Method and system for configuration and download in a restricted architecture network
First Claim
1. A system for downloading software from a download server to at least one configurable LRU computer in a restricted architecture network, wherein the system comprises:
- a device of the restricted architecture network which is operable to (i) select a list of desired software components representing software desired to be loaded onto one or more target LRUs, (ii) load a new software component from a storage medium connected to the download server, and (iii) send the list of desired software components from the download server to each of the target LRUs, wherein the device is a device other than any of the LRUs; and
at least one LRU which is operable to (i) compare its said list of desired software components against a list of current software components at each of the LRUs, (ii) determine its respective needed software components by comparing the list of desired software components and the list of current software components, (iii) request the respective needed software components from the download server, and (iv) delete its software components which are not in the list of desired software components.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system are provided for updating software configurations of line-replaceable unit (LRU) computers in a restricted architecture network such as an in-flight entertainment system (IFES). Operating in an efficient and parallel manner, each of the LRUs independently creates an individual configuration file that identifies current software components. Each of the LRUs transmits its respective configuration file to a configuration server either automatically upon startup or manually upon request. The configuration server updates a system configuration data file with the current configuration files received from the individual LRUs. In a downloading method, a download server sends a list of desired software components to the LRUs. Each of the LRUs independently and simultaneously transfer (download) the needed software from the download server. The LRU independently requests the download server to download the needed software components. To improve scalability and reliability, the file transfers utilize standard protocols, such as FTP.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for downloading software from a download server to at least one configurable LRU computer in a restricted architecture network, wherein the system comprises:
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a device of the restricted architecture network which is operable to (i) select a list of desired software components representing software desired to be loaded onto one or more target LRUs, (ii) load a new software component from a storage medium connected to the download server, and (iii) send the list of desired software components from the download server to each of the target LRUs, wherein the device is a device other than any of the LRUs; and
at least one LRU which is operable to (i) compare its said list of desired software components against a list of current software components at each of the LRUs, (ii) determine its respective needed software components by comparing the list of desired software components and the list of current software components, (iii) request the respective needed software components from the download server, and (iv) delete its software components which are not in the list of desired software components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for checking a configuration of at least one configurable LRU within a restricted architecture network, wherein the system comprises:
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at least one configurable LRU which is operable to (i) generate an LRU configuration file in response to an initiation request received at the at least one configurable LRU from a device other than the LRUs, the LRU configuration file containing a list that identifies software components currently residing on the at least one configurable LRU;
(ii) transfer its respective LRU configuration file to at least one configuration server; and
(iii) request information pertaining to any updated software components that are identified by the at least one configuration server; and
at least one configuration server in communication with the at least one LRU which is operable to (i) detect the arrival of LRU configuration files transferred to the at least one configuration server by at least one configurable LRU;
(ii) update a system configuration data file (SCDF) that contains data representing current and previous LRU configurations by setting the current SCDF data at the server to reflect the LRU configuration files transferred by the at least one configurable LRU and by setting the previous SCDF data at the server to reflect any configuration files previously transferred to the at least one configuration server by the at least one configurable LRU;
(iii) determining, after updating the SCDF, whether any of the LRUs are to receive at least one updated software component from the configuration server and if so, (iv) identifying each of those LRUs as a target LRU. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification