TWI778349B - Firmware updating method and communication system - Google Patents

Firmware updating method and communication system Download PDF

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TWI778349B
TWI778349B TW109112236A TW109112236A TWI778349B TW I778349 B TWI778349 B TW I778349B TW 109112236 A TW109112236 A TW 109112236A TW 109112236 A TW109112236 A TW 109112236A TW I778349 B TWI778349 B TW I778349B
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update
meters
firmware update
electricity meters
electricity
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TW202139117A (en
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黃偉
王凱民
廖仁忠
薛清益
林亦欣
謝孟哲
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中華電信股份有限公司
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Abstract

A firmware updating method and a communication system are provided. In the method, multiple electricity meters are grouped into multiple updating groups according to network topology information, batch updating parameters are determined according to the number of the electricity meters in each updating group, and a firmware updating operation is performed on the electricity meters according to the batch updating parameters. The network topology information is related to the connection situation between the relay and serving electricity meters. The electricity meters in each updating group are served by its belonging relay. The batch updating meters includes updating the upper limit number for a single updating group. One time, merely the updating upper limit number of the electricity meters performs the firmware updating operation. Accordingly, the electric energy consumption uploading operation would not be affected by the updating operation.

Description

韌體更新方法及通訊系統Firmware update method and communication system

本發明是有關於一種更新技術，且特別是有關於一種韌體更新方法及通訊系統。The present invention relates to an update technology, and more particularly, to a firmware update method and communication system.

先進讀表基礎建設(Advanced Metering Infrastructure，AMI)在政府積極的推動下，其通訊建設將扮演重要腳色。值得注意的是，部分電表可能需要透過不同通訊方式將電表資料上傳至後端平台(例如，頭端系統(Head-End System，HES)、電表資訊管理系統 (Meter Database Management System，MDMS)等)。而隨著電表建置數量增加，甚至高達數百萬具，通訊基地台(例如， NB-IoT、LTE-M等通訊基站)之負載亦隨之增加，且甚至影響設備的上網體驗。此外，在對這些電表更新的過程中，除了用電資料，相較更大資料量的更新資料也會同時湧入通訊基地台，從而造成資料擁塞，甚至會暫停服務。Under the active promotion of the government, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) will play an important role in its communication construction. It is worth noting that some meters may need to upload the meter data to the back-end platform through different communication methods (for example, Head-End System (HES), Meter Database Management System (MDMS), etc.) . As the number of electric meters installed increases, even reaching millions, the load of communication base stations (eg, NB-IoT, LTE-M and other communication base stations) also increases, and even affects the Internet experience of the device. In addition, in the process of updating these electricity meters, in addition to the electricity consumption data, updated data with a larger amount of data will also flood into the communication base station at the same time, resulting in data congestion and even service suspension.

有鑑於此，本發明實施例提供一種韌體更新方法及通訊系統，透過批次更新來錯開高負載情形。In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a firmware update method and a communication system, which can stagger high-load situations through batch update.

本發明實施例的韌體更新方法，其適用於受中繼站服務下的數台電表。韌體更新方法包括下列步驟：依據網路拓樸資訊對那些電表分群以產生數個更新群組。網路拓樸資訊相關於中繼站與受其服務的電表的連線情形，且各更新群組中的電表受相同的中繼站所服務。依據各更新群組中的電表的數量決定批次更新參數。此批次更新參數包括單一更新群組的更新上限數。依據批次更新參數對些電表進行韌體更新作業。同時僅有更新上限數的那些電表執行韌體更新作業。The firmware update method according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to several electric meters served by the relay station. The firmware update method includes the following steps: grouping those electricity meters according to the network topology information to generate several update groups. The network topology information is related to the connection between the relay station and the electricity meters served by it, and the electricity meters in each update group are served by the same relay station. The batch update parameters are determined according to the number of electricity meters in each update group. This batch update parameter includes the maximum number of updates for a single update group. Perform firmware update for some electricity meters according to batch update parameters. At the same time, only those meters with the updated upper limit will perform the firmware update operation.

本發明實施例的通訊系統包括數台電表、中繼站及頭端管理系統。電表用以上傳資料。中繼站為那些電表提供網路服務，並接收那些電表所上傳的資料。頭端管理系統依據網路拓樸資訊對電表分群以產生數個更新群組，依據各更新群組中的電表的數量決定批次更新參數，並依據批次更新參數經由中繼站對電表進行韌體更新作業。網路拓樸資訊相關於中繼站與受其服務的電表的連線情形，且各更新群組中的電表受相同的中繼站所服務。此批次更新參數包括單一更新群組的更新上限數。同時僅有更新上限數的那些電表執行韌體更新作業。The communication system of the embodiment of the present invention includes several electric meters, a relay station and a headend management system. The meter is used to upload data. The relay station provides network services for those meters and receives the data uploaded by those meters. The head-end management system groups the meters according to the network topology information to generate several update groups, determines the batch update parameters according to the number of meters in each update group, and performs firmware on the meters through the relay station according to the batch update parameters. Update the job. The network topology information is related to the connection between the relay station and the electricity meters served by it, and the electricity meters in each update group are served by the same relay station. This batch update parameter includes the maximum number of updates for a single update group. At the same time, only those meters with the updated upper limit will perform the firmware update operation.

