Embedded Combination Firmware Upgrades Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firmware upgrade processes for embedded combination apparatuses require disassembly and separate upgrades of main and slave devices, leading to inefficiency and increased error rates due to manual firmware version compatibility checks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow the main device to connect to a computer, read and compare firmware versions with slave devices, and send upgrade commands and packages directly, eliminating the need for disassembly and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware upgrades are performed separately on main device and slave device, then firmware compatibility can be controlled, but the upgrade process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the firmware upgrade process of the main device and slave device into a single unified operation. The main device receives a firmware upgrade package from external equipment, extracts the slave device firmware package, and automatically transmits it to the slave device for upgrading. This combined approach eliminates the need for separate manual upgrade operations while maintaining firmware compatibility through automated version matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The main device performs preliminary actions by first receiving and analyzing the firmware upgrade package, extracting the slave device firmware information, and determining compatibility before initiating the slave device upgrade. This preliminary verification ensures that the slave device firmware version matches the main device requirements, preventing compatibility issues before they occur.
2Reliability
If firmware upgrades are performed separately on main device and slave device, then version control is possible, but the operation process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The main device performs self-service by automatically extracting slave device firmware from the received upgrade package, determining version compatibility, and transmitting the appropriate firmware to the slave device without external intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual version checking and firmware selection, reducing operational complexity and potential for human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the main device reading and comparing firmware version information to determine whether the slave device needs upgrading. This feedback loop ensures that upgrades are only performed when necessary and compatible, maintaining version control while simplifying the operational process by automating the decision-making logic.
3Ease of manufacture
If the embedded combination apparatus is disassembled for firmware upgrade, then separate firmware burning can be performed, but the process becomes strenuous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the firmware burning process for both main and slave devices into a single integrated operation that occurs while the devices remain assembled. The main device receives the firmware package, extracts the slave device firmware, and transmits it wirelessly or via connection, eliminating the need for physical disassembly and significantly improving upgrade efficiency.
4Reliability
If manual firmware version selection is performed, then firmware compatibility can be ensured, but the error rate increases and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The main device implements automated feedback by reading the slave device's current firmware version, comparing it against the extracted firmware package version, and determining whether an upgrade is needed and compatible. This automated version matching eliminates manual selection errors and ensures precise firmware compatibility through systematic comparison and verification.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a firmware upgrade method and a firmware upgrade device thereof for an embedded combination apparatus. A main device is first connected to a computer for firmware upgrade, and then a firmware version of a slave device is checked to determine whether to match a firmware version of the main device. If they match, the slave device does not need to be upgraded. If any slave device has a mismatched firmware version, the main device sends an upgrade command and data of a matching firmware version to the slave device individually. The slave device receives a corresponding firmware upgrade package for firmware upgrade. The firmware upgrade method of the present invention complete a firmware upgrade process of the embedded combination apparatus without detaching the main device from the slave device, which is convenient and fast with a lower error rate.