Firmware Update via SD Card Command Swap Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
SD interfaces that do not support the SDIO function cannot initiate firmware updates, as they cannot distinguish between update start commands and data, leading to incomplete or failed updates.
Innovation Solution
Defining special files in the secure data memory for storing update start commands and data, allowing the mobile terminal and communication device to identify file names and proceed with firmware updates, including using a command swap file for commands and a firmware update file for data, and optionally a result swap file for progress and result reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the SD interface does not support the SDIO function, then the communication device cannot distinguish update commands from data, but the firmware update process can still be initiated through file-based command storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into distinct components: command files (containing update start commands) and data files (containing firmware update data). This segmentation allows the communication device to differentiate between commands and data through file-based identification, enabling firmware updates on SD interfaces without SDIO function support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces command files as an intermediary mechanism between the mobile terminal and the communication device. These command files serve as a mediator that carries update instructions in a format that can be recognized and processed by the communication device's file system, bridging the gap caused by the lack of SDIO function.
2Ease of operation
If special files are defined in secure data memory for storing commands and data, then firmware updates can be initiated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing file system of the secure data memory to serve multiple functions: storing user data, storing command files, and storing firmware update data. By making the file system universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated hardware structures while still enabling firmware update initiation through file-based commands.
3Quantity of substance
If the communication device reads data from secure data memory without SDIO support, then data transfer is possible, but the device cannot determine if the data is an update start command
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses file name conventions and file attribute characteristics as visual identifiers (analogous to color changes) to distinguish command files from data files. By encoding the purpose of the file in its name or attributes, the communication device can easily identify whether read data represents an update start command or firmware update data without requiring complex analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, a device, and a mobile terminal for updating firmware. The method for updating firmware includes obtaining an update start command; after the update start command is obtained, reading a firmware update file from a secure data memory; and writing the firmware update file to a Flash memory. When a Secure Digital (SD) interface does not support a Secure Digital Input and Output (SDIO) function, a mobile terminal and a communication device having an SD interface can only read data in the secure data memory in units of files. In this application, special files are defined in the secure data memory to store an update start command and update data in different files. Therefore, the communication device having the SD interface can obtain the update start command from a command swap file, and obtain a firmware update file in a firmware update process to perform an update.