AI Processor Binary Deployment Without Firmware Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic equipment with AI processors face limitations in updating AI functions without requiring firmware updates, which can lead to downtime and increased maintenance costs due to the need for power cycles and separate firmware management.
Innovation Solution
The electronic equipment, such as image forming apparatus, incorporates an AI processor with a memory and storage unit capable of deploying and executing programs independently of firmware, allowing for function updates without powering down, using a binary storage area to manage and execute AI processor functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AI processor functions are included in firmware, then system stability is improved, but updating AI functions requires firmware updates which cause downtime and increased maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into two distinct parts: firmware (stored in ROM) containing core system functions, and AI processor programs (stored in a separate storage unit) containing AI-specific functions. This segmentation allows independent updates of AI functions without affecting the core firmware, thereby eliminating downtime caused by firmware updates while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts AI processor programs from the firmware and places them in a separate storage unit. This extraction enables the AI functions to be updated independently through the AI processor operation unit without requiring firmware updates, thus resolving the contradiction between system stability and update time.
2Device complexity
If AI processor functions are included in firmware, then integrated management is improved, but separate firmware management increases maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting AI processor programs from firmware into a separate storage unit, the patent enables independent management and updating of AI functions. This reduces maintenance complexity because only the AI-specific storage unit needs to be updated, not the entire firmware, thereby easing repair and maintenance efforts.
3Stability of the object's composition
If power cycle is required for firmware update, then system consistency is improved, but operational continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments AI processor programs from the firmware system, allowing AI functions to be updated independently without requiring a power cycle of the entire system. The AI processor operation unit can load updated programs from the storage unit while the main system continues operating, thus maintaining operational continuity while ensuring system consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing AI processor programs to be updated and prepared in the storage unit before being loaded into the AI processor. This enables updates to be staged and validated without interrupting main system operation, maintaining both system consistency and operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus as electronic equipment includes an AI processor provided with a memory, a storage unit capable of storing a binary, which is a program for the AI processor, and an AI processor operation unit that operates the AI processor. The AI processor operation unit deploys, in the memory, the binary stored in the storage unit. The AI processor executes a function of the binary by loading the binary deployed in the memory. The binary is not included in firmware of the image forming apparatus.