Processing device, processing system, processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a BIOS setting change system which can change setting of a BIOS, even if means to access a CMOS which stores setting of the BIOS is not used.SOLUTION: A processing device comprises first processing means which directly stores a setting value of a setup menu of a BIOS in data read from an external memory, in a function unit of the BIOS which executes initialization of hardware.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing system, a processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Computer systems are used in a variety of fields. In general, in a computer, the BIOS configures the hardware at startup. Patent Document 1 discloses a related technique, which is a setting change system that quickly performs BIOS update operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-123426 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The invention described in Patent Document 1 changes the BIOS settings by changing the settings in the CMOS of the device for which the BIOS settings are to be changed. In this case, it is assumed that there is a means for accessing the CMOS and rewriting the BIOS settings. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that allows the BIOS settings to be changed even when there is no means for accessing the CMOS that stores the BIOS settings.

[0005] An object of each aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a processing device, a processing system, a processing method, and a program that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a processing device includes: a BIOS processing function unit that directly stores a setting value of a BIOS setup menu in data read from an external memory in a BIOS function unit that executes initialization of hardware, a BIOS processing function unit that determines whether a flag stored in the external memory is a flag indicating that the setup menu is to be written to a flash ROM, and when it is determined that the flag indicates that the setup menu is to be written to the flash ROM, changes the setting of the BIOS by writing the setup menu to the flash ROM, and a BIOS processing function unit that checks the validity of storing the setting value in the function unit based on signature data signed with a unique key indicating the validity of the data, and invalidates keyboard input if the setting value is valid. .

[0007] To achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a processing system includes the processing device and the external memory.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a processing method includes: A processing method executed by a processing device, the method including: directly storing setting values ​​of a BIOS setup menu in data read from an external memory in a BIOS functional unit that executes initialization of hardware; determining whether or not a flag stored in the external memory is a flag indicating that the setup menu is to be written to a flash ROM; if it is determined that the flag indicates that the setup menu is to be written to the flash ROM, changing the setting of the BIOS by writing the setup menu to the flash ROM; confirming the validity of storing the setting values ​​in the functional unit based on signature data signed with a unique key indicating the validity of the data; and invalidating keyboard input if the setting values ​​are valid. .

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a program includes: The processing device is caused to directly store setting values ​​of a BIOS setup menu in data read from an external memory in a BIOS functional unit that executes initialization of hardware, to determine whether or not a flag stored in the external memory is a flag indicating that the setup menu is to be written to a flash ROM, and when it is determined that the flag is a flag indicating that the setup menu is to be written to the flash ROM, to change the setting of the BIOS by writing the setup menu to the flash ROM, to confirm the validity of storing the setting values ​​in the functional unit based on signature data signed with a unique key indicating the validity of the data, and to invalidate keyboard input if the setting values ​​are valid. . Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to each aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to change the BIOS settings even without using a means for accessing the CMOS that stores the BIOS settings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a BIOS setting change system according to a related technique. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a BIOS setting change system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in an external storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of a BIOS setting change system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of the BIOS setting change system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a BIOS setting change system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a minimum configuration of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow of a processing device with a minimum configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment> In order to facilitate understanding of a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) setting change system 1 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure described below, a BIOS setting change system 100 according to a related technique will first be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a related technology BIOS setting change system 100. The related technology BIOS setting change system 100 includes a keyboard 1001 and an information processing device 1002, as shown in FIG.

[0014] The keyboard 1001 outputs signals corresponding to key operations by the user to the information processing device 1002. For example, assume that the user performs operations on the keyboard 1001, such as an operation for starting up a BIOS setup menu (hereinafter simply referred to as the "setup menu"), an operation for moving between menus in the setup menu, an operation for changing a setting value in the setup menu, an operation for saving the changed setting value in the setup menu, and an operation for restarting the information processing device 1002. In this case, the keyboard 1001 outputs signals corresponding to each key operation by the user to the information processing device 1002. Note that the BIOS setting change system 100 according to another related technique may use an external device that performs the same control as the keyboard 1001, instead of the keyboard 1001.

[0015] 1, the information processing device 1002 includes a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002a and a BIOS function unit 1002b. For example, the information processing device 1002 includes a computer.

