Software Update Control via Application Gateway and Versioning Schema
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of implementing software updates on wireless terminal devices is high due to intermittent connectivity, resource constraints, and the need for specific installation orders, making existing methods inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling software updates in wireless terminal devices, involving an Application Gateway that receives update notifications, logs them, and forwards messages to devices with unique identifiers and update script addresses, enabling asynchronous installation and compatibility checks using a versioning schema to ensure proper update sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software updates are distributed frequently to maintain functionality, then software utility and functionality are improved, but device complexity and update management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component between software developers and wireless terminal devices. The server receives update notifications from developers, stores update information, and automatically distributes appropriate updates to devices based on their current software versions. This intermediary system handles the complexity of update coordination, version tracking, and distribution scheduling, thereby improving software functionality while reducing the complexity burden on individual devices.
2Reliability
If updates are downloaded and installed immediately when available, then software is kept up-to-date, but device resources (memory, processing) are consumed and installation failures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having devices periodically query the server for available updates before actually installing them. The server pre-evaluates which updates are applicable based on stored version information. Devices can check for updates in advance during low-resource periods, and the server can prepare update packages beforehand. This allows devices to make informed decisions about whether to download and install updates, avoiding unnecessary consumption of device resources while maintaining update reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectivity is intermittent in wireless networks, then device portability and flexibility are improved, but update distribution and installation become complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through a scheduled query mechanism where wireless terminal devices automatically check the server for available updates at predetermined time intervals. This periodic checking ensures that devices remain updated even with intermittent connectivity, as they will eventually connect and retrieve updates when available. The server maintains continuous availability of update information, and devices can perform updates during any available connection window, thereby maintaining update reliability while preserving device portability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple updates require specific installation orders, then software compatibility is maintained, but update processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the server stores current software version information for each device and uses this feedback to automatically determine which updates are applicable and in what sequence. When devices query for updates, the server provides tailored recommendations based on their current state, ensuring updates are applied in the correct order to maintain compatibility. This feedback loop eliminates the need for devices to manually track update sequences, reducing processing time while maintaining software compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for controlling asynchronous distribution and installation of software updates affecting applications installed on terminal devices of a wireless network. A versioning schema enforced by the application development environment enables the runtime environment of a terminal device to evaluate a software update to identify potential compatibility issues and control installation of the update.