Information processing apparatus and BIOS update method

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus which shortens restart time when a BIOS is updated. The information processing device is provided with: a BIOS storage unit that stores at least a BIOS program; a main control unit that activates an OS by executing a program of the BIOS; and a sub-control unit that manages a peripheral device and is capable of accessing the BIOS storage unit, the BIOS storage unit having a first region in which a current BIOS program is stored and a second region in which an update program of the BIOS is stored, the sub-control unit being provided with a BIOS update unit that updates the BIOS in an update process of the BIOS. And a reboot unit that stores the update program of the BIOS acquired by the main control unit in the second region and reboots the update program, and that enables the update program stored in the second region as the program of the BIOS.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing device and a BIOS update method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, technologies for securely updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) have been known in information processing devices such as personal computers (PCs) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such existing information processing devices, in order to prevent unauthorized changes to the BIOS during the operation of the OS (Operating System), the BIOS storage unit that stores the BIOS program and setting information is locked.

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-153334.

[0004] However, in existing information processing devices like those described above, the BIOS storage unit is locked, preventing BIOS updates during OS operation. Therefore, in existing information processing devices, update programs are temporarily stored in a separate storage unit from the BIOS storage unit. Upon restarting the information processing device, the update program is written to the BIOS storage unit, and the BIOS is updated. This results in a significant time requirement for restarting after a BIOS update. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device and a BIOS update method that can shorten the restart time during BIOS updates.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus comprising: a BIOS storage unit storing at least a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program; a main control unit that boots an OS (Operating System) by executing the BIOS program; and a sub-control unit that manages peripheral devices and is capable of accessing the BIOS storage unit. The BIOS storage unit has a first area for storing the current BIOS program and a second area for storing an update program for the BIOS. The sub-control unit includes a BIOS update unit that, during BIOS update processing, stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit in the second area, performs a restart, and makes the update program stored in the second area valid as the BIOS program.

[0007] Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present invention, the BIOS update unit, during the restart of the BIOS update process, changes the reference destination used for accessing the BIOS program from the BIOS program in the first region to the update program in the second region, thereby making the update program effective as the BIOS program.

[0008] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, in the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the program of the BIOS in the first region is set to prevent changes from the OS, and the BIOS update unit, when enabling the update program as a program of the BIOS, changes the update program setting to prevent changes from the OS.

[0009] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the information processing apparatus described above may include a backup storage unit that stores a backup of the BIOS program. After the BIOS update unit makes the update program valid as a BIOS program, it forwards the update program to the backup storage unit and stores it. If the verification of the BIOS program fails, the sub-control unit performs a recovery process to repair the BIOS program that boots the OS by using the backup stored in the backup storage unit.

[0010] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the first region and the second region in the above-described information processing apparatus may be configured as separate storage devices.

[0011] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the storage device in the above-described information processing apparatus is an electrically rewritable memory chip connected to the sub-control unit via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0012] Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the storage device constituting the second region in the above-described information processing apparatus is an electrically rewritable memory chip or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a BIOS update method, which is a BIOS update method for an information processing device. The information processing device includes: a BIOS storage unit that stores at least the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program; a main control unit that starts an OS (Operating System) by executing the BIOS program; and a sub-control unit that manages peripheral devices and can access the BIOS storage unit. The BIOS storage unit has a first area for storing the current BIOS program and a second area for storing the BIOS update program. The BIOS update method includes a BIOS update step. In the BIOS update step, the sub-control unit, during the BIOS update process, stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit in the second area and performs a restart, making the update program stored in the second area valid as the BIOS program.

