Elevator Software Update System for Hardware Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator control systems face challenges in software compatibility and maintenance due to the long lifetime of elevator installations, where replacing processors or memory circuits requires redeveloping software to maintain messaging protocols, leading to extensive testing and potential incompatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for software updating in elevator control systems, where a unique identifier is used to retrieve compatible computer program versions from a server, ensuring mutual compatibility and reducing the need for extensive testing by installing compatible programs in the respective computer boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If new processors or memory circuits are replaced in elevator control systems, then hardware availability and system maintenance become improved, but software compatibility and messaging protocol consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-testing software compatibility between old and new hardware configurations in a development environment before deployment. The system prepares and validates software versions in advance, ensuring that messaging protocols remain consistent before the actual hardware replacement occurs in the elevator control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating a software compatibility buffer through extensive pre-testing and validation. Multiple software versions are prepared and tested in advance to cushion against potential compatibility issues when hardware is replaced, ensuring seamless transitions without protocol inconsistencies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is redeveloped for new processors, then hardware adaptability is improved, but development time and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a standardized software architecture that can adapt to multiple processor types and hardware configurations. The messaging protocol is designed to be universal across different hardware platforms, allowing the same software framework to function with various processors without complete redevelopment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-configuring software templates and compatibility layers that can be quickly adapted to new hardware. Rather than developing software from scratch for each new processor, the system prepares adaptable software frameworks in advance that can be configured for different hardware types.
3Reliability
If extensive testing is performed at each installation site, then software compatibility is ensured, but maintenance complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive software compatibility testing in advance during the development and validation phase. Extensive testing is conducted before deployment to ensure messaging protocol consistency, thereby reducing the need for extensive on-site testing during maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically verify software compatibility and messaging protocol consistency through built-in validation mechanisms. The system performs self-checks and automated testing, reducing the need for manual testing complexity at installation sites.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and apparatus. In the method, a software update unit receives, or retrieves from a memory, unique identifier of an elevator control system comprising a plurality of computer boards. The unique identifier is transmitted to a server from the software update unit. In response, from the server is received to the software update unit information on mutually compatible computer program versions for the plurality of computer boards. The information is used to retrieve the computer programs to the software update unit, which installs the computer programs to the correct computer boards.