Itron Gmbh

Scott Michael Collins

Gregory Shane Barrett

Kevin David Guthrie

Brett D McDonald

Samuel Lee Whitfield

Bernard M Woodland

Brett Mcdonald

A device and method for sending a configuration setting update to a networked endpoint device are provided. A head-end device in a communication system receives, from an endpoint device, a version audit that includes version information associated with parameter values set at one or more hierarchical level assignments for one or more applications used at the endpoint device, sends, to the endpoint device, a data packet including one or more parameter updates, and receives, from the endpoint device, an error message in response to the endpoint device failing to receive the data packet or an acknowledgement of receipt of the data packet.

Hierarchical configuration of networked communication devices

A technique for receiving a configuration setting update at a networked endpoint device involves receiving a data packet from a head-end device, including one or more parameter updates that each include a parameter identification, a designated parameter value, and a predetermined level assignment for the designated parameter value. The technique further includes updating a record of two or more records of each parameter with its designated parameter value, the two or more records associated with differentiating level assignments defining a prioritized hierarchy of parameter values for the parameter at the endpoint device. The updated record is the record associated with the predetermined level assignment provided in the data packet. A level assignment may be for an individual endpoint, group of endpoints, or as a default, for example. An application may be run at the endpoint device using the parameter value recorded at the highest priority level assignment for each parameter.

A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an 'active' set, a second system set (e.g., 'idle' set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an &#x201c;idle&#x201d; state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second &#x201c;idle&#x201d; system set, while the first &#x201c;active&#x201d; system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.

Utilizing a multi-system set configuration to update a utility node system set

Software and/or firmware of a utility node device may be updated by utilizing an update package that includes multiple update items related to different types of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may selectively install one or more of the multiple update items based on a type of the software and/or firmware that is currently installed on the device. The different types of software and/or firmware may relate to different versions of the software and/or firmware and/or different types of hardware. In some instances, an update item of the update package comprises a delta file that contains differences between different versions of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Scott Michael Collins