Data Card Software Downloading via RAM and Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless data cards rely on expensive non-volatile Flash memory for storing protocol stack and application software, making them costly and prone to failure during updates, which can damage the entire card and complicate the updating process.
Innovation Solution
A method for computer-based data card software downloading and updating that eliminates the need for Flash memory by downloading software kits directly into RAM memory via a computer interface, using the computer's driver to manage the process and store necessary programs and software, thereby reducing costs and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Flash memory is used to store protocol stack and application software in data card, then software can be stored non-volitilely when card is powered off, but the cost increases and the risk of Flash memory damage during updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the software storage function from the data card's Flash memory and relocates it to the computer's hard drive. The data card retains only minimal boot code in its Flash memory, while the complete protocol stack and application software are stored externally in the computer, eliminating the need for expensive Flash memory in the data card.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a driver as an intermediary component that enables communication between the data card and the computer's file system. This driver allows the data card to access and execute software stored in the computer's hard drive, bridging the gap between the card's limited storage and the computer's extensive storage capacity.
2Reliability
If Flash memory is used to store software in data card, then software can be retained when powered off, but the updating process becomes complex and risky requiring hardware experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the computer's existing file copying mechanism to transfer software updates. Instead of requiring specialized Flash memory programming operations, the system simply copies software files from the computer's hard drive to the data card's RAM, using the familiar and safe file copy operation that users are already accustomed to.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical Flash memory programming process with a software-based file transfer process. Instead of using voltage pulses and erasure cycles inherent to Flash memory, the system uses software file operations through the driver interface, which are safer and easier to perform.
3Reliability
If Flash memory is used for software storage in data card, then non-volatile storage is achieved, but the updating process is slow and requires erasing the entire Flash memory volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software storage into two parts: minimal boot code in the data card's Flash memory and the complete software system in the computer's hard drive. This segmentation allows updates to be performed on the computer's software without affecting the card's Flash memory, enabling faster and more efficient updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs software preparation and validation in advance on the computer's hard drive. The driver pre-loads and validates software files before transferring them to the data card, ensuring that only verified software is updated, which speeds up the process and eliminates the need for time-consuming erasure and verification cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of computer based data card software downloading and updating, in which, the data card connects with computer via data communication interface and acts the power on initial process at same time, the data card downloads software kit from computer to RAM memory, and the data card operates the software kit downloaded to the RAM memory. With this method of computer based data card software downloading and updating, no any more expensive Flash memory to be used in the data card, a lower cost is thus resulted, the data card failure resulted from Flash memory damage could be avoided and hence the data card reliability is increased; In course of data card downloading the update program and software from computer, it just needs re-update again only even though in fault, the complete operation is convenient and rapid with a wide suitable field, this lays the foundation of the advancing and development for the data communication peripheral equipment technology of portable equipment.