Self-contained executable for automated software update state verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software update methods often require user intervention and may fail to ensure the correct state of the client computer before installing patches, leading to incomplete or unsuccessful updates.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained executable that includes a software update patch, an updater package with predetermined required computer state conditions, and a package processing engine to assess and adjust the client computer's state before installing the patch, allowing for automated updates without user input and ensuring proper installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional software update methods are used, then user intervention is required and the update process may fail to ensure correct computer state, but automation extent and update reliability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate reliabilityVSAvoidautomation extent
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking the computer state before installing the update patch. The package processing engine evaluates predetermined required computer state conditions (such as running applications, file locks, or service status) before proceeding with the installation. This pre-check mechanism ensures that updates are only installed when the system is in the correct state, thereby improving update reliability while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the client computer state is not properly checked before installation, then installation speed is faster, but update reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation reliabilityVSAvoidupdate time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The package processing engine performs preliminary checks of the computer state against predetermined conditions before installation begins. This ensures that updates are only installed when prerequisites are met, improving reliability without significantly delaying the overall update process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The self-contained executable performs automatic state verification and self-manages the installation process without requiring external validation. The system independently checks its own state conditions and proceeds with installation only when appropriate, eliminating manual verification time while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual user input is required for updates, then update accuracy is higher, but productivity and ease of operation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate productivityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The update system is fully automated and self-managing. The self-contained executable independently evaluates computer state conditions, determines whether installation prerequisites are met, and executes the update process without requiring user input or intervention. This eliminates manual operation steps, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through complete automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2945059B1Self-contained executable for software updating
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 IVANTI INC
  • EP2945059B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2945059B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2945059B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods of software updating via a self-contained executable are disclosed. The self-contained executable may include a software update patch for updating pre-existing software, an updater package including at least one predetermined required computer state condition, and a package processing engine. Executing the self-contained executable on a client computer may include investigating a state of the client computer, and determining whether the state of the client computer matches the at least one predetermined required computer state condition. When the state of the client computer matches the at least one predetermined required computer state condition, the software update patch may be installed. When the state of the client computer does not match the predetermined required computer state condition, the installation may be either terminated or, alternatively, the client computer may be forced into a state that matches the predetermined required computer state condition and the software update patch may be installed.