Software Update Agent Delta File Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased frequency of digital content updates leads to a large number of possible update states, making it inefficient to maintain and produce delta files for all variations, resulting in a resource-intensive task.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where update agents selectively download delta files or complete files based on available delta files, with a limited set of delta files maintained to bridge update states, using an update manifest to determine the necessary files for updating digital content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If delta files are maintained for all possible update states due to increased update frequency, then update efficiency is improved, but resource consumption (storage and maintenance effort) increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal update mechanism where a single delta file can serve multiple update states. The differential compression technology creates delta files that can be applied from various intermediate versions to reach the target version, making one delta file multi-functional for different update paths. This reduces the total number of delta files needed while maintaining update efficiency across all update states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accepts that not all possible update states need dedicated delta files. Instead of maintaining complete coverage for every possible intermediate state (excessive action), the system uses selective delta file maintenance with fallback mechanisms. When a specific delta file is unavailable, the system can use alternative update paths or download complete packages, accepting partial coverage rather than exhaustive maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete installation packages are downloaded for updates, then all update states are supported, but network bandwidth and download time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary differences (delta files) between version states rather than transferring complete installation packages. By identifying and extracting only the changed components needed for specific update transitions, the system minimizes data transfer while maintaining the ability to update from various intermediate states to the target version.
3Loss of energy
If patching is used to update limited files, then download size is reduced, but the system must handle increased complexity of selecting appropriate patches for various update states
Solution Approach 1:
The update system incorporates feedback mechanisms that track the current version state and automatically determine the appropriate delta file to apply. The system monitors which delta files have been applied and uses this information to select the next appropriate update step, reducing the complexity of patch selection through automated state-aware decision-making rather than manual or complex algorithmic selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and software to enhance updates to digital content. In at least one implementation, an update agent identifies from a set of files at least a file that is scheduled to be updated from a present version of the file to a new version of the file as part of an update to the set of files. The update may include a set of delta files for updating the file from previous versions of the file to the new version and a complete file for updating the file to the new version.