Management Gateway Firmware Update Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions lack a mechanism to update firmware for multiple multifunction printing (MFP) devices simultaneously or to schedule updates for future time periods, leading to inefficiencies in managing firmware across these devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a management gateway connected to a user network, which maintains a firmware repository and schedules updates for MFP devices, allowing for automated firmware updates, compatibility checks, and secure access control, enabling remote management and scheduling of updates without direct access to the devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual firmware update methods are used for each device individually, then direct device control is maintained, but firmware update efficiency and time consumption deteriorate when managing multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption for firmware updates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a firmware update server as an intermediary component that mediates between the network and multiple electronic devices. This server consolidates the firmware update management function, allowing a single update operation to be distributed to multiple devices simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining device control and improving update efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The firmware update server is designed with multi-functionality to handle various firmware update operations across different device types and scenarios. It can manage updates for multiple devices concurrently, support different update modes (scheduled, on-demand), and handle various firmware formats, thus improving overall productivity without sacrificing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If automated firmware update scheduling is implemented, then firmware update efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to scheduling mechanisms and version management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated firmware update schedulingVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-scheduling firmware updates and maintaining a version matrix in advance. The firmware update server stores version compatibility information and schedules updates before they are executed, allowing the system to automate the update process while managing complexity through pre-computed compatibility checks and planned execution timelines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated scheduling system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the firmware update server monitors device status, update success rates, and compatibility information. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust scheduling decisions, retry failed updates, and maintain accurate version matrices, thereby managing complexity through adaptive control rather than rigid predetermined sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If firmware updates are performed without compatibility checks, then update speed improves, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential incompatibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update speedVSAvoidfirmware compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs compatibility verification in advance by maintaining a version matrix that stores compatibility information between different firmware versions and device configurations. Before executing an update, the firmware update server checks this pre-computed compatibility data, allowing fast update execution without compromising reliability since the compatibility assessment has already been performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If remote firmware management is implemented without a centralized system, then device independence is maintained, but management capability deteriorates across multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote firmware management capabilityVSAvoidmanagement system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a firmware update server as a centralized intermediary that enables remote management of multiple devices without compromising their operational independence. This server acts as a management hub that can remotely initiate, monitor, and control firmware updates across the network, providing ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple system structure through the use of this single intermediary component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9112891B2Remote firmware management for electronic devices

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 SHARP KK

AI summary

A method and system for firmware updating for one or more electronic devices connected on a user network. A management gateway may be connected on the network, configured to control all firmware update activity for the one or more electronic devices. In an exemplary application, the electronic devices may be multifunction peripheral devices. An electronically accessible firmware repository for storing firmware updates is maintained. The management gateway may establish a firmware update activity schedule for each electronic device.