Printer Firmware Update Control via Server Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses that communicate with servers for firmware updates lack an appropriate method to determine when and if firmware should be overwritten, leading to potential unauthorized or improper updates.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus connected to a server that transmits information such as model and version details to determine if a firmware update is necessary, and only proceeds with the update if specific conditions are met, including permission from the server and validity checks on the update data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the printing apparatus automatically downloads and overwrites firmware without server verification, then the firmware update process is simplified and faster, but the risk of unauthorized or improper updates increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update speedVSAvoidfirmware update safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary verification actions before providing firmware download permissions. The server checks whether firmware update conditions are met (such as checking if the current firmware version is eligible for update, verifying device authentication, and ensuring proper timing conditions) before returning download permission to the printing apparatus. This preliminary action ensures safety while maintaining update efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the printing apparatus checks firmware validity locally before overwriting, then the integrity of the update process is improved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update integrityVSAvoidvalidation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary that performs the complex validation logic. Instead of burdening the printing apparatus with complex validation mechanisms, the server verifies firmware conditions, generates appropriate permission signals, and provides validated firmware files. The apparatus only needs to implement simple checks based on server responses, reducing local complexity while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the server controls all firmware update decisions, then unauthorized updates are prevented, but the response time for updates increases due to additional communication steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized update preventionVSAvoidupdate decision time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary checks and decisions before the actual firmware download and installation process. By verifying update conditions, authenticating the device, and pre-validating firmware eligibility in advance, the server enables the apparatus to proceed with updates more quickly once permission is granted, reducing the time loss during the critical update execution phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10338865B2Printing apparatus and control method of printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.07.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing apparatus connectable to a server, the printing apparatus includes: a printing apparatus communication unit that transmits printing apparatus information to the server and receives an address which designates a storage location of overwriting firmware of firmware from the server in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied; and a printing apparatus control unit that receives the overwriting firmware from the server and executes overwriting of the firmware based on the address received by the printing apparatus communication unit.