 or register a new version of the F/W.

According to the configuration of FIG. 8, in addition to the manual instruction from the operator, the distribution to the necessary air-conditioning device can be automatically performed by setting the condition.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for automatically performing the F/W distribution. First, from steps S1 to S7, network server 3 sequentially refers to the air-conditioning device information list one by one from the beginning. In step S2, network server 3 determines whether or not F/W added from user terminal 4 by the operator is for a reference model referred to in the air-conditioning device information list. In step S2, when the added F/W is not for the reference model, the process returns from step S7 to step S1, and proceeds to the next item of the information list.

When the added F/W is for the reference device in step S2, in step S3, network server 3 determines whether the method of determining whether or not the F/W of the reference model is updated is based on the time stamp or the version.

In a case where the determination method is based on the version in step S3, when a version number of the added F/W is larger than a version number of the F/W of the target model in step S4, network server 3 adds a model that is being referred to a list of models to be updated in step S6. On the other hand, when the version number of the added F/W is equal to or smaller than the version number of the F/W of the target model in step S4, network server 3 does not execute the addition process of step S6, and the process returns to step S1 to refer to the next item of the air-conditioning device information list, and executes the processing in and after step S2.

On the other hand, in a case where the determination method is based on the time stamp in step S3, when a time stamp of added F/W is larger (newer) than a time stamp of F/W of the target model in step S5, network server 3 adds a model that is being referred to the list of models to be updated in step S6. On the other hand, in step S5, when the time stamp of the added F/W is equal to or smaller (the same or older) than the time stamp of the F/W of the target model, network server 3 does not execute the addition process of step S6, and the process returns to step S1 to refer to the next item of the air-conditioning device information list, and executes the processing in and after step S2.

In step S7, when all the devices in the air-conditioning device information list have been referred to, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 9 ends. Then, the network server 3 transmits the F/W to the corresponding distribution devices so as to distribute the added F/W to air-conditioning devices in the list of models to be updated that has been completed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning system in which the network server selects various settings related to F/W distribution.

When network server 3 starts providing the F/W to distribution device 2, network server 3 selects the compression method and the data format of the F/W to be provided in addition to the selection of the F/W corresponding to the air-conditioning device from the collected air-conditioning device information. Network server 3 refers to the air-conditioning device information, and selects a compression method and a data format for the F/W so as to minimize the file size and maximize the throughput. In addition, distribution device 2 selects a communication method and a distribution unit.

By allowing the compression method of the F/W distributed from network server 3 to air-conditioning device 1 to be appropriately selected for each air-conditioning device, it is possible to handle a difference in compression methods of devices, a new compression method from new F/W, and the like. When the F/W to which the new compression method is applied is distributed in a compressed state, it is necessary to mount a decompression protocol of the new compression method for the F/W itself of the air-conditioning device. Note that the F/W may be distributed without compression.

The data format for transmission from network server 3 to distribution device 2 and transmission from distribution device 2 to air-conditioning device 1 is selected between full data and differential data. In the case of the version update of the F/W with a minor change, it is possible to significantly reduce time for distribution by selecting the differential data. For example, the differential data can be calculated by a procedure described later with reference to FIG. 16. In this case, the differential data may be automatically selected on condition that a capacity of data including the differential data and difference position list is smaller than a capacity of full data.

As a communication method from distribution device 2 to air-conditioning device 1, it is possible to select either routine communication or extended communication with an extended data section.

The air-conditioning device may adopt a unique communication standard, and a communication speed is very low compared to general communication such as TCP/IP used by personal computers and the like. In order to make a communication speed during communication of large-capacity data faster than that in routine communication, extended communication with an extended data section is prepared. The communication with an extended data section is communication in which in a system for transmitting a communication command including a header section and a data section, a length of the data section is extended and a length of the header section is slightly extended.