[0016] The flash ROM 1002a stores the setting values ​​of the setup menu. The BIOS function unit 1002b changes the setting values ​​of the setup menu to change the BIOS settings (i.e., the settings of the hardware that operates in the information processing device 1002). The BIOS function unit 1002b has a HW (Hardware) initial setting function unit 1002b1 and a setup menu engine function unit 1002b2.

[0017] When the information processing apparatus 1002 is started, the BIOS function unit 1002b reads the setting values ​​of the setup menu from the flash ROM 1002a via the HW initial setting function unit 1002b1, thereby setting the hardware to be operated in the information processing apparatus 1002.

[0018] Furthermore, when the information processing device 1002 is started up (for example, during a Power On Self Test (POST)), if an operation is performed on the keyboard 1001 to start up a setup menu, the keyboard 1001 outputs a signal corresponding to each key operation by the user to the information processing device 1002. The setup menu engine function unit 1002b2 causes the BIOS function unit 1002b to perform processing to start up the setup menu in response to the signal. As a result, the information processing device 1002 starts up the setup menu.

[0019] Also, in the information processing device 1002, after the setup menu is started, the user performs operations on the keyboard 1001 to move between menus in the setup menu, change the setting value of the setup menu, save the changed setting value of the setup menu, restart the information processing device 1002, and the like. In this case, the keyboard 1001 outputs signals corresponding to the key operations by the user to the information processing device 1002. The setup menu engine function unit 1002b2 causes the BIOS function unit 1002b to perform processes such as moving between menus, changing the setting value of the setup menu, saving the changed setting value of the setup menu, and restarting the information processing device 1002, in response to each signal. As a result, the information processing device 1002 moves between menus, changes the setting value of the setup menu, saves the changed setting value of the setup menu, and saves the setting value of the setup menu before the change as backup data, and restarts.

[0020] As described above, when changing the BIOS settings (that is, settings of the hardware operating in the information processing device 1002) in the BIOS setting change system 100, the keyboard 1001 or an external device that performs control similar to that of the keyboard 1001 is required.

[0021] Next, a BIOS setting change system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the BIOS setting change system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2, the BIOS setting change system 1 includes an external storage device 10 and an information processing device 20.

[0022] The external storage device 10 stores data including settings of a setup menu. For example, the external storage device 10 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0023] 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the external storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the data stored in the external storage device 10 includes an identification code, structure data size information, structure data count information, a flash ROM write reflection flag, a setup menu name, setup menu setting values, a backup data storage area, and device signature data.

[0024] The identification code is a code for identifying data to be read, and it is possible to determine by this identification code whether the data is data to be read and is to be read.

[0025] The structure data size information is information that indicates the data length of the setup menu in the data. The structure data number information is information that indicates the number of setup menus in the data.

[0026] The flash ROM write reflection flag is a flag for switching whether or not to write the setting values ​​of the setup menu to the flash ROM. For example, if the flash ROM write reflection flag is a flag indicating that the setting values ​​of the setup menu are written to the flash ROM 1002a, when the BIOS processing function unit 201a described later writes the setting values ​​of the setup menu recorded in the external storage device 10 to the HW initial setting function unit 1002b1, the setting values ​​of the setup menu are also written to the flash ROM 1002a. In other words, for example, if the flash ROM write reflection flag is a flag indicating that the setting values ​​of the setup menu are not written to the flash ROM 1002a, when the BIOS processing function unit 201a described later writes the setting values ​​of the setup menu recorded in the external storage device 10 to the HW initial setting function unit 1002b1, the setting values ​​of the setup menu are not written to the flash ROM 1002a.

[0027] The setup menu name is information indicating the name of each setup menu. The setup menu setting value is information indicating the value to be set for each setup menu.

[0028] The backup data storage area is information indicating a storage area for storing setting values ​​before rewriting when data in the flash ROM is rewritten.

[0029] The device signature data is data signed with a key unique to the device that indicates the validity of the data in the data area. When the device signature data is data signed with a key unique to the device, it is guaranteed that the data is bound to the device and that the data is valid.

