BIOS Command Conversion for Faster Expansion Card Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current BIOS modification and debugging processes are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient due to complex code structures and the need for full recompilation after each change, with testing and debugging being particularly complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A control system and method that utilizes a shared memory and processing device to convert operation commands into target commands based on BIOS command formats, allowing direct modification and adjustment of BIOS settings without full recompilation, ensuring consistent command formats and accurate data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If engineers directly modify BIOS code to adjust hardware settings, then the BIOS functionality can be changed, but the modification process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive due to complex code structure and scattered configuration code

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBIOS modification easeVSAvoidModification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a basic input/output system (BIOS) that acts as an intermediary layer between the expansion card and the host system. The BIOS contains hardware configuration code that automatically manages hardware settings without requiring direct modification of complex system code. This intermediary approach simplifies the modification process by providing a dedicated interface for hardware configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the system into distinct modules: the expansion card with its own configuration space, the BIOS with hardware configuration code, and the host system. By segmenting the hardware configuration code into the BIOS module, engineers can modify hardware settings by changing only the relevant BIOS code segments rather than searching through scattered configuration code across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If engineers perform full compilation of BIOS code after each modification, then code changes can be implemented, but the compilation process significantly prolongs the development cycle

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBIOS update flexibilityVSAvoidDevelopment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring full compilation of the entire BIOS codebase after each modification, the patent enables partial compilation or incremental updates. The system allows engineers to modify specific hardware configuration code segments and compile only the affected portions, rather than performing time-consuming full compilations. This partial action approach maintains code adaptability while dramatically improving development productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If engineers flash modified BIOS onto test motherboard for verification, then functionality can be tested, but any minor mistake causes boot failure and complex debugging is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBIOS functionality reliabilityVSAvoidDebugging complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary validation and error checking mechanisms before BIOS code is flashed to the test motherboard. The system includes built-in verification processes that check for syntax errors, compatibility issues, and logical conflicts before allowing the modified BIOS to be deployed. This preliminary action prevents minor mistakes from causing boot failures and reduces debugging complexity by catching errors early in the development process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If hardware configuration code is scattered across different BIOS modules, then code can be organized by function, but locating and modifying the correct segments becomes even more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCode organizationVSAvoidCode location difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal hardware configuration interface within the BIOS that provides consistent access to hardware settings regardless of which module contains the configuration code. The BIOS implements a standardized command structure and parameter interface that works across different hardware types and modules. This universal approach maintains functional organization while making code location and modification easier through consistent access patterns and unified configuration commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4718245A1Control system and method of basic input/output system and expansion card
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 GIGA BYTE TECH CO LTD
  • EP4718245A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4718245A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4718245A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a control system (1,2) and method of a basic input/output system (111,211) and expansion card (3,4). The control method of the basic input/output system (111,211), performed by a processing device (13,23), includes: obtaining (S101) an operation command corresponding to the basic input/output system (111,211); performing (S105) conversion on the operation command according to a command format of the basic input/output system (111,211) to generate a target command when determining the operation command corresponds to a target parameter among a plurality of accessible parameters of the basic input/output system; and providing (S107) the target command to the basic input/output system (111,211).