Image Capturing Apparatus Configuration Data Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses face challenges in reliably rewriting configuration data stored in attachable and detachable devices, particularly when using general-purpose interfaces like USB, as they lack methods for confirming correct data transmission and restoration in case of errors.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with an attachment mechanism, a programmable integrated circuit, and a storage unit, featuring an updating unit for rewriting configuration data and a determining unit to verify the completion of updates by matching written and received configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration data is rewritten via general-purpose interface (USB) to attachable and detachable device, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but reliability of data transmission deteriorates due to lack of verification mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image capturing apparatus reads back the configuration data from the storage unit after writing and verifies it against the originally written data. This feedback loop ensures data integrity and allows the system to detect and respond to transmission errors, thereby maintaining reliability while using general-purpose interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification by reading the configuration data back from the storage unit immediately after the writing operation completes. This preliminary action allows the system to confirm data integrity before the attachable and detachable device is detached or before any operational errors can occur, preventing potential failures.
2Device complexity
If configuration data is rewritten without verification mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of configuration data storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The verification mechanism uses feedback by having the image capturing apparatus read the configuration data back from the storage unit and compare it with the data that was just written. This feedback loop provides reliability assurance without requiring complex hardware modifications, as it operates at the software/firmware level through existing interfaces.
3Productivity
If configuration data rewriting is performed without reading back verification, then productivity is improved by faster writing, but loss of information increases due to potential data corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary read-back operation immediately after the write operation to verify data integrity. This preliminary verification action is performed sequentially but does not significantly impact overall productivity, as it occurs during the same operational cycle and prevents information loss before it can affect system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism provides a quick verification that data was written correctly, allowing the system to detect and correct potential information loss without requiring lengthy verification processes. The feedback loop completes in a timely manner that does not substantially reduce productivity while ensuring data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides an image capturing apparatus having an interface for connecting with a device including a programmable integrated circuit, and a storage unit for storing configuration data of the programmable integrated circuit, wherein the apparatus comprises an updating unit which updates the configuration data of the storage unit of the device via interface; and a determining unit which determines whether the updating is completed by the updating unit, wherein the updating unit writes, via the interface, the configuration data to the storage unit by issuing a updating request to the device and transferring the configuration data, and receives, via the interface, the configuration data by issuing a readout request to the device, wherein the determining unit determines whether the updating is completed by determining whether the received configuration data matches the written configuration data.