With the Samsung smart TV use-case, these web cameras relied upon the Samsung TV uploading the firmware to the camera's RAM each time it is connected.
Why?????
This way they only need RAM on the device and can get rid of the need for persistent storage/flash memory. Makes a much simpler board design and easier manufacturing with less costs for parts.
So efficient!! C-Level and shareholders love that!!
Was flash storage more expensive then? Nowadays this might only save pennies per device, right?
Pennies per device can add up when hundreds of thousands of devices are produced. But it is not only the price of the storage but the whole circuit layout is simpler and therefore easier/faster to design and produce. That adds up too.
Probably so the camera could be updated on the fly and not be brickable via a random power cycle. Still seems stupid though.
If it seems stupid, that just means that it was cheaper to do it this way.
Program ROM/EEPROM + RAM, or just RAM connected to a USB interface with a reset line tied to the camera processor? See the USB device ID connect , fill the ram with the camera software, toggle processor reset , off you go.
This is quite common for numerous peripherals.
Lack of onboard persistent storage?
Yes.
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