基於上述，本發明實施例的韌體更新方法及通訊系統，透過分批更新來因應於大量設備同時更新情形，進而避免資料擁塞而影響其他設備的網路體驗。Based on the above, the firmware update method and communication system of the embodiments of the present invention respond to the simultaneous update of a large number of devices by updating in batches, thereby avoiding data congestion and affecting the network experience of other devices.

為讓本發明的上述特徵和優點能更明顯易懂，下文特舉實施例，並配合所附圖式作詳細說明如下。In order to make the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following embodiments are given and described in detail with the accompanying drawings as follows.

圖1是依據本發明的一實施例的通訊系統1的元件方塊圖。請參照圖1，通訊系統1包括(但不僅限於)一台或更多台中繼站30、一台或更多台電表50、及頭端管理系統100。FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , the communication system 1 includes (but is not limited to) one or more relay stations 30 , one or more electricity meters 50 , and a headend management system 100 .

中繼站30例如是家用演進型節點B(Home Evolved Node B，HeNB)、eNB、次世代節點B(gNB)、基地收發器系統(Base Transceiver System，BTS)、轉發器(repeater)、路由器、交換器、或可程式化邏輯控制器(Programmable Logic Controller，PLC)。The relay station 30 is, for example, a Home Evolved Node B (HeNB), an eNB, a next-generation Node B (gNB), a Base Transceiver System (BTS), a repeater (repeater), a router, and a switch. , or Programmable Logic Controller (Programmable Logic Controller, PLC).

電表50是用來量測電源的儀器，其可裝設於住宅、工廠、公司或各類場所。電表50是數位型電表，可讀取用電量，並據以發送至其他裝置。另值得注意的是，電表50可內建或外接通訊模組51。通訊模組51可能是支援NB IoT、CatM1、PLC、射頻(RF)或其他通訊技術的收發器，並可與中繼站30建立連線且接收或傳送訊號(即，中繼站30可提供對應通訊技術的網路服務給通訊模組51及/或電表50)。The electricity meter 50 is an instrument for measuring power, which can be installed in a residence, a factory, a company or various places. The electricity meter 50 is a digital electricity meter, which can read the electricity consumption and send it to other devices accordingly. It is also worth noting that the communication module 51 can be built in or externally connected to the electricity meter 50 . The communication module 51 may be a transceiver supporting NB IoT, CatM1, PLC, radio frequency (RF) or other communication technologies, and can establish a connection with the relay station 30 and receive or transmit signals (that is, the relay station 30 can provide the corresponding communication technology. The network service is provided to the communication module 51 and/or the electricity meter 50).

在一實施例中，電表50透過通訊模組51上傳相關於用電資料、組態/設定、設備資訊、或韌體資訊等資料至中繼站30。中繼站30可能進一步轉送這些資料至頭端管理系統100或其他裝置。在另一實施例中，電表50透過通訊模組51下載相關於韌體更新檔、組態/設定等資料。In one embodiment, the electricity meter 50 uploads data related to electricity consumption data, configuration/setting, device information, or firmware information to the relay station 30 through the communication module 51 . The relay station 30 may further forward these data to the headend management system 100 or other devices. In another embodiment, the electricity meter 50 downloads data related to firmware update files, configuration/setting and the like through the communication module 51 .

頭端管理系統100可能是獨立裝置或由多台裝置連接形成。頭端管理系統100中的裝置可以是桌上型電腦、筆記型電腦、平板電腦、智慧手機、伺服器、工作站等電子裝置。這些電子裝置包括諸如處理器(例如，CPU、DSP、ASIC等)、記憶體(例如，快取記憶體、硬碟等)等電子元件以執行運算功能(下文中，頭端管理系統100的主要運作是由其處理器執行)，並包括通訊收發器(例如，支援Wi-Fi、行動網路(例如，***(4G)、第五代(5G)或更後世代)、乙太網路、或光纖網路等通訊技術)以與中繼站30相互傳輸資料，進而經由中繼站30接收來自電表50的資料或傳送資料至電表50。The headend management system 100 may be an independent device or formed by connecting multiple devices. The devices in the headend management system 100 may be electronic devices such as desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, smart phones, servers, workstations, and the like. These electronic devices include electronic components such as processors (eg, CPU, DSP, ASIC, etc.), memory (eg, cache memory, hard disk, etc.) to perform computing functions (hereinafter, the main components of the head-end management system 100 ) operations are performed by its processor) and include communication transceivers (e.g., supporting Wi-Fi, mobile networks (e.g., fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G) or later), Ethernet communication technology such as road or optical fiber network) to transmit data to and from the relay station 30 , and then to receive data from the electricity meter 50 or transmit data to the electricity meter 50 via the relay station 30 .

