Display Firmware Update Circuit Using Video Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating firmware in display apparatuses are inconvenient, costly, and prone to compatibility issues, often requiring extra terminals, devices, and complex procedures that can lead to damage and increased maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
A closed-type circuit and method that uses one display apparatus to update the firmware of another by transmitting firmware information between microprocessor units via interfaces like VGA or DVI, eliminating the need for external burners and specific devices, and ensuring compatibility through In-System Programming (ISP) and I2C communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a terminal external to the display apparatus is reserved for firmware updating, then firmware can be updated, but design complexity and cost increase due to extra terminal and transmission line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing video transmission interfaces (VGA, DVI, HDMI) to serve dual purposes: both video signal transmission and firmware updating. The microprocessor unit can operate in two modes: normal video processing mode and firmware updating mode. This eliminates the need for dedicated update terminals while maintaining firmware update capability, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a specific burning device is used for firmware updating, then firmware can be burned directly, but vendors must manufacture and maintain such devices, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling display apparatuses to update each other's firmware autonomously using standard video interfaces. A display apparatus can serve as a firmware source for another apparatus without requiring external burning devices. This eliminates the need for vendors to manufacture and maintain specialized burning devices, reducing both manufacturing complexity and maintenance costs while preserving firmware burning capability.
3Ease of repair
If the microprocessor is detached for firmware updating, then updated firmware can be installed, but the process is inconvenient and may cause unpredictable damages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical detachment and remounting process with an electronic data transmission method. Firmware is transferred digitally through video interfaces between microprocessors while the hardware remains connected. This substitution eliminates the risks of physical damage, simplifies the update process to software-level operations, and maintains full firmware update ability without compromising operation convenience.
4Adaptability or versatility
If computer video card DDC is used for burning firmware, then firmware can be written directly, but compatibility among burning programs, computers, video cards, and display apparatuses makes development and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by standardizing the firmware update interface to use uniform video transmission protocols (VGA, DVI, HDMI) that are already universally supported by display apparatuses. This eliminates the need for multiple proprietary burning programs and ensures consistent compatibility across different computers, video cards, and display devices, reducing development and maintenance complexity while preserving firmware writing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a circuit for updating firmware of a display apparatus and a method thereof. An optional update unit may be used for initializing the updating process. The first firmware information of the first display apparatus is transmitted to the second display apparatus for updating the second firmware information of the second display apparatus. Hence, reliability is enhanced and problems of incompatibility will not occur. In addition, no extra burning devices will be necessary, thus reducing extra cost.