Utility Node Update Package With Delta Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating software and firmware on utility node devices, such as smart meters and sensors, are complex and time-consuming due to the need for different versions and types of updates, requiring large files that slow down the wireless transmission and installation process.
Innovation Solution
The use of an update package that includes delta files containing differences between software and firmware versions, allowing devices to selectively install only the necessary updates based on their current configuration, and employing a multi-system set configuration where idle system sets can be updated without disrupting active operations, enabling efficient transmission and maintenance of device functionality during updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different update files are used for different device versions and types, then the update can be tailored to specific device requirements, but the complexity and time required for the update process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The update package is segmented into multiple update items, where each update item corresponds to a specific device type or version. The package creation service divides the comprehensive update data into targeted portions that can be selectively applied to different utility nodes, reducing the complexity of managing different update files while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single update package serves multiple functions by containing update items for different device types and versions. Instead of creating separate update files for each device variant, the system uses one universal package that can be distributed to all utility nodes, with each node selecting and applying only the relevant update items for its specific configuration.
2Reliability
If large update files are transmitted wirelessly to utility node devices, then complete software/firmware updates can be provided, but the transmission time and overall update duration increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits only the necessary update items from the complete update package to each utility node. Instead of transmitting entire large update files to every device, the package creation service identifies and extracts only the specific update items relevant to each device type and version, significantly reducing transmission time while ensuring complete and accurate updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by transmitting a subset of update items rather than the complete update package to each device. Each utility node receives only the portion of the update data it needs, avoiding the time penalty of transmitting and processing unnecessary update content while still achieving complete updates for the specific device requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If update files are transmitted and installed on utility node devices, then software/firmware can be upgraded to newer versions, but device operation is disrupted during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing and validating update items before applying them to the utility node. The package creation service pre-processes the update data, organizing it into discrete update items that can be applied systematically. This preliminary preparation enables the update process to proceed efficiently with minimal disruption to device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The update process is segmented into discrete update items that can be applied individually or in controlled sequences. By dividing the comprehensive update into smaller, manageable segments, the system can apply updates in a way that maintains device operational continuity, allowing the utility node to remain functional during the update process while still achieving software version upgrades.
Data Source
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AI summary
Software and/or firmware of a utility node device may be updated by utilizing an update package that includes multiple update items related to different types of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may selectively install one or more of the multiple update items based on a type of the software and/or firmware that is currently installed on the device. The different types of software and/or firmware may relate to different versions of the software and/or firmware and/or different types of hardware. In some instances, an update item of the update package comprises a delta file that contains differences between different versions of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.