[0014] According to the above-described method of the present invention, the restart time during BIOS updates can be shortened. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware structure of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 The first figure is an example illustrating the BIOS update process of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 The second figure illustrates an example of the BIOS update process of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 The third figure illustrates an example of the BIOS update process of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 The fourth figure illustrates an example of the BIOS update process of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the BIOS update process of a notebook PC according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the backup and recovery process of the BIOS of a notebook PC based on the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of a notebook PC according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 1, 1a… Notebook PC; 10… Main Control Unit; 11… CPU; 12… Main Memory; 13… Video Subsystem; 14… Display Unit; 21… Chipset; 22… SSD; 23… USB Connector; 24… Audio System; 25… WLAN Card; 31… Embedded Controller (EC); 32… BIOS Memory; 33… Input Unit; 34… Power Circuit; 35… Battery; 40… Storage Unit; 41… NW Communication Unit; 101… BIOS Processing Unit; 102… OS Processing Unit; 221… Backup Storage Unit; 311… BIOS Redirection Information Storage Unit; 312, 312a… BIOS Update Unit; 320, 320a… BIOS Storage Unit; 321… BIOS Main Memory; 322… Redundant Memory; 323… Backup Memory; A1… Main Area; A2… Redundant Area; A3… Backup Area; NW1… Network. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus and a BIOS update method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] [First Implementation Method]

[0028] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of the main hardware structure of the notebook PC1 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notebook PC1 (notebook-type personal computer) will be described as an example of an information processing device.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the notebook PC1 includes: CPU 11, main memory 12, video subsystem 13, display unit 14, chipset 21, SSD 22, USB connector 23, audio system 24, WLAN card 25, embedded controller (EC) 31, BIOS memory 32, input unit 33, and power circuit 34.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, CPU 11 and chipset 21 correspond to main control unit 10.

[0031] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 performs various calculations and processes through program control, controlling the entire laptop PC1.

[0032] Main memory 12 is a writable memory used as a read-in area for the CPU 11's executable program or as a work area for writing processing data to the executable program. Main memory 12 is, for example, composed of multiple DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The executable program includes the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program, the OS, various drivers for hardware operations on peripheral devices, various service programs, utilities, applications, etc.

[0033] The video subsystem 13 is a subsystem for implementing functions related to image display and includes a video controller. The video controller processes drawing commands from the CPU 11, writes the processed drawing information into the video memory, and reads the drawing information from the video memory and outputs it as drawing data (display data) to the display unit 14.

[0034] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, which displays a screen based on the drawing data (display data) output from the video subsystem 13.

[0035] The chipset 21 features controllers for USB (Universal Serial Bus), Serial ATA (AT Attachment), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), PCI-Express, and eSPI (Embedded Serial Peripheral Interface), enabling the connection of multiple devices. Figure 1 In the example of the device, SSD 22, USB connector 23, audio system 24, WLAN card 25, embedded controller 31 are connected to chipset 21.

[0036] The SSD (Solid State Drive) 22 stores the operating system, various drivers, various services, utilities, applications, and various data. Furthermore, the SSD 22 can also be accessed from the chipset 21 via the embedded controller 31.

[0037] USB connector 23 is a connector used to connect peripheral devices that utilize USB.

[0038] The audio system 24 records, reproduces, and outputs sound data.

[0039] The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) card 25 connects to the network via a wireless LAN for data communication.

[0040] The embedded controller 31 (an example of a sub-control unit) is a one-chip microcomputer that monitors and controls various devices (peripherals, sensors, etc.) regardless of the system state of the notebook PC1. That is, the embedded controller 31 is an embedded controller that manages peripheral devices and can access the BIOS memory 32.

[0041] In addition, the embedded controller 31 has power management functions for controlling the power supply circuit 34. Furthermore, the embedded controller 31 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and has multiple channels of A / D input terminals, D / A output terminals, timers, and digital input / output terminals. The embedded controller 31 controls the operation of input units 33 and power supply circuits 34, for example, connected to these input / output terminals.

[0042] Additionally, the embedded controller 31 has an SPI interface and is connected to the BIOS memory 32 via the SPI interface. In this embodiment, for example, the BIOS memory 32 is connected to the embedded controller 31 via a Slave Attached Flash connection, and the master control unit 10 can access the BIOS memory 32 via the embedded controller 31. Furthermore, in the Slave Attached Flash connection, the master control unit 10 is used as the master, and the embedded controller 31 is connected as the slave, with the BIOS memory 32 connected to the embedded controller 31 as the slave. Through this connection, the BIOS memory 32 can be accessed from the embedded controller 31, and the master control unit 10 can access the BIOS memory 32 via the embedded controller 31.

