Device-to-Device Wireless Software Upgrade via Direct Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional software upgrade methods for mobile devices, such as Over the Air (OTA) mechanisms, are inefficient due to reliance on large infrastructure, limited batch upgrades, dependence on data connection speed, high bandwidth costs, and require manual customization and rebooting, which are time-consuming and require additional accessories.
Innovation Solution
A device-to-device software upgrade method where a source electronic device with upgraded software wirelessly transmits the necessary software upgrade to a target device through a short-range communication link, such as NFC or Wi-Fi Direct, eliminating the need for external servers and reducing bandwidth costs, while ensuring compatibility and security through server verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OTA upgrade mechanism is used, then software upgrades can be performed remotely, but upgrade time becomes excessively long and bandwidth costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the software upgrade transmission from the traditional OTA infrastructure and implements it through direct device-to-device communication. The source device transmits upgrade files directly to the target device via wireless connection, eliminating dependence on cellular data networks and reducing upgrade time from 30-40 minutes to approximately 5 minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that facilitates the upgrade process by verifying device compatibility and authorization, but the actual large-volume data transmission occurs directly between devices. This hybrid approach maintains remote upgrade capability while dramatically reducing network bandwidth consumption and upgrade time.
2Ease of operation
If OTA upgrade mechanism is used, then software can be updated over the air, but the infrastructure requirements and network dependencies increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy infrastructure dependency by extracting the core transmission function from OTA networks. Devices can perform upgrades using direct wireless connections without requiring cellular data networks, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining the convenience of air drop upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The source device serves itself as the upgrade server, transmitting software directly to other devices. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external OTA infrastructure, reducing network dependencies and system complexity while preserving remote upgrade capability.
3Reliability
If traditional software upgrade process is used, then software can be upgraded, but multiple reboots and manual customizations are required which increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by transmitting and installing all necessary software components, configuration files, and customization data in a single continuous transfer. This eliminates the need for multiple reboots and manual customizations, reducing total upgrade time while ensuring complete and reliable software updates.
4Adaptability or versatility
If engineering community uses traditional upgrade process, then software can be tested and customized, but additional accessories and manual effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables engineering users to copy customized software configurations and binaries directly from one device to another through wireless communication. This eliminates the need for USB cables, computers, and manual customization steps, making the process as simple as air drop while maintaining full adaptability for testing and customization purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for wireless device-to-device software upgrade. In one implementation, a source electronic device receives software version information from a target electronic device. The source electronic device transmits software version information of the source electronic device and software version information of the target electronic device to a server. The source electronic device receives, from the server, a notification that the source electronic device is permitted to upgrade the target electronic device. The source electronic device then establishes a wireless connection with the target electronic device. Next, the source electronic device receives, from the target electronic device, information regarding a software upgrade that is needed by the target electronic device. The source electronic device then wirelessly transmits the software upgrade to the target electronic device.