頭端管理系統100包括提供使用者介面110的軟體模組或設備(例如，網站伺服器、應用程式(APP)伺服器等)、以及韌體更新模組120(可能是由獨立裝置或軟體模組實現)。使用者介面110可能是網頁窗口、或應用程式介面，且使用者可透過輸入裝置(例如，觸控面板、鍵盤、按鍵、滑鼠等)在使用者介面110上輸入資料或觀看資訊(例如，資料統計、設備資訊、設定結果或資料分析結果等)。此外，韌體更新模組120用以管理韌體更新作業的主要運作，且其詳細運作待後續實施例詳述。The head-end management system 100 includes a software module or device (eg, a web server, an application (APP) server, etc.) that provides the user interface 110, and a firmware update module 120 (which may be a separate device or software module). group implementation). The user interface 110 may be a web window, or an application programming interface, and the user can input data or view information on the user interface 110 through an input device (eg, touch panel, keyboard, keys, mouse, etc.) (eg, data statistics, equipment information, setting results or data analysis results, etc.). In addition, the firmware update module 120 is used to manage the main operation of the firmware update operation, and the detailed operation thereof will be described in detail in subsequent embodiments.

在一些實施例中，頭端管理系統100可處理及/或分析自動讀表系統(Automatic Meter Reading/Automated Metering Infrastructure，AMR/AMI)相關資料。例如，計算計費資料、組態/設定資料、負載控制、或時間同步等。In some embodiments, the headend management system 100 may process and/or analyze Automatic Meter Reading/Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMR/AMI) related data. For example, calculating billing data, configuration/setting data, load control, or time synchronization, etc.

為了方便理解本發明實施例的操作流程，以下將舉諸多實施例詳細說明本發明實施例中通訊系統1之運作流程。下文中，將搭配通訊系統1中各裝置及其元件或模組說明本發明實施例所述之方法。本發明實施例方法的各個流程可依照實施情形而隨之調整，且並不僅限於此。In order to facilitate the understanding of the operation process of the embodiment of the present invention, the following will describe in detail the operation process of the communication system 1 in the embodiment of the present invention by referring to several embodiments. Hereinafter, the method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in conjunction with each device in the communication system 1 and its components or modules. Each process of the method in the embodiment of the present invention can be adjusted according to the implementation situation, and is not limited to this.

圖2是依據本發明的一實施例的韌體更新方法的流程圖。請參照圖2，頭端管理系統100的韌體更新模組120依據網路拓樸資訊對那些電表分群以產生數個更新群組(步驟S210)。具體而言，網路拓樸資訊相關於一台或更多台中繼站30與受其服務的那些電表50的連線情形(例如，連線或離線狀態、訊號強度、訊號品質或所用通訊技術等)。例如，第一中繼站30與第一至第三電表50連線；第二中繼站30與第四至第十電表50連線。頭端管理系統100可自中繼站30或電信局端的後台伺服器取得中繼站30的識別碼(例如，細胞識別碼、或其他代碼)、以及與中繼站30連線的電表的識別碼。在一實施例中，韌體更新模組120可依據所屬中繼站30而對所有電表50分群。即，各更新群組中的那些電表50受相同的一台中繼站30所服務。在另一實施例中，韌體更新模組120也可能依據地理區域、型號或韌體版本對所有電表50分群。FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a firmware update method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 , the firmware update module 120 of the headend management system 100 groups the electric meters according to the network topology information to generate several update groups (step S210 ). Specifically, the network topology information is related to the connection status of one or more relay stations 30 to those electricity meters 50 served by them (eg, connected or offline status, signal strength, signal quality, or communication technology used, etc. ). For example, the first relay station 30 is connected to the first to third electricity meters 50 ; the second relay station 30 is connected to the fourth to tenth electricity meters 50 . The headend management system 100 can obtain the identification code (eg, cell identification code, or other codes) of the relay station 30 and the identification code of the electricity meter connected to the relay station 30 from the relay station 30 or the backend server of the telecommunications office. In one embodiment, the firmware update module 120 may group all the electricity meters 50 according to the relay station 30 to which they belong. That is, those electricity meters 50 in each update group are served by the same one relay station 30 . In another embodiment, the firmware update module 120 may also group all the electricity meters 50 according to geographic region, model or firmware version.

需說明的是，頭端管理系統100會定時或反應於特定觸發事件(例如，系統異常、資料擁塞等)更新網路拓樸資訊，以因應於即時變動的連線情形。It should be noted that the head-end management system 100 updates the network topology information periodically or in response to a specific trigger event (eg, system abnormality, data congestion, etc.), so as to respond to the real-time changing connection situation.