Generally, a communication command is divided into a header section and a data section, and the header section has a fixed length. However, if the data section is short when a large amount of data is transmitted, the number of times of transmission increases, and accordingly the header section is transmitted every time. This makes effective throughput of communication decrease. Therefore, by increase the length of the data section, it is possible to reduce the transmission of the header section and increase the effective throughput. However, in a case where both the extended communication and the routine communication can be supported, it is necessary to extend the header section in order to make the header section indicate which method of communication is employed.

Since distribution of the F/W handles a large amount of data, it is possible to significantly reduce distribution time for devices compatible with the extended communication.

In addition, network server 3 can select the number of unit data (distribution unit R) per one continuous transmission when distribution device 2 performs a distribution sequence for air-conditioning device 1 at the time of F/W distribution. The data received at the time of distribution is stored in a main storage device inside air-conditioning device 1, but an area width of the main storage device of the target device allowed for this function is different for each air-conditioning device. Since network server 3 stores the area width for each air-conditioning device, it is possible to adjust the area width according to each air-conditioning device.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, network server 3 aggregates the air-conditioning device information acquired by distribution device 2 on network server 3. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, network server 3 uses the air-conditioning device information to distribute the F/W appropriate for the target air-conditioning device to the air-conditioning device with appropriate settings.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flow from unit information acquisition to F/W distribution start. The operator adds the F/W to network server 3 (S11). When distribution device 2 requests the unit information of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 (S12, S13), air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 respective return unit information (S14, S15).

When network server 3 requests distribution device 2 to transmit the unit information on air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 (S16), distribution device 2 returns the unit information on air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 to network server 3 (S17).

As a method of starting F/W distribution, there are a method by a manual instruction by an operator as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 11 and a method of automatically distributing by a network server as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 11. In either of these starting methods, a start command is used.

In the case of the manual F/W distribution illustrated in (a) of FIG. 11, when the operator requests the unit information from network server 3 (S18), network server 3 transmits the unit information collected in advance to a terminal of the operator (S19). The operator looks at the provided unit information and transmits, to network server 3, an F/W update instruction including information for specifying air-conditioning device 11 of interest and setting X for distribution (S20).

Upon reception of the F/W update instruction, network server 3 transmits a checksum of the F/W to distribution device 2 (S21), and then transmits the F/W for update to distribution device 2 together with the information specifying air-conditioning device 11 of interest and setting X for distribution. Distribution device 2 performs collation using the checksum value transmitted in advance to ensure the identity of the F/W (S23), and if there is no problem, distribution device 2 transmits the checksum of the F/W to air-conditioning device 11 specified as a target (S24), and starts distribution of the F/W with setting X (S25).

On the other hand, when the automatic distribution is performed from network server 3 illustrated in (b) of FIG. 11, network server 3 determines air-conditioning device 11 to be distributed and setting Y at the time of distribution to air-conditioning device 11 by own determination based on the unit information collected in advance (S26).

Subsequently, network server 3 transmits the checksum of the F/W to distribution device 2 (S27), and then transmits the F/W for update to distribution device 2 together with the information specifying air-conditioning device 11 of interest and setting Y for distribution (S28). Distribution device 2 performs collation using the checksum value transmitted in advance to ensure the identity of the F/W (S29), and if there is no problem, transmits the checksum of the F/W to air-conditioning device 11 specified as a target (S30), and starts distribution of the F/W with setting Y (S31).

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of F/W distribution from distribution device 2 to air-conditioning device 1, and interruption, restart, and cancellation of the distribution.

When the F/W is distributed, the F/W is divided into distribution units R and distributed. Distribution device 2 transmits the unit data R times for each distribution unit R designated in the setting, and confirms insufficiency on a side of the air-conditioning device. When the transmission of the R-th data, which is the last of distribution units R, is completed in steps S41 to S42, distribution device 2 confirm with air-conditioning device 1 whether or not there is insufficiency in data in step S43.

For example, air-conditioning device 1 performs insufficiency determination simply based on whether or not the number of the data is received. More specifically, since “DATA NUMBER+DATA” is included in a communication command, the received data number can be stored in a list, and a missing number can be determined to be insufficiency. In step S44, air-conditioning device 1 extracts a missing number “No. 5” of which reception has been failed.

