Open update framework for mobile handsets capable of processing firmware and software update packages based on mime-types

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a mobile handset, part of an open update framework, that uses a mime-type to determine if an update package received is appropriate for an update activity, or is currently supported. In addition, it uses the mime-type to determine where the downloaded update package needs to be stored in non-volatile memory, such as Flash. It also uses the mime-type to invoke an appropriate firmware, software or configuration update agent.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application hereby incorporates herein by reference the complete subject matter of the following U.S. Provisional patent applications Ser. No. 60 / 249,606 filed on Nov. 17, 2000, and hereby incorporates herein by reference the complete subject matter thereof in its entirety. [0002] The present application also hereby incorporates herein by reference the complete subject matter of PCT application having publication number WO / 02 / 41147 A1, and having application number PCT / US01 / 44034, filed on Nov. 19, 2001, in its entirety.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0003] [Not Applicable]MICROFICHE / COPYRIGHT REFERENCE [0004] [Not Applicable]BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] Electronic devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDA's), often contain firmware and application software that are either provided by the manufacturers of the electronic devices, by telecommunication carriers, or by third parties. Th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] A telecom carrier or a wireless carrier will have to support storing update packages received from several different sources, each source potentially employing various different formats for da

Problems solved by technology

These firmware and application software often contain software bugs.

Unfortunately, several different generators will be generating different kinds of information.

There is no easy way to process these different kinds of update packages in mobile handsets without first determining what these update packages contain, or which application or component in the mobile handset is capable of handling them.

There is no easy way to distinguish between these update packages that are generated by different vendors or manufacturers.

Mobile handsets that receive them cannot easily distinguish them from each other in order to process them appropriately.

Thus, there is currently no easy way to distinguish update packages delivered to the server environments from other types of information.

Other problems and deficiencies of the prior art will become apparent to one skilled in the art after referencing such art in view of the reminder of this specification and drawings.

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