Differential Patching for Content Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating content on client devices, such as eBooks and audio books, require re-transmitting the entire content for even minor changes, leading to high operational and financial costs due to the need to deliver updated data files, metadata files, and other associated information.
Innovation Solution
A patch generation module generates patch data files containing incremental changes to the content, which are then applied by a differential patch module on the client device, allowing for updates without re-transmitting the entire content, thereby reducing data transfer and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire content is re-transmitted for updates, then the content version is kept current, but the bandwidth usage and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content update process into two distinct components: the base content file and incremental patch files. Instead of transmitting the entire content for updates, only the differential changes are captured in small patch files. This segmentation allows the system to maintain current content versions while minimizing bandwidth consumption, as patches represent only the necessary changes rather than redundant full-content retransmissions.
2Reliability
If the entire content is re-transmitted for updates, then the content accuracy is maintained, but the operational and financial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential update information from the full content and places it into separate patch files. The patch generation module compares the original content with updated content, identifies differences, and extracts only those changes into compact patch files. This extraction process maintains content accuracy by preserving all necessary updates while eliminating redundant data, thereby reducing operational costs associated with data transmission and storage.
3Loss of energy
If patch data files are used for updates, then the bandwidth usage is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for patch application logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality within the client device through the patch application module. This module automatically receives patch files, identifies the corresponding base content, applies the differential changes, and maintains the updated content without requiring manual intervention. The self-service approach handles the complexity of patch application logic internally, allowing the system to reduce bandwidth usage while managing device complexity through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and techniques to incrementally update content associated with an electronic publication are described. A patch generation module may be configured to generate patch data files comprising incremental changes associated with the electronic publication. A differential patch module located on a client device may be configured to obtain the patch data files. The differential patch module may also be configured to compare the patch data files and the electronic publication and identify the differences between the files. Additionally, the differential patch module may be configured to update the changes in the patch data files with the content of the electronic publication. Accordingly, the electronic publication may be updated to include the changes in the patch data files.