Multi-purpose USB adapter device for data transfer

Abstract

A multipurpose USB adapter device for data transfer includes a computer processor, a computer memory coupled to the computer processor, and a communication port coupled to the computer processor. The computer processor can operate in host mode and device mode. In host mode, the computer processor connects to an external computer processor and an external computer memory via the communication port, locates a new image file or a modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, and loads the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory. In device mode, the computer processor uses the new image file or the modified image file to start the device via the communication port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a multipurpose USB adapter device for data transmission. Background Technology

[0002] In a wide range of computer applications, it is necessary to collect and / or transfer information from specific machines to specific machines in order to store that information in another form of storage (e.g., in a personal computer, a cloud server, and / or storage such as a Security Digital Storage (SD) card, hard drive, and / or pen drive). This transfer process is typically accomplished using network protocols within a wide area network (WAN) and a local area network (LAN). However, if the user cannot connect the hardware to a network media cable, a two-step transfer process using some type of mass storage device is required. First, the file is transferred to a mass storage device such as a universal serial bus (USB), and then the file is dumped to the desired storage device. This two-step operation can be a cumbersome process, and operators can be prone to errors, especially if the end user must perform this transfer between a large number of machines. For example, the user might end up forgetting to transfer data from the USB to the desired storage destination. In addition, sometimes the machine may not have WAN / LAN functionality, and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) file transfers may be slow in certain situations (e.g., in Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot mode).

[0003] Previous attempts to design devices to solve this problem had several drawbacks. Typically, the device could not switch from host mode to device mode. SD cards could not boot the machine because the machine's basic input / output system (BIOS) required the device to be in device mode and the SD card to be in host mode. Furthermore, while SD cards could connect to Ethernet or Wi-Fi to download images, as mentioned above, these SD cards could not boot the machine. Additionally, devices such as wireless USB flash drives did not run algorithms. Wireless USB flash drives only served as external storage for other devices. Moreover, Wi-Fi flash drives could not be used to acquire new images and update themselves to boot the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of users needing to collect and / or transmit information from a specific machine for storage in another form of memory, this disclosure provides an apparatus, a process, and a computer system to solve the problem of users collecting and transmitting information and storing it in another form of memory. The technical solution is as follows.

[0005] An apparatus includes a computer processor, computer memory coupled to the computer processor, and a communication port coupled to the computer processor. The computer processor can be used to operate in a host mode and a device mode. In the host mode, it is operable to connect to an external computer processor and external computer memory via the communication port, locate a new image file or a modified image file stored in the external computer processor or external computer memory, and load the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory of the device. In the device mode, it is operable to start a processor-based device via the illustrated communication port using the new image file or the modified image file.

[0006] In some embodiments, the communication port includes one or more of the following: an Ethernet port, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) port, and a universal serial bus (USB) port.

[0007] In some embodiments, the external computer processor and the external computer memory include a computer server.

[0008] In some embodiments, in the host mode, the computer processor automatically connects to the external computer processor and the external computer memory via the Ethernet port or the WiFi port to locate the new image file or the modified image file stored in the external computer processor and the external computer memory, and loads the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory via the Ethernet port or the WiFi port.

[0009] In some embodiments, the new image file or the modified image file includes software code and / or data.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the device mode, the computer processor is configured to boot the device via the USB port using the new image file or the modified image file.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the host mode, the computer processor is configured to establish communication with the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the communication port, locate the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer memory, compare the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, obtain the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, perform an integrity check on the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity check, store the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the computer memory and disconnect the communication.

[0012] In some embodiments, in the device mode, the computer processor is configured to establish communication with the device through the communication port, boot the device using the new image file or the modified image file, coordinate the boot process, verify whether the boot process is successful, and disconnect the communication with the device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device is directly coupled to the equipment.

[0014] In some embodiments, the computer memory includes a MicroSD card or a USB mass storage device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the computer processor, the computer memory, the Ethernet port, the WiFi port, and the USB port are contained in a single unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the computer processor is located on a single printed circuit board.