In step S44, air-conditioning device 1 whose insufficiency is confirmed responds with “R+1” and “5”. “R+1” is a number next to the last received number R and is a number for requesting transmission next time. Further, “5” is a missing number among R pieces of data. By responding in this manner, air-conditioning device 1 does not need to grasp the total number of data pieces, and thus communication and control can be simplified.

In response to the response from the air-conditioning device, in step S46, distribution device 2 transmits data of the number (5) that is insufficient in the distribution unit to air-conditioning device 1. Then, in step S48, distribution device 2 again confirm with air-conditioning device 1 whether or not there is insufficiency in the data.

Since the missing number is resolved by retransmission of the fifth data, in step S49, air-conditioning device 1 with which insufficiency is confirmed responds with only “R+1” which is the number next to the last received number R.

Note that when network server 3 confirms with distribution device 2 regarding the progress at a timely timing (S45), distribution device 2 returns the progress to network server 3, for example, “Distribution in progress S %”.

As described later in S77 of FIG. 13, the checksum is used only for confirmation after reception of all data.

When divided F/W is received, air-conditioning device 1 stores data in the main storage device in air-conditioning device 1, and when the data for the distribution unit is obtained or when completion of distribution is notified from distribution device 2, air-conditioning device 1 transfers the data to an auxiliary storage device in air-conditioning device 1.

In addition, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 12, for the F/W distribution, network server 3 can issue an interruption instruction (S50) and a restart instruction (S53).

Upon reception of the interruption instruction, distribution device 2 interrupts distribution of the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 (S51, S52). Upon reception of the restart instruction, distribution device 2 restarts distribution of the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 (S54). When the reception of the distribution unit R by air-conditioning device 1 is confirmed, distribution device 2 proceeds to transmission of a next distribution unit R ((R+1)th to (2R)th) (S54 to S58 in FIG. 12).

As illustrated in (b) of FIG. 12, for the F/W distribution, network server 3 can issue a cancellation instruction (S59). Upon reception of the cancellation instruction, distribution device 2 stops distribution of the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 (S60, S61).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow from F/W distribution completion to update normal completion through update execution. In steps S71 to S74, transmission of a (n+1)th distribution unit R is executed similarly to S41 to S44 in FIG. 12, and insufficient data nR+3 is distributed in step S75, and the entire distribution of the F/W is completed.

When the distribution from distribution device 2 is completed and all the F/W data are obtained (S75), air-conditioning device 1 performs a decompression process when the compression method is designated in the setting (S76). After performing the decompression process (as it is in the case of non-compression), air-conditioning device 1 confirms the identity of the data using the checksum transmitted at the start of distribution (S77).

After confirming the completion of the checksum matching on air-conditioning device 1 side (S78 to S81), network server 3 issues an instruction to perform the F/W update (S82, S83). A start instruction for executing the F/W update may be either manual or automatic. Air-conditioning device 1 that has been instructed to update executes the F/W update after stopping the operation (S84) (S85).

After instructing the air-conditioning device to perform the F/W update (S83), distribution device 2 confirms the version of the F/W, and determines whether or not the F/W update is successful (S86, S87).

When network server 3 confirms the progress (S88), the distribution device responds that the update has been normally completed (S89).

As described above, in the air-conditioning system of the first embodiment, the update firmware is distributed from network server 3 to air-conditioning device 1 via distribution device 2. At this time, the update firmware can be distributed in a form, such as the compression method, the data format, and the communication method, suitable for air-conditioning device 1. In addition, it is possible to manually or automatically instruct the air-conditioning device to start distribution from the distribution device. Further, it is also possible to interrupt, restart, or stop the update process.

Second Embodiment

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and the like, in a configuration in which a plurality of air-conditioning devices are connected to distribution device 2, it may be necessary to distribute the same update F/W to the plurality of air-conditioning devices.

