Object Code Configuration Tool for Embedded Firmware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face logistical and cost challenges in managing multiple versions of electronic products with embedded firmware, requiring separate testing, analysis, and inventory management for each version, leading to increased complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a predefined table of variables in the object code, allowing a single version of executable code to be shipped and customized by a customer using an editor to modify parameters, enabling different configurations without the need for multiple versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate versions of firmware are created for each customer configuration, then each customer's specific needs are met, but manufacturing complexity and inventory management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal firmware image is created that can serve multiple customer configurations. The firmware contains configurable parameters and lookup tables that can be customized at runtime or deployment time, eliminating the need to maintain separate firmware versions for different customers while still meeting their specific configuration needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating different firmware versions, the invention modifies parameters within a single firmware image. Configuration-specific values are stored in lookup tables or parameter structures that can be adjusted without changing the underlying firmware code, allowing the same firmware binary to support multiple configurations through parameter variation.
2Reliability
If multiple firmware versions are maintained for different configurations, then each configuration is optimized, but testing and maintenance costs multiply
Solution Approach 1:
A single firmware version performs multiple configuration functions, eliminating the need to test and maintain separate firmware versions for each customer. The universal firmware includes configurable parameters that allow it to adapt to different configurations, reducing testing overhead to a single base version plus parameter validation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple configuration-specific firmwares are merged into a single unified firmware image. Instead of maintaining separate versions, the invention combines all configuration needs into one firmware binary with configurable parameters, consolidating testing and maintenance efforts into a single codebase.
3Measurement precision
If separate part numbers are used for mechanically identical products with different firmware, then inventory tracking is precise, but warehousing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single part number is used for mechanically identical products regardless of firmware configuration. The firmware configuration is determined by parameters or lookup tables within the universal firmware image rather than by separate firmware versions, allowing inventory to be managed as a single SKU while still supporting multiple customer configurations.
4Productivity
If demand for a certain version exceeds inventory, other versions are reconfigured, but unpackaging and reprogramming costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
Since a single universal firmware image supports multiple configurations, no reprogramming is needed to fulfill different customer demands. The same firmware binary can be deployed to devices destined for different customers, with configuration parameters adjusted through software means rather than requiring physical reprogramming of separate firmware versions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing several versions of a device with embedded object code by using an editor to scan the object code, find a signature, change one or more parameters within the object code, and replace the object code. The device may be shipped to a customer in a standard configuration and the object code may be changed by the customer using the editor.