Software update method, software update system, and software update program
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Solution Overview
Problem
In equipment systems where some units are in a shutdown state for a long period, collective software updates can result in incomplete updates across all units, leading to different software versions being executed.
Innovation Solution
A software updating method that considers the operation state and reception status of each equipment unit, avoiding updates to units in operation until they are ready, and retransmitting software for units with incomplete reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software is continuously updated for all equipment until completion, then update completion rate is improved, but equipment in operation experiences version inconsistency and potential system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the equipment list into two categories: equipment in operation and equipment not in operation (shutdown state). This segmentation allows the update system to treat different equipment groups differently, transmitting software only to equipment not in operation while maintaining version consistency across all equipment. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating update operations to specific segments rather than forcing simultaneous updates across all equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by transmitting software updates to equipment not in operation before those equipment are next activated. This preliminary update ensures that when equipment transitions from shutdown to operation, it already has the latest software version, maintaining version consistency across the entire system without requiring interruptions to equipment currently in operation.
2Quantity of substance
If software update is performed for equipment not in operation, then update coverage is improved, but equipment in operation experiences delayed updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the shutdown period of equipment as an opportunity to perform preliminary software updates. By transmitting and installing updates during the time when equipment is not in operation, the system achieves complete update coverage across all equipment without causing delays to equipment currently in operation. When the updated equipment is next activated, it automatically operates with the latest software version.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a management device as an intermediary between the software source and the equipment. This management device monitors the operation states of all equipment, identifies which equipment is in shutdown state, and selectively transmits software updates only to those equipment. The intermediary enables differentiated update distribution based on real-time equipment status, achieving both complete coverage and zero operational delay.
3Reliability
If software update is interrupted in some devices, then system stability is maintained, but update completion rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process based on equipment operation state, creating distinct update pathways for equipment in operation versus equipment not in operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete update completion by targeting equipment during appropriate states, while simultaneously maintaining system stability by avoiding updates to equipment currently in operation. The segmentation eliminates the need to interrupt updates for stability reasons.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3A
AI summary
Provided is technology to implement an updating process according to a situation of each equipment when software is collectively updated with respect to a plurality of equipment items constituting an equipment system. With respect to a software updating method for a plurality of equipment items constituting the equipment system, the software updating method includes acquiring information indicating an operation state of at least respective equipment to be updated among the plurality of equipment items, acquiring information indicating a reception state of updated software of the respective equipment, determining whether to perform switching to the updated software by the respective equipment, and instructing switching to the updated software based on a result of a determination. The determining determines that the switching to the updated software by the respective equipment is not to be performed in a case where equipment in operation and from which reception is incomplete exists.