[0030] 2, the information processing device 20 includes a BIOS function unit 201 and a flash ROM 1002a. For example, the information processing device 20 includes a computer. The information processing device 20 has a configuration in which a BIOS processing function unit 201a (to be described later) is added to the BIOS function unit 1002b of the information processing device 1002 shown in FIG.

[0031] The BIOS function unit 201 changes the setting values ​​of the setup menu to change the BIOS settings (i.e., the settings of the hardware operating in the information processing device 20). The BIOS function unit 201 has a BIOS processing function unit 201a, a HW initial setting function unit 1002b1, and a setup menu engine function unit 1002b2.

[0032] BIOS processing function unit 201a includes an external storage device access interface function unit (hereinafter, referred to as "external storage device access I / F function unit") 201a1, and a setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2.

[0033] The external storage device access I / F function unit 201a1 is an interface for accessing the external storage device 10. The setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 analyzes data acquired from the external storage device 10. Then, the setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 stores the setting values ​​of the setup menu in the HW initial setting function unit 1002b1 based on the analysis result.

[0034] In addition, the information processing device 20, by virtue of having a configuration similar to that of the information processing device 1002 included in the information processing device 20 (i.e., flash ROM 1002a, HW initial setting function unit 1002b1, and setup menu engine function unit 1002b2), is also capable of executing processes that can be executed by the information processing device 1002 in response to user operations via the keyboard 1001 or external equipment that performs control similar to that of the keyboard 1001.

[0035] The processes performed by the processing units included in the BIOS setting change system 1 are not limited to those described above. The processes performed by the processing units included in the BIOS setting change system 1 may include processes not described above. The processes performed by the processing units included in the BIOS setting change system 1 may be processes described below.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a first diagram showing an example of a process flow of the BIOS setting change system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a second diagram showing an example of a process flow of the BIOS setting change system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the process of the BIOS setting change system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Depending on whether the flash ROM write reflection flag stored in the external storage device 10 is a flag indicating that the setting value of the setup menu is written to the flash ROM 1002a or a flag indicating that the setting value of the setup menu is not written to the flash ROM 1002a, there are two operations: an operation of not writing the setting value of the setup menu stored in the HW initial setting function unit 1002b1 to the flash ROM 1002a, and an operation of writing the setting value of the setup menu (as a backup) to the flash ROM 1002a. Here, it is assumed that the flash ROM write reflection flag is a flag indicating that the setting value of the setup menu is not written to the flash ROM 1002a.

[0037] First, the overall operation of the BIOS setting change system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The external storage device access I / F functional unit 201a1 and the setup menu data acquisition module functional unit 201a2 respectively initialize an interface device to access the external storage device 10 and perform device enable processing to enable external access (step S1).

[0038] The setup menu data acquisition module functional unit 201a2 attempts to access the external storage device 10 to confirm the presence or absence of an external device (step S2). If an external device is present (step S2: "Present"), the setup menu data acquisition module functional unit 201a2 confirms the validity of whether the external device contains data indicating the setting values ​​of the setup menu and whether the data is the data targeted by the information processing device 20, depending on whether the data contains a predetermined identification code and device signature data shown in FIG. 3 (step S3).

[0039] If the target data exists in the external device (the external storage device 10 in the embodiment of the present disclosure) (step S3: "valid"), the setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 disables keyboard input (step S4). This prevents the user from changing the setting values ​​of the setup menu.

[0040] The setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 reads data including the setting values ​​of the setup menu from the external storage device 10 (step S5). The setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 stores the setting values ​​of the setup menu included in the read data in each setting variable of the corresponding setup menu of the HW initial setting function unit 1002b1 (step S6). When the setting values ​​of the setup menu have been updated last time by the setting values ​​of the setup menu stored in each setting variable, the setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 displays setting information indicating the setting contents according to the setting values ​​of the setup menu in order to confirm (inform) the update state (step S7). The HW initial setting function unit 1002b1 executes initialization of the corresponding hardware function based on the stored setting values ​​(step S8). The HW initial setting function unit 1002b1 ends the processing of the BIOS setting change system 1.

[0041] If there is no external device (step S2: NO), the setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 reads out the previously recorded setup menu setting values ​​in the flash ROM 1002a (step S9). Then, the setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 proceeds to the process of step S6.

