Partial Software Update via Identification Keys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional software update methods for embedded devices require downloading and updating all files of a new software version, leading to prolonged upgrade times as they compare and transfer the entire software package, rather than just the changed parts.

Innovation Solution

Divide software into multiple areas with unique identification keys, allowing for the identification and download of only the changed areas, thereby reducing the data to be transferred and shortening the upgrade time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all files of the new software version are downloaded to update the embedded device, then the software is fully updated, but the upgrade time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update completenessVSAvoidupgrade time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The software is divided into multiple areas, each with a unique identification key. The update terminal compares identification keys of different areas between old and new versions to identify only the changed areas, then downloads only those specific areas for updating, rather than downloading the entire software package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If all files of the new software version are transferred, then complete software update is achieved, but the data transfer volume is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update completenessVSAvoiddata transfer volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The update terminal extracts and identifies only the changed areas by comparing identification keys, then extracts and transfers only those specific changed areas from the new software version to the embedded device, eliminating the need to transfer unchanged data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the entire software package is compared and transferred, then update accuracy is ensured, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate accuracyVSAvoidupdate process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly processing all software files, the system applies local quality by treating each software area individually with its own identification key. Changed areas are identified and processed with full accuracy, while unchanged areas are skipped, optimizing the balance between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7873956B2Communication terminal and communication network for partially updating software, software update method, and software creation device and method therefor

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 PANTECH CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a communication terminal and communication network for partially updating software, a software update method, and a software creation device and method therefor. The software is divided into a plurality of areas each having a predetermined size, and unique identification keys are assigned to the areas of the software, respectively. A search is made for at least one changed area among the areas of the software on the basis of version information of the software or the identification keys, and data of the changed area is downloaded to upgrade the software. Therefore, it is possible to shorten an upgrade time of the software.