Game Device OS Version Comparison and Selective Download

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing game devices face inefficiencies in updating their operating systems, as downloading the latest OS every time it is updated is time-consuming and costly, especially when only patch files are needed for game software.

Innovation Solution

A system that compares version information of the OS with recommended version information for game software, allowing the device to download only the necessary OS updates via a network, using a management server, update server, and file servers to manage and retrieve the latest OS and patch files.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the latest version of the OS is installed to ensure compatibility with patch files, then the game software can run with updated patches, but the download time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility between patch file and OSVSAvoiddownload time of OS
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of OS version selection from 'latest version' to 'minimum required version'. By retrieving version information from the patch file and selecting the oldest OS version that satisfies the patch requirements, the system avoids unnecessary downloads of newer OS versions, thereby reducing download time while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of downloading the entire latest OS version, the system performs a partial action by downloading only the specific OS version that is minimally required to support the patch file. This prevents excessive downloading of unnecessary OS features and updates that are not needed for patch compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the latest version of the OS is installed to support new functions, then the game device gains access to expanded features, but the download cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctions of the OSVSAvoiddownload cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the selection criterion from 'latest version with most functions' to 'minimum version required'. This parameter change ensures that the device downloads only the essential OS version needed for patch compatibility, avoiding unnecessary costs associated with downloading additional features and functions that are not required for the specific patch file.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If version information is not checked and the latest OS is always downloaded, then compatibility is ensured, but efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility of patch file executionVSAvoidupdate efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary action by retrieving and analyzing version information from the patch file before proceeding with the OS download. This preliminary check allows the system to determine the minimum required OS version in advance, preventing unnecessary downloads and improving update efficiency while ensuring compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the version information contained in the patch file to make an informed decision about which OS version to download. By comparing the patch file's version requirements with the currently installed OS version, the system can determine whether a download is necessary and which specific version is needed, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8589905B2Game device and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2013.11.19 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US8589905B2 patent drawing
  • US8589905B2 patent drawing
  • US8589905B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A version file retrieving unit of a game device retrieves via a network a version file including version information identifying an OS recommended for the execution of game software running. An OS version comparing unit compares first version information on the OS running with second version information identifying the OS recommended for the execution of the game software running. When the second version indicates a version newer than that of the first version information, the OS retrieving unit downloads the latest OS and stores it in the hard disk drive.