Batch Terminal Update via Decentralized Version Servers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for updating terminal equipment, such as IPTV set-top boxes and intelligent mobile phones, face challenges with large-scale concurrent downloading, network bandwidth limitations, and lack of security measures, especially when managing a large number of terminals.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a management server that configures server parameters, triggers autonomous or compulsive updates, and uses secure file transfer protocols to ensure efficient and secure updating of terminals, with features like graphic interface prompts for user consent and decentralized version file servers for load balancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single server is used for version downloading, then the system structure is simple, but the server cannot meet the requirement of large-scale concurrent downloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of terminalsVSAvoidconcurrent downloading capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single version downloading server into multiple version downloading servers (first version downloading server, second version downloading server, etc.). Each server handles a portion of the terminal devices, enabling parallel processing of download requests and significantly improving concurrent downloading capability while maintaining system scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple servers are used for version downloading, then the concurrent downloading capability is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcurrent downloading capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management server performs multiple functions: it acts as a configuration server for terminals, a coordination center for version downloading servers, and a controller for the overall updating process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized servers, thereby improving concurrent downloading capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the management server with version downloading functionality, and integrates terminal configuration management with version update coordination. By merging related functions into existing server components rather than creating separate dedicated systems, the patent achieves improved downloading capability while controlling structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If terminals update simultaneously, then the updating speed is fast, but the network bandwidth is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdating speedVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal updating system dynamically adjusts the updating process based on network conditions and server load. The management server coordinates with version downloading servers to regulate download rates and scheduling, allowing terminals to update at optimized speeds that match available network bandwidth, thereby improving overall updating efficiency without overwhelming the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic checking and updating mechanisms where terminals periodically check for version updates rather than continuously downloading. The management server periodically pushes update information to terminals and coordinates batch updating schedules. This periodic approach maintains high updating speed while allowing network bandwidth to be reused across multiple update cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Ease of operation

If automatic updating is implemented, then the user operation is simplified, but the security control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser operationVSAvoidsecurity control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal obtains version updating information from the management server through structured communication protocols. The terminal sends requests to the management server, receives authenticated update information, and reports back the updating results. This feedback mechanism ensures that automatic updating maintains security through verified information exchange while keeping user operation simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The management server acts as an intermediary between terminals and version downloading servers, and between users and the updating system. It authenticates terminal requests, verifies update information integrity, coordinates download processes, and monitors updating results. This intermediary role enables automatic updating to proceed securely with minimal user intervention by handling security controls in the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2056195B1Implementation method for updating the terminals in batches
Publication Date: 2013.05.29 ZTE CORP
  • EP2056195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2056195B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An implementation method for updating the terminals in batches is applicable to a terminal updating system including at least one terminal (10) and a management server (30) the method comprises: the first step, setting at least one version file server (20) in the terminal updating system, for providing a description file and an updating file required by the updating to the respective terminal (10); the second step, connecting the respective terminal (10) to the management server (30) which configures a corresponding version file server parameter to the respective terminal (10); the third step, connecting the respective terminal (10) to the corresponding version file server (20) according to the configuration information and acquiring version updating information; and the fourth step, the respective terminal downloading an updating file and performing the updating according to the version updating information and informing the management server (30) of the updating result. When the number of the terminals is large, it can ensure the normal terminal updating and downloading service, and at the same time, it can realize the terminal updating by the initiative trigger and control and secure the file downloading and updating process safe by a safety security mechanism.