Embedded Software Update via Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for updating embedded software in vehicles and other embedded systems are costly and inconvenient, often leading to compatibility issues between in-vehicle systems and external devices due to outdated software and lack of upward compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a portable device with a portable device application and an embedded software manager, which automatically detects software versions, connects to a communication link, and updates the embedded system through wireless or physical links, ensuring interoperability and compatibility by verifying publisher integrity and compatibility before execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software updates are performed through physical connections or removable storage media, then software can be updated, but the process becomes costly and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical update methods (removable storage media, physical connections) with wireless electronic communication. The embedded system receives software updates wirelessly through communication interfaces, eliminating the need for physical media insertion, manual file transfer, and physical connection establishment, thereby significantly improving update convenience while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If software updates are performed through physical connections or removable storage media, then software can be updated, but the process becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical update infrastructure with wireless communication infrastructure. Instead of requiring specialized physical update devices, removable storage media, and manual intervention, the system uses standard wireless communication interfaces and networks, dramatically reducing the cost of implementing and maintaining software update capabilities
3Stability of the object's composition
If in-vehicle systems use outdated software, then existing hardware remains compatible, but compatibility with updated external devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic software updating that allows the embedded system to adapt its software version over time. The system can automatically detect, download, and install software updates wirelessly, transitioning from static outdated software to dynamic up-to-date software, thereby maintaining forward compatibility with newer external devices while preserving backward compatibility through proper version management and interface stability
4Extent of automation
If manual software update processes are used, then update control is maintained, but automation and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automatic software updating in the embedded system. The system automatically checks for available updates, downloads them wirelessly when needed, and installs them without requiring manual user intervention. This self-updating capability dramatically improves update efficiency and productivity while maintaining appropriate levels of automation control
Data Source
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AI summary
A method at a portable device of providing embedded software to an embedded system, comprising: obtaining identifying information from the embedded system; obtaining an embedded software; storing the embedded software component; connecting to the embedded system; and providing to the embedded system access to the stored embedded software component for execution by a processor in the embedded system.