Information Processor Firmware Update Memory Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processors face challenges in reliably communicating with external devices during firmware updates, especially when errors occur in communication processing data, leading to increased memory requirements and difficulty in recovery.
Innovation Solution
An information processor with a transmitting/receiving module, storage module, program update sub-module, and basic update sub-module that stores communication processing data in a separate area, allowing for reliable communication and recovery by using pre-saved communication processing data to facilitate updates and prevent overwriting errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If communication processing data is stored in the same memory area as the information processing program, then memory usage is reduced, but reliability of communication during update deteriorates when errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flash memory into distinct areas: a first area for storing the information processing program and a second area for storing communication processing data. This segmentation allows independent management and protection of communication data, ensuring that even if the program area fails, communication capability remains intact for recovery operations.
2Ease of repair
If all firmware to be updated is saved in another memory area of the flash memory, then error recovery is facilitated, but memory area necessary for updating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential communication processing data from the complete firmware package and stores it separately in the second area of flash memory. This selective extraction provides error recovery capability without requiring storage of the entire firmware, thus minimizing additional memory requirements while maintaining recovery ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the normal system BIOS is updated through communication with external device, then system functionality is improved, but communication may fail if errors occur in communication processing data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary storage of communication processing data in the protected second area of flash memory before update operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that communication capability is established and preserved in advance, allowing the system to maintain communication functions even during and after program updates, thereby supporting continuous system adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Prior to updating of an information processing program that stores a program update module for updating a wireless interface driver or the information processing program used for communications with a router, a printer stores the minimal information necessary for communications such as the wireless interface driver or setting information (service set identification (SSID), Wep key, etc.) necessary for using the wireless interface driver in basic update user information stored in an area different from an area for the information processing program. If updating of the information processing program is suspended and an error occurs in the information processing program, a basic update module protected from overwriting utilizes the basic update user information to restart communications with the router.