Drone-Based Over-the-Air Update Delivery for Embedded Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded devices with limited network connectivity and resource constraints face challenges in receiving software and firmware updates due to restricted communication capabilities and potential cyber threats, making existing update methods inefficient and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A drone-based system that autonomously maneuvers to provide update packages to embedded devices, optimizing flight routes based on estimated update times, authenticating devices, and transmitting selected updates through wireless interfaces, while also collecting operational data and bypassing compromised network gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless update methods are used, then embedded devices can receive updates, but the limited network connectivity and communication resources of embedded devices make the update process inefficient and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drone as an intermediary device between the update server and embedded devices. The drone collects update packages from a docking station and autonomously delivers them to embedded devices via wireless communication, eliminating the need for embedded devices to maintain continuous network connectivity. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing the update distribution function while preserving the simplicity of embedded devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If embedded devices use limited wireless interfaces for updates, then device resource constraints are respected, but security risks increase due to potential network compromises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the update distribution function from the embedded devices' network infrastructure. By using a drone as a dedicated update delivery vehicle that operates independently from the compromised network gateway, the system isolates the update transmission path from potential security threats. The drone authenticates with each device individually and transmits updates through a secure channel, removing the vulnerability associated with network gateway compromises.
3Productivity
If update packages are transmitted through compromised network gateways, then network infrastructure is utilized, but update security and reliability are jeopardized
Solution Approach 1:
The drone serves as a secure intermediary that bypasses the compromised network gateway entirely. It establishes direct wireless communication with embedded devices for update transmission, creating an independent secure channel that does not rely on the vulnerable network infrastructure. This eliminates the security risks associated with gateway compromise while maintaining efficient update delivery.
4Productivity
If drones autonomously maneuver to provide updates to multiple devices, then update efficiency increases, but flight route optimization becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by collecting all update packages at the docking station before the drone deploys. The drone receives advance information about device locations and update requirements, allowing it to pre-plan an optimized flight route. This preliminary preparation reduces the computational complexity during actual delivery operations while maintaining high productivity through efficient multi-device coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method of using a drone to provide update packages to embedded devices, comprising using one or more processors mounted on the drone for executing a code for maneuvering the drone to be in range of one or more wireless interfaces of each of a plurality of embedded devices, communicating with each embedded device through the wireless interface(s) to identify one or more attributes of each embedded device, selecting one of a plurality of update packages according to the identified attribute(s) and transmitting the selected update package to the each embedded device through the wireless interface(s).