Electronic apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Solution Overview

Problem

Communication failures during startup in electronic apparatuses lead to shutdowns, preventing users from accessing services that do not require network connections, and manual firmware updates are cumbersome when automatic communication is limited.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a processor that enables two operation modes: one allowing communication with specific destinations for firmware updates and another restricting communication, automatically checking for and updating firmware without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the apparatus is started in a mode for limiting automatic network connection, then communication failures are reduced and services not involving network connection can be provided, but information about firmware release cannot be automatically received and manual firmware update becomes troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication failure reductionVSAvoidfirmware update operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication function is segmented into two distinct communication destinations: a first communication destination for receiving firmware release information and a second communication destination for other services. This segmentation allows the apparatus to maintain limited communication capability while still receiving critical firmware information, resolving the contradiction between reducing communication failures and enabling firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages communication with different destinations based on operational mode. In the first operation mode, it enables communication with the first communication destination for firmware information reception. This intermediary control mechanism allows the system to maintain limited communication while still obtaining necessary firmware updates, eliminating the need for troublesome manual update operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automatic network connection is enabled during startup, then firmware information can be automatically received, but communication failures occur and shutdown may happen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update automationVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication function is segmented into two distinct communication destinations: a first communication destination for receiving firmware release information and a second communication destination for other services. This segmentation allows the apparatus to maintain limited communication capability while still receiving critical firmware information, resolving the contradiction between reducing communication failures and enabling firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different communication destinations are assigned different communication qualities or characteristics. The first communication destination is configured for firmware information reception with appropriate reliability settings, while the second communication destination handles other services. This local differentiation of communication quality allows stable firmware updates without causing overall communication failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the apparatus shuts down immediately after startup, then communication failures are avoided, but services not involving network connection cannot be provided to the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication failure avoidanceVSAvoidservice availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary actions by receiving firmware release information from the first communication destination during the startup sequence in the first operation mode. This preliminary firmware check allows the apparatus to identify and apply necessary firmware updates before full operation begins, enabling services to be provided to the user without requiring immediate network connection for other purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication function is segmented into two distinct communication destinations: a first communication destination for receiving firmware release information and a second communication destination for other services. This segmentation allows the apparatus to maintain limited communication capability while still receiving critical firmware information, resolving the contradiction between reducing communication failures and enabling firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250224952A1Electronic apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 CANON KK

AI summary

An electronic apparatus comprising at least one memory storing a program and at least one processor, which when executing the program, causes the electronic apparatus to receive a first instruction for enabling a first operation mode and a second instruction for enabling a second operation mode, and perform, in the first operation mode even without a communication instructing operation by a user after the first instruction, control to communicate with a first communication destination and control to communicate with a second communication destination for a firmware update, and perform, in the second operation mode, control to restrict the communication with the first communication destination and control to communicate with the second communication destination even without the communication instructing operation by the user after the second instruction.