Automatic Firmware Update for Input Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems require manual intervention for updating firmware of connected input devices, which can lead to inconvenience and inefficiency, especially when devices are not connected, have low battery charge, or are newly purchased, resulting in incomplete software updates.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a processor that automatically obtains and applies firmware updates for connected input devices during system program updates, suspending and resuming application execution as necessary, and can perform updates independently of device usage or connection status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual firmware update process is used, then user has control over update timing, but user effort and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of firmware updateVSAvoidtime for firmware update management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects firmware versions, checks for updates, and performs updates without requiring user intervention. The information processing apparatus autonomously manages the entire firmware update process for connected input devices, eliminating manual operations and time consumption for users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs firmware updates proactively before users need to use the devices, ensuring devices are always up-to-date. The automatic update mechanism checks for and applies firmware updates in advance, so when users connect their input devices, the firmware is already current, preventing usage issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If automatic firmware update is implemented, then update coverage improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus leverages its existing multi-functional capabilities to handle firmware updates. The same system that manages game execution, device connection, and software updates also performs firmware updates, avoiding the need for dedicated update hardware and keeping system complexity manageable while achieving reliable automatic updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The firmware update functionality is merged with the existing update management system of the information processing apparatus. The system combines firmware detection, update checking, and update execution into the existing software update infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring comprehensive update coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If firmware update is performed while application is running, then user workflow is interrupted, but update can be performed without quitting application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of firmware updateVSAvoidapplication suspension time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts application execution based on update needs. When a firmware update is required, the system temporarily suspends the application, performs the update, and then restores execution. This dynamic control allows updates to occur without requiring permanent application closure, maintaining user convenience while ensuring updates are applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary update management layer between the application and the firmware update process. This intermediary handles the coordination of suspending applications, performing updates, and resuming applications, minimizing user-perceived disruption while ensuring updates are completed successfully.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If firmware update checks are performed frequently, then update timeliness improves, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate response speedVSAvoidprocessing energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs firmware version checks periodically at meaningful intervals such as when applications are launched or when input devices are connected. This periodic checking approach ensures timely update detection without continuously monitoring firmware versions, thereby reducing unnecessary processing energy consumption while maintaining acceptable update response speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10649760B2Updating a firmware from a server in response to a request from an executing applicant program

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus to which an input apparatus is connected through a wire or wirelessly is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor executes an application program in accordance with an operation by a user accepted by the input apparatus, obtains update data for firmware of the input apparatus from a server through a network, and performs processing for updating the firmware of the input apparatus in response to a request from the application program while the application program is being executed. The processor suspends execution of the application program before update of the firmware and resumes execution of the application program in response to completion of update of the firmware.