In-Vehicle OS Replacement via Staged Boot Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

In-vehicle computing systems often have unreliable and outdated operating systems that can lead to slow loading and rebooting times, and disruptions to user experience, which are unacceptable in an automotive environment.

Innovation Solution

A method to replace the original operating system with a new one by receiving an image file system and initial program loader files at an external storage device interface, storing them in a temporary memory location, and automatically restarting the system under the new operating system, allowing for faster loading and increased reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the original operating system is replaced with a new operating system, then loading and rebooting times are reduced, but system stability and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading and rebooting timesVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a boot image file containing the new operating system before actual installation, and by staging the new OS in a temporary location while maintaining the ability to boot from the original OS. This allows the system to prepare for OS replacement without immediately compromising system stability, as the original OS remains available as a fallback during the transition process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the in-vehicle computing system is altered to update the operating system, then system performance and features are improved, but disruptions to user experience and other vehicle systems may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoiduser experience continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic OS replacement by allowing the system to switch between original and new operating systems based on boot image selection. The system can dynamically transition to the new OS after verification, or revert to the original OS if issues arise, thereby maintaining ease of operation and user experience continuity while still enabling performance improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining the original operating system as a safety net during the OS replacement process. The system prepares boot images and staging areas in advance, and keeps the original OS intact until the new OS is successfully installed and verified, cushioning against potential disruptions to user experience and system operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the operating system is updated while the vehicle is operating, then system maintenance is simplified, but risks to vehicle system stability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem maintenanceVSAvoidvehicle system stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service OS updates by allowing the in-vehicle computing system to receive, process, and install new operating system images while operating. The system can autonomously manage the update process including staging the new OS, updating boot images, and transitioning between OS versions without requiring external intervention, thereby simplifying maintenance while maintaining stability through controlled update procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9910660B2Operating system replacement for in-vehicle computing system
Publication Date: 2018.03.06 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • US9910660B2 patent drawing
  • US9910660B2 patent drawing
  • US9910660B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments are disclosed for a method of replacing an original operating system with a new operating system. In one example embodiment, a method to selectively replace a first in-vehicle operating system includes receiving a temporary update including a second in-vehicle operating system for storage in a memory location of the first in-vehicle operating system and receiving a request to update the first in-vehicle operating system based on the temporary update. The method may further include triggering a reboot of the first in-vehicle operating system including installing the second in-vehicle operating system.