It takes time to perform distribution to the air-conditioning devices individually. When the air-conditioning devices and distribution device 2 constitute a bus type communication network, F/W distribution may not be individually performed but may be transmitted by broadcast communication in order to shorten the time. Since a F/W distribution command has a large amount of transmission data, it is possible to reduce a utilization rate of the communication network and improve the throughput by using the broadcast communication.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flow of simultaneous distribution to the plurality of air-conditioning devices by broadcast communication.

In step S101, network server 3 acquires unit information of each air-conditioning device collected in advance by distribution device 2, and grasps to which air-conditioning device the same F/W needs to be distributed among air-conditioning devices 11 to 13.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, network server 3 determines that it is necessary to distribute the same F/W to air-conditioning devices 11 and 12. Then, network server 3 transmits the checksum of the F/W to distribution device 2 in step S102, and provides the F/W to distribution device 2 in step S103. At this time, subsequently in S103, network server 3 transmits the fact that the distribution targets are air-conditioning devices 11 and 12, and setting X for distribution to distribution device 2.

In step S104, distribution device 2 collates the received checksum of the F/W, and transmits the checksum to air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 to which the F/W is to be provided (S105). Subsequently, in step S106, distribution device 2 transmits an F/W distribution start command to air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 to which the F/W is provided. On the other hand, as shown in step S107, air-conditioning device 13 to which the F/W is not provided does not receive the F/W distribution start command.

As shown in steps S106 and S107, whether or not to receive the broadcast communication can be determined by each of air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 depending on whether or not air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 has received the F/W distribution start command transmitted by distribution device 2.

Subsequently, as described in steps S108 to S110, distribution device 2 sequentially transmits first to R-th unit data to the bus communication network based on the divided distribution units of the F/W. Then, in step S111, distribution device 2 inquires of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 whether any one of the distribution units is insufficient (whether reception has failed).

As a result, in step S112, air-conditioning device 11 responds that sixth unit data and (R+1)th unit data are insufficient, and air-conditioning device 12 responds that (R+1)th unit data is insufficient. As described in step S113, since the start command is not received in air-conditioning device 13 to which the F/W is not provided, the communication in steps S108 to S111 is discarded.

After seeing the response result of step S112, distribution device 2 first transmits the sixth unit data to the bus communication network. Then, in step S115, distribution device 2 again inquires of air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 whether any one of the distribution units is insufficient (whether reception has failed). Since air-conditioning device 11 has successfully received the sixth unit data, both air-conditioning devices 11 and 12 respond that the (R+1)th unit data is insufficient (S116).

Then, after steps S117 and S118, distribution device 2 sequentially transmits the remaining F/W distribution units of (R+1)th, (R+2)th, . . . distribution units to the bus communication network.

In this manner, distribution device 2 can execute the broadcast communication with respect to the plurality of air-conditioning devices to shorten the total transmission time.

Third Embodiment

It has been described with reference to FIG. 10 that the data format in the case of distributing the F/W is the full format or the difference format, and in a third embodiment, a case where the data format is the difference format to reduce the amount of data to be distributed will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flow of procedures of F/W distribution and F/W update based on the differential data. In steps S153 and S154 in FIG. 15, two checksums including a checksum of the differential data and a checksum of the entire update F/W are transmitted at the time of distribution using the differential data. Then, by collating the checksum of the differential data in steps S157 and S163 and collating the entire checksum in step S165, it is ensured that there is no error after restoration.

More specifically, in step S151, network server 3 acquires the unit information of the air-conditioning device collected in advance by distribution device 2. As a result of analyzing the information by network server 3, it is determined that the F/W needs to be distributed to air-conditioning device 1 and that current F/W of air-conditioning device 1 has been registered in network server 3.

Subsequently, in step S152, network server 3 creates differential data and a difference position list from the current F/W and the update F/W.

Then, in step S153, network server 3 transmits the created checksum of the differential data to distribution device 2, and subsequently in step S154, network server 3 transmits the checksum of the entire F/W data to distribution device 2.

