Cloud Controlled Bug Recovery for Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient methods to distribute and implement temporary fixes for bugs in field-deployed network devices, as existing solutions are costly and time-consuming, leading to increased customer service calls and delayed firmware upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system that provides instructions to field-deployed devices to mitigate bugs by executing specific actions or requiring user intervention, associated with device and software identifiers, allowing for temporary workarounds until permanent upgrades can be deployed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patch or complete firmware is deployed on field deployed devices to fix bugs, then device reliability is improved, but deployment cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware update process into two distinct parts: (1) a complete firmware image containing the bug fix, and (2) a lightweight metadata file containing deployment instructions and device identification information. This segmentation allows the system to distribute only the necessary metadata initially, enabling rapid identification and deployment to affected devices without requiring immediate full firmware distribution to all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating and distributing the metadata file containing bug fix information before actual firmware deployment. The metadata file is made available in advance on a server, allowing devices to self-identify and receive appropriate firmware updates only when needed. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces deployment time and allows for staged, targeted rollouts rather than forcing all devices to update simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a patch or complete firmware is deployed on field deployed devices to fix bugs, then device reliability is improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a lightweight metadata file that replicates the essential bug fix information from the complete firmware image. Instead of distributing the entire firmware image to all devices, the system copies only the critical identification and instruction data into a small metadata file that can be rapidly distributed and processed. This copying approach dramatically reduces network bandwidth consumption and server load, thereby lowering deployment costs while maintaining the ability to apply comprehensive fixes.
3Ease of manufacture
If firmware upgrade is delayed to reduce deployment cost, then deployment cost decreases, but customer service calls and bug reports increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where field-deployed devices periodically check the server for updated metadata files containing bug fix information. When a device detects a bug condition or receives a metadata update, it can automatically retrieve and apply the appropriate firmware patch. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous, automated bug monitoring and correction, significantly reducing customer service calls by resolving issues before customers encounter them, while maintaining cost-effective staged deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system and method for bug fix recovery in an electronic device connected to a network. If a bug affecting a deployed electronic device is discovered, bug fix instructions for fixing, mitigating, or recovering from the bug, including rules and executable actions, can be stored in a cloud based server in communication with a deployed electronic device. Each set of instructions is associated with one or more identifiers of devices, firmware versions, and/or software versions that are affected by the bug. The server can be configured to query deployed electronic devices, and/or the deployed electronic devices can be configured to query the server to determine if a bug fix that is relevant to the electronic device has been stored on the server. Instructions can then be transmitted to the electronic device for execution or for display or announcement to a user (if user action is required).