Wireless Intermediary for Portable Software Patch Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Software patches often fail to update portable computer systems timely due to their disconnection from the network, leading to potential image problems or data loss.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device receives and determines if a communication is associated with a software patch, sending a notification to the associated computer system, enabling updates even when disconnected from the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If software patches are pushed to computer systems, then software updates are achieved, but portable systems experience delays or failures when disconnected from the network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware patch delivery reliabilityVSAvoidpatch application delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication device serves as an intermediary between the network and portable computer systems. The device receives patch information from the network and automatically transmits notifications to portable systems even when they are disconnected, enabling reliable patch delivery without requiring direct network connectivity to the portable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication device performs preliminary actions by receiving and processing patch information before the portable computer system needs the update. The device proactively identifies available patches and prepares notifications in advance, so that when the portable system reconnects or receives the notification, the patch is ready for immediate application, minimizing delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If portable computer systems remain disconnected from the network, then power consumption is reduced and mobility is maintained, but software patches cannot be applied timely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidsoftware patch application
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication device acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between networked and offline systems. It receives patch notifications from the network and relays them to portable computer systems through alternative communication channels, enabling patch delivery without requiring the portable system to maintain continuous network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable computer system performs self-service by automatically detecting and applying patches once notified, without requiring manual intervention from users. The system monitors for patch notifications and autonomously updates its software, maintaining productivity while allowing temporary disconnection from the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If enforcement mechanisms prompt immediate updates, then software security is improved, but user convenience and system mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware securityVSAvoidupdate process convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication device performs preliminary actions by receiving and validating patch information in advance, then automatically notifying portable systems when patches are available. This eliminates the need for immediate user action or enforcement mechanisms, as the system proactively prepares and delivers patch notifications, maintaining both security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8726260B2Techniques for providing software patches to a computer system
Publication Date: 2014.05.13 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US8726260B2 patent drawing
  • US8726260B2 patent drawing
  • US8726260B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A technique for providing a software patch to an associated computer system includes receiving, at a wireless communication device, a communication. Next, it is determined, at the wireless communication device, whether the communication is associated with a software patch available for the associated computer system. When the communication is associated with the software patch, a notification is sent from the wireless communication device to the associated computer system that the software patch is available.