Guest OS Refresh via Host Mediator for Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating systems are prone to failures and modifications, either unintentional or malicious, which can lead to system crashes or ongoing failures, and existing solutions do not provide robust and secure mechanisms for managing hardware and software resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer system architecture that includes a host operating system and a guest operating system, where the host operating system manages and controls the guest operating system through virtualization, allowing for direct operation of network communication and data storage devices, automatic refresh of the guest operating system from a master image, and encryption of communications, while isolating the virtual machine from the physical hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a guest operating system runs directly on physical hardware, then hardware access and operation are simplified, but system security and protection against failures are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a host operating system as an intermediary layer between the guest operating system and physical hardware. The host OS manages hardware resources and provides virtualized access to the guest OS, preventing direct hardware access while maintaining functionality. This mediator architecture ensures security and reliability by controlling all hardware interactions through the host layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides operating system functionality into separate layers: a host operating system that manages hardware and a guest operating system that provides user services. This segmentation isolates the guest OS from direct hardware access, improving security while maintaining ease of operation through virtualized interfaces.
2Reliability
If the guest operating system is frequently updated and refreshed, then system security and bug fixes are improved, but loss of user data and operational interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a master image (read-only) and working image (writable) copy system. The master image contains the base operating system and can be refreshed without affecting user data stored separately. The working image allows user modifications while the master remains intact for reliable restoration and security updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the guest operating system to be discarded (refreshed from master image) when security issues arise, while user data is recovered from separate storage. This enables frequent security updates without permanent data loss, as user information is preserved independently.
3Speed
If the guest operating system has direct access to hardware devices, then device operation speed and responsiveness are improved, but vulnerability to malicious software and unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host operating system serves as a mediator that manages all hardware device access requests from the guest operating system. This intermediary layer maintains security by filtering and controlling access while preserving device operation functionality through virtualized device drivers and controlled hardware interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If manual user interaction is required for operating system updates and driver maintenance, then control over changes is improved, but productivity and ease of maintenance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The host operating system automatically manages guest operating system updates, refreshes, and driver maintenance without requiring manual user intervention. The system can autonomously detect when updates are needed, apply security patches, and restore from master images, significantly improving maintenance productivity while maintaining security control.
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, a guest operating system is refreshed from a master image of the guest operating system repeatedly in connection with use of one or more electronic devices on which the guest operating system is hosted. A guest operating system is executed on a virtual machine, and, from time to time, while the virtual machine is running, the guest operating system is reloaded from a master image of the guest operating system.