接著，頭端管理系統100的韌體更新模組120依據各更新群組中的那些電表的數量決定批次更新參數(步驟S220)。具體而言，批次更新參數包括各更新群組的更新上限數。為了避免更新過程中同時間過多資料傳輸，韌體更新模組120可基於網路拓樸資訊彈性地變動同時間各更新群組/中繼站50的更新上限數。Next, the firmware update module 120 of the head-end management system 100 determines batch update parameters according to the number of those electricity meters in each update group (step S220 ). Specifically, the batch update parameter includes the update upper limit of each update group. In order to avoid excessive data transmission at the same time during the update process, the firmware update module 120 can flexibly change the update upper limit of each update group/relay station 50 at the same time based on the network topology information.

圖3是依據本發明的一實施例的批次更新參數決定方法的流程圖。請參照圖3，使用者透過使用者介面110選擇韌體更新清單。此韌體更新清單記錄特定區域的一台或更多台中繼站30所服務的一台或多台電表50(步驟S310)。韌體更新模組120可依據網路拓樸資訊判斷已離線的電表50及那些電表50的訊號強度(即，接收來自中繼站30的訊號強度)。接著，韌體更新模組120可自韌體更新清單中剔除已離線的電表50(即，其為離線狀態或未與中繼站30連線)(步驟S320)。此外，韌體更新模組120可依據網路拓樸資訊中那些電表50對應的訊號強度修改韌體更新清單(步驟S330)。例如，韌體更新模組120將當前訊號強度低於設定值或介於特定範圍內的電表50自韌體更新清單中剔除。需說明的是，步驟S320及S330的順序可能相反或同時，本發明實施例不加以限制。FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for determining batch update parameters according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3 , the user selects the firmware update list through the user interface 110 . The firmware update list records one or more electricity meters 50 served by one or more relay stations 30 in a specific area (step S310). The firmware update module 120 can determine the off-line electricity meters 50 and the signal strengths of those electricity meters 50 (ie, the signal strengths received from the relay station 30 ) according to the network topology information. Next, the firmware update module 120 can remove the offline electricity meter 50 (ie, it is offline or not connected to the relay station 30 ) from the firmware update list (step S320 ). In addition, the firmware update module 120 can modify the firmware update list according to the signal strengths corresponding to the power meters 50 in the network topology information (step S330 ). For example, the firmware update module 120 removes the power meters 50 whose current signal strength is lower than the set value or within a specific range from the firmware update list. It should be noted that, the sequence of steps S320 and S330 may be reversed or at the same time, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present invention.

確認各中繼站30的韌體更新清單之後，韌體更新模組120可取得各中繼站30的最大容許數量。此最大容許數量可能相關於更新資料量、所用通訊技術、用電資料量、訊號品質等因素。這些因素可與對應最大容許數量記錄在對照表中，以方便韌體更新模組120查詢。韌體更新模組120即可依據此最大容許數量及那些更新群組中的那些電表50的數量(即，各韌體更新清單中電表50的數量)決定單一群組的更新上限數(步驟S340)。例如，更新上限數等於最大容許數量，或者更新上限數等於最大容許數量的三分之二。也就是說，針對任一更新群組，此中繼站30只允許此更新上限數的電表50下載更新資料。After confirming the firmware update list of each relay station 30 , the firmware update module 120 can obtain the maximum allowable number of each relay station 30 . The maximum allowable amount may be related to the amount of updated data, the communication technology used, the amount of power consumption data, signal quality and other factors. These factors and the corresponding maximum allowable quantity can be recorded in the comparison table, so as to facilitate the firmware update module 120 to query. The firmware update module 120 can determine the update upper limit of a single group according to the maximum allowable number and the number of the electricity meters 50 in those update groups (ie, the number of electricity meters 50 in each firmware update list) (step S340 ). ). For example, the number of update caps is equal to the maximum allowable number, or the number of update caps is equal to two-thirds of the maximum allowable number. That is to say, for any update group, the relay station 30 only allows the electricity meters 50 with the update upper limit to download the update data.

在一實施例中，批次更新參數更包括更新間隔時間。此更新間隔時間相關於電表50對應的通訊技術所容許的最低更新間隔時間。例如，NB IoT的最低更新間隔時間比PLC短。韌體更新模組120可依據網路拓樸資訊取得那些電表50的通訊模組51的通訊技術，並依據各電表50對應的通訊技術決定各更新群組對應的更新間隔時間(步驟S350)。若有其他低於此時間的設定，韌體更新模組120可選擇此最低更新間隔時間來決定更新間隔時間。例如，等於或高於特定數值等。In one embodiment, the batch update parameter further includes an update interval. The update interval time is related to the minimum update interval time allowed by the communication technology corresponding to the electricity meter 50 . For example, NB IoT has a shorter minimum update interval than PLC. The firmware update module 120 can obtain the communication technology of the communication modules 51 of the electric meters 50 according to the network topology information, and determine the update interval corresponding to each update group according to the communication technology corresponding to each electric meter 50 (step S350 ). If there are other settings lower than this time, the firmware update module 120 can select the minimum update interval time to determine the update interval time. For example, equal to or higher than a specific numerical value, etc.

韌體更新模組120可依據同一中繼站30所服務的電表50的數量(例如，相同基地台識別碼或其他代碼，並用以區別更新群組)，對那些中繼站30分別設定分段同時更新上限數(步驟S360)。The firmware update module 120 can set the upper limit of the number of simultaneous updates in segments for those relay stations 30 respectively according to the number of electricity meters 50 served by the same relay station 30 (eg, the same base station identification code or other codes, and used to distinguish update groups). (step S360).

接著，韌體更新模組120可依據批次更新參數對那些電表50進行韌體更新作業(步驟S230)。具體而言，同時僅有設定的更新上限數的那些電表50執行韌體更新作業。即，各更新群組中的電表50將分批進行韌體更新作業。Next, the firmware update module 120 may perform a firmware update operation on those electricity meters 50 according to the batch update parameters (step S230 ). Specifically, at the same time, only those electricity meters 50 with the set update upper limit number perform the firmware update operation. That is, the electricity meters 50 in each update group will perform the firmware update operation in batches.

圖4是依據本發明的一實施例的韌體更新作業的流程圖。請參照圖4，韌體更新模組120可判斷韌體更新清單中的那些電表50的目前版本與所欲更新版本是否相同(步驟S410)。若目前版本與所欲更新版本相同(即，已具有最新韌體)，則韌體更新模組120可自韌體更新清單中剔除這些已具有最新韌體的電表50(步驟S415)。若有任一電表50的目前版本與所欲更新版本不相同或韌體更新清單已被修改(如步驟S415)，則韌體更新模組120可根據前述設定的更新上限數對這些數量的電表50下達更新命令(步驟S420)。此外，韌體更新模組120亦根據所設定的更新間隔時間及更新群組傳送對應的更新資料(步驟S430)。例如，每間隔10分鐘更新10具通訊模組51。需說明的是，此更新資料可能適用於更新通訊模組51、及/或電表50的韌體。此外，本發明實施例的韌體更新作業是基於空中下載技術(Over-the-Air Technology，OTA)。OTA是透過行動通訊或其他通訊技術的空中介面所進行的遠程管理技術。通訊模組51、及/或電表50下載更新資料之後即可自動更新或升級。FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a firmware update operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4 , the firmware update module 120 can determine whether the current version of the electricity meters 50 in the firmware update list is the same as the version to be updated (step S410 ). If the current version is the same as the version to be updated (ie, it has the latest firmware), the firmware update module 120 can remove the power meters 50 with the latest firmware from the firmware update list (step S415 ). If the current version of any electricity meter 50 is different from the version to be updated or the firmware update list has been modified (such as step S415 ), the firmware update module 120 can update the number of electricity meters according to the update upper limit set above. 50 issues an update command (step S420). In addition, the firmware update module 120 also transmits the corresponding update data according to the set update interval and update group (step S430). For example, 10 communication modules 51 are updated every 10 minutes. It should be noted that this update data may be suitable for updating the firmware of the communication module 51 and/or the electricity meter 50 . In addition, the firmware update operation of the embodiment of the present invention is based on the Over-the-Air Technology (OTA). OTA is a remote management technology through the air interface of mobile communication or other communication technology. The communication module 51 and/or the electricity meter 50 can automatically update or upgrade after downloading the update data.

在更新的過程中，使用者可隨時決定是否中斷韌體更新作業(步驟S440)。例如，透過使用者介面110取消作業。在一些實施例中，韌體更新模組120也可能自動反應於系統異常、設備異常等情況而自行中斷韌體更新作業。此外，韌體更新模組120可確認是否已對各更新群組中當前連線的電表50(即，韌體更新清單中的電表50)下達更新命令(步驟S450)。各電表50可反應於接收到更新命令而傳送回應給韌體更新模組120，以方便確認命令下達進度。若中斷作業或所有電表50都接收到更新命令，則可結束韌體更新作業。During the update process, the user can decide whether to interrupt the firmware update operation at any time (step S440). For example, the operation is canceled through the user interface 110 . In some embodiments, the firmware update module 120 may also automatically interrupt the firmware update operation in response to system abnormality, device abnormality and the like. In addition, the firmware update module 120 can confirm whether an update command has been issued to the power meters 50 currently connected in each update group (ie, the power meters 50 in the firmware update list) (step S450 ). Each power meter 50 may transmit a response to the firmware update module 120 in response to receiving the update command, so as to facilitate the confirmation of the command issuing progress. If the operation is interrupted or all electricity meters 50 receive the update command, the firmware update operation can be ended.

