Self-Repairing Operating System via Reference File Comparison

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer system maintenance and repair methods are inefficient, requiring significant resources and technical intervention, especially when the operating system is non-functional or user data is locked, and they do not account for system changes over time.

Innovation Solution

A method that creates a reference collection of files for an operating system, storing it on a server and a client cache, allowing automatic self-repair by comparing attributes during reboot cycles to restore the system to a usable state without requiring network access or technical support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If technicians are allocated to repair computer systems, then system reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to consumption of valuable resources including online time, office resources, and human resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic self-repair functionality where the computer system detects and repairs its own software failures without human intervention. The system includes a repair engine that automatically identifies corrupted files, restores them from backup copies, and returns the system to operational state, eliminating the need for technician allocation while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preventive maintenance mechanisms that create backup copies of system files before failures occur and establish repair rules in advance. When software failures are detected, the pre-prepared backup copies and repair rules enable immediate automated restoration, preventing productivity loss without requiring reactive technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If software-based maintenance techniques are used, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability worsens when the target operating system is not functioning or files are locked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repairVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a repair engine as an intermediary component that operates independently of the target operating system's functional state. The repair engine can detect software failures, access locked files through specialized mechanisms, and execute repairs even when the OS is non-functional, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of repair through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the repair functionality from the operating system by implementing a dedicated repair engine with independent file access capabilities. This segmentation allows the repair mechanism to operate autonomously without being constrained by OS file locking mechanisms or functional requirements, enabling reliable repairs in degraded system states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If non-optimized methods of network and storage access are used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases due to slowed deployment, update, and repair activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local caching of repair rules and backup file copies on the client system before they are needed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time network access during repair operations, enabling fast automated repairs without sacrificing ease of operation. The system maintains simplified operation while achieving high productivity through pre-positioned repair resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7603440B1System and method for management of end user computing devices
Publication Date: 2009.10.13 UTOPIC SOFTWARE LLC
  • US7603440B1 patent drawing
  • US7603440B1 patent drawing
  • US7603440B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method is provided for the repair of operating system and application binary files and configuration data files at pre-operating system boot stage by comparing attributes of the files against a reference collection of such files stored on a server during each reboot or restart cycle while creating and restoring a collection of dynamic operating system binary files, configuration data files, file system structures and hardware system attributes unique to the configuration and use of the system on a server for subsequent pre-operating system repair operations.