Remote Software Update Distribution via Access Point Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In remote reading installations, software updates for multiple terminals often cause radio frequency congestion and poor reception due to simultaneous transmissions by multiple access points, especially in densely populated areas, leading to inefficiencies and complexity in managing update deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves transmitting an update data reception planning message to remote reading terminals, selecting a minimal set of access points based on their transmission range zones and terminal locations to ensure all terminals receive updates, thereby reducing the number of access points used for simultaneous broadcasting, and ensuring efficient data coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple access points transmit update data simultaneously to remote metering terminals, then update distribution speed is improved, but radio spectrum congestion increases and reception quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update transmission process by dividing remote metering terminals into different groups, each served by a specific access point. The management server assigns terminals to access points based on geographic location and transmission range, ensuring that not all access points transmit simultaneously. This segmentation reduces radio spectrum congestion while maintaining efficient update distribution across the entire network.
2Area of stationary object
If all access points are used to broadcast update data, then coverage area is improved, but the number of simultaneous transmissions increases causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different access points to serve specific geographic areas or groups of terminals. Each access point is responsible for a localized region, and terminals are assigned to the access point whose transmission range best covers their location. This ensures comprehensive coverage while minimizing interference, as each access point transmits only to terminals in its designated local area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If update transmissions are staggered by access points, then radio spectrum congestion is reduced, but the update period is extended and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the management server pre-assign remote metering terminals to specific access points based on their locations and transmission ranges before the update transmission begins. This pre-organization allows access points to transmit updates in parallel without causing congestion, as each access point knows in advance which terminals it should serve. The preliminary assignment eliminates the need for complex real-time coordination during transmission.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimal set of access points is selected for broadcasting, then radio spectrum congestion is reduced, but coverage capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that each access point in the minimal selected set is multi-functional, capable of serving multiple terminals across different locations. The management server selects access points that have overlapping or complementary transmission ranges, allowing a smaller number of access points to provide comprehensive coverage. Each selected access point is optimized to handle multiple terminal groups, maintaining full coverage while reducing the total number of simultaneous transmissions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of managing a software update of a plurality of remote-reading terminals (T1-T9) to be updated in a remote-reading installation comprising a plurality of access points (P1-P3) and a management server (1), comprising steps of transmitting a message for planning reception of the update data to said plurality of remote-reading terminals (T1-T9) to be updated, of selecting a set of access points from among said plurality of access points (P1-P3) in such a way as to limit the number of access points used to disseminate said update data, and of sending said update data through said selected set of access points.