Thereafter, network server 3 transmits the differential data and the difference position list created in step S152 to distribution device 2 in steps S155 and S156.

Subsequently, in step S157, distribution device 2 checks the checksum of the received differential data. Then, in step S158, the checksum of the differential data is transmitted to air-conditioning device 1, and in step S159, the checksum of the entire F/W data is transmitted to air-conditioning device 1.

Thereafter, in steps S160 and S161, distribution device 2 transmits the differential data and the difference position list received in steps S155 and S156.

After the distribution of the F/W to air-conditioning device 1 is completed in step S162, and the decompression of the data is completed in air-conditioning device 1 in the case of the compressed data, air-conditioning device 1 collates the checksum of the differential data in step S163, creates the entire data of the F/W for update from the differential data in step S164, and collates the checksum of the entire data in step S165.

Thereafter, an inquiry for confirming the collation result is transmitted from distribution device 2 to air-conditioning device 1 in step S166, and in response to the inquiry, an answer indicating that the checksum of the entire data of the F/W has been successfully checked is transmitted from air-conditioning device 1 to distribution device 2 in step S167.

Further, in step S168, an update process of applying the created update F/W to air-conditioning device 1 is performed, and the version of F/W is confirmed in a procedure similar to that in S86 to S89 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing details of the process of creating the differential data of the F/W in S152 of FIG. 15.

The differential data distribution can be performed if both the current F/W and the update F/W are registered in network server 3.

When the data format is transmitted as differential data, the network server compares the current F/W and the update F/W of the target air-conditioning device for each distribution unit, and records data at the position where the data does not match and a difference position.

First, in step S131, the difference position is set to 0, and the distribution units are compared in order from the difference position 0 to data end from steps S132 to S138. The difference position is an integer starting from 0, and when one comparison ends, 1 is added in step S137.

In step S133, the comparison start position is set as difference position×distribution unit. Then, in step S134, network server 3 determines whether there is a difference within the distribution unit width from the comparison start position.

When there is a difference (YES in S134), network server 3 adds the data of the distribution unit being currently referred to the distribution data in step S135, and adds the difference position being currently compared to the difference position list in step S136. Thereafter, in step S137, network server 3 adds 1 to the difference position. On the other hand, when there is no difference (NO in S134), network server 3 does not execute the processing of steps S135 and S136, adds 1 to the difference position in step S137, and repeats the processing of S133 to S137 again.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing the process of creating data for the F/W update by the differential data executed in S164 of FIG. 15.

In the setting at the start of distribution, the data format is designated by the differential data, and the list of the difference positions is transmitted, so that rewriting by the differential data can be performed on the air-conditioning device side. At this time, in air-conditioning device 1, the F/W for update is restored by the following procedure.

First, in step S141, air-conditioning device 1 transfers the F/W currently being executed in air-conditioning device 1 to an update data area of a memory included in air-conditioning device 1. From steps S142 to S147, a process of sequentially replacing the distribution units indicated in the difference position list is executed. First, in step S143, a difference position is extracted from the difference position list, and in step S144, a rewrite start position is set as the difference position×the distribution unit. Then, in step S145, the data corresponding to the distribution unit from the rewrite start position is rewritten with the data corresponding to the received distribution unit. Further, in step S146, air-conditioning device 1 advances a reference point of the difference position list and a reference point of the received data, and repeats the processing of S143 to S145 again. In this procedure, the creation of the update F/W is completed.

According to the air-conditioning system of the third embodiment, by transferring the difference, the distribution time of the update F/W can be shortened in a case where the capacity of the F/W is large and a portion to be changed is small.

Fourth Embodiment

A plurality of outdoor units may be connected to the same refrigerant system. For example, there is a case in which a necessary refrigeration capacity is changed by changing a load, and the refrigeration capacity is increased or decreased depending on the number of operated devices.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the air-conditioning device including the plurality of outdoor units in the same refrigerant system. Air-conditioning device 1 illustrated in FIG. 18 includes outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n, indoor units 102-1 to 103-m, and refrigerant pipes 103 and 104.

