Flash Memory OS Installer for Digital Signage Network Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital signage devices face challenges in booting multiple operating systems from flash memory and integrating into a centrally managed global network due to varying operating systems and lack of efficient authentication methods.

Innovation Solution

A digital signage device system that includes a processor and electronic non-volatile storage with multiple operating system images, a boot program, and an installer program, allowing user selection and installation of operating systems, and a device control module for authenticating and registering the device on a global network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating system images are stored in flash memory, then the signage device can boot multiple operating systems, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to boot multiple operating systemsVSAvoidcomplexity of boot process and storage management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flash memory is divided into multiple partitions, with each partition storing a specific operating system image. The boot program sequentially checks each partition for bootable images, allowing the system to support multiple operating systems while maintaining organized storage structure and manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The boot program is pre-configured with the partition layout and boot image locations. During system initialization, the boot program automatically detects available boot images in the partitions and loads the appropriate operating system without requiring complex runtime decision-making, thereby reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If digital signage devices use varying operating systems, then each device can be optimized for specific applications, but centralized network management becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice optimization for specific applicationsVSAvoiddifficulty of centralized network management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The signage device is designed with a universal boot program that can handle multiple operating system types (Linux, Windows, Android) through a common interface. The device control module implements standardized protocols for network communication and authentication, allowing diverse operating systems to be managed through a unified centralized management system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device control module serves as an intermediary layer between the varied operating systems and the centralized management system. It provides standardized authentication mechanisms and communication protocols that translate between different OS interfaces and the universal management platform, enabling centralized control without requiring uniform operating systems across all devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If flash memory is used as bootable storage device, then space efficiency is improved, but the cost of maintaining multiple operating system images increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space efficiencyVSAvoidamount of storage capacity required for multiple OS images

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores multiple complete operating system images in flash memory partitions, providing more storage capacity than immediately needed. This allows the device to keep backup images and multiple OS versions available locally, eliminating the need for frequent downloads or external storage media, thereby optimizing long-term storage efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9342316B1Installing digital signage device operating system from flash memory and registering signage device to a global network

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 AMZETTA TECH LLC

AI summary

Certain aspects direct to a system for installing an operating system to a signage device from a flash memory of the signage device. In certain embodiments, the flash memory has a non-bootable partition, which stores a plurality of operating system images and an installer program. When booting the signage device, a boot program detects that no bootable device exists, and executes the installer program. The installer program receives a user input indicating one of the operating system images as a selected operating system image. Then, the installer program creates a partition in the flash memory, installs a copy of the selected operating system image in the partition as a bootable operating system, and configures the partition as the bootable device. Thus, when the signage device reboots, the boot program may detect the partition as the bootable device, and executes the bootable operating system.