Printing Device Firmware Update via Wireless ID

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing devices face issues with firmware updates, where incorrect firmware can be installed due to user error, leading to compatibility problems with coupled wireless communication devices, as the current systems do not ensure that the firmware is updated to the correct version matching the connected device.

Innovation Solution

An update system where a printing device and a processing device communicate using different communication standards, with the processing device requesting identification information from the printing device, and subsequently transmitting the correct firmware for update, ensuring that the installed firmware is updated to match the type of wireless communication device connected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If firmware is updated via user selection through an information processing device, then firmware update capability is provided, but the risk of updating to incorrect firmware increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidfirmware compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The printing device automatically obtains identification information about the coupled wireless communication device and uses this information to automatically select and update to the correct firmware version, eliminating the need for manual user selection and preventing incorrect firmware updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system obtains identification information from the coupled wireless communication device and uses this feedback to automatically select the appropriate firmware, creating a closed-loop system that ensures firmware compatibility with the connected device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If manual firmware selection is allowed, then user flexibility is improved, but the likelihood of wrong firmware installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidwrong firmware installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The printing device automatically performs firmware selection based on identification information from the coupled wireless communication device, removing the need for manual user intervention and eliminating the risk of wrong firmware installation while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11461059B2Update system for updating firmware for wireless communication device coupled to printing device

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An update system includes a printing device configured to be coupled to a wireless communication device performing first communication, and a processing device configured to be connected to the printing device via second communication. The processing device transmits a transmission request for identification information identifying the wireless communication device, to the printing device. The printing device, when receiving the transmission request for the identification information from the processing device, transmits the identification information to the processing device. The processing device, when receiving the identification information from the printing device, transmits firmware corresponding to the received identification information as firmware for update to the printing device. The printing device, when receiving the firmware for update from the processing device, updates firmware stored in a storage unit to the firmware for update.