[0043] In addition, the embedded controller 31 can detect whether the laptop PC1 is being powered by an external power source or by the built-in battery 35 of the laptop PC1 (this device) via the power supply circuit 34.

[0044] Furthermore, during BIOS update processing, the embedded controller 31 writes (stores) the BIOS update program to the BIOS memory 32, and executes a process to make the update program valid. Details of the BIOS update process will be described later.

[0045] The BIOS memory 32 is composed of electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or Flash ROM. The BIOS memory 32 is connected to the embedded controller 31 via the main control unit 10 through the embedded controller 31, such as via Slave Attached Flash. The BIOS memory 32 is configured to be accessible from the main control unit 10 via the embedded controller 31. The BIOS memory 32 stores system firmware used to control the BIOS and the embedded controller 31. For example, the BIOS memory 32 stores the BIOS program and various setting information. In addition, the BIOS memory 32 stores a digest value (hash value) pre-obtained from the BIOS program data.

[0046] In addition, the BIOS memory 32 includes a BIOS main memory 321, a redundant memory 322, and a backup memory 323.

[0047] The BIOS main memory 321 is an SPI memory (an example of a storage device) connected to the embedded controller 31 via SPI. It mainly stores the BIOS main program, setting information, and various firmware.

[0048] The redundant memory 322 is an SPI memory (an example of a storage device) connected to the embedded controller 31 via SPI, which stores the BIOS update program described later.

[0049] Backup memory 323 is an SPI memory (an example of a storage device) connected to embedded controller 31 via SPI, which stores a backup of the BIOS program.

[0050] The input unit 33 is, for example, an input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device, or a touchpad.

[0051] The power supply circuit 34 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter and a charging / discharging unit, which converts the DC voltage supplied from the external power source of the AC / DC adapter or the battery 35 into multiple voltages required to operate the laptop PC1. Furthermore, the power supply circuit 34 supplies power to various parts of the laptop PC1 based on control from the embedded controller 31.

[0052] Battery 35, for example, is a lithium-ion battery, which is charged via power circuit 34 when supplied with external power from an AC / DC adapter. Additionally, when not supplied with external power from an AC / DC adapter, battery 35 supplies power to various components of the laptop PC1 via power circuit 34.

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 2 The functional structure of the notebook PC1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the notebook PC1 in this embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the notebook PC1 includes a main control unit 10, an embedded controller 31, a storage unit 40, an NW (network) communication unit 41, and a BIOS storage unit 320. Furthermore, in Figure 2 This document only describes the main functional structures related to the invention in this embodiment.

[0056] Storage unit 40, for example, is a storage unit implemented by main memory 12, storing various information used by the notebook PC 1. Storage unit 40 stores, for example, various information used by BIOS processing and OS processing.

[0057] The NW communication unit 41 is, for example, a functional unit implemented by a WLAN card 25, which connects to the network NW1 via network communication such as wireless LAN or wired LAN to perform data communication. The NW communication unit 41 is used, for example, to obtain the BIOS update program.

[0058] The main control unit 10 includes a CPU 11 and a chipset 21, and boots the OS (e.g., Windows, a registered trademark) by executing a BIOS program. After the OS boots, the main control unit 10 executes various applications that operate on the OS. The main control unit 10 includes, for example, a BIOS processing unit 101 and an OS processing unit 102.

[0059] The BIOS processing unit 101 is a functional unit implemented by causing the CPU 11 to execute the BIOS program, and performs various BIOS processes. For example, the BIOS processing unit 101 performs the process of booting the OS.

[0060] The OS processing unit 102 is a functional unit that is implemented by causing the CPU 11 to execute OS programs and performs various OS processes.

[0061] The BIOS storage unit 320 is, for example, a storage unit implemented by the BIOS memory 32, and stores at least the BIOS program. The BIOS storage unit 320 includes the aforementioned BIOS main memory 321, redundant memory 322, and backup memory 323. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the BIOS main memory 321 corresponds to the main region A1 of the BIOS storage unit 320, and the redundant memory 322 corresponds to the redundant region A2 of the BIOS storage unit 320. Additionally, the backup memory 323 corresponds to the backup region A3 of the BIOS storage unit 320. That is, the BIOS storage unit 320 has a main region A1 (first region), a redundant region A2 (second region), and a backup region A3 (third region).

