Firmware Update Command Table for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in automating the firmware update process, leading to potential inefficiencies and unnecessary repetition of commands during firmware updates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where an image forming apparatus receives a command file containing measure commands, patch files, and firmware files, generates a command table with execution orders, and executes these commands automatically, including preliminary and post-measure commands to ensure efficient firmware updates by reducing unnecessary repetitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If firmware update process is automated using command files, then update efficiency is improved, but command repetition and unnecessary execution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating a command table before executing firmware update commands. The command table pre-organizes all necessary commands with their execution orders, preventing repetition and ensuring each command is executed only once in the correct sequence. This preliminary organization resolves the contradiction by preparing the execution plan in advance, thereby improving update efficiency while eliminating time-wasting repetitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through execution status tracking and completion detection. The system monitors whether commands have been executed successfully and uses this feedback information to determine whether to proceed to the next command or retry/skip problematic commands. This feedback loop prevents unnecessary command repetition by accurately tracking execution state, thus improving firmware update efficiency while reducing wasted time on redundant executions.
2Reliability
If multiple commands are executed during firmware update, then complete update process is achieved, but execution order management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the firmware update process into discrete commands, each assigned a specific execution order in the command table. Instead of managing a monolithic update process, the system breaks down the update into individual executable commands with defined sequences. This segmentation ensures complete update execution while simplifying order management, as each command's position in the sequence is explicitly defined rather than requiring complex inter-command coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a command table as an intermediary structure between the firmware update requirements and the actual command execution. The command table serves as a mediator that organizes, sequences, and manages multiple update commands in a structured format. This intermediary simplifies the complexity of managing multiple commands by providing a centralized control mechanism that defines execution order, thereby ensuring complete updates without requiring complex direct command-to-command management.
3Manufacturing precision
If command file contains all necessary update information, then update accuracy is improved, but file structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential update information from a potentially complex command file and organizes it into a structured command table. By taking out only the necessary command elements, execution orders, and relevant parameters into a tabular format, the system achieves accurate firmware updates while reducing the perceived complexity. The command table presents only the essential information needed for execution in an organized manner, separating critical update data from unnecessary file structure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example firmware update method of an image forming apparatus includes receiving a command file including a measure command, a patch file, and a firmware file for firmware update, based on an automatic firmware update menu being selected, generating a command table including an execution order of the measure command based on the command file, and executing the measure command and updating the firmware based on the execution order of the measure command and a patch file related to the measure command.