Information Processing Apparatus Firmware Update Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing apparatuses, such as printing devices, face operational disruptions during firmware updates, as they cannot be used normally during the update process and require complex memory area switching techniques.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a non-volatile first memory, main memory, a receiving unit, non-volatile second memory, and an update unit that allows for seamless firmware updates by receiving and verifying data from an external source while operating, inhibiting startup if power is lost during updates, and restarting after completion, ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory area as a start-up target is switched every update to enable firmware updates, then the firmware can be updated, but the process relating to update becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple independent memory areas (first memory area for current firmware, second memory area for update firmware). This segmentation allows the update process to be simplified by always writing to the second memory area, eliminating the need for complex memory area switching logic while maintaining reliable firmware updates.
2Reliability
If the information processing apparatus transitions to a specific operation mode for update, then the firmware can be updated, but the apparatus cannot be used normally during the update
Solution Approach 1:
The update firmware is preliminarily stored in the second memory area before the actual update execution. The apparatus continues to operate using the first memory area while the second memory area is prepared with update data. This preliminary action allows the apparatus to remain operational during the update preparation phase, maintaining productivity while enabling firmware updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The second memory area acts as an intermediary storage space that holds the update firmware independently from the first memory area that contains the running firmware. This intermediary structure allows the apparatus to continue operating from the first memory area while the update firmware is prepared and validated in the second memory area, enabling updates without stopping normal operations.
3Productivity
If the update is performed while the apparatus is operating, then continuous operation is maintained, but data integrity during update must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares the update firmware in advance in the second memory area and performs validation checks before executing the update. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if an error occurs during the update process, the apparatus can fall back to the original firmware in the first memory area, maintaining data integrity while allowing continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the update process and validate the update firmware before execution. If validation fails or errors are detected, the update is aborted and the apparatus continues operating with the original firmware. This feedback control ensures data integrity while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes: a non-volatile first memory configured to store first data relating to an operation of the information processing apparatus; a main memory configured to store the first data loaded from the first memory; a receiving unit configured to receive second data from an external apparatus that manages the second data for updating the first data; a non-volatile second memory configured to store the second data received by the receiving unit; and an update unit configured to update the first data stored in the first memory using the second data stored in the second memory while the information processing apparatus is operating based on the first data loaded to the main memory.