[0062] Primary area A1 stores the current BIOS program. Second, redundant area A2 stores the BIOS update program. Third, backup area A3 stores backups of the BIOS program; this is an example of a backup storage unit.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the BIOS main memory 321 (main area A1), redundant memory 322 (redundant area A2), and backup memory 323 (backup area A3) can be accessed from the embedded controller 31 via SPI.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the main area A1, the redundant area A2, and the backup area A3 are separate independent storage devices (SPI memories).

[0065] The embedded controller 31 includes a BIOS redirection information storage unit 311 and a BIOS update unit 312.

[0066] The BIOS redirection information storage unit 311 stores redirection information indicating the reference destination used by BIOS programs for access.

[0067] In the BIOS update process, the BIOS update unit 312 stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit 10 in the redundant area A2 and performs a restart, making the update program stored in the redundant area A2 valid as the BIOS program.

[0068] For example, when the BIOS update process restarts, the BIOS update unit 312 changes the reference destination used by the BIOS program for accessing the BIOS program from the BIOS program in the main area A1 to the update program in the redundant area A2, making the update program valid as the BIOS program. That is, the BIOS update unit 312 changes the redirection information stored in the BIOS redirection information storage unit 311 from the main area A1 to the redundant area A2, invalidating the BIOS program in the main area A1 and making the update program valid as the BIOS program.

[0069] Furthermore, when enabling the update program as a BIOS program, the BIOS update unit 312 changes the update program settings to prevent changes from the OS. The BIOS update unit 312 locks (locks) the redundant area A2, preventing direct access from the OS to the BIOS program in the redundant area A2, which is the update program.

[0070] Furthermore, after making the update program valid as a BIOS program, the BIOS update unit 312 forwards the update program to the backup area A3 and stores it. In addition, during the POST (Power On Self Test) executed when the embedded controller 31 starts the OS, if the verification of the BIOS program's validity fails, it performs a recovery process to repair the BIOS program that starts the OS by using the backup stored in the backup area A3.

[0071] Next, the operation of the notebook PC1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] First, refer to Figures 3-6 The details of the BIOS update process for the notebook PC1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0073] Figures 3-6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the BIOS update process of the notebook PC1 in this embodiment.

[0074] exist Figure 3 The image shows the state of the laptop PC1 before the BIOS update, including the BIOS and OS boot process in that state.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, when the laptop PC1 is powered on or reset (rebooted), the main control unit 10 uses eSPI to access the main area A1 of the BIOS storage unit 320 via the embedded controller 31, reads (loads) the BIOS program (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the BIOS program), and starts the BIOS. In addition, the main control unit 10 uses the BIOS to start the OS.

[0076] In addition, Figure 3 In the state shown, the backup area A3 stores the same BIOS program as the main area A1, serving as a backup of the BIOS program.

[0077] In addition, after the OS starts, the BIOS program (main) in the main area A1 is locked, making it inaccessible from the OS.

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 4This document provides a detailed explanation of the write processing (storage processing) of the update program in the BIOS update process of laptop PC1.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the main control unit 10, for example, forwards the BIOS update program (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the update program) obtained via the network NW1 and the NW communication unit 41 to the embedded controller 31. The BIOS update unit 312 of the embedded controller 31 determines the redundant area A2 (here, the area within the redundant memory 322) in the BIOS storage unit 320, and stores the update program obtained from the main control unit 10 in the redundant area A2.

[0080] Here, the BIOS update unit 312 stores the update program in the redundant area A2 because the main area A1 is locked, so the update program cannot be directly stored in the main area A1.

[0081] In addition, after storing the update program in the redundant area A2, the BIOS update unit 312 performs a restart (global reset).

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 5 The restart process after storing the update program in the redundant area A2 is explained.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, during the restart process, the BIOS update unit 312 enables the update program in the redundant area A2 and disables the BIOS program in the main area A1, and then starts the BIOS through the update program.

