Patent ID: 6668374
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for upgrading firmware in an embedded system coupled across a network with client computers, and the method comprising the acts of:generating on the embedded system and specifically within a file system thereof, a virtual firmware upgrade file directory targeted to a programmable read only memory portion of the embedded system for viewing within a network view on a file system of at least one of the client computers; requesting a file transfer within the file system of an initiating one of the client computers by coping or moving a firmware upgrade file between a first directory and the virtual firmware upgrade file directory generated by the embedded system in the generating act; receiving on the embedded system the file transfer request from the initiating one of the client computers; and opening a dedicated firmware upgrade data channel to manage the firmware upgrade of the programmable read only memory portion of the embedded system responsive to the file transfer requested in the requesting act from the initiating one of the client computers.