Radio Communication Device Software Update Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication devices require a physical switch for software updates, increasing costs and user effort, and are limited to updating with pre-stored software, lacking flexibility and efficient update mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A radio communication device with a communication control unit that operates in two modes: an updating mode for software updates and a normal mode for regular communication, using a rewrite switching unit to manage the software's rewritability, allowing automatic switching between these modes without the need for a physical switch, enabling easy and flexible software updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical switch is used for software updates, then the update function is implemented, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update operationVSAvoidphysical switch component

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the physical switch component from the system and replaces it with a communication-based mode switching mechanism. The rewrite switching unit automatically determines the communication mode (updating mode or normal mode) based on communication control signals, eliminating the need for physical switch hardware while maintaining the software update functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical switch with an electronic/software-based mode switching system. The communication control unit and rewrite switching unit use communication signals to control the rewriting state, substituting the mechanical switching action with an automated communication-controlled process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pre-stored software is used for updates, then the update function is available, but the adaptability and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update flexibilityVSAvoidpre-stored software types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic update mechanism where the rewriting state is automatically switched based on real-time communication control signals. The system can transition between updating mode and normal mode dynamically during communication, allowing flexible adaptation to different update scenarios without being constrained by pre-stored software configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication control unit serves multiple functions: it manages both normal communication operations and software update operations through a single unified control mechanism. The rewrite switching unit handles both mode determination and rewriting state control, making the system universally applicable to various update scenarios without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If automatic mode switching is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode switching operationVSAvoidcontrol unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the communication control functions and rewrite switching functions into an integrated control system. The communication control unit and rewrite switching unit work together as a unified mechanism that automatically determines and switches between modes based on communication signals, combining multiple control functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate independent components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9930669B2Radio communication device, control method and radio communication system

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

When a state of a radio communication device corresponds to a predetermined state, a communication control unit operates in the first mode to communicate according to the BLE standard, while when the radio communication device does not receive connect request packets, the communication control unit operates in the second mode to communicate. A rewrite switching unit switches to a rewritable state when the communication control unit operates in the first mode and to a rewriting prohibited state when the communication control unit operates in the second mode. The first mode is a mode for updating. In the first mode, the communication control unit transmits a notification for limiting the communication to the updating in an establishment process of the communication. The second mode is a mode for performing processing other than the updating. In the second mode, the communication control unit does not transmit the notification.