[0042] Moreover, if the target data does not exist ("not valid" in step S3), the setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 proceeds to the process of step S9.

[0043] Next, an operation of the BIOS setting change system 1 for backing up the setting values ​​of the setup menu stored in the flash ROM 1002a and reflecting the setting values ​​of the setup menu stored in the external storage device 10 in the flash ROM 1002a will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] The processes of steps S1 to S4 shown in Fig. 4 are performed. The setup menu data acquisition module functional unit 201a2 writes data including the setting values ​​of the setup menu stored in the flash ROM 1002a to a backup data storage area of ​​the external storage device 10 (step S11). The setup menu data acquisition module functional unit 201a2 proceeds to the process of step S5. The setup menu data acquisition module functional unit 201a2 writes the read data to the flash ROM 1002a as data including new setting values ​​of the setup menu (step S12). Then, the setup menu data acquisition module functional unit 201a2 proceeds to the process of step S6.

[0045] The BIOS setting change system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. In the information processing device 20 (an example of a processing device) of the BIOS setting change system 1, the setup menu data acquisition module function unit 201a2 (an example of a first processing means) directly stores the setting values ​​of the BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external storage device 10 (an example of an external memory) in the HW initial setting function unit 1002b1 (an example of a BIOS function unit) that executes hardware initialization.

[0046] This information processing device 20 (an example of a processing device) allows the BIOS settings to be changed even without using a means for accessing the CMOS that stores the BIOS settings.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information processing device 20 has been described as being capable of executing processes executable by the information processing device 1002 in response to user operations via the keyboard 1001 or external equipment performing the same control as the keyboard 1001, by using the same configuration (i.e., flash ROM 1002a, HW initial setting function unit 1002b1, and setup menu engine function unit 1002b2) as the information processing device 1002 included in the information processing device 20. However, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is not necessary to execute processes executable by the information processing device 1002 in response to user operations via the keyboard 1001 or external equipment performing the same control as the keyboard 1001, the information processing device 20 may not be provided with the same configuration (i.e., flash ROM 1002a, HW initial setting function unit 1002b1, and setup menu engine function unit 1002b2) as the information processing device 1002 included in the information processing device 20.

[0048] The BIOS setting change system 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may operate a device that is premised on being connected to a network. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the BIOS setting change system 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the BIOS setting change system 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, one server storing the setting values ​​of the setup menu is placed in the network. This allows the server to collectively set the setting values ​​of the setup menu, change the settings, manage the settings, etc. for a plurality of devices 1 to n connected to the network. Each of the devices 1 to n corresponds to the information processing device 20 shown in FIG. 2. The devices 1 to n connected to the network obtain data including the setting values ​​of the setup menu via the network. Then, each HW initial setting function unit executes initialization of the hardware according to the setting values ​​of the setup menu.

[0049] 7 is a diagram showing a minimum configuration of a processing device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the processing device 300 includes a first processing means 300a. The first processing means 300a directly stores the setting values ​​of the BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external memory in a functional section of the BIOS that executes initialization of the hardware. The first processing means 300a can be realized, for example, by using the functions of the information processing device 20 exemplified in FIG. 2.

[0050] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of the processing device 300 with a minimum configuration according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, processing of the processing device 300 with a minimum configuration according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] The first processing means 300a directly stores the setting values ​​of the BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external memory in a functional section of the BIOS that executes initialization of the hardware (step S101).

[0052] The above describes the minimum configuration of the processing device 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. With this processing device 300, it is possible to change the BIOS settings even without using a means for accessing the CMOS that stores the BIOS settings.

[0053] It should be noted that the order of the processes in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be changed as long as appropriate processes are performed.

[0054] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described, the above-mentioned BIOS setting change system 1, information processing device 20, and other control devices may have a computer system inside. The above-mentioned process steps are stored in a computer-readable recording medium in the form of a program, and the above-mentioned process is performed by the computer reading and executing the program. Specific examples of computers are shown below.

[0055] 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the computer 5 includes a CPU 6, a main memory 7, a storage 8, and an interface 9.

