Remote Software Update Delta Patching for Embedded Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remote software updates on embedded systems, especially those connected via cellular networks, face challenges due to bandwidth and payload restrictions, leading to inefficient file size reduction, with classical differential patching methods often saving only as little as 5% in image size.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating and transmitting delta patches in a piece-wise manner, including determining differentials between source and target images, adding metadata to define relationships, and transmitting these delta patches to embedded systems for efficient software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If classical differential patching methods are used on file system images, then the update process can be performed, but the image size reduction is minimal (only about 5% savings)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the file system image into multiple blocks and processes them in a piece-wise manner. Instead of treating the entire image as one unit, the system segments the image into manageable blocks, computes deltas for individual blocks, and transmits only the necessary block deltas. This segmentation enables more effective compression and reduces the overall transmitted data size compared to classical whole-image differential patching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential delta information for each block rather than transmitting entire blocks or full image differences. By extracting only the necessary differential data for each block and using selective transmission, the system minimizes the amount of data transmitted while maintaining update integrity.
2Quantity of substance
If file system images are compressed and structured in blocks, then storage efficiency is improved, but classical patch programs produce very large delta patches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the block structure of compressed file system images by processing each block independently. The system segments the compressed image into blocks, computes deltas for each block separately, and transmits only the necessary block-level deltas. This approach maintains the storage efficiency benefits of compression while achieving much smaller delta patch sizes compared to whole-image patching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different blocks based on their individual characteristics. Each block is evaluated independently, and only blocks that require updates are processed and transmitted. This local quality approach ensures that the delta patch size is minimized by focusing only on the specific blocks that need updating rather than processing the entire image uniformly.
3Ease of operation
If remote software updates are performed over cellular networks, then device updates can be delivered, but bandwidth and payload restrictions limit transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the update data into small block-level deltas that can be transmitted efficiently over constrained networks. By segmenting the update into individual block deltas rather than transmitting large monolithic patches, the system optimizes for cellular network constraints including bandwidth limitations and payload restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential delta information needed for each block, eliminating redundant data. This extraction approach minimizes the payload size transmitted over the cellular network while maintaining the ability to reconstruct the updated image on the target device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for efficient and effective remote software update on an embedded system by reducing the size of the target update software image.