System, method and apparatus for embedded firmware code update

• US 20020087759A1
• Filed: 10/05/2001
• Published: 07/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.), Sony Electronics Inc. (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.), Sony Electronics Inc. (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Toyoshima, Akihiko
• Granted Patent: US 7,890,947 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 710/62
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72406 by software upgrading or downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72445 for supporting Internet browser applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/245 from a network towards a terminal

Abstract

A wireless module is provided for wirelessly updating code to any appropriate peripheral device and may allow for wireless communication with the desired peripheral device to update an operating software code. The wireless module has the similar size, shape, and form factor as the current Memory Stick™. In one embodiment, the method of updating code to the wireless module and/or the desired peripheral devices includes providing a fail-safe code to the peripheral device, updating the peripheral device with a new code utilizing the wireless module, and executing a primary code for operation of the peripheral device. Further, the wireless module may be provided to any number of peripheral devices compatible with the Memory Stick™ removable data storage media. The wireless module is removably connected to the desired peripheral device and provides the peripheral device with a fail-safe system, method and apparatus for updating the embedded operational software code without recalling and servicing the peripheral device.

Claims

1. A method for updating code, said method comprising:

providing a fail-safe code;

updating with a new code; and

executing a primary code for operation.

2. A method for updating code as recited in claim 1, wherein providing a failsafe code comprises storing said fail-safe code.

3. A method for updating code as recited in claim 2, wherein storing said failsafe code comprises storing said fail-safe code to a wireless telephone.

4. A method for updating code as recited in claims 2 and 3, wherein storing said fail-safe code comprises storing said fail-safe code inside a NAND FLASH in a wireless module.

5. A method for updating code as recited in claim 1, wherein updating with a new code comprises transmitting said new code.

6. A method for updating code as recited in claim 5, wherein transmitting said new code comprises wirelessly transmitting said new code.

7. A method for updating code as recited in claim 6, wherein wirelessly transmitting said new code comprises utilizing at least one wireless format selected from the group consisting of IS-95B, CDMA 2000 1X, CDMA 1X EV, CDMA ONE, Wideband CDMA, GSM, GPRS and EDGE.

8. A method for updating code as recited in claim 7, further comprising storing said new code.

9. A method for updating code as recited in claim 8, wherein storing said new code comprises storing said new code to a wireless telephone.

10. A method for updating code as recited in claims 8 and 9, wherein storing said new code comprises storing said new code at least once to a DRAM in a wireless module.

11. A method for updating code as recited in claims 8 and 10, further comprising:

checking said new code for errors; and

verifying said new code as an error free new code.

12. A method for updating code as recited in claim 11, further comprising storing said error free new code.

13. A method for updating code as recited in claim 12, further comprises storing said error free new code to a NAND FLASH in a wireless module.

14. A method for updating code as recited in claim 13, wherein storing said error free new code further comprises storing incidental information to said NAND FLASH.

15. A method for updating code as recited in claim 1, wherein executing a primary code for operation comprises storing said fail-safe code for operation.

16. A method for updating code as recited in claim 15, wherein storing said fail safe code comprises storing said fail-safe code to a wireless telephone.

17. A method for updating code as recited in claims 15 and 16, wherein storing said fail-safe code comprises:

storing said fail-safe code in a NAND FLASH in a wireless module; and

marking said fail-safe code as said primary code in said NAND FLASH.

18. A method for updating code to as recited in claim 17, further comprising verifying said new code as an error free new code.

19. A method for updating code as recited in claim 18, further comprising:

storing said error free new code to said NAND FLASH;

marking said error free new code as said primary code in said NAND FLASH; and

un-marking said fail-safe code as said primary code in said NAND FLASH.

20. A method for updating code as recited in claims 17 and 19, further comprising loading said primary code to a DRAM in said wireless module.

21. A method for updating code as recited in claim 20, further comprising allowing selection of said primary code.

22. A system for updating code, said system comprising:

a wireless module configured to store a fail-safe code; and

a peripheral unit in electronic data communication with said wireless module, said wireless module further configured to receive and transmit an updated code.

23. A system for updating code as recited in claim 22, further comprising a base station in electronic data communication with said wireless module, said base station configured to transmit said updated code.

24. A system for updating code as recited in claim 23, wherein said wireless module comprises a NAND FLASH, said NAND FLASH configured to store said fail-safe code.

25. A system for updating code as recited in claim 24, wherein said wireless module further comprises a DRAM in data communication with said NAND FLASH, said DRAM circuit configured to store at least once said updated code.

26. A system for updating code as recited in claim 25, wherein said NAND FLASH is further configured to receive and store a primary code, said DRAM is further configured to receive and load said primary code.

27. A system for updating code as recited in claim 26, wherein said fail-safe code is said primary code.

28. A system for updating code as recited in claim 26, wherein said updated code is said primary code.

29. A system for updating code as recited in claim 26, wherein said NAND FLASH is further configured to allow for selection of said primary code.

30. A wireless module comprising a NAND FLASH, said NAND FLASH configured to store a fail-safe code.

31. A wireless module as recited in claim 30 further comprising a DRAM, said DRAM in electronic data communication with said NAND FLASH, said DRAM configured to store at least once an updated code.

32. A wireless module as recited in claim 31, wherein said DRAM is further configured to receive and load a primary code, said NAND FLASH is further configured to receive and store said primary code.

33. A wireless module as recited in claim 32, wherein said fail-safe code is said primary code.

34. A wireless module as recited in claim 32, wherein said updated code is said primary code.

35. A wireless module as recited in claim 32, wherein said NAND FLASH is further configured to allow for selection of said primary code.