Electronic Apparatus Firmware Update Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software update processes for electronic apparatuses are inefficient, requiring the entire firmware to be updated, which leads to prolonged downtime and potential errors due to the need to stop the apparatus during updates.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and control method that allow for separate updates of execution code and configuration information, enabling quick and efficient software updates by maintaining the execution code while updating configuration information, and allowing updates to be performed during power-off or without user notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire firmware is updated when software is updated, then the software update is complete, but the update time is prolonged and the apparatus must be stopped for a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware is segmented into multiple independent components: execution code, configuration information, and other firmware parts. Only the necessary configuration information is updated separately rather than updating the entire firmware, which significantly reduces update time and allows the apparatus to remain operational during updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration information is updated in advance during low-usage periods or power-off states, so that when the apparatus is fully operational, the updated configuration is already in place. This preliminary action minimizes the impact on user experience and reduces perceived downtime.
2Reliability
If the apparatus is stopped during software update, then update errors are avoided, but the usability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the firmware update process, only configuration information needs to be updated separately while the execution code remains operational. This allows the apparatus to continue functioning during updates, maintaining usability while ensuring update reliability through targeted updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration information acts as an intermediary that can be updated independently without affecting the running execution code. This mediator approach allows updates to proceed without stopping the apparatus, as the configuration can be refreshed in the background while services continue to operate.
3Productivity
If the configuration information is updated while the program is executing, then the update is performed quickly, but errors may occur due to reference conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration information update is performed periodically during power-off states or low-activity periods when the apparatus is not actively using the configuration. This periodic updating approach maintains high productivity by keeping the configuration current while ensuring reliability by updating only when no references are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the execution state and configuration reference status to determine the optimal timing for updates. When feedback indicates that no programs are actively referencing the configuration, the update proceeds automatically, ensuring both speed and safety through condition-based triggering.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic apparatus, including: a storage; and a processor configured to execute a first execution code based on first configuration information in response to an execution event of a program including the first execution code and the first configuration information stored in the storage, update the program by replacing the first execution code and the first configuration information with a second execution code and second configuration information in response to an update event of the program, and update the first configuration information to the second configuration information while maintaining the first execution code in response to the update event of the first configuration information.