Set Top Box Batch Upgrade Method Using Version Number Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing set top box upgrade methods lack support for batch upgrades, resulting in significant resource wastage as all set top boxes are upgraded regardless of necessity, which is inefficient and does not meet field maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for set top box upgrades that acquire the version number of a batch, determine if a batch upgrade is necessary based on the version number, and proceed with upgrading only when a preset quantity is exceeded or when the version number differs from the server's version, using either silent or non-silent upgrade modes with user input when necessary, and employing time or event triggers for upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all set top boxes are upgraded regardless of version number, then upgrade completeness is improved, but resource waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by upgrading only the necessary subset of set top boxes rather than all devices. The system checks version numbers and upgrades only those boxes that meet specific criteria (version mismatch or quantity threshold), avoiding unnecessary upgrades of already-updated devices and thus reducing resource waste while maintaining upgrade completeness for those that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by checking version numbers before upgrade and monitoring upgrade quantities. The system receives version information from set top boxes, compares it with the target version, and decides whether to trigger upgrade based on version mismatch feedback or quantity threshold feedback, ensuring upgrades are performed only when necessary.
2Ease of operation
If batch upgrade is not supported, then individual upgrade flexibility is maintained, but maintenance efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upgrade process into two levels: batch-level coordination and individual-box execution. The management system handles batch operations (version checking, upgrade decision making, coordinated deployment) while individual set top boxes maintain their own upgrade execution flexibility. This segmentation enables both batch upgrade efficiency and individual upgrade flexibility to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic upgrade modes that can switch between batch upgrade and individual upgrade based on operational needs. The system supports multiple upgrade scenarios: batch upgrade when quantity threshold is met, individual upgrade when specific boxes need updating, and conditional upgrade based on version checks. This dynamic approach adapts to different maintenance requirements, improving both efficiency and flexibility.
3Loss of energy
If version checking is performed before upgrade, then unnecessary upgrades are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing version number checking and upgrade necessity determination before actual upgrade execution. The management system collects version information from set top boxes, compares it with the target version, and pre-determines which boxes need upgrading. This preliminary assessment prevents unnecessary upgrades and download operations, reducing resource waste despite adding a preliminary checking step.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a set top box upgrade method and apparatus. In the method, a version number of a current batch of set top boxes is acquired. It is judged, according to the version number, whether to upgrade the batch of set top boxes in batch. When it is judged to upgrade the batch of set top boxes in batch, the batch of set top boxes is upgraded in batch according to an upgrade mode for each set top box in the batch of set top boxes. By means of the technical solution, the problem of lack of support for a batch upgrade according to an existing upgrade mode causing significant waste of resources in the related art is solved. Set top boxes can be upgraded in batch and user experience can be improved.