Intelligent Door Lock Firmware Update via Local Packet Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security systems for homes and commercial properties face challenges with cabling difficulties, vulnerability to internet disruptions, and unreliable data streaming, particularly in intelligent door lock systems that require continuous internet connectivity for firmware updates.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent door lock system with firmware updates is developed, allowing for packet-based updates sent to a mobile device or a Bluetooth to WiFi bridge, with options for acknowledgement, traceable markers, and notification of received bits, enabling efficient and secure firmware updates without continuous internet connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous internet connectivity is required for firmware updates, then update reliability is improved, but system vulnerability to internet disruptions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmware update reliabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to internet disruptions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by downloading and storing firmware update packets locally in the door lock system's memory before they are needed. The system receives complete firmware updates via internet connection when available, stores them locally, and can then execute updates even when internet connectivity is interrupted or unavailable during the update process. This eliminates the vulnerability to internet disruptions while maintaining update reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If packet-based updates with acknowledgment are used, then update accuracy is improved, but communication time worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirmware update accuracyVSAvoidupdate communication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing selective acknowledgment mechanisms. Instead of requiring acknowledgment for every single packet, the system uses acknowledgments strategically at critical points in the transfer process. This maintains sufficient update accuracy while significantly reducing the total communication time compared to strict per-packet acknowledgment protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If cabling is used for camera connections, then video transmission stability is improved, but installation difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo transmission stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with wireless communication technology. The door lock system and camera units communicate firmware updates and data via wireless protocols (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) instead of requiring physical cable connections. This substitution maintains data transmission stability through protocol error correction while dramatically simplifying installation by eliminating the need for complex cabling routes between devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9727328B2Intelligent door lock system with firmware updates
Publication Date: 2017.08.08 MASTER LOCK CO INC
  • US9727328B2 patent drawing
  • US9727328B2 patent drawing
  • US9727328B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An intelligent door lock system is provided with firmware updates. A position sensing device is configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device, the position sensing device sensing position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine is provided with a memory, the engine being coupled to the positioning sensing device. A circuit coupled to the engine and an energy source coupled to the circuit. Firmware updates are provided to intelligent door lock system from server.