[0017] A process includes using an apparatus comprising a computer processor, computer memory coupled to the computer processor, and a communication port coupled to the computer processor. The apparatus includes a single unit or a single printed circuit board for connecting via the communication port to an external computer processor and external computer memory, locating a new image file or a modified image file stored in the external computer processor or external computer memory, and loading the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory of the apparatus. The apparatus is then used to boot a processor-based device via the communication port using the new image file or the modified image file.

[0018] In some embodiments, the process further includes automatically connecting the external computer processor and the external computer memory via an Ethernet port or a WiFi port, locating the new image file or the modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, and loading the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory via the Ethernet port or the WiFi port.

[0019] In some embodiments, the process further includes establishing communication with the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the communication port, searching for the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer memory, comparing the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, obtaining the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, performing an integrity check on the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity check, storing the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the computer memory, and disconnecting the communication.

[0020] In some embodiments, the process further includes establishing communication with the device through the communication port, booting the device using the new image file or the modified image file, coordinating the boot process, verifying whether the boot process is successful, and disconnecting the communication with the device.

[0021] A computer system includes a processor, memory coupled to the processor, and a communication port coupled to the processor. The processor is operable in host mode and device mode. In host mode, it is operable to connect via the communication port to an external computer processor and external computer memory, locate a new image file or a modified image file stored in the external computer processor or external computer memory, and load the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory of the device. In device mode, it is operable to start a processor-based device via the illustrated communication port using the new image file or the modified image file.

[0022] In some embodiments, the communication port includes one or more of the following: an Ethernet port, a WiFi port, and a USB port.

[0023] In some embodiments, the computer processor is configured to establish communication with the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the communication port, locate the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer memory, compare the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, obtain the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, perform an integrity check on the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity check, store the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the computer memory and disconnect the communication.

[0024] In some embodiments, in the device mode, the computer processor is configured to establish communication with the device through the communication port, boot the device using the new image file or the modified image file, coordinate the boot process, verify whether the boot process is successful, and disconnect the communication with the device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an adapter device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a process of obtaining a new and modified image file from a resource and then using the image file to start a machine, as provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3A , 3B And 3C are Figure 2 A more detailed schematic diagram of the process described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, wherein specific embodiments that may be practiced are illustrated by way of illustration. These embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following description of exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting.

[0029] In one embodiment, the functions or algorithms described herein may be implemented in software or a combination of software and manually implemented processes in one embodiment. The software may include computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as memory or other types of hardware-based local or network storage devices. Furthermore, these functions correspond to modules, which are software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Multiple functions may be performed in one or more modules as needed, and the described embodiments are merely examples. The software may execute on a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other types of processors running on computer systems such as personal computers, servers, or other computer systems. Unless explicitly limited to a single instance, the article "a" means "one or more".

[0030] One or more embodiments of this disclosure address the aforementioned problem of transmitting data without a direct connection to a network, and perform such transmission without using removable storage media such as a unified USB flash drive or an external hard drive. More specifically, in one embodiment, a removable adapter device acts as a self-updating USB storage medium for booting an offline machine. The device can be removed from the machine from which it is booting.

[0031] Embodiments of the adapter device enable switching between host mode and device mode. In host mode, the adapter device can intelligently, programmably, and automatically connect to a server or other processor and / or storage device, locate new versions and updates of image files stored in its memory, verify the integrity of the new or updated image files, and receive these new and updated image files into the adapter device's memory. In device mode, the adapter device uses selected new or updated images stored in its memory to boot a machine or other computer device. In device mode, the adapter device essentially acts as a bootable USB drive.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the adapter (dongle) device 100 is a removable device that includes automatic, self-updating functions and a USB bootable image for a computer device. The adapter device 100 may include internal memory 110, such as a microSD card, where image files are stored, updated, and loaded by a microcontroller unit 120. These image files can be copied from a server 130 or other computer processor and / or storage device. Image files are also called image files. These images can be used to boot a machine 140 via a USB communication port 150 or other communication protocols. The microcontroller unit 120 included in the adapter device 100 contains embedded software logic. The microcontroller unit 120 manages operating modes (host and device), retrieves image files from a server or other computer processor or storage device, updates existing image files in the adapter device 100's memory 110, and boots the machine 140 or other computer device using the updated image file via the USB port 150 in the adapter device. When the machine does not have an Ethernet port and the USB to LAN adapter is not working in BOOT mode, the adapter device can boot the machine using a USB cable.

