Containerized Firmware Update Automation for Multi-Device Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Updating firmware for multiple hardware devices on a single computer system is time-consuming and repetitive due to incompatibilities between different firmware update utilities and operating systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and computer program product that generates container files for each hardware device, which include a firmware update utility, libraries, and firmware images, packaged into an image file with a kernel and driver layer, allowing consecutive execution and installation during system boot, enabling simultaneous firmware updates across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple firmware update utilities are installed on a single computer system, then each hardware device can be updated, but the process becomes time-consuming and repetitive due to constant OS changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update speedVSAvoidtime for installing different update utilities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the firmware update process into independent container files, each encapsulating a complete update utility environment for a specific hardware device. This segmentation allows each container to be executed independently without interfering with others, eliminating the need to manually install and configure multiple update utilities on the host operating system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal container execution environment that can run multiple different firmware update utilities simultaneously through a single host operating system. The containerization technology provides a universal platform that isolates and manages incompatible update utilities, allowing one operating system to serve multiple firmware update functions without constant reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different operating systems are used for different firmware update utilities, then compatibility is improved, but the complexity of the update process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility of update utilitiesVSAvoidcomplexity of changing operating systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where complete operating system environments and update utilities are packaged inside container files, which are then executed within the host operating system. This nested approach allows each container to contain its own isolated environment with necessary libraries and executables, maintaining compatibility requirements without requiring the host OS to change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces containerization technology as an intermediary layer between the host operating system and the firmware update utilities. This intermediary encapsulates the utilities and their dependencies in isolated environments, mediating between the host OS and incompatible update utilities, allowing them to run together without direct conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If firmware updates are performed manually for each device, then precise control is achieved, but the process becomes repetitive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of firmware updatesVSAvoidconvenience of updating multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-packaging complete firmware update environments, including utilities, libraries, and firmware images, into container files before the actual update process. This preliminary preparation ensures that all necessary components are ready and validated in advance, eliminating the need for manual configuration during the update process and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by designing container files that are self-contained and self-executing. Each container automatically manages its own environment, loads required libraries, executes the appropriate update utility, and applies the firmware image without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains reliability while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11474807B1Firmware update method and computer program product for updating firmware

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 AMERICAN MEGATRENDS

AI summary

A firmware update method and computer program product for updating firmware are provided. The method includes: generating a plurality of container files each corresponding to a hardware device among a plurality of hardware devices coupled to a computing system, wherein each container file includes a firmware update utility to be installed on the computing system to update a firmware installed on the corresponding hardware device; generating an image file of the computing system, wherein the image file has a container layer including the plurality of container files; booting the computing system using the image file, wherein the container files are executed consecutively; installing the firmware update utility of each container file on the computing system when each one of the container files is executed; and for each of the hardware devices, installing a firmware image thereon using the corresponding firmware update utility installed on the computing system.