為了幫助讀者更加理解本發明實施例的發明精神，以下再舉二應用情境說明：In order to help readers better understand the inventive spirit of the embodiments of the present invention, two application scenarios are described below:

在一應用情境中，假設韌體更新清單是關於台中區域的一萬具電表50的通訊模組51的韌體更新作業。批次更新參數包括同一基地台(中繼站30的範例)僅能同時更新20具通訊模組51的更新上限數、以及間隔20分鐘進行下一批次的20具通訊模組51更新的更新間隔時間。頭端管理系統100可依據批次更新參數依據對各基地台服務下的通訊模組51下達更新命令。假設有100台基地台，則這些基地台都會能同時進行對應數量的韌體更新作業。In an application scenario, it is assumed that the firmware update list is about the firmware update operation of the communication modules 51 of ten thousand electricity meters 50 in Taichung area. The batch update parameters include the update upper limit that the same base station (the example of the relay station 30 ) can only update 20 communication modules 51 at the same time, and the update interval time for the next batch of 20 communication modules 51 to be updated every 20 minutes. . The headend management system 100 may issue an update command to the communication module 51 served by each base station according to the batch update parameters. Assuming that there are 100 base stations, these base stations will be able to perform a corresponding number of firmware update operations at the same time.

在另一應用情境中，假設韌體更新清單是關於台中區域的一千具電表50的通訊模組51的韌體更新作業。批次更新參數包括同一基地台僅能同時更新1具通訊模組51的更新上限數(可能更新資料較大)、以及間隔20分鐘進行下一批次的1具通訊模組51更新的更新間隔時間。同樣地，頭端管理系統100可依據批次更新參數依據對各基地台服務下的通訊模組51下達更新命令。In another application scenario, it is assumed that the firmware update list is about the firmware update operation of the communication module 51 of one thousand electricity meters 50 in Taichung area. The batch update parameters include the update upper limit that the same base station can only update one communication module 51 at the same time (the update data may be larger), and the update interval for the next batch of one communication module 51 to be updated every 20 minutes. time. Likewise, the headend management system 100 may issue an update command to the communication module 51 served by each base station according to the batch update parameters.

綜上所述，本發明實施例的通訊系統及其韌體更新方法包括以下特點：To sum up, the communication system and the firmware updating method thereof according to the embodiment of the present invention include the following features:

隨著電表建置數量增加，且其韌體更新所需傳輸量更高於定期讀表傳輸量，通訊基地台或通訊設備(DCU)之負荷也隨之增加。本發明實施例透過HES管理電錶通訊設備網路拓譜資訊，並透過HES即時網路拓譜資訊及HES網頁或其他使用者介面所選取的所欲更新設備資料，從而平衡各中繼站進行韌體OTA更新的負載。藉此，可避免資料同時湧入中繼站，且避免資料擁塞影響正常讀表，甚或暫停服務。此外，透過韌體更新模組管控各韌體版本，並可透過自動批次更新大幅減少電表選取與設定時間。As the number of electric meters installed increases, and the transmission volume required for firmware update is higher than the transmission volume for periodic meter reading, the load on the communication base station or communication equipment (DCU) also increases. In the embodiment of the present invention, the network topology information of the electric meter communication equipment is managed through the HES, and the real-time network topology information of the HES and the device data to be updated selected by the HES webpage or other user interface are used to balance the firmware OTA of each relay station. updated load. In this way, data can be prevented from flooding into the relay station at the same time, and data congestion can be prevented from affecting normal meter reading, or even suspending services. In addition, each firmware version is controlled through the firmware update module, and the time for meter selection and setup can be greatly reduced through automatic batch updates.

雖然本發明已以實施例揭露如上，然其並非用以限定本發明，任何所屬技術領域中具有通常知識者，在不脫離本發明的精神和範圍內，當可作些許的更動與潤飾，故本發明的保護範圍當視後附的申請專利範圍所界定者為準。Although the present invention has been disclosed above by the embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, The protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the appended patent application.

1: 通訊系統 30: 中繼站 50: 電表 51: 通訊模組 100: 頭端管理系統 110: 使用者介面 120: 韌體更新模組 S210~S230、S310~S360、S410~S450: 步驟 1: Communication System 30: Relay Station 50: Electricity meter 51: Communication Module 100: Headend Management System 110: User Interface 120: Firmware Update Module S210~S230, S310~S360, S410~S450: Steps

圖1是依據本發明的一實施例的通訊系統的元件方塊圖。 圖2是依據本發明的一實施例的韌體更新方法的流程圖。 圖3是依據本發明的一實施例的批次更新參數決定方法的流程圖。 圖4是依據本發明的一實施例的韌體更新作業的流程圖。 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a firmware update method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for determining batch update parameters according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a firmware update operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

S210~S230: 步驟S210~S230: Steps

Claims (8)