[0033] in addition, Figure 1 The adapter device shown includes one or more Ethernet ports 160 for establishing local area network (LAN) communication with server 130, and a wireless internet (WiFi) card 170 for establishing wide area network (WAN) communication with server 130 in the event of such a communication link. The USB port 150, in addition to powering on the machine 140, can also be used for data communication. Optionally, the adapter device 140 may be coupled to external memory to replace and / or supplement the internal memory 110 of the adapter device 100.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the adapter device can perform the following process. Process 200 maintains storage updates in the adapter device through host mode function 210. This host mode function may include one or more of the following operations. At 220, communication with server 130 or other computer processors or storage devices is first established. Figure 2 As shown, the adapter device does not communicate with the machine 140 to be booted. The adapter device then searches for the latest version of one or more image files in the storage associated with the server. The latest version of the image file from the server's storage is compared with the version of that image file currently stored in the adapter device's storage. Then at 230, the adapter device obtains any latest image files by downloading these files from the server and storing them in the adapter device's internal storage and / or external storage associated with the adapter device. The adapter device then checks the integrity of the obtained image files. If the integrity check passes, the corresponding files in the adapter device's internal storage are updated. The adapter device then disconnects itself from the server, connects to the machine to be booted at 240, and updates the relevant files in the machine at 250. This boot process at 250 may include communication established by the adapter device with the machine 140 via a communication port such as a USB port. This boot of the machine can be a full general or initial boot, a restart, and / or a boot for a specific purpose or function. This process coordinates the boot process and further checks whether the boot process was successful.

[0035] One embodiment may use a lightweight Linux kernel instead of loading the full operating system into the microcontroller of the adapter device, which would slow down the image file transfer process. The Linux kernel allows for booting in real-time mode. The microcontroller's responsibility is to store and manage files obtained from the server on an internal (or external) memory card and to use these images (e.g., International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) files) for booting.

[0036] Unlike a simple USB flash drive, in one embodiment, the adapter device does not need to disconnect from the machine to which it transfers new and modified files in order to update files in its internal memory. Furthermore, unlike any USB storage device or USB emulator, the adapter device can automatically update its files by retrieving a mirror from the server via the Internet. USB storage devices or corresponding emulators do not have the embedded logic required to connect to a server, self-update the USB, and boot the machine. Moreover, unlike network sharing devices, the adapter device is not intended to act as a network interface between the Internet and an offline machine, such as an external USB LAN card. Therefore, the adapter device is not a bridge for enabling direct Internet access to an offline machine with embedded software, like a USB-to-LAN adapter. Furthermore, unlike a network LAN adapter that can boot the machine via LAN, this adapter device boots the machine via a USB port while simultaneously accessing the Internet to retrieve files.

[0037] As noted, the adapter device can connect to any two machines or devices for data transfer when none of the machines or devices are connected to the network. The adapter device is typically contained in a single unit, but as previously stated, it may also include external memory. The microcontroller in the adapter device may be, for example, a single-board computer with a processor such as a Raspberry Pi or Arduino. In host mode, the adapter device allows the connected machine or device to control internet access. When wired LAN communication requires a wired connection, one of the Ethernet ports can be used during host mode. Otherwise, a Wi-Fi connection can be established using the Wi-Fi port to access the internet via a WAN. The microcontroller controls download / upload functions via the Ethernet or Wi-Fi port.

[0038] In device mode, the adapter can be used as a USB mass storage device. The microcontroller manages file transfers between itself and the connected machine or device via USB communication. The microcontroller also manages data storage. For storage purposes, a USB mass storage device or an SD card (e.g., a MicroSD card) can be used as the internal mass storage medium.

[0039] The switching between host mode and device mode can be performed by an algorithm running on the microcontroller. This algorithm first determines whether the adapter device is in device mode (i.e., for booting the machine), then connects to a server acting as the host and locates a new image to download. The new image is downloaded to the adapter device's storage (e.g., an SD card or external storage) and becomes available within the adapter device's storage. From the server's perspective, the device is treated as a removable media device.

