Keith Patrick McKay

Title: Innovations by Keith Patrick McKay

Introduction

Keith Patrick McKay is an accomplished inventor based in Milpitas, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of technology, particularly in the management of device firmware updates. With a total of 3 patents to his name, McKay's work has had a notable impact on how computing hosts interact with device firmware.

Latest Patents

One of McKay's latest patents focuses on the management of device firmware update effects as seen by a computing host. This patent outlines systems and methods that allow for the execution of firmware updates without causing disruptions to the operating system. In one implementation, the method involves executing a first firmware received from a computing host, which includes a firmware revision identifier. The second firmware is then executed, and the first firmware revision identifier is returned to the computing host during the execution of the second firmware. This process ensures that the computing host can continue operating without detecting errors due to changes in firmware revision identifiers.

Another aspect of his patent addresses the continuous operation of an operating system during firmware updates. By delaying the visibility of certain effects of the firmware update, such as the firmware revision identifier, the operating system can run uninterrupted across the firmware update. This innovation is particularly beneficial in scenarios where an immediate change could lead to an unrecoverable error and crash the system.

Career Highlights

Keith Patrick McKay is currently employed at Seagate Technology Incorporated, a leading company in data storage solutions. His work at Seagate has allowed him to focus on innovative technologies that enhance device performance and reliability.

Collaborations

One of McKay's notable collaborators is Ross John Stenfort. Their partnership has contributed to advancements in firmware management and device functionality.

Conclusion

Keith Patrick McKay's contributions to the field of technology through his patents demonstrate his commitment to innovation and improvement in device management. His work continues to influence how computing systems handle firmware updates, ensuring greater reliability and performance.