一種韌體更新方法，適用於受至少一中繼站服務下的多個電表，包括：頭端管理系統依據一網路拓樸資訊對該些電表分群以產生多個更新群組，其中該網路拓樸資訊相關於該至少一中繼站與受其服務的該些電表的連線情形，該連線情形包括訊號強度、訊號品質以及通訊技術，且每一該更新群組中的該些電表受相同的一該中繼站所服務；該頭端管理系統選擇一韌體更新清單，其中該韌體更新清單記錄每一該中繼站所服務的該些電表，其中，該頭端管理系統依據每一該電表對應的該訊號強度，將該訊號強度低於設定值的至少一該電表自該韌體更新清單中剔除；該頭端管理系統依據每一該韌體更新清單中的該些電表的數量決定一批次更新參數，其中該批次更新參數包括一該更新群組的一更新上限數以及一更新間隔時間，其中決定該批次更新參數的步驟包括：取得一最大容許數量，其中該最大容許數量相關於更新資料量、該通訊技術、用電資料量或該訊號品質；依據該最大容許數量及每一該韌體更新清單中的該些電表的數量決定該更新上限數；以及依據每一該電表對應的該通訊技術決定每一該更新群組 對應的該更新間隔時間，其中該更新間隔時間相關於該通訊技術所容許的最低更新間隔時間；以及該頭端管理系統依據該批次更新參數對該些電表進行一韌體更新作業，其中同時僅有該更新上限數的該些電表執行該韌體更新作業，且每隔該更新間隔時間更換下一批次的該些電表來進行該韌體更新作業。 A firmware update method is suitable for a plurality of electric meters served by at least one relay station, comprising: a headend management system grouping the electric meters according to a network topology information to generate a plurality of update groups, wherein the network topology Park information is related to the connection situation between the at least one relay station and the electricity meters served by it, the connection situation includes signal strength, signal quality and communication technology, and the electricity meters in each update group are supported by the same a relay station is served; the head-end management system selects a firmware update list, wherein the firmware update list records the electricity meters served by each of the relay stations, wherein the head-end management system For the signal strength, at least one of the electricity meters whose signal strength is lower than the set value is removed from the firmware update list; the headend management system determines a batch according to the number of the electricity meters in each firmware update list update parameters, wherein the batch update parameters include an update upper limit of the update group and an update interval, wherein the step of determining the batch update parameters includes: obtaining a maximum allowable number, wherein the maximum allowable number is related to The amount of update data, the communication technology, the amount of power consumption data, or the signal quality; the maximum number of updates is determined according to the maximum allowable number and the number of the meters in each of the firmware update lists; and the corresponding number of each of the meters is determined The communication technology of each of the update groups determines the corresponding update interval time, wherein the update interval time is related to the minimum update interval time allowed by the communication technology; and the headend management system performs a firmware update operation on the electricity meters according to the batch update parameter, wherein at the same time Only the electricity meters with the update upper limit number perform the firmware update operation, and the electricity meters of the next batch are replaced at the update interval to perform the firmware update operation. 如請求項1所述的韌體更新方法，其中決定該批次更新參數的步驟包括：依據該網路拓樸資訊取得該些電表的該通訊技術，其中每一該電表使用其對應的該通訊技術上傳或下載資料。 The firmware update method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the batch update parameters comprises: obtaining the communication technology of the electric meters according to the network topology information, wherein each electric meter uses its corresponding communication technology Technical upload or download of material. 如請求項1所述的韌體更新方法，其中依據該網路拓樸資訊對該些電表分群以產生該些更新群組的步驟包括：依據該網路拓樸資訊判斷已離線的至少一該電表及該些電表的該訊號強度；以及依據該至少一已離線的電表及該些電表的該訊號強度修改該韌體更新清單。 The firmware update method of claim 1, wherein the step of grouping the electricity meters according to the network topology information to generate the update groups comprises: judging at least one of the offline meters according to the network topology information the signal strength of the electricity meter and the electricity meters; and modifying the firmware update list according to the at least one offline electricity meter and the signal strength of the electricity meters. 如請求項3所述的韌體更新方法，其中依據該批次更新參數對該些電表進行該韌體更新作業的步驟包括：判斷該韌體更新清單中的該些電表的目前版本與所欲更新版本是否相同；以及自該韌體更新清單中剔除已具有該所欲更新版本的至少一該電表，其中該韌體更新作業是基於空中下載技術(Over-the-Air Technology，OTA)。 The firmware update method according to claim 3, wherein the step of performing the firmware update operation on the electricity meters according to the batch update parameters comprises: judging the current version of the electricity meters in the firmware update list and the desired whether the update version is the same; and remove at least one of the electricity meters that already has the desired update version from the firmware update list, wherein the firmware update operation is based on Over-the-Air technology Technology, OTA). 一種通訊系統，包括：多個電表，上傳資料；一中繼站，為該些電表提供網路服務，並接收該些電表所上傳的資料；以及一頭端管理系統，經配置用以：依據一網路拓樸資訊對該些電表分群以產生多個更新群組，其中該網路拓樸資訊相關於該至少一中繼站與受其服務的該些電表的連線情形，該連線情形包括訊號強度、訊號品質以及通訊技術，且每一該更新群組中的該些電表受相同的一該中繼站所服務；選擇一韌體更新清單，其中該韌體更新清單記錄每一該中繼站所服務的該些電表，其中，該頭端管理系統依據每一該電表對應的該訊號強度，將該訊號強度低於設定值的至少一該電表自該韌體更新清單中剔除；依據每一該韌體更新清單中的該些電表的數量決定一批次更新參數，其中該批次更新參數包括一該更新群組的一更新上限數以及一更新間隔時間，其中決定該批次更新參數的步驟包括：取得一最大容許數量，其中該最大容許數量相關於更新資料量、該通訊技術、用電資料量或該訊號品質；依據該最大容許數量及每一該韌體更新清單中的該些 電表的數量決定該更新上限數；以及依據每一該電表對應的該通訊技術決定每一該更新群組對應的該更新間隔時間，其中該更新間隔時間相關於該通訊技術所容許的最低更新間隔時間；以及依據該批次更新參數經由該中繼站對該些電表進行一韌體更新作業，其中同時僅有該更新上限數的該些電表執行該韌體更新作業，且每隔該更新間隔時間更換下一批次的該些電表來進行該韌體更新作業。 