Site Controller Automating Device Software Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and number of automated devices in modern homes and sites make manual updates cumbersome, necessitating a more efficient method for updating multiple devices simultaneously without user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A site controller system that automatically determines which devices need updates and communicates software updates to them, using external media and various network connections, allowing for wireless or wired communication with devices that are not directly user updatable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each device is updated manually by user, then device-specific updates can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming when multiple devices need updating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device update operations into a single centralized process. The site controller aggregates update information from multiple devices and performs updates through one unified operation, eliminating the need for users to manually update each device individually. This merging of operations directly addresses the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while significantly reducing update process time.
Solution Approach 2:
The site controller serves as a universal update mechanism that can communicate with multiple different types of automation devices through various communication protocols. Instead of requiring device-specific update procedures, the system provides a universal update function that works across diverse devices, thereby simplifying the update process and reducing time requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated devices are added to increase functionality, then customization and features expand, but the complexity of managing and updating these devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The site controller acts as an intermediary between users and multiple automation devices. It manages communication with devices using various protocols (ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet) and handles update processes automatically. This intermediary role abstracts the complexity of device diversity from users, allowing the system to maintain high adaptability while reducing management complexity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service updates automatically without requiring user intervention for each device. The site controller identifies which devices need updates, downloads appropriate update files, and applies them automatically through the network. This automation maintains the system's ability to support diverse devices while eliminating the complexity of manual update management.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless technologies are used to reduce installation costs, then device accessibility improves, but update communication may be less reliable than wired connections
Solution Approach 1:
The site controller is designed to support multiple communication protocols including both wireless (ZigBee, WiFi, Bluetooth) and wired (Ethernet) connections. This universal communication capability allows the system to maintain reliability in update processes by selecting appropriate protocols based on device requirements and network conditions, while still benefiting from the cost advantages of wireless installation technologies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating a site is disclosed. A site controller may be provided. A plurality of devices that are not directly user updatable may be provided. The plurality of devices may be in electronic communication with the site controller. External media may be provided. The external media may include device software updates. The external media may be in electronic communication with the site controller. The method may automatically determine which devices of the plurality of devices need to be updated. The method may automatically update the devices needing an update by communicating at least a portion of the device software update to the devices needing an update.