Firmware Update via Power-Saving Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firmware updating methods in electronic devices are insecure and inconvenient, as they rely on DOS environments and internet downloads, exposing devices to security risks and file damage, and require separate booting apparatuses, complicating the updating process for users.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and method that transitions to a power-saving mode to update firmware, using a communication interface to receive new firmware and store it in volatile and non-volatile memory, with a controller managing the process and notifying users of updates, thereby enhancing security and convenience by integrating the update within the OS environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware is updated through DOS environment with internet downloading, then firmware can be updated, but security vulnerability increases due to exposure to image viruses and file damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary update execution module that runs within the protected OS environment rather than requiring external DOS booting. This intermediary module mediates between the user's firmware update request and the actual firmware updating process, ensuring that all operations occur within the security boundaries of the host OS, thus eliminating exposure to external security threats while still enabling firmware updates.
2Reliability
If separate booting apparatus is used for firmware updating, then firmware update can be performed, but device complexity and user inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the firmware update functionality directly into the host electronic apparatus by integrating the update execution module within the OS environment. This eliminates the need for separate booting apparatuses (such as USB drives with DOS environments or external boot devices), as the host system itself provides all necessary capabilities for secure firmware updating, thereby reducing device complexity and improving user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The host electronic apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as a normal computing device running the OS, and simultaneously serves as a firmware update system through the integrated update execution module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate booting apparatuses, as the host system universally handles both normal operation and firmware updating tasks within the same environment.
3Reliability
If firmware update is performed in DOS environment, then firmware can be updated, but user convenience decreases due to preparatory operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The update execution module operates autonomously within the OS environment, automatically handling the firmware updating process once the user initiates it through the update notification. The system self-manages the entire update sequence without requiring users to perform preparatory operations such as booting from external media, mounting DOS environments, or manually configuring update parameters. This self-service capability significantly improves user convenience while maintaining reliable firmware update execution.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a function unit which stores firmware, a communication interface unit which receives new firmware to be updated, a controller which converts an operation mode of the electronic apparatus to a power-saving mode, and an update unit which updates firmware of the function unit using the new firmware received in a process of restoring an operation mode of the electronic apparatus from a power-saving mode to a general mode.