DVR Firmware Update via Peer-to-Peer LAN Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating digital video recorders (DVRs) within a local area network are inefficient, requiring a management server and firmware server for version synchronization, which can be time-consuming and impractical for large numbers of devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where DVRs within a LAN automatically detect and update firmware versions by communicating directly with each other, using peer-to-peer techniques, eliminating the need for a management or firmware server, and allowing each DVR to act as both a client and server, thereby distributing the update process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a management server and firmware server are used to update all DVRs in a LAN, then version synchronization can be achieved, but the update process becomes time-consuming and requires centralized server infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized update system into multiple peer DVRs that can independently perform updates. Instead of one management server coordinating all updates, each DVR autonomously discovers others, compares versions, and performs updates independently, segmenting the update process across multiple nodes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Each DVR is equipped with the capability to autonomously discover other DVRs in the network, compare firmware versions, and perform updates without requiring centralized management server coordination. This self-service approach eliminates the time bottleneck of centralized control while maintaining version synchronization
2Ease of operation
If a management server and firmware server are used to update DVRs, then centralized control is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to required server infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the update management functionality from dedicated management and firmware servers and embeds it directly into each DVR unit. This eliminates the need for separate server infrastructure while maintaining the ability to perform coordinated updates across the network
Solution Approach 2:
Each DVR is designed to serve multiple roles: it can act as both a client requesting updates and a server providing updates to others. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated server hardware, as any DVR can fulfill both management and firmware distribution roles
3Productivity
If peer-to-peer update method is used among DVRs, then update efficiency is improved and server infrastructure is eliminated, but the update coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where DVRs can switch between client and server roles during the update process. A DVR that has updated its firmware can dynamically become a server for other DVRs, while those needing updates act as clients. This dynamic behavior simplifies coordination compared to static role assignment
Data Source
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AI summary
A first digital video recorder acquires a firmware version number of at least one second digital video recorder in a local area network where the first digital video recorder is located, compares a local firmware version number with the acquired firmware version number to determine a firmware version number of the latest firmware version, obtains a version file from a third digital video recorder corresponding to the firmware version number of the latest firmware version, and performs version upgrading by using the obtained version file.