Barcode Firmware Update via Printed Sheet Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of updating firmware on devices with programmable memories is exhaustive, time-consuming, and costly due to the extensive planning and personnel hours required for configuration changes, especially when products are ready to ship, leading to increased delivery costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that reprograms firmware on integrated circuit read-only memories using reprogramming data from barcodes or glyphs on a printed sheet, where the data is scanned and processed to alter the logical instructions and data stored in programmable elements like PROMs, EEPROMs, and FPGAs, allowing for rapid and flexible updates without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional firmware update methods are used, then firmware can be updated, but the process is exhaustive, time-consuming, and costly requiring extensive planning and personnel hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copies of firmware data stored on a physical medium (CD-ROM or DVD) that contain the firmware images. The system reads these optical copies and automatically writes them to the programmable memories, replacing the need for manual programming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical programming operations with an automated optical reading and writing system. The scanner reads barcodes/glyphs on a printed sheet, and the system automatically locates and writes the corresponding firmware images to the appropriate memory devices, eliminating manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual firmware programming is performed, then firmware can be reconfigured, but extensive technical expertise and specialized knowledge are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end-users to perform firmware updates independently without requiring technical expertise. Users simply scan a printed sheet containing barcodes or glyphs, and the system automatically handles the entire firmware programming process, including locating the correct firmware images and writing them to the appropriate memory devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a printed sheet with barcodes or glyphs as an intermediary medium between the user and the firmware programming process. This intermediary contains encoded information that guides the system to the correct firmware images, abstracting away the complexity of the underlying programming operations.
3Reliability
If extensive planning and personnel hours are allocated to configuration changes, then firmware can be updated accurately, but delivery costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-organizes firmware images on optical media and pre-codes the corresponding identification information (barcodes or glyphs) on printed sheets. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for extensive planning during actual firmware updates, as the system simply needs to read the pre-coded information and automatically locate the corresponding firmware images.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the time and cost associated with firmware updates by enabling anyone to reconfigure programmable memories by scanning pre-coded sheets, reducing person-hours, engineering efforts, and planning time, while allowing for flexible updates without the need for specialized knowledge or external media.
Implementation Method 1
at least one printed sheet is scanned. The scanning can be preformed using any scanner that is operatively connected to the integrated circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein include a method, service, apparatus, etc., that sets at least one integrated circuit board (that has programmable elements) to a programming state. When such programmable elements are set to the programming state, they are capable of being changed. Once the programmable elements are set to be changed, at least one printed sheet is scanned. The scanning can be preformed using any scanner that is operatively connected to the integrated circuit board through, for example, a processor. Again, the printed data (e.g., the barcodes or glyphs or other computer-only readable markings) on the printed sheet comprises the reprogramming data. The processor reads the barcodes or glyphs from the bitmap generated by the scanner, and executes the reprogramming data to change the logical instructions and data maintained within the programmable elements.