Firmware Restoration via Dual-Plane Storage Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently restoring previous firmware versions without degrading the quality of the entire system, particularly when devices with dual plane storage areas coexist with those that do not, leading to version mismatch and prolonged restoration times.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a control unit that manages multiple storage areas for holding different versions of programs, allowing for swift switching of startup areas during restoration and backup of the old version for devices without dual plane storage, thereby reducing restoration time and preventing version mismatch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If firmware update is performed to correct defects or add functions, then the functionality of the information processing apparatus is improved, but the quality of the software may be degraded if a defect is mixed in the latest firmware

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsoftware quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage area is divided into multiple planes (first plane and second plane), allowing the firmware to be segmented across different storage regions. This enables independent management of old and new firmware versions, allowing the system to switch between versions without affecting the other, thus maintaining reliability while enabling functional updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The old firmware version is backed up in advance in the hard disk drive before performing the firmware update. This preliminary backup action ensures that if the new firmware contains defects, the system can restore the previous working version, thereby maintaining software quality while allowing functional improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If firmware update is performed and a problem occurs, then restoration to the old version is necessary, but the restoration process takes time as the program must be rewritten to the old version

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration capabilityVSAvoidrestoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices with dual plane storage areas and those without dual plane storage areas coexist, then system compatibility is improved, but version mismatch may occur leading to quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidversion consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hard disk drive serves as an intermediary storage medium for backing up old firmware versions from devices without dual plane storage areas. This intermediary backup mechanism allows devices with different storage capabilities to coexist in the same network, maintaining version consistency through centralized backup and restoration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal firmware management capabilities that work with both devices having dual plane storage areas and those without. By implementing a unified backup and restoration mechanism that adapts to different device types, the system maintains version consistency across heterogeneous device populations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of repair

If the program is backed up in a hard disk drive before firmware update, then restoration capability is improved, but the restoration process requires rewriting the program which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration capabilityVSAvoidrestoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250013457A1Information processing apparatus, method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a first device; a second device; a control unit for implementing control to update or restore at least one of a first program of the first device or a second program of the second device; and a storage for storing a first version of the second program. The first device includes a plurality of storage areas for respectively holding a first and versions of the first program. The second device includes a storage area for holding a second version of the second program. When restoring the first program, the control unit makes a setting in the first device so as to switch a storage area used for startup among the plurality of the storage areas. When restoring the second program, the control unit rewrites the storage area of the second device with the first version of the second program stored in the storage.