Wireless Update Checking for Powered-Off Automation Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is that automation apparatuses are often produced months or years before delivery, leading to outdated software when received by customers, and checking for software updates is difficult since the apparatus is typically powered off during storage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reader to wirelessly read data from the automation apparatus, processing circuitry to determine software update availability, and a database to store updates, enabling the apparatus to receive updates even when powered off, using technologies like NFC, QR-codes, or RFID for data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the automation apparatus is kept powered off during storage and delivery, then energy consumption is reduced and device longevity is improved, but software update checking becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the software version information from the main apparatus body and stores it in a separate, portable medium (such as a RFID tag, NFC tag, or QR code) that can be read without powering on the apparatus. This allows update checking to be performed on the powered-off apparatus by reading the external medium rather than accessing internal system information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (a portable storage medium containing software version information) that bridges the gap between the powered-off apparatus and the update checking system. The reader reads this intermediary medium to determine update availability, enabling checking without powering on the main apparatus.
2Loss of information
If the automation apparatus is powered on to check for software updates, then update availability can be determined, but resource consumption increases and delivery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the software version information preparation in advance during the manufacturing process, storing it in a portable medium attached to or associated with the apparatus. This preliminary action allows update checking to be performed instantly at delivery without requiring the apparatus to be powered on, thus reducing delivery time while still obtaining update availability information.
3Reliability
If software is updated during the long delivery time, then software currency is improved, but the apparatus must be powered on which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the software version information and stores it in a portable, external medium that can be read independently of the apparatus power state. This copying approach allows the system to determine update availability without complex power management, as the reader can access the copied information from the powered-off apparatus.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick detection and installation of software updates for stored automation apparatuses without the need to power them on unnecessarily, reducing resource consumption and ensuring the software is up-to-date upon delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a reader configured to read wirelessly data from the automation apparatus that is at least partly powered off
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A system for determining an availability of a software update for an automation apparatus comprises a reader configured to read wirelessly data from the automation apparatus that is at least partly powered off, a processing circuitry configured to determine, based on the read data, the availability of the software update for the automation apparatus and a database configured to store at least update for the software. The processing circuitry is further configured, in response to the available software update, to enable the automation apparatus for receiving the update for the software.