Broker Server Firmware Update Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing techniques for managing software updates in a hierarchical distribution system, such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-259114, lead to increased costs and complexity, particularly when multiple administrators are involved in determining software distribution, resulting in a lengthy and labor-intensive approval process for firmware updates in enterprise devices.
Innovation Solution
A firmware update system utilizing a broker server with MQTT communication protocol to manage firmware updates across a network, allowing for hierarchical message attributes and approval processes to be dynamically controlled, enabling efficient data transmission and approval management between device manufacturers, sales companies, and customer companies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hierarchical distribution system with multiple administrators is implemented to manage software updates, then the control and management capability is improved, but the approval process becomes lengthy and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring hierarchical message attributes and approval workflows during system setup. Message attributes are defined in advance for different hierarchical levels, and approval processes are pre-established, allowing the system to automatically route and process update messages without requiring manual intervention at each hierarchical level during the actual update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The broker server acts as an intermediary that automatically manages message routing and approval workflows between different hierarchical levels. Instead of requiring direct communication and manual approval between multiple administrators, the broker server mediates the process by receiving messages from parent tenants, applying predefined message attributes, and automatically forwarding them to child tenants based on the hierarchical structure.
2Reliability
If a hierarchical distribution system with multiple administrators is implemented to manage software updates, then the control and management capability is improved, but the system complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The broker server provides universal functionality by handling multiple tasks within a single system component. It simultaneously manages message routing, hierarchical attribute application, approval workflow coordination, and tenant communication across all hierarchical levels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized systems for each administrative function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional software distribution methods are used in a hierarchical system, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but real-time update capability and communication efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical software distribution methods with an event-driven message-based communication system using MQTT protocol. Instead of relying on periodic polling or manual distribution mechanisms, the broker server publishes update messages that are immediately subscribed to and processed by target devices in real-time. This substitution maintains compatibility with existing hierarchical structures while dramatically improving update speed and communication efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system transmits a received message to a child tenant disposed immediately below a specific tenant based on a message attribute of the child tenant that is set by a setting unit.