Bootable Backup System for Cross-OS Data Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data backup methods and devices require user intervention and configuration, making them difficult for inexperienced users, especially when the operating system is damaged or changed, and they do not allow for seamless transition between different operating systems or versions without modifying the backup program.

Innovation Solution

A data backup method and device that operates fully automatically, using a backup operating system and program to identify and select backup sources and destinations, creating profiles for backup and recovery, and storing data as a memory image, allowing operation independent of the primary operating system, with automatic error handling and storage management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a backup program is permanently integrated into the computer's operating system, then the backup function is available within the system, but the user cannot perform backup if the operating system is damaged and cannot run

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup availabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backup system is segmented into two independent parts: the backup program stored on the backup medium (CD/DVD/USB) and the backup data stored separately. This allows the backup program to be executed from an external medium when the operating system fails, while the backup data remains intact on the original storage device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bootable backup medium (CD/DVD/USB) serves as an intermediary carrier that contains the backup program and can be executed independently of the operating system. This intermediary allows users to access and run the backup program even when the OS is damaged, bridging the gap between system failure and backup capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate version of the backup program is created for each operating system, then the backup program is optimized for each OS, but inexperienced users encounter insurmountable difficulties when selecting the backup program

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup compatibilityVSAvoidprogram version selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backup program is designed with universal compatibility across multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux). A single backup program version can detect and adapt to the running operating system automatically, eliminating the need for users to select different versions for different OSes while maintaining optimized backup functionality for each platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive configuration steps are required before the first backup, then the backup program can be customized for specific needs, but many users are overwhelmed and cannot complete the setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackup configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsetup simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backup program performs preliminary automatic detection and configuration of backup parameters before the user needs to intervene. It automatically identifies the operating system, detects available storage devices, determines backup source and destination paths, and sets appropriate backup options, thereby simplifying the setup process while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The backup program provides self-service functionality by automatically configuring itself based on the detected system environment. It autonomously selects backup parameters, identifies storage devices, and sets up the backup process without requiring extensive user input, while still allowing users to modify settings if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the backup program must be reinstalled when changing operating systems, then the backup program can be optimized for the new OS, but the user loses the ability to use the existing backup program

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveOS-specific optimizationVSAvoidbackup program portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The backup program is designed as a universal application that can run on multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) without requiring separate versions or reinstallation. The program automatically detects the running OS and adapts its functionality, allowing users to maintain the same backup program across different operating systems while still benefiting from OS-specific optimizations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2570926B1Data backup method and data backup apparatus
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 IVASTSUK KIENBAUM JURIJ
  • EP2570926B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2570926B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2570926B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The data backup device (9) has an interface (8) for connecting with a computer (1) that has a read-only memory (5) for storing and reproducing data. A writable storage medium has a starting memory area with a bootstrap. A system memory area has backup system and a data backup program. A data storage area is provided for storing the data that is given as backup by the computer. The bootstrap is arranged to load the backup system while starting the computer on the request of a basic operating system (4) of the computer.