Electronic Device Functionality Update via Attribute Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating the functionality of electronic devices, such as reprogramming firmware, are costly and time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large number of deployed devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow the attributes defining the functionality of electronic devices to be altered or updated without complete reprogramming, using Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) and short-range communication to store and overwrite initial attributes, enabling efficient updating of device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is reprogrammed to update device functionality, then device functionality is updated, but cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments device functionality into discrete attributes stored in a data structure, allowing individual attributes to be updated independently rather than reprogramming the entire firmware. This enables selective updates of specific device functions while leaving other functions intact, significantly reducing update time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of device functionality parameters in the form of attribute data structures that can be modified and updated without altering the original firmware. These attribute copies can be transmitted and applied to update device functionality, avoiding the need for time-consuming firmware reprogramming while maintaining functional equivalence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is reprogrammed to update device functionality, then device functionality is updated, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting device functionality into individual attributes, the patent enables targeted updates of only the necessary functional components. This reduces manufacturing and deployment costs associated with full firmware reprogramming, as only specific attribute data needs to be modified and transmitted for each update scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses attribute data structure copies to represent device functionality, which can be updated and distributed independently of the main firmware. This copying mechanism reduces costs by avoiding expensive firmware reprogramming operations while still achieving functional updates through attribute modification and application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If attributes are updated to change device functionality, then device adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal attribute data structure that can represent multiple different device functions and parameters in a standardized format. This multi-functional attribute system simplifies device complexity by providing a unified mechanism for managing diverse functionality, rather than requiring separate management systems for each type of device attribute or function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are provided which permit the functionality of a device to be adapted or otherwise altered without requiring the device to be completely reprogrammed. In this regard, attributes which at least partially define the functionality of the device may be changed or supplemented in order to correspondingly alter the device functionality which, in turn, at least partially depends upon the attributes stored by the device.