Multi-Core Printer Firmware Update via Single Core Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing firmware rewriting process for printers with multiple cores is time-consuming, increasing the likelihood of errors or interruptions during the updating process, as it requires repeated reset processes for each core.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first core rewrites both its own firmware and the firmware of another core using a boot program, eliminating the need for intermediate reporting steps and saving boot data, and includes a reset unit to reset the printer only after completing firmware updates for all cores, thereby shortening the overall rewriting time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware is updated for multiple cores separately with repeated reset processes, then each core can be updated individually, but the updating time becomes excessively long and the likelihood of interruptions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the firmware update process for multiple cores into a single coordinated operation. The first core performs the firmware rewrite for both itself and the second core sequentially without resetting the printer in between, combining what were previously separate update cycles into one continuous process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first core prepares and holds the firmware data in its internal memory before rewriting the second core's firmware. This preliminary preparation allows the second core to receive and process the firmware immediately without requiring a reset or external intervention, streamlining the update sequence.
2Reliability
If firmware is updated for multiple cores with repeated reset processes, then each core update can be verified, but the complexity of the update process increases and development becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The first core is given universal functionality to perform both its own firmware updates and the second core's firmware updates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate update control logic for each core, simplifying the overall process while maintaining verification capabilities through checksum validation at each step.
Solution Approach 2:
The update process maintains continuous useful action by keeping the printer operational throughout the firmware rewrite. Instead of resetting the system between core updates, the first core continuously manages the firmware transfer and rewriting process, reducing interruptions and simplifying the workflow.
3Extent of automation
If each core controls its own firmware rewriting, then autonomous updates are possible, but the number of required steps increases and development complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the firmware control functions of both cores into a single control mechanism where the first core manages the entire update process. This merging reduces the number of autonomous control steps from two separate core-controlled processes to one coordinated process, simplifying development while maintaining automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer having multiple processor cores, and a firmware rewriting method for the printer, enable rewriting firmware in a short time. A first rewrite controller controls rewriting the firmware of the first core by the boot program of the first core; a second rewrite controller controls rewriting the firmware of a second core, which is one of the multiple cores other than the first core, by the boot program of the first core; and a reset unit resets the printer after rewriting the firmware of the first core and the firmware of the second core by the boot program of the first core ends.