[0056] For example, the above-mentioned BIOS setting change system 1, information processing device 20, and other control devices are each implemented in a computer 5. The operations of the above-mentioned processing units are stored in the storage 8 in the form of a program. The CPU 6 reads the program from the storage 8, loads it in the main memory 7, and executes the above-mentioned processes in accordance with the program. The CPU 6 also secures storage areas in the main memory 7 corresponding to the above-mentioned storage units in accordance with the program.

[0057] Examples of the storage 8 include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), and a semiconductor memory. The storage 8 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 5, or an external medium connected to the computer 5 via an interface 9 or a communication line. In addition, when the program is distributed to the computer 5 via a communication line, the computer 5 that receives the program may load the program into the main memory 7 and execute the above-mentioned process. In at least one embodiment, the storage 8 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0058] The program may also realize some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a file that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0059] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Various additions, omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the gist of the disclosure.

[0060] Note that some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0061] (Appendix 1) a first processing means for directly storing setting values ​​of a BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external memory in a functional section of the BIOS that executes initialization of hardware; A processing device comprising:

[0062] (Appendix 2) a second processing means for confirming the validity of storing the setting value in the functional unit by the first processing means; 2. The processing device of claim 1, comprising:

[0063] (Appendix 3) The second processing means is confirming the validity based on signature data signed with a unique key indicating the authenticity of the data; 3. The processing device according to claim 2.

[0064] (Appendix 4) an interface allowing access to said external memory; 2. The processing device of claim 1, comprising:

[0065] (Appendix 5) A processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The external memory; A processing system comprising:

[0066] (Appendix 6) The setting values ​​of the BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external memory are directly stored in the functional part of the BIOS that executes the initialization of the hardware. A processing method comprising:

[0067] (Appendix 7) The processing device includes: The setting values ​​of the BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external memory are directly stored in a functional part of the BIOS that executes initialization of the hardware; A program that executes the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1, 100...BIOS setting change system 5. Computers 6. CPU 7. Main memory 8. Storage 9. Interface 10...External storage device 20, 1002: Information processing device 201a BIOS processing function unit 201a1: External storage device access I / F function unit 201a2 Setup menu data acquisition module function part 300 Processing equipment 300a... First processing means 1001··Keyboard 1002a···Flash ROM 1002b BIOS function section 1002b1···HW initial setting function part 1002b2...Setup menu Engine function section

Claims

1. a BIOS processing function unit that directly stores setting values ​​of a BIOS setup menu in data read from an external memory in a BIOS function unit that executes hardware initialization, the BIOS processing function unit determining whether a flag stored in the external memory is a flag indicating that the setup menu is to be written to a flash ROM, and when it is determined that the flag indicates that the setup menu is to be written to the flash ROM, changing settings of the BIOS by writing the setup menu to the flash ROM, the BIOS processing function unit confirms the validity of storing the setting values ​​in the function unit based on signature data signed with a unique key indicating the validity of the data, and invalidates keyboard input if the setting values ​​are valid; A processing device comprising:

2. an interface allowing access to said external memory; The processing device of claim 1 .

3. The processing device according to claim 1 or 2, the external memory storing the flag; A processing system comprising:

4. A processing method executed by a processing device, comprising: directly storing the setting values ​​of the BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external memory into a functional section of the BIOS that executes initialization of hardware; determining whether or not a flag stored in the external memory is a flag indicating that the setup menu is to be written to a flash ROM; when it is determined that the flag indicates that the setting is to be written to the flash ROM, writing the setup menu to the flash ROM to change the setting of the BIOS; confirming the validity of storing the setting value in the functional unit based on signature data signed with a unique key indicating the validity of the data; Disabling keyboard input, if appropriate; and A processing method comprising:

5. The processing device includes: directly storing the setting values ​​of the BIOS setup menu in the data read from the external memory into a functional section of the BIOS that executes initialization of hardware; determining whether or not a flag stored in the external memory is a flag indicating that the setup menu is to be written to a flash ROM; when it is determined that the flag indicates that the setting is to be written to the flash ROM, writing the setup menu to the flash ROM to change the setting of the BIOS; confirming the validity of storing the setting value in the functional unit based on signature data signed with a unique key indicating the validity of the data; Disabling keyboard input, if appropriate; and A program that executes the following.

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