Firmware Update Management for Image Processing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not provide a method to determine the sequence of firmware updates for image processing devices connected via a local area network, leading to potential simultaneous updates that can render printers unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores an update management program that acquires update and device function information, determines an update sequence based on priority, and transmits the update program to image processing devices for sequential execution, prioritizing devices with higher update priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all printers on the floor simultaneously implement firmware updates, then all printers can be updated to the latest version, but all printers become unavailable during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous update process into sequential updates by introducing a management device that coordinates and schedules firmware updates for multiple printers one after another. The management device divides the update task across different time slots, ensuring that only one printer undergoes update at any given moment, thus preventing complete system unavailability while maintaining progressive update completion.
2Reliability
If firmware updates are performed sequentially one printer at a time, then printer availability is maintained, but the total update time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic update scheduling where the management device adapts the update sequence based on real-time printer status, usage patterns, and priority levels. The system dynamically adjusts which printer receives the update next, optimizing the balance between maintaining service availability and minimizing total update time. This dynamic coordination allows for flexible resource allocation without requiring rigid sequential processing.
3Device complexity
If no update sequence is determined, then the update process is simple to implement, but it is impossible to ensure that at least one printer remains available during updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management device as an intermediary between the firmware source and multiple printers. This intermediary coordinates update distribution, determines update sequences, and manages timing to ensure continuous service availability. The management device absorbs the complexity of sequence determination and timing coordination, leaving individual printers with simple update execution tasks while maintaining overall system reliability through centralized intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable medium stores an update management program for causing an update on control program, which is installed on each of image processing devices. The update management program, when executed by a processor, causes the computer to: acquire an update program and update function information regarding functions to be updated by the update program from a firmware distribution server; acquire device function information regarding functions of each image processing device from the each image processing device; transmit the update program to the each image processing device; determine an update sequence of timing for causing the each image processing device to update its control program, based on the acquired update function information and the acquired device function information; and cause the each image processing device to update its control program by executing the transmitted update program in accordance with the determined update sequence of timing.