Image Processing Apparatus Firmware Update via Power Mode Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction peripherals (MFPs) face challenges during firmware version upgrades, as they cannot execute or receive jobs during the process, requiring user intervention and leading to potential security delays and downtime, as they switch between different firmware configurations and modes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a power control unit managing two power modes, an update unit for firmware updates, and a detection unit that automatically shifts the MFP to a sleep mode for background updates, allowing continuous job reception and processing without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MFP performs firmware version upgrade by switching to version-upgrade-only mode, then the firmware can be updated, but the MFP cannot execute or receive jobs during the upgrade process
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides firmware into multiple independent segments (first firmware and second firmware) that can be loaded and executed separately. This allows the MFP to run one firmware version while updating another, enabling continuous job execution during firmware upgrades without requiring a complete system shutdown or mode switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP performs preliminary actions by downloading and storing firmware update data in advance during normal operation. The firmware update is then applied in the background without interrupting job execution, as the system prepares update components beforehand and applies them during idle periods or without affecting the running system.
2Ease of operation
If the MFP manually performs firmware version upgrade with user intervention, then the user can control the timing, but the security update cannot be reflected immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP performs firmware self-updates automatically without requiring user intervention. The system monitors for firmware updates, downloads them in the background, and applies them autonomously, ensuring security updates are reflected immediately while eliminating the need for users to manually trigger upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The firmware update process continues in the background without interrupting normal MFP operations. The system maintains continuous job execution while simultaneously performing firmware updates, ensuring both operational continuity and timely security updates are achieved.
3Reliability
If the MFP automatically performs firmware version upgrade in background, then the update can be applied immediately, but the user is not notified that the MFP cannot execute or receive jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP implements feedback mechanisms that notify users of firmware update status and system state. The system provides information about ongoing updates, completion status, and any impact on job execution, ensuring users are aware of system state changes without requiring them to actively monitor the update process.
4Reliability
If the MFP switches between different firmware configurations, then the firmware version can be upgraded, but the system must restart which causes downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments firmware into separate loadable modules that can be switched without full system restart. This allows individual firmware components to be updated and activated while the rest of the system continues operating, eliminating the need for complete system shutdowns and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The MFP performs preliminary firmware loading and validation before activation. Firmware is prepared in advance, validated for compatibility, and then switched into operation without requiring system restart, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth transitions between firmware versions.
Data Source
AI summary
If a specified firmware subject to update is firmware of a sub control unit, an image processing apparatus updates the firmware of the sub control unit when a shifting condition for shifting from a first power mode to a second power mode has been satisfied. And the image processing apparatus shifts from the first power mode to the second power mode when the update of the firmware of the sub control unit has been completed.