Here, m and n are integers of 2 or more, and the number m of outdoor units and the number n of indoor units may be the same or different. Outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n are connected in parallel between refrigerant pipe 103 and refrigerant pipe 104 to constitute a heat source unit. Indoor units 102-1 to 103-m are connected in parallel between refrigerant pipe 103 and refrigerant pipe 104 to constitute a load device. Distribution device 2 is connected to air-conditioning device 1, and update F/W is distributed.

In the air-conditioning system having such a configuration, when the F/W update fails for some reason, if the F/W version is different among the plurality of outdoor units, the entire air-conditioning system may be affected. Therefore, when the version of the F/W is updated, it is necessary to perform the update in an appropriate procedure. This procedure will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

Distribution device 2 may have outdoor unit 101-1 therein. FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an example in which outdoor unit 101-1 serves as a main outdoor unit and outdoor units 101-2 to 101-m serve as subordinate outdoor units. Therefore, in FIGS. 19 and 20, the outdoor units are denoted as main outdoor unit 101-1 and subordinate outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of simultaneously updating F/W for the plurality of outdoor units.

When the same refrigerant system includes the plurality of outdoor units, in step S181, the F/W distribution to the plurality of outdoor units (main outdoor unit 101-1, subordinate outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3) is completed in advance.

Upon reception of an update execution instruction from network server 3 (S182), distribution device 2 recognizes the plurality of outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, and instructs the main outdoor unit to execute the F/W update of the plurality of outdoor units (S183).

Upon reception of this, main outdoor unit 101-1 confirms that it is ready for update. At the same time, main outdoor unit 101-1 further confirms that subordinate outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3 are ready to be updated (S184).

When the response indicating that the update preparation is completed is received from subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 (S185), main outdoor unit 101-1 transmits an operation stop instruction to subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 (S186), and also stops the operation of the compressor (S187).

After confirming that all of main outdoor unit 101-1 and the subordinate outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3 are ready for update, main outdoor unit 101-1 transmits an update instruction to the subordinate outdoor units 101-2 to 101-3 (S188) and updates own F/W (S189). Subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 also updates the F/W in response to the update instruction from main outdoor unit 101-1 (S190, S191).

Thereafter, distribution device 2 makes an inquiry to main outdoor unit 101-1 and subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 to confirm the version of the F/W (S192). In response to the inquiry, main outdoor unit 101-1 and subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 notify distribution device 2 of the version of the F/W (S193). When the update is successful, distribution device 2 is notified of the updated new version.

When network server 3 confirms the progress to distribution device 2 (S194), distribution device 2 returns a notification indicating that the update is normally completed to network server 3 (S195). In this manner, the F/W is simultaneously updated for the plurality of outdoor units.

As described above, after the F/W distribution is completed, the air-conditioning device needs to interrupt the temporary control in order to update the F/W. At this time, when the device to be updated is an outdoor unit and the plurality of outdoor units constitute one refrigerant system, in a fourth embodiment, the main outdoor unit adjusts the update timing using communication. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the air conditioning is also stopped. In addition, in a case where there are a plurality of outdoor units, the system is reconfigured at the time of rewriting, and thus, the recovery timing is approximately the same.

When one refrigerant system is constituted by a plurality of outdoor units, since the control is performed using the shared refrigerant pipes 103 and 104, an influence on the refrigerant control can be reduced by performing the F/W update at the same timing.

However, it is also conceivable that the update fails in any of steps S189, S190, and S191. In such a case, there is a possibility that a defect occurs in the refrigeration cycle when different versions of F/W are simultaneously executed, and therefore it is better to restore the previous version.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, there is provided a mechanism for returning the version of the F/W when the F/W version difference occurs after the update in the outdoor units of the same refrigerant system. In order to return the version, the current F/W is stored in the main storage device of each outdoor unit in advance. This mechanism is also realized by main outdoor unit 101-1 that controls the system configuration of air-conditioning device 1 by confirming the state of subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of an operation according to success or failure of update of the plurality of outdoor units. When the version difference occurs, a rolling back process using the backup data stored when the power is turned on or the like is performed ((a) in FIG. 20).

