Image Processing Firmware Backup Storage Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses face challenges in detecting firmware tampering while efficiently utilizing storage capacity, especially in low-cost devices with limited storage capacity, and when external network access is restricted.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a first storage section for multiple firmware stages and a second storage section for backup firmware, where a hardware processor detects tampering and restores firmware using the backup, and automatically switches backup firmware based on the apparatus state to optimize storage usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all firmware is stored in a duplicated manner for activation and backup, then firmware tampering detection and restoration capability is improved, but storage capacity requirement increases leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic backup selection where the system automatically determines which firmware to backup based on current storage capacity and operational needs. The backup firmware is selectively stored in the second storage section only when sufficient capacity is available, allowing the system to adapt to changing storage conditions without requiring permanent duplication of all firmware.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of duplicating all firmware completely, the system performs partial backup by storing only the necessary backup firmware in the second storage section. This partial action approach reduces storage requirements while maintaining sufficient protection against firmware tampering for the most critical firmware components.
2Device complexity
If storage device is removed when all firmware is stored in duplicated manner, then device complexity is reduced, but storage capacity becomes insufficient for duplicated firmware storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts backup storage based on the presence and capacity of the second storage section. When the second storage section is unavailable or has insufficient capacity, the system modifies its backup strategy to store only essential backup firmware, allowing the device to function with reduced storage configuration without complete failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the backup storage parameters adaptively. The system monitors storage capacity availability and adjusts the backup firmware selection and storage parameters accordingly, allowing flexible operation whether the second storage section is present or removed, thus maintaining functionality across different device configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If firmware data amount increases due to update, then firmware functionality is improved, but storage capacity for duplicated firmware becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic backup selection that adapts to firmware size changes. When firmware is updated and becomes larger, the system automatically adjusts which firmware components are backed up to the second storage section, ensuring that sufficient backup capacity is maintained without requiring permanent expansion of storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in backup selection based on firmware size. The system monitors firmware data amount and adjusts backup storage parameters accordingly, selecting and storing only the necessary backup portions in the second storage section to accommodate firmware updates while maintaining sufficient capacity for protection.
4Quantity of substance
If firmware is not duplicated and acquired from external device via network, then storage capacity requirement is reduced, but firmware restoration capability is lost when network access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware storage into two sections: the first storage section for active firmware and the second storage section for backup firmware. This segmentation allows the system to maintain local backup capability while managing storage efficiently, providing firmware restoration ability without requiring complete duplication or external network access.
Solution Approach 2:
The second storage section acts as an intermediary backup mechanism between the first storage section and external network sources. When network access is restricted or unavailable, the intermediary second storage section provides the necessary backup firmware for restoration, ensuring reliability without permanent network dependency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: a first storage section that stores multiple pieces of firmware to be started in stages; a second storage section that stores firmware selected from the multiple pieces of firmware as a backup; and a hardware processor. The hardware processor detects tampering of each of the multiple pieces of firmware stored in the first storage section, and restores the tampered firmware by using the firmware stored in the second storage section in a case where the tampering of the firmware stored in the first storage section is detected. The hardware processor selects, according to an apparatus state, the firmware to be stored as backup in the second storage section.