Flash ROM Program Versioning for Function Execution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to accurately determine which functions of a program can be executed in a microcomputer-based apparatus due to changes in associated files like license information and quality assurance data, leading to difficulties in managing different development stages and apparatus types.
Innovation Solution
A program writing method that generates a version representative value from a source directory's files, including metadata and data structure definitions, and writes this value into a source file, converting it into a binary format for storage in a flash ROM, allowing the apparatus to identify the source directory and enforce execution permissions based on license and quality assurance information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the program is stored separately from associated files (license information, quality assurance data) in the microcomputer, then the storage structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot determine which functions can be executed under which conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the program with associated files (license information, quality assurance data, source directory information) by embedding them together in the flash ROM. The version representative value is calculated from the source directory and embedded in the program, ensuring that function execution condition information is preserved alongside the program code.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple source directories with different versions are created for different development stages and apparatus types, then different functions can be supported, but the number of microcomputer types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses version representative values calculated from source directories to identify different versions of programs. Instead of creating physically different microcomputers for each version, the system maintains a single microcomputer type that can load and execute different program versions with their associated metadata, thereby supporting multiple functions without increasing hardware complexity.
3Reliability
If the control program is rewritten for each apparatus to accommodate different microcomputer functions, then each apparatus can use the correct functions, but it is difficult to know in advance which functions the microcomputer can use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds version representative values and associated metadata (license information, quality assurance data) directly in the program stored in flash ROM before the microcomputer is incorporated into the apparatus. This preliminary embedding allows the control program to automatically determine which functions can be executed without requiring pre-configuration or rewriting for each apparatus type.
4Ease of manufacture
If only the source file is used to generate the program, then the compilation process is simple, but changes in associated files (license, quality assurance) are not reflected in the program version
Solution Approach 1:
The version representative value calculation is extended to include not only the source file but also associated files such as license information and quality assurance data. This multi-functional approach ensures that the version identification reflects changes in any associated file while maintaining a unified compilation process that handles all files together.
Data Source
AI summary
A program writing method in which a program is written into a flash ROM that a microcomputer includes therein includes: a generating step for generating a version representative value indicating a version of a source directory from predetermined types of files included in the source directory; an additionally writing step for additionally writing the version representative value into a source file included in the source directory; and a program writing step for writing a program corresponding to the source directory generated by compiling the source file into which the version representative value has been additionally written into the flash ROM.