Door Communication Firmware Replication Across Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating firmware in smart home or building automation systems, such as door communication systems, require separate transmission to each node, leading to inefficiencies and susceptibility to transmission errors.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized method where nodes act as replicators, with firmware transmitted from an initial node to other nodes within the system, allowing for faster and more reliable distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware is transmitted separately to each node from a central server, then transmission control is simplified, but transmission speed decreases and susceptibility to errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware transmission task by designating different nodes as initial nodes for different transmission cycles. Instead of one central server transmitting to all nodes, the transmission is divided into multiple phases where each phase uses a different initial node, thereby distributing the transmission load and improving overall speed and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional client-server transmission model by allowing nodes to act as initial nodes and transmit firmware to other nodes. This reversal of roles enables a decentralized transmission approach where nodes both receive and transmit firmware, improving transmission efficiency and reducing the burden on any single point
2Productivity
If multiple initial nodes are used for firmware distribution, then transmission speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling nodes to automatically determine their role (initial node or receiving node) based on system state and configuration. Nodes autonomously participate in firmware transmission without requiring complex external coordination, thereby increasing transmission speed while keeping system complexity manageable through decentralized autonomous operation
3Loss of time
If firmware is transmitted to all nodes simultaneously, then transmission time is reduced, but transmission errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission process into multiple cycles, each handling a subset of nodes. By dividing the transmission into manageable phases rather than attempting simultaneous transmission to all nodes, the system reduces transmission time through parallel processing while maintaining accuracy through controlled, phased execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity by implementing overlapping transmission cycles where subsequent cycles begin before previous ones complete. This continuous operation maximizes utilization of transmission channels, reducing total transmission time while maintaining reliability through persistent verification and error correction across overlapping cycles
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for uploading and/or updating the firmware of at least one node (30) of a door communication system (10), wherein the door communication system (10) comprises a plurality of network nodes (20) configured according to a project plan, the method comprising: selecting an initial node (31), wherein a first node (32) of the plurality of network nodes (20) is selected as the initial node (31); transmitting the firmware to the initial node (31), wherein preferably the firmware is transmitted from an external device (50); transmitting the firmware from the initial node (31) to one, several, or all further nodes (30) connected to the initial node (31);Transmitting the firmware to the remaining nodes (30) of the plurality of network nodes (20), wherein the firmware is transmitted from the further node (30) or further nodes (30) to one, several, or all further nodes (30) connected to the further node(s), so that the further node (30) or further nodes (30) serve as a replicator. Another aspect of the invention relates to a door communication system (10).