Method for providing for programming flash memory of a mailing apparatus
US6629317B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q99/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method providing for programming reprogramming at least some software into flash memory of a postage machine or other mailing apparatus. The method calls for providing the software to be programmed into the flash memory in at least two builds, with one build providing kernel software that includes the functionality needed for programming/reprogramming (including functionality for linking to a personal computer by which the software to be programmed may be provided), and the other build providing non-kernel software, usually routines providing application-oriented functionality, and not essential to programming the flash memory. The first build, of the at least two builds, is written into sectors of the flash memory that are then locked. The system provides, in some applications, for writing the non-kernel software using a paging algorithm that writes several sectors worth of non-kernel software at a time. Once the programming of the kernel software is completed, at least part of the flash memory, the part hosting the non-kernel software, can be programmed or reprogrammed using the functionality provided by the kernel software. In some applications, three builds are provided, with…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.