Firmware Update Suspension for Multi-Function Device Job Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses, such as multi-function devices, face challenges in managing firmware updates without disrupting ongoing processes or user interactions, particularly when specific element programs are being updated, leading to potential job suspensions and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an update support function that detects when a different element program is being updated, notifies the user interface, and temporarily suspends processes dependent on the updating program, allowing for seamless resumption once the update is completed, ensuring uninterrupted operation and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an element program is updated while another program is executing, then the system can maintain updated software versions, but the executing program may be disrupted or suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection to check if an element program is being updated before allowing another program to execute. If an update is detected, the system preemptively suspends the executing program to prevent disruption, ensuring that updates can proceed without conflict while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the update status of element programs is continuously monitored and communicated to executing programs. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust execution behavior based on update status, preventing job suspension while maintaining software reliability
2Reliability
If the system suspends all processes during firmware updates, then update integrity is maintained, but user accessibility and system functionality are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the firmware into multiple independent element programs that can be updated individually. This allows the update process to affect only specific components rather than requiring a complete system halt, maintaining update integrity for the specific element while preserving user accessibility for other functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts process suspension based on real-time update status. Instead of statically suspending all processes during updates, the system selectively suspends only those processes that depend on the element program being updated, maintaining both update integrity and continued user accessibility for unaffected functions
3Productivity
If dependent processes are automatically resumed after update, then system productivity is restored, but there is risk of resuming with incompatible versions
Solution Approach 1:
Before automatically resuming dependent processes after an update, the system performs a preliminary compatibility check to verify that the updated element program version is compatible with the resuming processes. This preliminary verification ensures productivity restoration while preventing version compatibility issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback verification after update completion to confirm version compatibility before allowing process resumption. The updated element program provides status feedback that confirms successful update and compatibility, enabling safe automatic resumption of dependent processes while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor and a storage device. The storage device stores software including plural element programs to be executed by the processor. At least one of the plural element programs causes the processor to execute a specific process in the case where a different element program is being updated. The specific process includes handling a situation in which the different element program is being updated.