Delta Firmware Updating for Interrupted Electronic Device Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for upgrading electronic devices are inefficient due to large data transmission requirements, prolonged upgrade times, and susceptibility to errors during power failures, leading to decreased residual value and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a management server that generates and transmits delta data to update electronic devices, allowing for partial program updates and ensuring successful completion even during interruptions, thereby reducing data transmission and upgrade time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entirety of the program is transmitted from a server to the electronic device for update, then the upgrade can be performed, but the amount of data transmitted increases and the upgrade time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the changed portion (delta) of the program from the server to the electronic device, rather than transmitting the entire program. This delta update mechanism reduces the data transmission amount and upgrade time while ensuring reliable updates by transmitting only the necessary changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the program update into two parts: the existing program already stored in the electronic device and the delta (changed portion) transmitted from the server. This segmentation allows for efficient partial updates, reducing both data transmission volume and upgrade time compared to transmitting the complete program.
2Loss of time
If the program is divided into predetermined units and only the changed portion is transmitted, then the data transmission amount is reduced, but the complexity of managing multiple program units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delta generation unit that acts as an intermediary to automatically generate the changed portion of the program by comparing the old and new programs. This intermediary simplifies the process by handling the complex task of identifying changes, allowing the transmission unit to simply transmit the generated delta without managing the complexity of program segmentation and comparison.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic device is upgraded by transmitting program data, then new functions can be added, but the residual value of the device decreases over time leading to user complaints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic upgradability of electronic devices through efficient delta update technology. Users can add new functions and improve existing ones through program updates without purchasing new devices, thereby maintaining device value over time and improving user satisfaction while enhancing device adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are an upgradable electronic device, a server for upgrading the electronic device, and a method for upgrading the electronic device. The electronic device includes: a storage unit storing program data; a communication unit receiving and storing a file for updating the program data from a management server and transmitting update data for updating the program data based on the stored file; and a controller updating the program data in response to the update data, wherein the update data transmitted from the communication unit includes delta data and an instruction, the delta data including only a changed portion of the program data.