Optical Storage Firmware Modification Without Compilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process of modifying firmware for optical storage medium devices requires a compiling process, which is time-consuming and inefficient, leading to delays in product development and potential misunderstandings between manufacturers and customers due to the need for hardware testing and repeated source code modifications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for modifying firmware that allows customers to input attribute data sets to modify reference data sets without altering the executable program code, using data editing software to simulate and test user interface changes on a personal computer before writing the modified firmware into the device, thereby eliminating the need for compiling and reducing communication and development time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the firmware is modified by compiling source code, then the firmware can be updated to meet customer requirements, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware adaptabilityVSAvoidfirmware modification efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The firmware is segmented into executable program code and reference data sets. By modifying only the reference data sets rather than compiling entire source code, the system achieves rapid firmware adaptation without full compilation cycles, directly resolving the productivity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of firmware modification from source code compilation to direct data set editing. This parameter change enables customers to modify firmware by editing reference data sets with text editors, eliminating the time-consuming compilation process while maintaining firmware adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the source code is repeatedly modified and re-compiled for testing, then customer requirements can be verified, but the development time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverequirement verification accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables preliminary testing of firmware modifications by allowing customers to edit reference data sets and test the modified firmware on their own hardware before formal production. This preliminary action reduces the need for repeated manufacturer-led compilation and testing cycles, cutting development time while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reference data sets can be copied and modified independently without affecting the executable program code. This copying mechanism allows customers to create test versions of firmware by duplicating and editing data sets, enabling rapid iteration and verification without time-consuming re-compilation of the entire firmware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If customers provide requirements in written or oral form, then communication is possible, but misunderstandings occur between manufacturer and customer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverequirement communication accuracyVSAvoidcommunication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention empowers customers to directly modify firmware by editing reference data sets themselves, eliminating the need for complex communication loops between manufacturer and customer. Customers can independently adjust firmware parameters and immediately test results, achieving precise requirement implementation without translation or interpretation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the firmware modification process requires hardware testing, then functional verification is possible, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware functional reliabilityVSAvoidmodification process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies partial action by allowing modification of only the reference data sets rather than the entire firmware. This partial modification approach maintains functional reliability for verified operations while simplifying the modification process, as customers only need to edit data sets without managing complex compilation and full-system testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS7779400B2System and method for modifying firmware of an optical storage medium device without requiring a compiling process

Publication Date: 2010.08.17 VIA TECH INC

AI summary

Firmware of an optical storage medium device includes an executable program code and at least one reference data set. A method for modifying the firmware without requiring a compiling process includes inputting an attribute data set for setting a user interface; modifying the firmware by modifying the reference data set according to the attribute data set, wherein the executable program code is not modified when the firmware is being modified; determining if the modified firmware is capable of performing a target operation before the modified firmware is written into the optical storage medium device, wherein the user interface can be displayed according to the attribute data set; displaying the user interface according to the attribute data set; and writing the modified firmware into the optical storage medium device after the modified firmware is capable of performing the target operation.