USB 3.0 Connector BIOS Restoration for Damaged ROM

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices cannot write BIOS data to a blank or severely damaged BIOS-ROM, preventing the startup of the computer and making it impossible to restore or upgrade the BIOS.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a USB 3.0 connector having nine terminals and a storage unit accessible through at least one of these terminals, allowing BIOS data to be written externally while maintaining compatibility with the USB standard, including a judgment unit for data verification and notification of the writing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If BIOS-ROM is mounted on the mother board with BIOS written beforehand, then the computer can start normally, but the BIOS cannot be rewritten when the contents are destroyed or the computer cannot start

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputer startup reliabilityVSAvoidBIOS rewriting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a USB connector as an intermediary interface between the external device and the storage unit containing BIOS-ROM. This mediator enables data transfer and BIOS rewriting operations without requiring the computer to be in a fully functional state, allowing BIOS restoration even when the system cannot start normally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The USB connector is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard USB interface for compatibility and as a specialized interface for BIOS data transfer. The storage unit can function both as a standard storage device and as a BIOS-ROM replacement, enabling the system to boot and operate while also allowing external BIOS rewriting capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If BIOS-ROM is in a blank state, then it can be written to, but the computer cannot start

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBIOS writing capabilityVSAvoidcomputer startup capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary BIOS data transfer to the storage unit through the USB connector before the computer needs to start. The BIOS data can be prepared and written to the storage unit in advance when the computer is in a normal operating state, ensuring the storage unit is ready to function as a bootable BIOS-ROM when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If USB connector uses standard terminals, then compatibility with USB standard is maintained, but access to storage unit for BIOS data transfer is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUSB standard compatibilityVSAvoidBIOS data transfer capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9009376B2Electronic device and electronic device system

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 SHARP KK

AI summary

A BIOS storage unit of an electronic device is connected to a USB 3.0 extension unit of a USB 3.0 host connector. A microcomputer of a USB compatible device is connected to a USB 3.0 extension unit of a USB 3.0 device connector. The microcomputer of the USB compatible device can write and read the BIOS data to/from the BIOS storage unit of the electronic device through the USB 3.0 extension units. Moreover, the microcomputer of the USB compatible device compares the BIOS data read from the BIOS storage unit of the electronic device with the BIOS data stored in its own storage unit, and notifies a result of the comparison.