HVAC Thermostat Software Updates During Power-Limited Idle Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software update mechanisms for electronic devices are not user-friendly, especially in power-limited network-connected environments, as they often require constant power access and do not account for the specific power constraints of devices like network-connected thermostats controlling HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of intelligent network-connected thermostats with processors that assess criticality indicators for software updates, delay installation based on HVAC system activity, and manage power consumption by disabling HVAC control during updates to ensure reliable software updates in power-limited conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software updates are installed immediately upon download, then software reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and may cause device malfunction in power-limited environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading and staging software updates in memory before installation, allowing the device to prepare for updates during periods of adequate power availability. The update is downloaded to a buffer memory and held ready for installation until power conditions are favorable, thus separating the download phase from the installation phase to manage power consumption effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts update installation timing based on real-time power availability and device operational state. The processor monitors power conditions and HVAC system activity, delaying or accelerating update installation accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between software reliability and power consumption by making installation decisions adaptive to changing environmental conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If software updates are delayed to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but software reliability and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring power availability, device state, and update criticality. Based on this feedback, the processor makes intelligent decisions about when to install updates. Critical updates are prioritized and installed even under power constraints, while non-critical updates are deferred. This feedback-driven approach ensures software reliability is maintained while optimizing power consumption through selective update scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting update installation timing based on power availability and update priority. The processor evaluates multiple parameters including power threshold levels, HVAC system activity state, and update criticality classification. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system balances power conservation with software reliability, ensuring critical security updates are installed promptly while deferring less important updates during power-limited periods.
3Speed
If software updates are installed during HVAC system operation, then update speed is improved, but HVAC system functionality is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by scheduling software update installation during natural HVAC system idle periods or off-cycles. Rather than attempting to install updates during continuous HVAC operation, the system waits for periodic intervals when the HVAC system is naturally inactive, then performs rapid update installation during these windows. This approach maintains HVAC functionality while still achieving timely updates by utilizing available periodic opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading and preparing software updates in advance during periods when HVAC system disruption would be minimal. The update package is fetched and staged in memory before the actual installation occurs, allowing the critical installation phase to be completed quickly during scheduled maintenance windows. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual disruption time to HVAC operations while ensuring updates are ready for immediate installation when the opportunity arises.
4Reliability
If software updates are downloaded and installed frequently, then software currency is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically managing the entire software update lifecycle without requiring user intervention. The processor autonomously monitors for available updates, evaluates their criticality, downloads update packages, stages them in memory, schedules installation based on power and operational conditions, and executes the installation. This self-service approach maintains current software versions while eliminating user burden, as the thermostat independently handles all update management tasks based on pre-configured policies and real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.