End Device Protocol Update via Segmented Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating the communication protocol stack of end devices in local communication networks are complex and require significant hardware resources, making it difficult for old or low-cost devices to adapt to changes in the communication protocol used by the controller device.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed where the end device stores a first part of a new communication protocol and executes a discovery phase by sending probe messages to the controller device. If the new protocol is detected, the end device downloads the complementary second part to update its protocol stack, simplifying the update process and optimizing storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the end device stores multiple complete communication protocols to adapt to controller device updates, then the adaptability is improved, but the storage space requirement and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is divided into two parts: a first part that is always stored in the end device, and a second part that is downloaded on-demand. This segmentation allows the device to maintain protocol adaptability while minimizing storage requirements, as only essential protocol components are permanently retained.
Solution Approach 2:
The end device pre-stores the first part of the communication protocol in advance, which contains the essential elements needed for basic communication and protocol identification. This preliminary action enables the device to detect protocol changes and initiate downloads of the second part before full protocol compatibility is required.
2Quantity of substance
If the end device sequentially activates each embedded communication protocol to detect the controller's protocol, then the hardware resource requirement is reduced, but the operation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection mechanism extracts and uses only the necessary first part of the communication protocol for probe message transmission and protocol identification. This extraction approach minimizes hardware resource requirements while maintaining operational simplicity, as the device only activates protocol components needed for detection rather than all embedded protocols.
3Speed
If the end device simultaneously activates all embedded communication protocols to detect the controller's protocol, then the detection speed is improved, but the hardware resource requirement and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simultaneously activating all embedded communication protocols, the device performs partial action by activating only the first part of the protocol for detection purposes. This approach achieves sufficient detection speed for practical applications while avoiding the excessive hardware resources and operational complexity that would result from full simultaneous protocol activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and system for managing an update of an end device communicating with a controller device via a current communication protocol. The method may be implemented by the end device and may include storing in memory a first part of another communication protocol different from the current communication protocol, using said first part for: sending a probe message specific to said other communication protocol, awaiting at least one response message, checking whether at least one said response message is received and downloading a second part of said other communication protocol so as to have available a complete version of said other communication protocol. This method further includes a phase of updating the end device with said other communication protocol as a new current communication protocol.