Updating boot program of an air conditioning control apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning control systems using micro SD cards face issues with data corruption and bit errors due to narrow voltage thresholds, leading to potential boot program corruption and system failure, especially during power supply interruptions or high processing loads.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning control apparatus with a memory interface and controller that regularly updates and overwrites the boot program stored on a micro SD card, utilizing a low voltage detector and processing load determiner to ensure reliable completion of the overwrite process, even during power supply drops or high processing loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the boot program is stored in a micro SD card for easy updates, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to data corruption and bit errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of the boot program before execution by checking checksums and verifying program headers. This preliminary action detects potential corruption before it causes system failure, resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliability while preserving the ease of updates through the micro SD card.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that sits between the boot program storage (micro SD card) and execution. This intermediary layer checks program integrity through checksum validation and header verification, preventing corrupted programs from executing while allowing easy updates to proceed through the same storage medium.
2Reliability
If the boot program is frequently updated to prevent bit errors, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to regular overwrite operations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of frequent continuous updates, the system implements periodic verification and selective updating of the boot program. The checksum verification occurs at defined intervals, and updates are only performed when corruption is detected or versions need upgrading, reducing unnecessary overwrite operations while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of the boot program through automated checksum checking and header validation. This self-service mechanism detects and corrects potential corruption without requiring manual intervention or frequent scheduled updates, reducing time loss while maintaining program integrity.
3Productivity
If the system operates during high processing loads, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to power supply drops causing corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by creating backup copies of the boot program and storing verification checksums before high-load operations begin. This preparatory protection ensures that even if power supply drops occur during high-productivity operations, the system can recover using the pre-prepared backup and verification data, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning control apparatus includes a memory interface performing a data transceiving between a storage medium, a memory, and a controller. The storage medium stores a boot program in a boot program region. The memory stores the boot program of the storage medium. The controller reads out the boot program of the storage medium from the memory when a predetermined period is elapsed, and overwrites the boot program that is read out in the boot program region of the storage medium.