Automatic Boot Source Switching for Backup and Restore

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in performing data backup and restore operations due to the complexity of setting BIOS settings, which is a barrier for those unfamiliar with the process, leading to potential errors.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically changes the booting source by detecting a connected storage device, setting it as the booting device, and rebooting to execute the second operating system, allowing for seamless data backup and restore operations without requiring users to manually configure BIOS settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users manually set BIOS booting source, then backup/restore operation can be performed, but operation complexity increases and errors occur for unfamiliar users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup/restore operation reliabilityVSAvoidBIOS setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-detection of the target storage device and self-configuration of booting source without requiring user intervention in BIOS settings. The computer system automatically detects when a target device is connected, changes the booting source to the target device, and executes the backup/restore program, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that mediates between the user connecting a target device and the system executing backup/restore operations. This intermediary automatically detects the target device, triggers the booting source change, and coordinates the execution of the backup/restore program, eliminating the need for users to directly configure BIOS settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automatic booting source change is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup/restore operation easeVSAvoidbooting source management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic detection and automatic booting source switching without requiring complex user-configurable parameters. The computer system autonomously monitors for target device connections, identifies them automatically, and manages the booting source changes, keeping the complexity contained within the system while maintaining simplicity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If manual BIOS configuration is required, then system control precision is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBIOS setting timeVSAvoidbooting source switching automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-setting up the automatic detection mechanism and booting source management protocols during system initialization. When a target device is connected, the pre-configured automatic response mechanism immediately activates, eliminating the need for users to spend time on BIOS configuration during the actual backup/restore operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1914628B1Method for changing booting sources of computer system and related backup/restore method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • EP1914628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1914628B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1914628B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for changing a booting source when a first operating system (30) is being executed is disclosed. The method is utilized in a computer system (10) having a first storage device (103) storing the first operating system (30) and a second storage device (11) storing a second operating system (33). The method includes: receiving a signal from the second storage device (11); detecting whether the second storage device (11) is a target device; setting the second storage device (11) as a booting device; rebooting; and executing the second operating system (33) from the second storage device (11).