Patent ID: 7047283
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for upgrading the operating system firmware of a personal computer system by downloading an updated firmware to acquire new capabilities, comprising: a host computer for converting an execution file prepared by an operator into said updated firmware; at least one personal computer coupled to said host computer for receiving said updated firmware downloaded from said host computer; a firmware board having: a communication interface means connected for communicating with said personal computer and for transferring data between said personal computer and said firmware board; a first memory means coupled to said communication means for storing a boot program, operating codes, and said operating system firmware; and a second memory means coupled to said first memory means for storing a copy of information stored in said first memory means to be replaced with said updated firmware; wherein said personal computer is further operable for transmitting to the firmware board said updated firmware downloaded from said host computer and wherein, based on an analysis of the transmitted firmware by a production-processing program in said first memory means, the production-processing program operates in either the first or second memory means in storing the transmitted firmware into a corresponding region of said first memory means, wherein said host computer is further configured for attaching a storage address information of said first memory means to said updated firmware.