Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-20
2002-03-19
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
C713S100000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06360362
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of imaging. More particularly, this invention relates to updating firmware between an imaging device and a host system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Imaging devices, such as cameras, typically store still or moving (video) image information on film, video tape, or other media. Digital cameras capture image information in digital format and store the image information in memory, such as a flash memory, or on other digital storage media. The digital image information can be downloaded to a host system, such as a personal computer. The image information can then be manipulated by rotating the image, cropping the image, or otherwise altering the image with software applications residing on the host system.
The imaging device includes firmware that allows the imaging device to communicate with software on the host system. The firmware includes instructions for performing various functions. For example, the firmware may be used to determine the exposure of an image, sense color in a particular manner, compress image data, conserve power, perform self tests, and/or specify accessing and formatting protocols to the storage medium on the camera.
Oftentimes, it is desirable to upgrade either the host software and/or the camera firmware with a new release of software or firmware. A common method for upgrading software is through the use of a patch, or service pack upgrade. This method consists of distributing a set of programs via floppy disk, CD-ROM, or World Wide Web to the host machine. The service pack, when run, modifies the components of the host software that need updating.
Updating the firmware is more problematic. This process is typically performed manually by a user. It may involve running an executable program, then resetting the imaging device. Manual updating of the firmware is inconvenient, and may lead to errors caused by incompatible versions of firmware and host system software.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
A method of updating firmware on an imaging device coupled to a host system is disclosed. The host system detects that the firmware on the imaging device is incompatible with a configuration of the host system. In response to detecting the incompatibility, an updated firmware image is transferred from the host system to the imaging device. In one embodiment, the updated firmware image is an older version of firmware than the one that is replaced.
Other features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4924513 (1990-05-01), Herbison et al.
patent: 5138459 (1992-08-01), Roberts et al.
patent: 5226145 (1993-07-01), Moronaga et al.
patent: 5262868 (1993-11-01), Kaneko et al.
patent: 5268928 (1993-12-01), Herh et al.
patent: 5477264 (1995-12-01), Sarbadhikari et al.
patent: 5566335 (1996-10-01), Nash et al.
patent: 5623604 (1997-04-01), Russell et al.
patent: 5696899 (1997-12-01), Kalwitz
patent: 5701492 (1997-12-01), Wadsworth et al.
patent: 5737585 (1998-04-01), Kaneshima
patent: 5790260 (1998-08-01), Myers
patent: 5822692 (1998-10-01), Krishan et al.
patent: 5878256 (1999-03-01), Bealkowski et al.
patent: 6115799 (2000-09-01), Ogawa
PCT Search Report, International Application No. PCT/US99/01398, Jan. 22, 1999, 4 pgs.
Fichtner Mark R.
Kush Dennis R.
Mohammed Mannan A.
Tomaszewski Edward P.
Burge Benjamin
Intel Corporation
Nguyen-Ba Hoang-Vu Antony
Powell Mark R.
LandOfFree
Automatic update of camera firmware does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Automatic update of camera firmware, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Automatic update of camera firmware will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2857211