Software Update Distribution Device for IoT Base Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

IoT devices face challenges in updating software without affecting other communication devices connected to base stations, as conventional methods can overload communication bands due to the large data size of updates and the need for efficient distribution.

Innovation Solution

A distribution device and method that acquire device and base-station identification information to determine a sequence for software distribution, limiting the number of devices updated concurrently based on threshold numbers, software size, time, and base-station type, ensuring efficient distribution without overloading communication bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If software is distributed to numerous IoT devices in a broadcast manner, then the software update can be delivered to all devices, but communication bands of base stations are suppressed and other communication devices are affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication band suppression

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the software distribution process by base station, limiting the number of devices updated concurrently at each base station to a threshold value. This divides the overall distribution task into multiple smaller, manageable segments that can be executed in parallel across different base stations, reducing the communication burden on any single base station while maintaining overall distribution efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by sequentially executing software distribution across multiple base stations in rounds. After distributing software to devices at one base station, the system moves to the next base station, creating a periodic pattern of distribution that prevents continuous overload on any single communication band while ensuring all devices eventually receive updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Speed

If the threshold number of concurrent distributions is increased, then the software distribution speed is improved, but communication bands of base stations are overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware distribution speedVSAvoidcommunication band stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold value adaptable rather than fixed. The threshold number of concurrent distributions per base station can be adjusted based on communication conditions, device types, and base station capabilities. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize distribution speed while preventing overload by reducing the threshold when communication conditions deteriorate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If software distribution is performed sequentially to each device, then communication bands are not overloaded, but the total distribution time is excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication band stabilityVSAvoidtotal distribution time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges sequential distribution with parallel processing by combining multiple base stations into a coordinated distribution system. While each base station maintains sequential distribution to prevent overload, multiple base stations operate in parallel, effectively merging their individual distribution streams into a faster overall process that reduces total distribution time without compromising communication stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If mobile communication devices are allowed to move during software distribution, then device mobility is maintained, but base station attribution changes cause distribution errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice mobilityVSAvoiddistribution accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring and confirming the base station attribution of mobile devices before initiating software distribution. The system records the device's current base station assignment in advance, ensuring that even if the device moves to a different base station during the distribution process, the software is delivered to the correct destination based on the pre-acquired attribution information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11202213B2Device and method for distributing software update for communication devices

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 KDDI CORP

AI summary

A distribution device includes an information acquisition part configured to acquire the device identification information to identify a communication device and the base-station identification information to identify a base station attributed to the communication device among a plurality of base stations over a wireless communication network from the communication device, a determination part configured to determine a sequence of distributing software to a plurality of communication devices connectible to the base station based on the device identification information and the base-station identification information with respect to each base station, and a distribution part configured to distribute the software from the base station to a threshold number or less of communication devices according to the sequence determined by the determination part.