Hereinafter, a case where main outdoor unit 101-1 and subordinate outdoor unit 101-2 succeed in updating in S202 and S203 and subordinate outdoor unit 101-3 fails in updating in S204 will be exemplified.

When main outdoor unit 101-1 inquires whether or not the update of the F/W is successful (S205), subordinate outdoor unit 101-2 responds that the update has been successful and subordinate outdoor unit 101-3 responds that the update has failed (S206).

Then, main outdoor unit 101-1 transmits an F/W rewrite instruction based on the backup data prepared in advance to subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 (S207), and also executes the F/W rewrite based on the backup data by itself (S208). In response to this, subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 also executes the F/W rewriting based on the backup data (S209, S210).

On the other hand, when there is no version difference, backup data is created in preparation for the next F/W update ((b) in FIG. 20).

Hereinafter, a case where main outdoor unit 101-1 and subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 are successfully updated in S212, S213, and S214 will be exemplified.

When main outdoor unit 101-1 inquires whether or not the update of the F/W is successful (S215), both subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 respond that the update has been successful (S216).

Then, main outdoor unit 101-1 transmits a backup instruction to subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 (S217), and backs up the F/W which has been successfully updated by itself (S218). In response to this, subordinate outdoor units 101-2 and 101-3 also back up the F/W which has been successfully updated (S219, S220). By preparing the backup data, it is possible to return the F/W to the previous version when the next update fails.

By executing the control as illustrated in FIG. 20, when any outdoor unit fails to update the F/W, it is possible to return to the previous version. Therefore, in the plurality of outdoor units of the same refrigerant system, it is possible to avoid a situation in which control is executed by the F/W of different versions.

SUMMARY

Air-conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment includes air-conditioning device 1 to store a control program in a nonvolatile manner, and distribution device 2 to distribute, to air-conditioning device 1, an update program for updating the control program stored in air-conditioning device 1 in a nonvolatile manner, distribution device 2 being connected to air-conditioning device 1 via first network 5.

Air-conditioning system 100 further includes a network server 3 connected to distribution device 2 via second network 6A. Distribution device 2 is configured to receive distribution of an update program from network server 3.

With such a configuration, the F/W can be updated from the remote place via communication, and therefore it is possible to improve service responsiveness without needing a service person to go to installation site of air-conditioning device 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, distribution device 2 may be housed in a housing of another air-conditioning device 11 different from air-conditioning device 1. Distribution device 2 is configured to perform protocol conversion between a communication standard B that is a communication method of first network 5 and a communication standard A that is a communication method of second network 6A.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, distribution device 2 collects and stores an information list necessary for distributing the update program for air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 from air-conditioning devices 11 to 13 in storage device 21 either when distribution device 2 is powered on or at a constant cycle. Network server 3 accesses distribution device 2 and reads the information list from distribution device 2 before the time point at which the update program is distributed. Network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program according to the information list.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the information on the air-conditioning device includes at least one of a compression method, a data format, and a communication method when the update program is distributed.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the data format includes a full data format and a differential data format. When the data format is the differential data format, network server 3 compares the update program with the pre-update program as illustrated in FIG. 16, and generates differential data between the update program and the pre-update program and differential position data indicating the position of the differential data. As illustrated in FIG. 15, network server 3 is configured to distribute the generated differential data and differential position data to distribution device 2. As illustrated in FIG. 15, distribution device 2 transfers the differential data and the differential position data to air-conditioning device 1. As shown in FIG. 17, air-conditioning device 1 is configured to restore the update program based on the differential data and the differential position data.