[0084] The BIOS update unit 312 changes the redirection information of the reference destination of the BIOS program stored in the BIOS redirection information storage unit 311 from the main area A1 to the redundant area A2, making the update program valid and invalidating the BIOS program in the main area A1.

[0085] Additionally, the embedded controller 31 reads (loads) the update program of the redundant area A2 as the latest BIOS program and forwards it to the main control unit 10. The main control unit 10 reads (loads) the update program of the redundant area A2 via the embedded controller 31 and starts the BIOS and OS.

[0086] The main control unit 10 uses eSPI to access the main area A1 of the BIOS storage unit 320 via the embedded controller 31, reads (loads) the BIOS program (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the BIOS program), and starts the BIOS. In addition, the main control unit 10 uses the BIOS to start the OS.

[0087] Additionally, after the OS boots up, the updater for redundant region A2 is locked, preventing direct access from the OS.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 6 This section explains the backup process for the BIOS program (update program) after a reboot.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the BIOS update unit 312 of the embedded controller 31 forwards the update program of the redundant area A2 to the backup area A3 of the BIOS storage unit 320 as a backup storage of the BIOS program.

[0090] In addition, after the BIOS update process, the BIOS update unit 312 can also process the redundant area A2, which is valid as the BIOS program, as the main area in the next BIOS update, and use the invalid main area A1 as the redundant area for the next BIOS update. It can also use other free areas of the redundant memory 322 as the redundant area for the next update.

[0091] Next, refer to Figure 7 The operation of the embedded controller 31 in the BIOS update process of the notebook PC1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the BIOS update process of the notebook PC1 in this embodiment.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, in the BIOS update process of the embedded controller 31 of the laptop PC1, firstly, a redundant region A2 is determined, and the BIOS update program obtained from the main control unit 10 is stored in the redundant region A2 (step S101). The BIOS update unit 312 of the embedded controller 31 uses SPI to store the update program obtained from the main control unit 10 using eSPI in the redundant region A2. Furthermore, the BIOS update unit 312 determines the redundant region A2, for example, from a free area of ​​the redundant memory 322.

[0094] Next, the BIOS update unit 312 restarts the laptop PC1, making the update program in the redundant area A2 the BIOS program and invalidating the BIOS program in the main area A1 (step S102). The BIOS update unit 312 performs a global reset, restarts the laptop PC1, and changes the redirection information stored in the BIOS redirection information storage unit 311 from the main area A1 to the redundant area A2. Thus, the update program in the redundant area A2 becomes valid, and the BIOS program in the main area A1 is invalidated.

[0095] Furthermore, upon restarting the laptop PC1, the BIOS update unit 312, in response to the BIOS program read request from the main control unit 10, reads the update program from the redundant area A2 using the redirection information in the BIOS redirection information storage unit 311, and sends it to the main control unit 10. Thus, the BIOS based on the update program is started.

[0096] Next, after the OS boots based on the update program, the BIOS update unit 312 stores the update program as a backup in backup area A3 (step S103). As part of the runtime processing after OS boot, the BIOS update unit 312 reads the update program from redundant area A2 and stores it as a backup in backup area A3. After the processing in step S103, the BIOS update unit 312 ends the BIOS update process.

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 8 The BIOS recovery process of the notebook PC1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0098] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the backup and recovery process of the BIOS of a notebook PC1 based on this embodiment.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, the embedded controller 31 of the laptop PC1 first performs POST processing (step S201) when the laptop PC1 starts up. The embedded controller 31 verifies the validity of the BIOS program, for example, using a digest value (hash value) obtained in advance from the program data of the BIOS.

[0100] Next, the embedded controller 31 determines whether the BIOS's validity has been confirmed based on the result of the POST process (step S202). If the embedded controller 31 confirms the BIOS's validity based on the POST process result (step S202: Yes), the process proceeds to step S203. Otherwise, if the embedded controller 31 does not confirm the BIOS's validity based on the POST process result (step S202: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0101] In step S203, the laptop PC1 boots the OS via the BIOS. That is, the main control unit 10 of the laptop PC1 reads (loads) the BIOS program via the embedded controller 31 and boots the OS by executing the BIOS program. After the processing in step S203, the boot process of the laptop PC1 ends.

