Web-Based Software Upgrade System for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for software upgrades on portable electronic devices are complicated due to enterprise restrictions and carrier differences, making it difficult to determine and perform updates, especially in mobile communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a Web-based client application within an Internet browser to communicate with electronic devices, automatically selecting and installing software upgrades based on device attributes like model and carrier, and allowing forced upgrades under predetermined conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional software upgrade methods are used on portable electronic devices, then software updates can be performed, but the process becomes complicated due to enterprise restrictions and carrier differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the electronic device and software sources. The server receives device information, determines compatibility with available software versions, and provides appropriate software packages. This intermediary simplifies the complex process of navigating enterprise restrictions and carrier differences by centralizing the compatibility determination logic on the server side, thereby improving update reliability without requiring the user to manually resolve complex compatibility issues.
2Ease of operation
If manual software update checking is performed on devices not directly connected to upgrade mechanisms, then updates can be installed, but it becomes difficult to determine if updates are available
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the device sends its identification and configuration information to the server, which then responds with information about available software updates. The server provides feedback regarding update availability based on the device's specific characteristics, including enterprise and carrier restrictions. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for users to manually check multiple sources and ensures they receive accurate, device-specific update availability information.
3Measurement precision
If automated software selection is implemented based on device attributes, then the correct software can be selected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by maintaining a database of software packages with their compatibility requirements pre-defined. When a device queries for updates, the server has already prepared the compatibility information and can quickly match the device attributes against the pre-analyzed software options. This preliminary preparation of compatibility data reduces the real-time computational complexity while maintaining high selection accuracy, as the heavy lifting of compatibility analysis is done in advance during software package preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a software upgrade on an electronic device connected to a computer includes displaying a web page including a scripting language within an Internet browser on the computer, the Internet browser including a scripting engine for executing the scripting language; providing a scripting-language capable device controller for interfacing communications between the scripting engine and the electronic device; receiving by the Internet browser of a request to install device software onto the electronic device via a user interface element of the web page; receiving by the device controller of device attribute information from the electronic device in response to the request; sending the device attribute information from the device controller to the scripting engine; sending the device attribute information from the Internet browser; when an upgrade is available, receiving upgrade software for the electronic device, and upgrading device software on the electronic device using the upgrade software.