Sensor Software Update Compatibility Verification

Solution Overview

Problem

In a network of sensors with different hardware versions, software updates can lead to malfunctioning or defects if the updated software is not compatible with the sensor's hardware, resulting in uncertified or defective measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for updating sensor software that involves receiving a data frame with identifiers, comparing these identifiers with predetermined sensor identifiers stored in the sensor's memory, and only updating the software if it is compatible with the sensor's hardware, while transmitting a non-update signal if compatibility is not met, thereby preventing malfunctions or defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the gateway transmits a software update request to all sensors in the network, then the software can be updated across the network, but sensors with incompatible hardware versions may malfunction or produce defective measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update efficiencyVSAvoidsensor operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the software update process sensor-specific. Each sensor receives the update request with its unique identifier in the data frame header, and the update is applied only if the identifier matches. This allows different hardware versions to receive appropriate updates selectively, maintaining reliability while enabling network-wide update capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by including the sensor identifier in the update request data frame before the actual update occurs. The sensor compares its stored identifier with the one in the incoming data frame header, and only proceeds with the update if they match. This pre-check mechanism prevents incompatible updates before they can cause malfunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the sensor updates the software without verifying hardware compatibility, then the update process is simple and fast, but the sensor may malfunction or produce uncertified measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate process simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement certification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by including the sensor identifier in the update request data frame before the actual update occurs. The sensor compares its stored identifier with the one in the incoming data frame header, and only proceeds with the update if they match. This pre-check mechanism prevents incompatible updates before they can cause malfunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor performs self-verification by comparing its own stored identifier with the identifier in the incoming update request. This self-service mechanism ensures that each sensor autonomously determines whether it should apply the update, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring reliability through built-in compatibility verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the sensor verifies hardware compatibility before updating, then incompatible updates are prevented, but the update process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware-software compatibilityVSAvoidupdate process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single data frame structure that serves multiple functions: it carries both the software update data and the sensor identifier for compatibility verification. The identifier comparison mechanism is integrated into the existing update protocol, avoiding the need for separate verification procedures and minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor performs self-verification by comparing its own stored identifier with the identifier in the incoming update request. This self-service mechanism ensures that each sensor autonomously determines whether it should apply the update, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring reliability through built-in compatibility verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240303070A1Sensor, associated method and network

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT

AI summary

A sensor (4, 5) includes a first memory (8, 9) for storing a software. A communication means (12, 13) receives a first data frame (S6) requesting an update of the current version of the software stored in the first memory (8, 9). The first data frame (S6) includes a header and data for updating the current version of the software. The header includes a first identifier and a second identifier. A second memory (10, 11) stores a predetermined sensor identifier (ID1, ID2). A comparing means (14, 15) compares the first identifier with the predetermined sensor identifier (ID1, ID2). A processing means (16, 17) updates the current version of the software from the data of the first data frame when the first identifier includes the predetermined sensor identifier (ID1).