Packaged Electronic Device Inductive Software Upgrade and Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices are often inconvenient to upgrade or initialize with software after packaging, as they require removal from their packaging and may operate improperly due to incomplete or faulty software.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device can be powered on and upgraded within its unopened packaging using inductive signals, allowing for wireless software module installation and testing without physical removal, utilizing components like inductive receivers and energy storage devices to enable component activation and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software upgrade is performed after packaging, then software can be updated, but device must be removed from packaging causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the electronic device to power on and receive software upgrades while still in its packaged state. The device is designed to activate upon receiving an inductive signal through the packaging material, allowing software to be installed before the consumer even opens the box, thus eliminating the need for post-packaging removal and setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the packaging material itself as an intermediary medium. The packaging is designed with inductive properties that allow it to transmit activation signals to the device while maintaining physical containment. This intermediary approach enables communication and power transfer through the packaging barrier, resolving the contradiction between keeping the device packaged and enabling software updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software upgrade is performed after packaging, then software can be updated, but upgrade process is lengthy causing consumer inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs software upgrades as a preliminary action during manufacturing or distribution, before the product reaches the consumer. By the time the consumer opens the packaging, the software upgrade is already complete, eliminating any perceived upgrade time from the consumer's perspective and ensuring the device is ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the traditional post-purchase software upgrade process by completing it in advance during manufacturing. The device is rushed through the software installation phase before reaching the consumer, so that what would normally be a lengthy consumer-facing process is instead completed efficiently in the manufacturing environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software upgrade is performed after packaging, then software can be updated, but device may not operate as intended due to incomplete software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures operational reliability by completing software installation and validation before the device is packaged for consumer delivery. The device is fully configured and tested in the manufacturing environment, ensuring it will operate as intended from the moment the consumer opens the box, eliminating the risk of incomplete or faulty software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the device automatically powers on and installs software when exposed to the appropriate inductive signal, even while packaged. This automated process ensures that software updates are reliably applied without human intervention, and the device can confirm successful installation before the consumer even opens the packaging.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables non-invasive software upgrades and testing of electronic devices within their packaging, reducing inconvenience and ensuring operational readiness upon initial use.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive signal can be received at the electronic device. The electronic device can be powered on using at least a portion of the received inductive signal
Implementation Method 2
one or more components of the electronic device can be powered on using the stored electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure permit upgrading software and/or testing operation of an electronic device within an unopened package. In one embodiment, an electronic device can be powered on inductively while contained in its unopened packaging. In other aspects, the powered on electronic device can receive a software upgrade and/or test information. In addition, the electronic device can validate the software upgrade, and can replace software present in the electronic device with the received software upgrade. The electronic device also can validate at least a portion of the test information, and can implement one or more tests as conveyed in the test information. Further, the electronic device can communicate information wirelessly in response to the test(s). Such information can be indicative or otherwise representative of one or more results of the implemented test(s).