Portable Program Upgrading via Encrypted Heartbeat Protocol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic device upgrades require disassembly, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies, especially in automotive systems where remote upgrades are not easily accessible due to limited knowledge reserves among repair personnel and the complexity of operations.

Innovation Solution

A novel portable program upgrading method utilizing a protocol packet pool, encrypted heartbeat protocols, and a password pool to ensure accurate upgrades by establishing a mapping relationship between protocol packets, source program data, and passwords, allowing for remote verification and correction of upgrade processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional disassembly and repair methods are used, then repair personnel can access and upgrade device programs, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly due to repeated disassembly and potential product scrapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupgrade efficiencyVSAvoidtime for disassembly and repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical disassembly operations with wireless communication technology. The upgrading device establishes wireless connections (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.) with target devices to transmit upgrade packets, eliminating the need for physical disassembly of device casings and components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an upgrading device as an intermediary between the operator and target devices. This intermediary handles all communication and upgrade operations wirelessly, acting as a mediator that eliminates direct physical contact between the operator and device internals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If remote upgrade is implemented through PC upper computers, then upgrade capability is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone due to harsh requirements on personnel skills

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of upgrade operationVSAvoidcomplexity of upgrade system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upgrading device automatically performs protocol detection, connection establishment, and upgrade packet transmission without requiring manual configuration by operators. The system self-adapts to different device types and handles errors automatically, making operations as simple as selecting the target device from a list.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The upgrading device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various communication protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC), multiple device types, and different upgrade scenarios through a single unified interface, eliminating the need for specialized knowledge for different device types.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If protocol packets are transmitted without verification, then upgrade speed is fast, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed leading to failed upgrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupgrade accuracyVSAvoidupgrade speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the upgrading device sends upgrade packets and receives confirmation responses from target devices. The system verifies successful reception and execution of upgrade packets before proceeding, ensuring accuracy while maintaining speed through automated verification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The upgrading device performs preliminary detection of device protocols and compatibility before initiating the upgrade transmission. This preliminary action ensures that the correct upgrade packets are sent to compatible devices, preventing failed upgrades and ensuring accuracy from the start.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4177735B1Novel portable program upgrading method
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 CHANGZHOU XINGYU AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING SYST CO LTD
  • EP4177735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4177735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a novel portable program upgrading method, and belongs to the field of electronic technologies. The novel portable program upgrading method includes: firstly, selecting a protocol packet from a protocol pool; sending an unencrypted heartbeat protocol under the protocol packet to a to-be-upgraded device to determine that encrypted heartbeat protocol data is sent to the to-be-upgraded device after the to-be-upgraded device returns heartbeat data; after the to-be-upgraded device returns a correct encrypted heartbeat protocol, dividing a source program corresponding to the protocol packet into two parts, and sending the two parts to the to-be-upgraded device for program upgrade; and adding password verification between a first part upgrading packet and a second part upgrading packet, thereby achieving technical objectives that programs of a plurality of different to-be-upgraded devices are upgraded by one portable upgrading device, and the program upgrading accuracy is guaranteed. The present disclosure greatly reduces programming work of protocol data, and only requires minor modification of heartbeat data, achieving convenience and wide applicability.