Firmware Image Generation via Differential Address Modification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for computing firmware, such as BIOS code, are vulnerable to tampering and errors, leading to compromised functionality, and traditional methods of updating or recovering firmware images face challenges due to physical address dependencies and limited memory space.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of differential data to modify physical addresses and content between firmware images, allowing for the creation of updated versions of firmware images from a single updated image, thereby enabling efficient recovery and updating without requiring duplicate images in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple BIOS code images are stored in computing system to allow for recovery from compromise, then system reliability is improved, but memory space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple BIOS code images by storing only one complete image and generating other images on-demand through differential data application. This combining approach maintains the reliability benefit of having multiple recoverable images while significantly reducing the memory space required, as the differential data occupies minimal space compared to full image duplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base BIOS image that can serve multiple purposes: it can be used directly as a functional image or serve as the foundation for generating multiple recovered images through differential data application. This multi-functionality allows a single stored image to fulfill the role of multiple images, resolving the contradiction between reliability and memory space consumption.
2Reliability
If traditional methods are used to update or recover firmware images, then system functionality is maintained, but the process becomes complex due to physical address dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces differential data as an intermediary element that simplifies the update and recovery process. Instead of directly manipulating complex firmware images with physical address dependencies, the system applies compact differential data to base images to generate updated or recovered versions. This intermediary approach maintains functionality while reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameters of firmware updates by using differential data with modified physical addresses instead of complete image copies. This parameter change transforms the update process from complex image manipulation to simpler data application, maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If complete firmware images are stored for recovery purposes, then recovery reliability is improved, but memory space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential differential data from complete firmware images, separating the common base content from the unique recovery information. By storing only the extracted differential portions rather than complete images, the system maintains recovery reliability while eliminating memory space waste associated with storing redundant full image copies.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A second physical-address-dependent code is generated from a first physical-address-dependent code using differential data, where the generating comprises converting a first physical address in a region of the first physical-address-dependent code to a second, different physical address for inclusion in a corresponding region of the second physical-address-dependent code.