Multiradio Interface Software Updates Preserve Radio Configuration Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software defined radio systems lack a mechanism for software updates that preserve the configuration data during reconfiguration, necessitating full de-installation and installation of software components.

Innovation Solution

A Multiradio Interface (MURI) is implemented to provide a mechanism for software updates while maintaining old configuration data, utilizing a Unified Radio Application (URA) that can be updated without full de-installation, and a Radio Programming Interface (RPI) for independent production of Radio Applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full de-installation and installation is performed for software updates, then software can be updated, but configuration data is lost and update time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration data preservationVSAvoidsoftware update time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates configuration data from the software package structure. Configuration data is stored independently in a configuration database rather than being embedded within the software package, allowing it to be preserved during software updates while the software components are replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by backing up configuration data before software de-installation and restoring it after installation. The configuration database is maintained and updated in advance, ensuring that configuration information is available and preserved throughout the software update process without loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing MURI architecture is used, then software provision and installation are supported, but no mechanism exists for software updates with configuration preservation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware update capabilityVSAvoidinterface architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the existing MURI Administrative Services interface to handle software updates in addition to its original software provision and installation functions. The same interface infrastructure is used for multiple purposes (provision, installation, update), avoiding the need for separate complex update mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a configuration database as an intermediary component that mediates between software packages and configuration data. This database serves as a central repository that allows software updates to occur while preserving configuration information, simplifying the overall update architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4270796B1Multiradio interface for software reconfiguration
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 APPLE INC
  • EP4270796B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4270796B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4270796B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus of an autonomous vehicle, comprising: a memory to store a Unified Radio Application and to store one or more configuration parameters for the Unified Radio Application; and one or more field-programmable gate arrays, FPGAs, to receive a radio application update from a remote server, and to update the Unified Radio Application via a Multiradio Interface, MURI, "updateRadioApps" operation with the received radio application update, wherein the "updateRadioApps" operation is handled by an Administrative Services function of the MURI and comprises: transmitting, from a communication service layer, CSL, to a radio control framework, RCF, a request of updating an instance of the Unified Radio Application: replacing the instance of the Unified Radio Application, wherein during the replacement process, the one or more configuration parameters for the Unified Radio Application are maintained; and transmitting, from the RCF to the CSL, a confirmation of the updating of the instance of the Unified Radio Application.