Athletic Activity Data Device Firmware Update Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Athletic activity data devices require lengthy periods to download and install firmware updates, making them unusable during this time and limiting user flexibility in initiating updates.

Innovation Solution

The firmware update process is separated into download and install phases, allowing downloads to occur during device use and resuming from checkpoints, and installing updates when the device is not in use, reducing downtime and user inconvenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If firmware update is downloaded and installed using traditional methods, then the device receives necessary firmware updates, but the device must be placed in unusable mode for a lengthy period of time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update completionVSAvoiddevice unusable time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The firmware update process is segmented into two distinct phases: a download phase that occurs while the device is in usable mode, and an install phase that occurs while the device is in unusable mode. This segmentation allows the time-consuming download operation to occur without preventing device usage, thereby reducing the overall time the device is unusable while ensuring reliable firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If firmware update is downloaded and installed using traditional methods, then the device receives necessary firmware updates, but the user cannot control when the update is initiated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update completionVSAvoiduser control over update timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The firmware update system transitions from a static, automatic update process to a dynamic, user-controllable process. Users can choose to initiate firmware updates manually when convenient, and the system adapts by allowing downloads during usable mode and installing during unusable mode based on user preferences and device state, thereby providing control flexibility while ensuring update completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If firmware update is downloaded in a single continuous operation, then the update is completed reliably, but the download and install process cannot be paused or resumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update completionVSAvoiddownload flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The firmware update download is segmented into discrete packets rather than a single continuous operation. This packet-based approach allows the download to be paused and resumed from checkpoints, providing flexibility while maintaining reliability. The system can download packets during usable mode, pause when needed, and resume later without requiring complete re-downloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10310836B2Athletic activity data device firmware update

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 NIKE INC

AI summary

Systems and processes for downloading and installing a firmware update on an electronic device are provided. The firmware update may be downloaded on an electronic device while the electronic device is in a usable mode. The electronic device may be placed in an unusable mode, the firmware update may be installed while the electronic device is in the unusable mode, and the electronic device may be returned to the usable mode.