Segmented Software Update Delivery for Offline Locking Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems face challenges in delivering software updates to remote locking devices that are not reliably connected to a central access controller, due to lack of cellular, Wi-Fi, or internet coverage, leading to inefficient and costly manual updates and potential delays in software updates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that divide software updates into subsets and wirelessly deliver them to smart devices based on criteria such as upload time and proximity, allowing the remote devices to assemble the updates without requiring continuous network connectivity or significant resource usage from user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software updates are delivered wirelessly from the central access controller to the locking device through a smart device intermediary, then remote devices can receive updates without continuous network connectivity, but the smart device is only in wireless communication with the locking device for a short time (5-15 seconds) making it impossible to fully upload large software updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complete software update into multiple smaller code pages or data segments. Each smart device receives and transmits a portion of the update rather than the complete update, enabling successful transmission within the brief 5-15 second communication window. The locking device then assembles these segments into the complete software update.
Solution Approach 2:
The central access controller pre-processes the complete software update by dividing it into manageable code pages before distribution. This preliminary segmentation allows the update to be efficiently distributed through multiple smart devices without requiring each device to handle the entire update during their brief interaction with the locking device.
2Reliability
If the complete software update is wirelessly delivered from the smart device to the locking device, then the locking device receives the full update, but the user's smart device resources are adversely affected causing sluggish response, consuming battery power and depleting the user's data plan
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the software update into multiple smaller code pages distributed across different smart devices, each individual smart device only handles a small portion of the total update data. This segmentation significantly reduces the energy consumption, battery power usage, and data plan depletion for each user's device while still achieving complete update delivery to the locking device.
3Reliability
If a service call is made to each locking device to deliver a software update, then the locking device receives the update, but this results in significant expense and delay in providing up-to-date software updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parallel distribution of segmented update code pages through multiple smart devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential service calls to each locking device. This parallel approach dramatically accelerates the software update deployment speed while reducing operational expenses associated with service calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device autonomously receives and assembles software update segments from multiple smart devices without requiring manual service intervention. The system enables self-service update deployment where the locking device automatically processes incoming code pages and installs the complete update, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming service calls.
4Ease of operation
If the smart device acts as an intermediary between the central access controller and the locking device, then wireless communication is enabled, but the complete software update may not be fully uploaded into the locking device during the short communication time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the data completeness issue by segmenting the software update into smaller code pages that can be fully transmitted during the brief smart device interaction. Each segment is small enough to be completely uploaded within 5-15 seconds, ensuring no data loss while maintaining the ease of wireless operation. The locking device then reassembles these complete segments into the full software update.
Data Source
AI summary
Featured is a method and system for transferring data to a device. A data set is prepared for a remote device. The data set is divided into subsets based on one or more criteria. The different data subsets are wirelessly delivered from a server to different smart devices based on rules. Each smart device, when proximate the remote device, automatically wirelessly transmits its data subset to the remote device. The remote device then assembles the data subsets.