Firmware download
First Claim
1. A method for downloading a firmware image through a network to a plurality of network devices, comprising:
- establishing a network including a central facility and a plurality of end devices;
configuring the network for bi-directional communications between the central facility and each of the plurality of end devices;
notifying selected of the plurality of end device of a pending firmware image download;
broadcasting the firmware image download as a series of individual fragments;
establishing communications between the central facility and the selected plurality of end devices; and
determining whether all of the fragments of the firmware image download have been accurately received.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for upgrading firmware associated with one or more metrology devices and adjunct devices. Methods are disclosed for broadcast transmission of portions of a firmware image file from an originating device over a network connecting multiple devices to be upgraded. The entire image file may be transmitted as segments to be assembled by the end devices. Broadcast segments not properly received from the originating device may be retried directly from the originating device or from neighbors correctly receiving the segment. A viral propagation methodology is disclosed as an alternative to portions of the broadcast methodology.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for downloading a firmware image through a network to a plurality of network devices, comprising:
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establishing a network including a central facility and a plurality of end devices;
configuring the network for bi-directional communications between the central facility and each of the plurality of end devices;
notifying selected of the plurality of end device of a pending firmware image download;
broadcasting the firmware image download as a series of individual fragments;
establishing communications between the central facility and the selected plurality of end devices; and
determining whether all of the fragments of the firmware image download have been accurately received. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An advanced metering system including apparatus for upgrading firmware of one or more metrology devices and adjunct devices configured in common association, comprising:
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a plurality of end devices, at least some of which end devices comprise metrology devices; and
a network including a central facility comprising an update server and a collection engine, said collection engine including an orchestration manager for distributing metrology device data communications functionality, and said network being configured for bi-directional communications between said central facility and each of said plurality of end devices, and configured so as to notify selected of said plurality of said end devices of a pending firmware image download, broadcast said firmware image download as a series of individual fragments, establish communications between said central facility and said selected plurality of said end devices, and determine whether all of said individual fragments of said firmware image download have been accurately received. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification