Wireless Case Firmware Updating Through a Mounted Electronic Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of updating electronic device cases through a wired interface is inconvenient for users, requiring repeated connections to external devices.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that can receive an updating file wirelessly and transmit it to a case when certain conditions are met, allowing the case to update automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the case is connected to the external electronic device through a wired interface for updating, then the case can be updated reliably, but the user convenience deteriorates due to repeated connection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate reliabilityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The case and external electronic device establish communication through wireless interfaces (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining data transmission capability for firmware updates. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical connection requirement that caused user inconvenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary update management system that coordinates the update process between the external electronic device and the case. This intermediary manages the wireless communication protocol, data packet transmission, and update verification, ensuring reliable updates are achieved through wireless means without requiring direct wired connections, thus improving user convenience while maintaining update reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used to transmit the updating file, then user convenience is improved, but the complexity of the communication system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication module in the case that can operate with multiple types of external electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) using standard wireless protocols. This multi-functional design allows the case to communicate wirelessly with various devices without requiring device-specific customization, thereby improving user convenience while managing system complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is equipped with autonomous capabilities to initiate and manage its own update process wirelessly. The case can automatically detect available updates, establish wireless connections with compatible devices, and complete the update process without requiring complex user configuration or intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the user experience while the underlying complexity is handled automatically by the case's embedded system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12353871B2Electronic device, and method for updating external electronic device using same
Publication Date: 2025.07.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12353871B2 patent drawing
  • US12353871B2 patent drawing
  • US12353871B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: a communication circuit, a memory, and at least one processor operatively connected to the communication circuit and the memory, wherein on or more of the ate least one processor is configured to: receive an updating file for updating a second external electronic device from a first external electronic device based on establishing a communication connection with the first external electronic device through the communication circuit; identify whether the second external electronic device needs to be updated, based on the electronic device being safely mounted on the second external electronic device; identify whether a designated condition for transmitting the updating file to the second external electronic device is satisfied, based on state information of the second external electronic device and/or state information of the electronic device based on the second external electronic device needing to be updated; and transmit the updating file received from the first external electronic device to the second external electronic device based on the designated condition for transmitting the updating file to the second external electronic device being satisfied.