[0040] In device mode, the device is recognized in the BIOS and can boot other machines, much like a USB memory stick. Using a previously downloaded image, the device will boot the machine in live mode using the ISO. From the perspective of the (offline) machine, the adapter device is considered a bootable device.

[0041] The adapter device is directly applicable to hardware troubleshooting, and more specifically, to the machine startup process. Switching from host mode to device mode (and vice versa) to boot using an automatically updated image can save time during the machine startup process. For example, in machine maintenance applications using hardware diagnostics, this diagnostic process will be greatly accelerated, especially when running the diagnostics on a batch of machines, and even when updating their diagnostic images. Furthermore, offline machines can be booted using the latest image file obtained by the adapter device. Using the adapter device, offline machines can indirectly access the server. The adapter device also allows users to avoid inserting and unplugging USB drives when transferring files from offline machines to the server.

[0042] The adapter is particularly useful in the following specific situations: The machine (PC) lacks an Ethernet port or a USB2LAN option. The machine (PC) lacks an Ethernet port, and USB2LAN is incompatible with the boot mode (the BIOS cannot recognize the USB-to-LAN device for PXE boot). The PC has an Ethernet port, but it is faulty or inoperable. The PC has an Ethernet port, but for some reason, the PC owner does not want the PC to be directly exposed to the network.

[0043] One relevant application area for the adapter device is BIOS flashing, including restoring data from a bootable USB or running a temporary operating system (e.g., Live USB) on an offline machine. Furthermore, the adapter device can be used in applications where it is not desired or impossible to connect the machine to a network, but data needs to be collected from the adapter device using another PC, eliminating the need to repeatedly plug and unplug USB drives from one machine to another. The adapter device can also function as a smart mass storage device, avoiding repetitive processes such as switching USB drives back and forth between offline and online machines (e.g., servers).

[0044] Figure 3A , 3B The 3C and 3C diagrams illustrate the operation and features of embodiments of the adapter device. Figure 3A , 3B And 3C includes operation or feature blocks 310-336. Although in such Figure 3A , 3B Similar to the basic cascaded arrangement in the 3C examples, other examples can use multiple processors or a single processor organized as two or more virtual machines or subprocessors to reorder blocks, omit one or more blocks, and / or execute two or more blocks in parallel. Furthermore, other examples can implement blocks as one or more specific interconnect hardware or integrated circuit modules, where associated control and data signals communicate between and through the modules. Therefore, any processing flow is applicable to software, firmware, hardware, and hybrid implementations.

[0045] Now for specific reference Figure 3A , 3B In a single, self-contained device, as shown in 310, the computer processor can be used to operate in host mode and device mode. In one embodiment, as shown in 311, the computer memory in the device is a Micro Secure Digital (SD) card or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) mass storage device. In another embodiment, the computer processor resides on a single printed circuit board (312).

[0046] The host mode is operable to connect via a communication port to an external computer processor and external computer memory (i.e., outside a single self-contained device) to locate a new image file or a file of the modified image stored in the external computer processor or external computer memory, and load the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory (320). As shown in 321, the new image file or the modified image file may be computer software and / or data files. The device mode is operable to boot a computer device via the communication port using the new image file or the modified image file (330). In a particular embodiment, for example in operation 331, the device mode is operable to boot the device via the USB port using the new image file or the modified software image file.

[0047] The communication port may include one or more of an Ethernet port, a WiFi port, and a USB port (313), and the external computer processor and external computer memory may be a computer server (314). As shown in 315, the device is directly coupled to the computer device (i.e., the device to be powered on). The Ethernet port, WiFi port, and USB port are also included in a single self-contained device because they are part of the communication port (316).

[0048] As shown in 322, the host mode of the device can be used to automatically connect to the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the first Ethernet port or WiFi port to locate the new image file or the modified image file stored in the external computer processor or external computer memory, and load the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory through the Ethernet port or WiFi port.