[0102] Additionally, in step S204, the embedded controller 31 uses the backup in backup area A3 to repair the BIOS program. The embedded controller 31 reads the backup of the BIOS program stored in backup area A3 and rewrites it to the area storing the current BIOS program (main area A1 or redundant area A2). Furthermore, the embedded controller 31 determines the area to rewrite the backup to based on the redirection information stored in the BIOS redirection information storage unit 311. After processing in step S204, the embedded controller 31 returns the processing to step S101.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above description, an example of the embedded controller 31 performing steps S101 and S202 was described, but it is also possible for the main control unit 10 to perform these steps instead of the embedded controller 31.

[0104] As described above, the notebook PC1 (information processing device) of this embodiment includes a BIOS storage unit 320, a main control unit 10, and an embedded controller 31 (sub-control unit). The BIOS storage unit 320 (BIOS memory 32) stores at least the BIOS program. The main control unit 10 boots the OS by executing the BIOS program. The embedded controller 31 (sub-control unit) is configured to manage peripheral devices and can access the BIOS storage unit 320. In addition, the BIOS storage unit 320 has a main area A1 (first area) for storing the current BIOS program and a redundant area A2 (second area) for storing BIOS update programs. The embedded controller 31 includes a BIOS update unit 312. In the BIOS update process, the BIOS update unit 312 stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit 10 in the redundant area A2, performs a restart, and makes the update program stored in the redundant area A2 valid as the BIOS program.

[0105] Therefore, in this embodiment, the notebook PC1 (information processing device) keeps the BIOS update program stored in the redundant area A2 (second area) valid as a BIOS program and uses it as is, so that it does not need to move the update program to the main area A1 during restart. Thus, the notebook PC1 (information processing device) of this embodiment can shorten the restart time during BIOS updates.

[0106] Furthermore, in the laptop PC1 of this embodiment, the BIOS program before the update remains in the main area A1. Therefore, the BIOS update unit 312 invalidates the BIOS program stored in the redundant area A2 and re-enables the BIOS program stored in the main area A1, thereby enabling the laptop PC1 of this embodiment to safely and easily revert to the BIOS before the update.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, when the BIOS update unit 312 restarts the BIOS update process, it changes the reference destination used for accessing the BIOS program from the BIOS program in the main area A1 to the update program in the redundant area A2, so that the update program becomes valid as the BIOS program.

[0108] Therefore, the notebook PC1 of this embodiment can enable the update program to function as a BIOS program by simply changing the reference destination used for access. Furthermore, in the notebook PC1 of this embodiment, the main control unit 10 can achieve the effect of directly using the existing main control unit's processing without needing to be aware of changes in the BIOS program's storage location through update processing.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the BIOS program in the main area A1 is set to prevent changes from the OS. When the BIOS update unit 312 enables the update program as a BIOS program, it changes the update program setting to prevent changes from the OS.

[0110] Therefore, the laptop PC1 in this embodiment cannot change the BIOS program from the OS, thus protecting the BIOS program and preventing it from being illegally modified.

[0111] Furthermore, the notebook PC1 in this embodiment includes a backup area A3 (an example of a backup storage unit) for storing a backup of the BIOS program. After the BIOS update unit 312 makes the update program valid as the BIOS program, it forwards the update program to the backup area A3 and stores it. In the event that the BIOS program verification fails, the embedded controller 31 performs a recovery process to repair the BIOS program that boots the OS by using the backup stored in the backup area A3.

[0112] Therefore, in the case where the BIOS program is damaged due to data corruption in the BIOS memory 32, the notebook PC1 of this embodiment can safely repair and restore the BIOS program.

[0113] In this embodiment, the main region A1 and the redundant region A2 are separate independent storage devices (SPI memories). Here, the storage device is an electrically rewritable memory chip that is connected to the embedded controller 31 via SPI.

[0114] Therefore, the notebook PC1 in this embodiment is composed of separate independent storage devices (SPI memory), which can greatly increase the program area of ​​the BIOS and easily expand its functions.

