Circular Buffer Memory Update for Network Device Application Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating application programs in wireless network devices face challenges such as overloading single devices with upgrades, network interference during file transfers, and limited memory handling, which can result in partial overwriting of original programs during copying.
Innovation Solution
The method involves storing an updated application program in a circular buffer fashion, starting from a specific memory address, ensuring that no portion of the original program is overwritten in case of a failure during copying, and using a commissioner device to coordinate client-server pairs for efficient over-the-air downloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the updated application program is stored starting from the original memory address A1, then the memory space is efficiently utilized, but the original program may be partially overwritten if a failure occurs during copying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and reserving a safety gap of (L2-L1) bytes between the original program and the updated program storage location. This advance preparation ensures that even if the copying process fails, the original program remains intact and can be executed again, eliminating the risk of partial overwriting while maintaining efficient memory utilization.
2Device complexity
If a single wireless network device is used to send upgraded application programs to multiple other devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the single device becomes overloaded and network interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the update management function into multiple wireless network devices that act as servers. Each server device can independently handle OAD procedures with client devices, distributing the update transmission load across multiple devices. This segmentation reduces the burden on any single device, prevents overloading, and maintains update management functionality without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative method of the present application is for use in updating an application program in memory of a network device. An application program having a length L1 is initially stored in memory of the network device from a memory address A1 to a memory address A2−1. A download procedure is performed by the network device to receive an updated application program having a length L2>L1. This updated application program is stored in the memory from a memory address A3=A2+(L2−L1) for the length L1, and continuing in a circular buffer fashion from the memory address A2 for the length L2−L1. The application program is then copied over with the updated application program beginning at the memory address A1. With this technique, if a failure occurs while copying over the application program, no portion of the original updated application program will be written over.