Storage Device Firmware Update via Boot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating storage device firmware are cumbersome and resource-intensive, especially as update files grow in size, requiring lengthy downloads and external media or network transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for delayed firmware updates on storage devices, utilizing a detection module to identify available updates during boot sequences and an update module to install them from non-volatile storage media, eliminating the need for external disks and reducing network usage by storing updates on device vendor logs for subsequent installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If firmware updates are performed using external media or network transmission, then updates can be applied to storage devices, but the process becomes cumbersome and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The update utility stores the firmware update on the storage device itself during a previous operation, so that when the user needs to update, the update is already available on the device. This eliminates the need for external media or network transmission during the actual update process, making the operation simpler and less resource-intensive.
2Productivity
If update files are downloaded across a network, then firmware can be updated, but transmission becomes difficult and resource intensive as file size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device acts as an intermediary by receiving and storing the update file locally during a previous operation. When the user initiates an update, the system reads the pre-stored update file from the storage device's internal memory, eliminating the need for real-time network transmission during the update process, thus reducing network resource consumption and improving transmission efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If updates are stored on non-volatile storage media of the storage device, then update availability is improved, but device storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The update utility creates a dedicated area within the storage device's non-volatile storage media specifically for storing update files. This segmented approach allows the update to be stored separately from the device's primary storage space, enabling update availability without significantly impacting the device's usable storage capacity for user data and files.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for updating firmware on a storage device. The apparatus includes a detection module and an update module. The detection module detects, during a boot sequence, an indicator of an available update of firmware controlling a storage device. The available update is stored on non-volatile storage media of the storage device. The update module updates the storage device with the available update in response to the detection module detecting the indicator of the available update.