[0049] More specifically, the host mode may include the following operations. At 323, the host mode establishes communication with the external computer processor and the external computer memory via the communication port, and locates the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer memory (324). Then at 325, the host mode compares the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory (device). At 326, when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file, the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory is obtained. Then, at 327, the host mode performs an integrity lookup on the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, and stores the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the computer memory when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity lookup (328). At 329, the host mode terminates the communication with the external processor and the memory.

[0050] As indicated in 332, the device mode is operable to establish communication with the computer device to be started via the communication port. After communication is established, at 333, the device mode starts the device using the new or modified image file, and at 334 coordinates the startup process. After coordinating the startup process, at 335, the device mode verifies whether the startup process was successful. The device mode can perform this operation by verifying whether the programs and processes required for successful startup have started. After verifying successful startup, the device mode disconnects communication with the device at 336.

[0051] Example.

[0052] Example 1 is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a computer processor, computer memory coupled to the computer processor, and a communication port connected to the computer processor. The computer processor is configured to operate in host mode and device mode; wherein in host mode, the computer processor connects to an external computer processor and an external computer memory via the communication port, locates a new image file or a modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, and loads the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory. In device mode, the computer processor uses the new image file or the modified image file to start the device via the communication port.

[0053] Example 2 includes all the features of Example 1, and optionally, the communication port includes one or more of the following: a first Ethernet port, a second Ethernet port, a WiFi port, and a USB port.

[0054] Example 3 includes all the features of Examples 1 and 2, and optionally, the external computer processor and the external computer memory include a computer server.

[0055] Example 4 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 3, and optionally, in the host mode, the computer processor automatically connects to the external computer processor and the external computer memory via the first Ethernet port or WiFi port to locate the new image file or the modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, and loads the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory via the first Ethernet port or WiFi port.

[0056] Example 5 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 4, and optionally, the new image file or the modified image file includes software code and / or data.

[0057] Example 6 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 5, and optionally, in the device mode, the computer processor boots the device via the USB port using the new image file or the modified software image file.

[0058] Example 7 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 6, and optionally, in the host mode, the computer processor is configured to: establish communication with the external computer processor and the external computer memory via the communication port; locate the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer memory; compare the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory; when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer, obtain the latest version memory of the new image file or the modified image file; perform an integrity lookup on the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file; when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity lookup, store the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the computer memory; and disconnect the communication.

[0059] Example 8 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 7, and optionally, in the device mode, the computer processor is configured to: establish communication with the device via the communication port, start the device using the new image file or the modified image file, coordinate the startup process, verify whether the startup process is successful, and disconnect the communication with the device.

[0060] Example 9 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 8, and optionally, the device is directly coupled to the device.

[0061] Example 10 includes all the features of Examples 1-9, and optionally, the computer memory includes a MicroSD card or a USB mass storage device.

[0062] Example 11 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 10, and optionally, the computer processor, the computer memory, the first Ethernet port, the second Ethernet port, the WiFi port, and the USB port are contained in a single unit.

[0063] Example 12 includes all the features of Examples 1 to 11, and optionally, the computer processor is located on a single printed circuit board.

[0064] Example 13 is a process involving an apparatus comprising a computer processor, computer memory coupled to the computer processor, and a communication port coupled to the computer processor. The apparatus comprises a single unit or a single printed circuit board. The apparatus is configured to connect to an external computer processor and external computer memory via the communication port, locate a new image file or a modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, load the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory, and start the device via the communication port using the new image file or the modified image file.

[0065] Example 14 includes all the features of Example 13, and optionally, automatically connects to the external computer processor and the external computer memory via a first Ethernet port or WiFi port, locates the new image file or the modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, and loads the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory via the first Ethernet port or the WiFi port.

[0066] Example 15 includes all the features of Examples 13 and 14, and optionally, establishes communication with the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the communication port, searches for the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer memory, compares the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer, obtains the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, performs an integrity lookup on the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity lookup, stores the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the computer memory, and disconnects the communication features.

[0067] Example 16 includes all the features of Examples 13 to 15, and optionally, establishes communication with the device through the stated communication port, starts the device using the stated new image file or the stated modified image file, coordinates the stated startup process, verifies whether the stated startup process is successful, and disconnects communication with the stated device.

