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Self-modifying copier for downloading executable code in a non-disruptive manner

a self-modifying and executable code technology, applied in the direction of program control, static indicating devices, instruments, etc., can solve the problem of clear disruptive recovery mode of christeson, and achieve the effect of facilitating changes to the bootstrapper part and improving the performance of the copier

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-04-26
MCDATA CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables non-disruptive code loading and data installation in digital systems, allowing continuous operation without downtime by using a self-modifying copier module to manage structural changes in runtime memory, improving upgrade efficiency and reducing errors.

Problems solved by technology

The recovery mode of Christeson is clearly disruptive, requiring a reboot of the system after a manual change in a hardware jumper setting.

Method used

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  • Self-modifying copier for downloading executable code in a non-disruptive manner
  • Self-modifying copier for downloading executable code in a non-disruptive manner
  • Self-modifying copier for downloading executable code in a non-disruptive manner

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0022] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for installing executable code or data in a manner that is non-disruptive to the system, so that the system is able to continue operating without the need to sacrifice any system down time. FIG. 1 is a conceptual block diagram showing one embodiment of the invention. The system 105 is an electronic digital device that contains a processor 108 and a runtime area 110. The processor 108 can be a microcontroller on an integrated circuit board, a central processor of a supercomputer, or anything in between. The system 105 could be, for example, a computer, a digital camera, a portable media player, or a mobile phone. The runtime area 110 is an area of memory from within which the processor 108 can execute instructions represented in digital form (i.e., software code). The runtime area 110 is represented on a medium that is both readable and writable. The arrow labeled 190 indicates that the processor 108 has access to data and...

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PUM

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for achieving a non-disruptive code load in a digital electronic device utilizes a copier that modifies itself as it executes. A fixed data section might be left unmodified to preserve a trusted system state. The copier has two parts, a bootstrapper and a dynamic part. As a minimum, the bootstrapper copies the new dynamic part into the runtime area and initiates execution of the new dynamic part. Through the dynamic part, the desired new runtime area configuration for data and code modules is achieved. The bootstrapper is typically static through upgrades, but instruction cache associated with the processor can make self-modification of even the bootstrapper more convenient.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims benefit from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 228,044, filed Aug. 27, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to logic adapted to execution on an electronic digital device for a self-modifying copier. More particularly, it relates to a self-modifying copier used to nondisruptively load code and data into a runtime area of an active digital electronic device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The field of computing technology advances at almost a lightening pace. Equipment rarely has more than a five year life. In most instances, the life is only two to three years. In some instances, it is possible to replace various pieces of the equipment. In other instances, all that is required is a modification to existing code. [0004]“Smart” devices operating under control of a digital processor toda...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F9/44G06FG06F5/00G06F9/445G09G5/00
CPCG06F8/67G06F9/4401G06F8/656
Inventor TALATI, NARESHBODNER, ANTON JR.
Owner MCDATA CORP