Boot Device Wired Diagnostics Bypassing Network Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face challenges when repairing personal computers due to issues with network interface software or hardware, where a malfunctioning display can lead to incorrect assumptions about the PC's functionality, and remote diagnostics often require rooting, which is difficult and security-risky.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor and storage that loads a driver to communicate with another device over a wired connection to receive a disk image, allowing the first device to boot using the image and diagnose issues without relying on its guest operating system, using standardized protocols like UEFI and USB connections, maintaining security by verifying digital signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a technician uses remote connection to diagnose PC issues, then diagnostic capability is improved, but security risks increase due to rooting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boot device as an intermediary between the technician and the PC. The boot device loads a driver that enables communication with the PC over a wired connection without requiring root access to the technician's device. This intermediary approach allows diagnostic capabilities while maintaining security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by loading the driver on the boot device before establishing the diagnostic connection. The driver is prepared in advance to communicate with the PC over wired connections, eliminating the need for rooting the technician's device during the diagnostic process.
2Ease of operation
If a technician relies on PC display to assess functionality, then initial assessment is simplified, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates when display is malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The boot device serves as an intermediary that bypasses the PC's malfunctioning display. By establishing a wired connection and loading the driver, the technician can diagnose issues through alternative communication channels without relying on visual output from the defective display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on the mechanical display system with an electronic communication channel. The wired connection and driver communication substitute for visual display assessment, allowing accurate diagnostics even when the display is non-functional.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network connection is used for remote access, then diagnostic reach is improved, but reliability deteriorates when network interface is defective
Solution Approach 1:
The boot device acts as an intermediary that establishes a reliable wired connection independent of the PC's network interface. The driver loaded on the boot device communicates directly over the wired connection, bypassing potentially defective network hardware or software on the PC.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the diagnostic capability that operates independently of the PC's network interface. By using a wired connection through the boot device, the diagnostic process is copied to a more reliable communication channel that doesn't depend on the PC's network stack.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a first device may include at least one processor and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage may include instructions executable by the at least one processor to load a driver responsive to a boot command, where the driver may be loaded prior to the first device loading a guest operating system (GOS) stored at the first device. The instructions may then be executable to use the driver to communicate with a second device to receive a disk image over a wired connection to the second device. The instructions may be further executable to continue booting the first device using the disk image rather than the GOS and to, responsive to the first device being booted using the disk image, communicate with the second device over the wired connection to diagnose one or more issues with the first device.