[0115] Furthermore, the BIOS update method of this embodiment is a BIOS update method for a laptop PC1. The laptop PC1 includes: a BIOS storage unit 320 that stores at least the BIOS program; a main control unit 10 that boots the OS by executing the BIOS program; and an embedded controller 31 that manages peripheral devices and can access the BIOS storage unit 320. The BIOS update method includes a BIOS update step. The BIOS storage unit 320 has a main area A1 for storing the current BIOS program and a redundant area A2 for storing the BIOS update program. In the BIOS update step, during the BIOS update process, the embedded controller 31 stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit 10 in the redundant area A2, performs a restart, and makes the update program stored in the redundant area A2 valid as the BIOS program.

[0116] Therefore, the BIOS update method of this embodiment achieves the same effect as the laptop PC1 described above, and can shorten the restart time during BIOS updates.

[0117] [Second Implementation]

[0118] Next, the notebook PC1a of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] In this embodiment, instead of the backup memory 323, a modified example using a backup storage unit 221 composed of an SSD 22 will be described.

[0120] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the notebook PC1a in this embodiment.

[0121] Furthermore, the main hardware structure of the notebook PC1a in this embodiment is the same as described above. Figure 1 The first embodiment shown is the same, so its description is omitted here.

[0122] like Figure 9 As shown, the notebook PC1a includes a main control unit 10, an embedded controller 31, a storage unit 40, an NW communication unit 41, a BIOS storage unit 320a, and a backup storage unit 221.

[0123] In addition, Figure 9 In China, for the sake of Figure 2 The same structure is given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0124] The BIOS storage unit 320a is, for example, a storage unit implemented by the BIOS memory 32, and stores at least the BIOS program. The BIOS storage unit 320a includes the aforementioned BIOS main memory 321 and redundant memory 322.

[0125] Backup storage unit 221 is, for example, a storage unit implemented by SSD 22, and similar to backup memory 323 in the first embodiment, stores backups of the BIOS program. In this embodiment, backup storage unit 221 corresponds to backup area A3.

[0126] In addition, the embedded controller 31 of this embodiment includes a BIOS redirection information storage unit 311 and a BIOS update unit 312a.

[0127] The basic functions of the BIOS update unit 312a are the same as those of the BIOS update unit 312 in the first embodiment described above, except that the backup storage unit 221 is used instead of the backup memory 323 in the backup area A3.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of backup storage unit 221 implemented by SSD 22 has been described, but redundant region A2 (redundant memory 322) can also be implemented by SSD 22. That is, the storage device constituting redundant region A2 can also be an electrically rewritable memory chip or SSD 22.

[0129] As described above, the notebook PC1a of this embodiment includes a BIOS storage unit 320a, a main control unit 10, and an embedded controller 31 (sub-control unit). The BIOS storage unit 320a (BIOS memory 32) stores at least the BIOS program. The BIOS storage unit 320a has a main area A1 (first area) for storing the current BIOS program and a redundant area A2 (second area) for storing the BIOS update program. The embedded controller 31 includes a BIOS update unit 312a. During BIOS update processing, the BIOS update unit 312a stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit 10 in the redundant area A2, performs a restart, and makes the update program stored in the redundant area A2 valid as the BIOS program.

[0130] Therefore, the notebook PC1a of this embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment described above, and can shorten the restart time during BIOS updates.

[0131] Furthermore, the notebook PC1a of this embodiment includes a backup storage unit 221 (backup area A3) for storing a backup of the BIOS program. After the BIOS update unit 312 makes the update program valid as the BIOS program, it forwards the update program to the backup storage unit 221 and stores it. If the verification of the BIOS program fails, the embedded controller 31 performs a recovery process to repair the BIOS program that boots the OS by using the backup stored in the backup storage unit 221.

[0132] Therefore, in the case where the BIOS program is damaged due to data corruption in the BIOS memory 32, the notebook PC1a of this embodiment can safely repair and restore the BIOS program.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main region A1 and the redundant region A2 are separate and independent storage devices. The storage device constituting the redundant region A2 can also be an electrically rewritable memory chip or an SSD22.

