Control Program Rewrite Verification for Faster Device Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent confirmation operations for verifying the successful rewriting of control programs cause delays in the startup of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that determine the success or failure of the rewriting process by executing a checksum after the process is complete and store the result, allowing the device to skip unnecessary processes during startup based on these results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control programs are stored in a rewriteable memory such as a flash memory, then the control program can be updated or changed, but the memory cell may be damaged due to repeated rewriting operations reducing its life span
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control program into multiple blocks that can be independently managed. When updating is needed, only the necessary blocks are rewritten while others remain intact, thereby reducing the frequency and scope of rewriting operations on individual memory cells and extending their operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a backup control program stored in a different memory region before performing rewriting operations. This preliminary preparation allows the system to safely update control programs by first ensuring a valid backup exists, enabling controlled rewriting that minimizes damage to memory cells while maintaining update capability.
2Reliability
If the control program is stored in a ROM, then the memory is not subject to rewriting damage, but the control program cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is divided into multiple blocks stored in different memory regions. Critical stability requirements are met by storing essential portions in ROM, while other blocks are stored in rewriteable memory, allowing selective updating without compromising the stability of core functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a unified memory management system that handles both ROM and rewriteable memory regions through a single control mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain program stability from ROM while enabling updates to specific blocks in rewriteable memory, combining the advantages of both storage types.
3Reliability
If a backup control program is stored in advance in a different memory region, then the rewriting operation can be performed safely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory into distinct blocks with clear identification markers. This segmentation simplifies the backup and rewriting process by allowing the system to easily identify and manage specific blocks without complex memory management overhead, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a simplified copying mechanism where backup control programs are created by copying existing blocks to designated backup regions. This copying approach is simpler than full backup systems, providing safety during rewriting operations while minimizing the complexity of memory management through straightforward copy operations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control unit (2) is configured to determine success or failure of a rewrite process after end of the rewrite process, and write success or failure display data (32) into a success or failure determination result storage area in accordance with the success or failure, and read the success or failure display data present in the success or failure determination result storage area after startup of an electronic device, and execute a control program (31), in lieu of carrying out the rewrite process, when it is determined that the success or failure display data indicate a success of the rewrite process.