Virtual Firmware Hub for Boot Code Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems require specialized flash memory for storing boot code, leading to increased costs and limited flexibility in boot code storage and updating procedures, which are complex and restricted to specialized programs.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with an embedded system that includes a memory device and a virtual firmware hub, allowing the boot code to be stored in any memory device, including remote systems via a network, eliminating the need for specialized flash memory and simplifying the boot code updating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized flash memory is used to store boot code, then boot code storage is reliable, but system cost increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the boot code to be stored in multiple types of memory devices (specialized flash memory, general-purpose flash memory, or remote memory via network) rather than being restricted to a single specialized medium. The virtual firmware hub acts as a universal interface that can access boot code from different storage locations, making the system adaptable to various memory configurations while maintaining reliable boot functionality.
2Reliability
If specialized flash memory is used to store boot code, then boot code can be stored, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by allowing the use of general-purpose flash memory or even remote memory storage instead of expensive specialized flash memory dedicated solely to boot code storage. The virtual firmware hub enables the system to access boot code from cheaper, more readily available memory resources, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the necessary boot functionality.
3Reliability
If conventional updating procedure is used, then boot code can be updated, but updating process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual firmware hub serves as an intermediary that simplifies the boot code updating process. Instead of requiring specialized updating procedures for dedicated flash memory, the hub provides a unified interface that can update boot code from various sources (local or remote memory) through standard procedures, reducing updating complexity while maintaining reliable code updates.
4Reliability
If specialized flash memory is used, then boot code is stored securely, but mechanism is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the boot code storage mechanism flexible and changeable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically select from multiple storage options (specialized flash memory, general-purpose flash memory, or remote network storage) depending on the configuration needs. The virtual firmware hub provides dynamic access to boot code from different locations, enabling the storage mechanism to adapt to various scenarios while maintaining security and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system comprising an embedded system and a main computer system is provided. The embedded system comprises a memory device and a virtual firmware hub. The memory device is for storing a boot code of the main computer system. The virtual firmware hub is connected to the main computer system. The virtual firmware hub is for reading the boot code. As the main computer system is booted, the main computer system inputs a loading command to the virtual firmware hub. The virtual firmware hub reads the boot code stored in the memory device according to the loading command and outputs the boot code to the main computer system accordingly.