[0134] Therefore, in this embodiment, the notebook PC1 uses an electrically rewritable memory chip or SSD22 as a redundant area A2, thereby significantly increasing the program area of ​​the BIOS and easily expanding its functions.

[0135] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0136] For example, in the above embodiments, the information processing device is described as a notebook PC1, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may also be a tablet terminal device, a desktop PC, or other information processing devices.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples of setting the redundant area A2 and the backup area A3 outside the BIOS main memory 321 have been described, but it is not limited to this. The redundant area A2 and the backup area A3 may also be set inside the BIOS main memory 321.

[0138] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example of a laptop PC1 (1a) obtaining a BIOS update file via network NW1 was given. However, the BIOS update file can also be obtained as a packaged file obtained using encryption technology. In this case, by using the packaged file, the laptop PC1 (1a) can reduce the possibility of the BIOS update program being tampered with during forwarding, and perform the BIOS update process securely.

[0139] Furthermore, each of the structures in the aforementioned notebook PC1 (1a) has an internal computer system. Moreover, programs for implementing the functions of each structure in the aforementioned notebook PC1 (1a) can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the processing in each structure of the aforementioned notebook PC1 (1a) can be performed by having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Here, "having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium" includes installing programs into the computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as the operating system and peripheral devices.

[0140] Furthermore, a "computer system" can also include multiple computer devices connected via networks including the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Additionally, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard drives built into computer systems. In summary, recording media storing programs can be non-transitory recording media such as CD-ROMs.

[0141] Furthermore, the recording medium also includes internal or external recording media that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. Alternatively, the program can be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined with various components of the laptop PC1 (1a), with each part distributed via a different distribution server. Moreover, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a structure that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a server in the case of sending the program over a network, or volatile memory (RAM) within the computer system acting as a client. Additionally, the program described above can also be a structure used to implement the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, it can also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can be implemented by combining the aforementioned functions with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0142] Alternatively, some or all of the above functions can be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). The functions described above can be processed independently or partially or completely integrated. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSI; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Additionally, if advancements in semiconductor technology lead to integrated circuit technologies that replace LSI, integrated circuits based on these technologies can also be used.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: The BIOS storage section stores at least the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program; The main control unit boots the OS (Operating System) by executing the BIOS program; and The sub-control unit manages peripheral devices and has access to the BIOS storage unit. The BIOS storage unit has a first area for storing the current BIOS program and a second area for storing the BIOS update program. The sub-control unit includes a BIOS update unit. During the BIOS update process, the BIOS update unit stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit in the second area and performs a restart, making the update program stored in the second area valid as the BIOS program.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When the BIOS update unit restarts the BIOS update process, it changes the reference destination used for accessing the BIOS program from the BIOS program in the first region to the update program in the second region, making the update program valid as the BIOS program.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The BIOS program in the first region is configured to prevent changes from the OS. When the BIOS update unit enables the update program as a program of the BIOS, it changes the settings of the update program to prevent changes from the OS.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It includes a backup storage unit that stores backups of the BIOS program. After enabling the update program as a program in the BIOS, the BIOS update unit forwards the update program to the backup storage unit and stores it. In the event that the verification of the BIOS program fails, the sub-control unit performs a recovery process to repair the BIOS program that boots the OS by using the backup stored in the backup storage unit.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first region and the second region are separate and independent storage devices.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The storage device is an electrically rewritable memory chip, which is connected to the sub-control unit via SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The storage device constituting the second region is an electrically rewritable memory chip or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

8. A BIOS update method, which is a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) update method for an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: a BIOS storage unit storing at least a BIOS program; a main control unit for booting an OS (Operating System) by executing the BIOS program; and a sub-control unit for managing peripheral devices and capable of accessing the BIOS storage unit. The BIOS storage unit has a first area for storing the current BIOS program and a second area for storing the BIOS update program. The BIOS update method includes a BIOS update step. In the BIOS update step, the sub-control unit, during the BIOS update process, stores the BIOS update program obtained by the main control unit in the second area and performs a restart, making the update program stored in the second area valid as the BIOS program.

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