Dual Boot Computer System with Flash Memory Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Computers with single boot code face issues when the boot code is damaged, requiring manufacturer intervention for replacement, which is inconvenient for both users and manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual boot system where a primary boot and a secondary boot are stored in flash memory, with the primary boot being locally secured and the secondary boot being user-modifiable, allowing automatic or user-selectable switching between the two for reliable booting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single boot code is used in flash memory, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the computer cannot boot if the boot code is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot system structureVSAvoidboot reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The boot system is divided into two independent segments: a primary boot code that is locally secured and cannot be modified by users, and a secondary boot code that is user-modifiable. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while improving reliability, as the secure primary boot serves as a backup if the secondary boot becomes corrupted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the primary boot is locally secured to prevent user modification, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot modify the boot code

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot securityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The boot code is segmented into two versions with different access permissions: the primary boot code is protected and cannot be modified by users, ensuring reliability and security; the secondary boot code is accessible and modifiable by users, providing ease of operation and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A secondary copy of the boot code is created that is accessible to users for modification, while the original primary copy remains secured. This allows users to modify and experiment with boot code without risking the integrity of the secure primary boot, thus resolving the contradiction between security and user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If a secondary boot is added to the flash memory, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot redundancyVSAvoidboot system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flash memory is segmented into distinct regions for the primary secured boot code and the secondary user-modifiable boot code. This structured segmentation organizes the complexity in a manageable way, allowing the system to benefit from redundant boot options while maintaining a clear and organized system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10191811B2Dual boot computer system

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A system of booting a computer in which a pair of boots (or dual boots) is provided in the flash memory of the computer. The first flash boot, also called the primary boot, is activated when the computer is turned on, after the POST (Power on Self-Test). The primary boot determines if a secondary boot is stored in the flash memory of the computer. If the secondary boot is not stored in the flash memory of the computer, the primary boot resumes and the computer is booted using the primary boot. If a secondary boot is stored in the flash memory of the computer, the primary boot resumes and is completed, after which the computer is reset and rebooted using the secondary boot.