As described above, by collecting the information of the air-conditioning device, network server 3 can provide the F/W to distribution device 2 using the F/W type, the F/W version, and the compression method that can be supported by the air-conditioning device to be updated. In addition, distribution device 2 can perform F/W distribution to the air-conditioning device using a communication method and a distribution unit suitable for the air-conditioning device to be updated.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, even when there is no connection to the network server, the update program transmitted from user terminal 4 (personal computer) of the operator under the USB standard may be distributed by protocol conversion into communication standard B by maintenance device 15 also serves as distribution device 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, air-conditioning system 100 includes a plurality of device groups F1A to F1C each including air-conditioning devices 1A to 1C and distribution devices 2A to 2C, and network server 3 connected to distribution devices 2A to 2C of the plurality of device groups F1A to F1C via second network 6A. Network server 3 is configured to store a plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C) respectively corresponding to the plurality of device groups F1A to F1C and information necessary for distributing the plurality of update programs F/W(A) to F/W(C), respectively. The information necessary for distribution includes, for example, information on the distribution device indicating the distribution destination, an air-conditioning device information list indicating the configuration of the air-conditioning device distributed by each distribution device, and the like.

In such a configuration, since network server 3 and distribution devices 2A to 2C can be connected by one-to-many connection, it is possible to perform parallel processing of information aggregation and F/W update for each installation site. In addition, since network server 3 can store the plurality of types of F/W, it is possible to support a plurality of types of air-conditioning devices and update the F/W using data of different versions of F/W for the same device. In addition, the throughput at the time of F/W distribution can be improved by compressing data before distribution.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program to a distribution device corresponding to the rewrite instruction that has been received from the operator. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8, network server 3 is configured to distribute the update program to the distribution device corresponding to an established rewrite condition, for example, a new F/W is added.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, air-conditioning device 1 includes a plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n commonly connected to one refrigerant circuit. As illustrated in FIG. 19, each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n is configured to replace the pre-update program with the distributed update program either at the timing specified by distribution device 2 or at the timing when a condition specified by distribution device 2 is satisfied.

Each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n is configured to store the pre-update program and the update program. As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 20, each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n is configured to use the pre-update program without using the update program when the pre-update program cannot be normally updated to the update program in any one of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n.

More preferably, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 20, each of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n is configured to use the update program as the control program and rewrite the pre-update program to the update program when the pre-update program is normally updated to the update program in all of the plurality of outdoor units 101-1 to 101-n.

Preferably, air-conditioning system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 further includes a network server 3 connected to distribution device 2 via a second network. Network server 3 includes storage device 31 that stores the update program and the pre-update program, and CPU 30 that reads the update program from storage device 31 and distributes the update program to distribution device 2. In step S152 of FIG. 15, CPU 30 compares the update program with the pre-update program, and generates differential data between the update program and the pre-update program, a first checksum indicating a checksum of the differential data, and a second checksum indicating a checksum of the entire update program. Distribution device 2 receives the differential data, the first checksum, and the second checksum from network server 3 (S153, S154), and transfers (S158, S159) the differential data, the first checksum, and the second checksum to air-conditioning device 1. Air-conditioning device 1 is configured to collate the received differential data using the first checksum (S163) and collate the update program restored from the received differential data using the second checksum (S165).

More preferably, air-conditioning device 1 receives the differential data and the differential position data from network server 3 via distribution device 2 (S160, S161). Air-conditioning device 1 restores the update program using the control program, the differential data, and the differential position data (S164, S131 to S138 in FIG. 17).

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, instead of the descriptions of the embodiments stated above, and it is intended that meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope are included.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 11, 12, 13 air-conditioning device; 2, 2A, 2B, 2C distribution device; 3 network server; 4 user terminal; 5 communication network; 6A, 6B Internet; 15 maintenance device; 21, 31 storage device; 22 air conditioner connecting portion; 23 communication unit; 25, 36 FW update unit; 27 data collection unit; 28 data reception unit; 32 distribution device communication unit; 33 application communication unit; 38 device registration unit; 39 device management unit; 100 air-conditioning system; 101-1 to 101-3 outdoor unit; 102-1 to 102-3 indoor unit; 103, 104 refrigerant pipe

AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM

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