Bootloader Update Voltage Check Prevents Corruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Updating the bootloader of a light controller can result in corruption due to incomplete updates caused by power loss, potentially rendering the system unusable.

Innovation Solution

A method that checks for a minimum voltage before updating the bootloader, ensuring the process is completed without interruption, and uses a bootloader updating programme packet that either overwrites or supplements the existing file, stored in a separate area, to prevent corruption and ensure successful system recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the bootloader is updated by directly writing to the protected storage area, then the updating process is simple and fast, but the system reliability deteriorates due to risk of corruption from incomplete updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebootloader updating speedVSAvoidbootloader integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first checking the voltage level before initiating the bootloader update process. The system performs a voltage check to ensure sufficient power is available before writing to the protected storage area, preventing corruption from incomplete updates. This preliminary verification step ensures that the update process only proceeds when conditions are favorable, thereby maintaining reliability without significantly impacting update speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the bootloader storage area is protected to prevent inadvertent deletion, then the bootloader security is improved, but the updating process becomes more complex requiring additional voltage checking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebootloader protectionVSAvoidupdating process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing a voltage checking mechanism that is automatically performed by the controller itself during the bootloader update process. The controller monitors its own voltage level and autonomously determines whether to proceed with the update, eliminating the need for external complex verification systems. This self-monitoring approach maintains strong protection while keeping the updating process relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If power supply interruption is allowed during updating, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incomplete writing of the bootloader

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdating availabilityVSAvoidbootloader writing completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage level during the bootloader update process and using this information to control the writing operation. The system provides feedback about power availability to the update mechanism, allowing it to pause or cancel the operation if voltage drops below the required threshold. This feedback loop ensures complete and accurate writing when power is stable, while still allowing updates to be initiated at convenient times for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3701371B1Method for updating a bootloader of a controller of a light
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 SCHREDER SA
  • EP3701371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3701371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3701371B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for updating a bootloader of a controller of a light, comprising at least one processor, at least one bootloader storage area, at least one application storage area, and a file storage area (6), a first bootloader file stored in a first bootloader storage area (2), said method comprising: transferring to the controller a bootloader updating programme packet provided outside of the controller and which comprises or can generate a bootloader updating file (61) which comprises either a complete up-to-date second bootloader file or programme parts supplementing the first bootloader file (21) to form an up-to-date second bootloader file, storing the bootloader updating file (61) in the file storage area (6) of the controller, and, in the case of a sufficient minimum voltage being available to the controller, writing the first bootloader storage area (2) with the bootloader updating file (61) from the file storage area (6).