[0068] Example 17 is a system including a computer processor, computer memory coupled to the computer processor, and a communication port coupled to the computer processor. The computer processor is configured to operate in host mode and device mode. In host mode, it is operable to connect to an external computer processor and external computer memory via the communication port to locate a new or modified image file stored in the external computer processor or external computer memory, and load the new or modified image file into the computer memory. In device mode, it is operable to start a device via the communication port using the new or modified image file.

[0069] Example 18 includes all the features of Example 17 and optionally includes a first Ethernet port, a second Ethernet port, a WiFi port, and a USB port.

[0070] Example 19 includes all the features of Examples 17 and 18, and optionally, establishes communication with the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the communication port, searches for the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer memory, compares the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer, obtains the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, performs an integrity lookup on the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file, and when the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity lookup, stores the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the computer memory and disconnects the communication.

[0071] Example 20 includes all the features of Examples 17 to 19, and optionally, establishes communication with the device through the communication port, starts the device using the new image file or the modified image file, coordinates the startup process, verifies whether the startup process is successful, and disconnects communication with the device.

[0072] Although several embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, the logical flow depicted in the figures does not require the specific order or sequence shown to achieve the desired result. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated from the described flow, and other components may be added to or removed from the described system.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: Computer processor; Computer memory, coupled to the computer processor; and A communication port, coupled to the computer processor; in: The computer processor is configured to operate in host mode and device mode; In the host mode, the computer processor connects to an external computer processor and an external computer memory through the communication port, locates a new or modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, and loads the new or modified image file into the computer memory. and In the device mode, the computer processor uses the new image file or the modified image file to start the device through the communication port.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication port includes one or more of the following: Ethernet port; WiFi port; and USB port.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external computer processor and the external computer memory include a computer server.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the host mode, the computer processor automatically connects to the external computer processor and the external computer memory via the Ethernet port or the WiFi port to locate the new image file or the modified image file stored in the external computer processor and the external computer memory, and loads the new image file or the modified image file into the computer memory via the Ethernet port or the WiFi port.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The new or modified image file includes software code and / or data.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the device mode, the computer processor is used to boot the device via the USB port using the new image file or the modified image file.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the host mode, the computer processor is used to: Communication is established with the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the communication port; Locate the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file in the external computer storage; The latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is compared with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory; When the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is obtained; Perform an integrity check on the new image file of the latest version or the modified image file; When the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity lookup, the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is stored in the computer memory; and Disconnect the communication.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the device mode, the computer processor is used to: Establish communication with the device through the communication port; Start the device using the new image file or the modified image file; Coordinate the startup process; Verify that the startup process was successful; and Disconnect the communication with the device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device is directly coupled to the equipment.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The computer memory includes a MicroSD card or a USB mass storage device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The computer processor, the computer memory, the Ethernet port, the WiFi port, and the USB port are contained in a single unit.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The computer processor is located on a single printed circuit board.

13. A method comprising: Using an apparatus comprising a computer processor, computer memory coupled to the computer processor, and a communication port coupled to the computer processor, the apparatus comprising a single unit or a single printed circuit board, for: The communication port is connected to an external computer processor and an external computer memory to locate new or modified image files stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory, and to load the new or modified image files into the computer memory. and The device is started via the communication port using the new or modified image file.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: The external computer processor and the external computer memory are automatically connected via an Ethernet port or a WiFi port. Locate the new or modified image file stored in the external computer processor or the external computer memory; and The new or modified image file is loaded into the computer memory via the Ethernet port or the WiFi port.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: Communication is established with the external computer processor and the external computer memory through the communication port; Locate the new image file or the latest version of the modified image file in the external computer storage; The latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is compared with the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory; When the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is newer than the version of the new image file or the modified image file stored in the computer memory, the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is obtained; Perform an integrity check on the new image file of the latest version or the modified image file; When the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file passes the integrity lookup, the latest version of the new image file or the modified image file is stored in the computer memory; and Disconnect the communication.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: Establish communication with the device through the communication port; Start the device using the new image file or the modified image file; Coordinate the startup process; Verify that the startup process was successful; and Disconnect the communication with the device.

Images