Patterned Signal Firmware Update Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic systems face risks of physical damage during firmware updates due to the need for physical shorting of electrical points, which is invasive and prone to permanent damage, and lack efficient methods for modifying device settings without disassembly.

Innovation Solution

An electronic system utilizing a patterned signal with a unique trigger to configure system state changes in the memory sub-system, eliminating the need for physical interaction by using specific sequences and patterns to trigger operational modes, such as firmware updates, through an out-of-band communication channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical shorting method is used to update firmware, then firmware update capability is achieved, but risk of permanent damage to device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoiddevice safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical shorting method with an electrical signal-based method. The controller receives a patterned signal containing a unique trigger sequence and configures system state changes through software/firmware control rather than physical hardware manipulation, eliminating the risk of permanent damage associated with physical shorting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the signal source and the memory sub-system. The controller receives the patterned signal, recognizes the unique trigger, detects the operational mode, and configures the system state changes, thereby mediating the update process safely without requiring direct physical access to circuit board points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical access to circuit board points is required for updating, then firmware update is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidupdate accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for physical access to circuit board points with an electrical signal transmission method. The patterned signal can be transmitted through existing communication interfaces, allowing firmware updates to be performed remotely without disassembly or physical contact with internal circuit board points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the firmware update capability universally accessible through standard communication interfaces. The controller can receive patterned signals through existing communication channels, making the update process accessible to both factory personnel and end customers without requiring specialized physical access or disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If standard communication protocols are used, then communication simplicity is maintained, but signal recognition accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication protocol simplicityVSAvoidtrigger recognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry into the communication signal by using a unique trigger sequence within the patterned signal that deviates from standard communication protocols. This unique sequence has specific characteristics (such as particular bit patterns, timing sequences, or frequency modulations) that allow the recognizer module to distinguish it from normal communication traffic, achieving accurate trigger recognition while maintaining compatibility with standard communication interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by maintaining standard communication protocol characteristics for most of the signal transmission, while introducing a localized unique trigger sequence at specific points in the communication flow. This allows the system to benefit from the simplicity of standard protocols for general communication while having a distinctive local feature for accurate trigger recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9043780B2Electronic system with system modification control mechanism and method of operation thereof

Publication Date: 2015.05.26 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An electronic system and method of operation thereof includes: a control unit for receiving a patterned signal; a recognizer module, coupled to the control unit, for recognizing an unique trigger from the patterned signal; an operation module, coupled to the recognizer module, for detecting an operational mode from the unique trigger; and a change module, coupled to the operation module, for configuring a system state change of a memory sub-system based on the operational mode.