BIOS Startup Debug Message Auto-Output via GPIO Timer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the development stage of computer systems, when startup fails, existing methods require manual intervention to enable debug message output, leading to prolonged downtime and potential misidentification of failure causes due to the need for remaking BIOS or entering BIOS menus.
Innovation Solution
A computer system comprising a GPIO device, firmware control device, BIOS, first timer, and second timer that automatically outputs a debug message by controlling an input pin to a low level if startup confirmation signals are not received within specified times, allowing the BIOS to output messages without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual intervention is required to enable debug mode in BIOS, then debug message output can be obtained, but system downtime increases and development efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the BIOS with debug message output capability that is automatically activated upon detecting startup failure. The system proactively enables the debug mode before the developer needs to manually intervene, by monitoring startup progress and automatically activating the serial port output when a stall is detected, eliminating the need for manual BIOS reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting startup failures and enabling debug message output without requiring external manual intervention. The BIOS monitors its own startup process, detects stalls autonomously, and activates the debug mode itself, making the system self-diagnostic and reducing dependency on developer actions during critical failure scenarios
2Loss of information
If manual BIOS reconfiguration is performed to enable debug mode, then debug messages can be output, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The BIOS performs self-service by automatically detecting startup failures and enabling debug mode without requiring the developer to manually navigate BIOS menus or reconfigure settings. The system monitors its own startup process and autonomously activates the serial port output when a failure is detected, making the operation as simple as observing the automatic response to failure
3Loss of information
If BIOS is remade to enable debug mode, then detailed debug messages can be obtained, but development cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the BIOS with the capability to output debug messages through the serial port, but keeping it dormant until needed. When a startup failure is detected, the system activates this pre-prepared debug output mechanism immediately, avoiding the need to remake BIOS or perform time-consuming reconfiguration processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service by automatically detecting startup failures and activating the debug message output function without requiring external intervention. The BIOS monitors its own execution, detects stalls autonomously, and enables the serial port output itself, eliminating the need for developers to remake BIOS or manually enable debug modes, thereby maintaining high development efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a computer system and a method for processing a debug message of a computer system. The method includes the following steps: performing, by a first timer, timing when a computer system starts up; determining whether a first-stage confirmation signal is received within a first specific time; stopping the first timer and enabling a second timer to perform timing if the first-stage confirmation signal is received; determining whether a second-stage confirmation signal is received within a second specific time; stopping the second timer if the second-stage confirmation signal is received; enabling an input pin of a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) device to be at a low level if the first-stage confirmation signal is not received within the first specific time or the second-stage confirmation signal is not received within the second specific time; and outputting a debug message based on the low level.