System and method for updating firmware
US7055148B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F8/65
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and a method that uses a software application operable under a current firmware/operating system configuration to install a new firmware version without “compromising” the operating system are presented. The software application may configure a computer system to install a plurality of software fixes configured to enhance functionality under a new firmware/operating system environment after the firmware has been successfully upgraded. Such functionality enhancements may be associated with external peripherals, as well as, input/output circuit cards, processors, and the like. In addition, the software application may configure the computing device to “boot” under the new firmware/operating system environment upon subsequent system initializations. Furthermore, the software application permits the distribution of firmware upgrades via a network. The capability to install firmware remotely permits a system administrator to “push” the new firmware to a plurality of network coupled computing devices, thus avoiding manual intervention at each device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.