Sensor Software Update Method for Mesh Network Resynchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, updating application software in sensors leads to prolonged disconnection from the gateway, causing desynchronization and increased power consumption, which reduces sensor availability and battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor configuration that utilize a current version of application software to compare sensor identifiers, set flags, and boot initial software to efficiently replace the current application software with a compatible version, reducing update duration and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor performs a full update of the application software using initial software stored in boot memory, then the application software is updated, but the sensor is desynchronized with the mesh network for extended periods (up to 10 minutes), reducing availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing compatibility checks between the current application software and the updated software version before actually booting the initial software for installation. The current version of the application software checks whether the updated version is compatible with the sensor hardware and previous software version, and only boots the initial software if compatibility is confirmed. This prevents unnecessary full updates and reduces resynchronization time while ensuring update reliability.
2Reliability
If the sensor performs a full update of the application software, then the application software is updated, but power consumption increases during resynchronization, reducing battery life duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing compatibility checks before booting the initial software. The current version of the application software verifies whether the updated version is compatible with the sensor, and only initiates the full update process (which consumes power) if compatibility is confirmed. This prevents unnecessary power consumption during resynchronization while ensuring reliable software updates, thereby extending battery life.
3Ease of manufacture
If the boot memory stores the initial software intended to process updates, then software updates can be performed, but the memory available for storing the application software is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing compatibility checks in the current version of the application software before booting the initial software. This verification step occurs while the sensor is operational and does not require additional boot memory. By moving the compatibility check to the runtime environment, the patent eliminates the need for large boot memory capacity while maintaining full update capability and preserving memory for application software storage.
4Ease of manufacture
If complex initial software is used to process updates, then updates can be performed, but the probability of errors in the initial software increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing compatibility checks within the current version of the application software before booting the initial software. This approach shifts the verification logic from complex boot-time initial software to simpler runtime checks performed by the existing application software. The compatibility check verifies whether the updated software version is suitable for the sensor, reducing the complexity and error probability of the initial software while maintaining reliable update processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor (2) includes a first memory (6) for storing a current version (SOFT-0) of an application software. A second memory (7) stores a predetermined sensor identifier (ID0). A third memory (8) stores a first version (SOFT-1) of the application software. A fourth memory (9) stores a flag (FL). A boot memory (5) stores an initial software (SOFT-I). A processing means (11) implements the current version (SOFT-0) of the application and the initial software (SOFT-I).