Operation Device Multi-Mode Firmware Update via Bus Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for updating electronic products require users to physically connect devices to a computer, wasting space and time, especially when updating multiple products, as they need to be removed from their cases and connected individually.
Innovation Solution
An operation device with a transmission interface and control circuit that switches between normal and update modes using different transmission rates, allowing for simultaneous updates of multiple electronic devices without the need for individual connections, using a higher transmission rate for data transfer during updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual connection ports are reserved inside electronic products for updating, then update capability is provided, but usable space of the electronic product is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The existing communication interface is made multi-functional by enabling it to support both normal communication operations and update operations. The control circuit switches between normal mode and update mode, allowing the same physical interface to serve dual purposes: regular data communication and firmware updating, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated update ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The update data is transmitted through the existing communication interface by copying the update code from the host device to the electronic product. This approach reuses the established communication pathway rather than creating a new physical connection mechanism, saving space while maintaining update functionality.
2Reliability
If individual connections are made for each electronic product update, then update accuracy is ensured, but update time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electronic products are updated simultaneously by merging their update operations into a single host-device connection. The host device establishes one connection and transmits update codes to multiple electronic products in sequence or parallel through the communication interface, eliminating the need for repeated individual connections and significantly reducing total update time while maintaining update reliability through the same proven interface protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The update process maintains continuous useful action by keeping the communication interface actively engaged in transmitting update data without interruption. Once the update mode is activated, the system continuously transfers update codes from the host to the electronic products without requiring disconnection and reconnection, maximizing the utilization of the communication channel and minimizing idle time.
3Reliability
If users manually connect each electronic product to a computer for updates, then update reliability is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic products automatically switch to update mode when receiving the switching command from the host device, eliminating the need for users to manually configure connection settings. The control circuit autonomously transitions from normal mode to update mode based on the received command, and the system self-manages the update process including receiving update data and writing to storage, reducing user burden while maintaining reliability through automated protocol execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the transition between normal operation and update modes. It receives the switching command from the host, activates update mode, and coordinates the data transfer process, thereby simplifying the user interface while ensuring reliable update execution through structured mode management.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation device includes a transmission interface and a control circuit. The transmission interface is coupled to the bus. The control circuit outputs a switching command to the first slave device at the first transmission rate and via the transmission interface, to control the first slave device to operate in an update mode, and outputs update data to the first slave device at the second transmission rate and via the transmission interface, so as to update a program code of the first slave device. The second transmission rate is higher than the first transmission rate.