US5053797A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for updating software in automatic film processor
Assignee: Carestream Health Inc
•
Filing: 1990-04-04
•
Granted: 1991-10-01
•
Expires: 2010-04-04
Abstract
Abstract An automatic film processor having control circuitry including a microprocessor and an electrically alterable programmable read-only memory (EAPROM) with a stored main program for control of the processor, has an auxiliary read-only memory (ROM) containing a bootstrap program including instructions for reprogramming the EAPROM using addresses and data from a disk drive or RS232 port. Reprogramming occurs in response to manual or automatic setting of a switch, without physically removing or replacing the EAPROM.
Inventors
- 👤 James T. Samuels
- 👤 Roger D. Ellsworth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:32
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F8/00; G06F8/60; G06F8/65; G03; G03D; G03D13/00; G03D13/007; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/4401
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
In apparatus for the automatic processing of exposed photosensitive media, said apparatus having means for automatically transporting said media from a feed point along a path through developer, fixer, wash and dryer stations and control circuitry including a microprocessor and a programmable read-only memory associated with said microprocessor to provide stored program information thereto for controlling said processor operations, a method of updating said stored program information without removal of said programmable read-only memory, comprising the steps of: switching said control circuitry from a normal mode in which said microprocessor is connected to receive program information from said programmable read-only memory, to a programming mode in which said microprocessor is connected to receive program information from an auxiliary read-only memory; and reprogramming said programmable read-only memory by said microprocessor acting in response to program information from said auxiliary read-only memory using address and data information obtained from an external source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
In apparatus for the automatic processing of exposed photosensitive media, said apparatus having means for automatically transporting said media from a feed point along a path through developer, fixer, wash and dryer stations and control circuitry including a microprocessor and a programmable read-only memory associated with said microprocessor to provide stored program information thereto for controlling said processor operations, a method of updating said stored program information without removal of said programmable read-only memory, comprising the steps of: switching said control circuitry from a normal mode in which said microprocessor is connected to receive program information from said programmable read-only memory, to a programming mode in which said microprocessor is connected to receive program information from an auxiliary read-only memory; and reprogramming said programmable read-only memory by said microprocessor acting in response to program information from said auxiliary read-only memory using address and data information obtained from an external source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-30 | 1995-04-01 | 1995-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-30 | 1999-04-01 | 1999-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-30 | 2003-04-01 | 2003-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |