Automatic Data Downloader Single Source Channel Software Upgrade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Obtaining software upgrades for non-personal computer devices, such as electronic books and game consoles, typically requires accessing websites using a computer, which is inconvenient and limiting, as it restricts upgrades to only personal computer usage.
Innovation Solution
An automatic data downloader (ADD) with a processor and computer-readable medium that downloads software from a single source channel, allowing compatible software to be sent to destination devices without requiring user input or network connectivity, ensuring compatibility and security through drivers and a common API.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software upgrades are obtained by accessing websites using a computer, then software can be downloaded and installed, but the process becomes inconvenient and limiting as it restricts upgrades to only personal computer usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the source device functioning as a download portal) that mediates between the software distribution network and various destination devices. This intermediary allows non-personal-computer devices to receive software upgrades without requiring direct website access, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining broad device compatibility. The intermediary handles the complexity of software selection and transfer, leaving end users with a simple process.
Solution Approach 2:
The source device is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it acts as a download portal for various destination devices, stores software for multiple device types, and interfaces with different device protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace the need for computer-based updates across multiple device types, simultaneously improving convenience and expanding adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If a single predetermined update channel is used for downloading software, then the process is simplified and made more intuitive, but device compatibility must be carefully managed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing software for multiple destination devices on the source device and pre-establishing compatibility information. When a destination device connects, the compatibility checking and software selection have already been prepared, eliminating the need for complex real-time decisions. This preliminary preparation simplifies the user experience while managing compatibility in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the source device receives information from connected destination devices about their software needs and compatibility status. Based on this feedback, the source device automatically determines which software to transfer. This closed-loop feedback system manages device complexity automatically while maintaining a simple user interface.
3Reliability
If the ADD stores software internally before sending to destination devices, then direct transfer from source is enabled even when disconnected, but storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the software storage function from the source device and places it in the ADD (Automatic Data Downloader). This separation allows the source device to focus on providing updates while the ADD maintains a local repository. The extraction enables the ADD to store software internally for reliable transfer to destination devices even when disconnected from the source, while the source device can be smaller or have different storage characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic data downloader (ADD) causes a source device communicating with the ADD to download available software for destination devices using a single predetermined update channel. The software is received by the ADD from the source device and stored. Upon connecting to destination device that is compatible with downloaded software, the ADD sends the software to the destination device.