A communication system, comprising: a plurality of electricity meters for uploading data; a relay station for providing network services for the electricity meters and receiving data uploaded by the electricity meters; and a head-end management system configured to: according to a network The topology information groups the electric meters to generate a plurality of update groups, wherein the network topology information is related to the connection situation between the at least one relay station and the electric meters served by it, and the connection situation includes signal strength, signal quality and communication technology, and the meters in each update group are served by the same one of the relay stations; select a firmware update list, wherein the firmware update list records the ones served by each of the relay stations an electricity meter, wherein the head-end management system removes at least one electricity meter whose signal strength is lower than a set value from the firmware update list according to the signal strength corresponding to each electricity meter; according to each of the firmware update list The number of the electric meters in the batch determines a batch update parameter, wherein the batch update parameter includes an update upper limit of the update group and an update interval, and the step of determining the batch update parameter includes: obtaining a the maximum allowable quantity, wherein the maximum allowable quantity is related to the amount of update data, the communication technology, the amount of power consumption data, or the signal quality; based on the maximum allowable quantity and those in each of the firmware update lists The number of electricity meters determines the update upper limit; and the update interval time corresponding to each update group is determined according to the communication technology corresponding to each electricity meter, wherein the update interval time is related to the minimum update interval allowed by the communication technology time; and perform a firmware update operation on the electricity meters through the relay station according to the batch update parameter, wherein only the electricity meters with the update upper limit number perform the firmware update operation at the same time, and the update operation is performed at intervals of the update interval. The firmware update operation is performed on the meters of the next batch. 如請求項5所述的通訊系統，其中該頭端管理系統更經配置用以：依據該網路拓樸資訊取得該些電表的該通訊技術，其中每一該電表使用其對應的該通訊技術上傳或下載資料。 The communication system of claim 5, wherein the headend management system is further configured to: obtain the communication technology of the electricity meters according to the network topology information, wherein each of the electricity meters uses its corresponding communication technology Upload or download data. 如請求項5所述的通訊系統，其中該頭端管理系統更經配置用以：依據該網路拓樸資訊判斷已離線的至少一該電表及該些電表的該訊號強度；以及依據該至少一已離線的電表及該些電表的該訊號強度修改該韌體更新清單。 The communication system of claim 5, wherein the head-end management system is further configured to: determine the signal strength of at least one of the off-line electricity meters and the electricity meters according to the network topology information; and according to the at least one An offline meter and the signal strength of the meters modify the firmware update list. 如請求項7所述的通訊系統，其中該頭端管理系統更經配置用以：判斷該韌體更新清單中的該些電表的目前版本與所欲更新版本是否相同；以及 自該韌體更新清單中剔除已具有該所欲更新版本的至少一該電表，其中該韌體更新作業是基於空中下載技術(OTA)。 The communication system of claim 7, wherein the headend management system is further configured to: determine whether the current version of the electricity meters in the firmware update list is the same as the version to be updated; and At least one of the electricity meters having the desired update version is removed from the firmware update list, wherein the firmware update operation is based on over-the-air technology (OTA).
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102811254A (en) * 2011-06-03 2012-12-05 富士通株式会社 Distribution method and distribution system
TWI486877B (en) * 2013-09-26 2015-06-01 Wistron Corp Method of firmware upgrade
US20180046452A1 (en) * 2016-08-11 2018-02-15 Tti (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited Systems and methods for providing over the air firmware updates
CN108737140A (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-11-02 国基电子（上海）有限公司 A kind of firmware update and controller

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102811254A (en) * 2011-06-03 2012-12-05 富士通株式会社 Distribution method and distribution system
TWI486877B (en) * 2013-09-26 2015-06-01 Wistron Corp Method of firmware upgrade
US20180046452A1 (en) * 2016-08-11 2018-02-15 Tti (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited Systems and methods for providing over the air firmware updates
CN108737140A (en) * 2017-04-20 2018-11-02 国基电子（上海）有限公司 A kind of firmware update and controller

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