Firmware OS Repair via Wired Virtual Network Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
When an operating system of a computing device is corrupted or damaged, existing methods face challenges in efficiently repairing it, especially when network capabilities are limited, and the only option for recovery data is from a remote repository, leading to delayed recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a connector and firmware that establishes a wired connection with an electronic device, identifies the operating system, selects a communication protocol, maps a virtual network interface to a transceiver, and retrieves recovery data from a repository via a communication channel, enabling the repair of the operating system even without the normal operating system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the computing device relies on remote repository for recovery data when network capabilities are limited, then the recovery operation can be performed, but the recovery time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing recovery data locally in the storage device before it is needed. When the operating system becomes corrupted, the firmware can immediately retrieve recovery data from the local storage device without needing to access a remote repository, thus eliminating network dependency and reducing recovery time while maintaining reliable recovery operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a firmware component as an intermediary between the corrupted operating system and the recovery data. The firmware operates independently of the corrupted operating system, establishing a communication channel to retrieve recovery data from the storage device and apply it to repair the operating system, thereby enabling recovery operations without network capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If the computing device uses wired connection with electronic device for recovery, then the flexibility of repair is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the firmware to automatically detect the operating system of the connected electronic device and select the appropriate communication protocol accordingly. This multi-functional capability allows the same firmware to work with different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.) and their respective protocols (RNDIS, CEC-ECM, USB Ethernet), enhancing repair flexibility without requiring separate recovery mechanisms for each device type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the communication protocol parameter based on the detected operating system. The firmware identifies the electronic device's operating system and changes the communication protocol parameter to match (e.g., RNDIS for Windows, CEC-ECM for Linux, USB Ethernet for macOS), enabling adaptable repair operations across different platforms while maintaining a unified recovery architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
An example computing device includes a connector to establish a wired connection with an electronic device. The computing device also includes a storage device storing a firmware. The firmware is to, in response to detecting a recovery trigger to repair an operating system of the electronic device, identify an operating system of the electronic device. The firmware is also to establish a communication channel between the computing device and the electronic device based on the operating system of the electronic device. The firmware is further to map a virtual network interface of the computing device to a transceiver of the electronic device and retrieve recovery data from a repository via the virtual network interface. The recovery data is transported to the computing device via the communication channel.