BIOS Fast Boot Mode Switching via System Control Interrupt
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing booting process for computer systems is slow due to extensive hardware initialization, leading to prolonged wait times before the operating system is accessible.
Innovation Solution
A booting method that allows for both fast and normal boot processes by using a BIOS to check set values, performing a fast boot process unless interrupted by a system control interrupt, which then switches to a normal boot process, omitting unnecessary hardware initialization during the fast boot and completing it after entering the operating system, allowing user-controlled mode switching via specific key presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normal boot process with complete hardware initialization is performed, then system reliability and compatibility are improved, but boot time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic boot process that can switch between fast boot mode and normal boot mode based on user input. The BIOS monitors for interrupt signals during the fast boot process and dynamically adjusts the initialization depth accordingly. When no interrupt is detected, the system performs minimal initialization for fast boot; when an interrupt is detected, the system transitions to complete initialization for normal boot, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the initialization parameter (depth of hardware initialization) based on detected user input. The BIOS uses a first set value to control the boot mode, switching between fast boot (reduced initialization) and normal boot (complete initialization). This parameter change allows the system to adapt the boot process to user needs, achieving both fast boot performance and reliable system initialization when required.
2Loss of time
If a fast boot process omitting hardware initialization is performed, then boot time is reduced, but system compatibility and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the boot process based on real-time user input detection. During fast boot, the BIOS continuously monitors for interrupt signals that indicate user desire for normal boot. This dynamic monitoring and switching mechanism ensures that the system maintains compatibility and reliability by transitioning to complete initialization when needed, while achieving fast boot performance when user input is absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the BIOS monitors user input (interrupt signals) during the fast boot process. Based on this feedback, the system decides whether to continue with fast boot or switch to normal boot. This feedback loop ensures that system compatibility is maintained by allowing users to trigger complete initialization when required, while preserving fast boot performance for automatic startups.
3Reliability
If hardware initialization is performed during fast boot, then system reliability is improved, but the advantage of fast boot is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hardware initialization process into two distinct phases: essential initialization performed during fast boot (maintaining reliability for critical functions) and optional complete initialization performed during normal boot (maintaining full compatibility). This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast boot performance by performing only necessary initialization, while still providing the option for complete initialization when users press specific keys, thus resolving the contradiction between initialization completeness and boot speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial initialization during fast boot mode, performing only the minimum necessary hardware initialization to maintain system reliability and security. This partial action achieves fast boot performance while preserving essential system functionality. When users require full compatibility, they can trigger normal boot mode which performs complete initialization, thus balancing boot speed and initialization completeness according to different scenarios.
4Reliability
If normal boot mode is always used to ensure system compatibility, then reliability is maintained, but production line efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic boot mode selection system that adapts to different operational contexts. During production line testing, the system can be configured to use fast boot mode for routine operations, improving efficiency. When compatibility testing or troubleshooting is required, users can press specific keys to trigger normal boot mode, ensuring system compatibility. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and production efficiency by allowing the system to optimize for speed during routine operations while maintaining the ability to perform complete initialization when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A booting method is provided. In the booting method, a basic input/output system (BIOS) is activated to check a first set value. When the first set value corresponds to a fast boot mode, the BIOS performs a fast boot process, in which the fast boot process is interrupted when the BIOS receives a system control interrupt. The BIOS changes a second set value and the first set value according to the system control interrupt, so that the first set value corresponds to a normal boot process. Next, the BIOS is reactivated. Further, the BIOS performs a normal boot process when the first set value corresponds to the normal boot mode, in which the BIOS checks the second set value, so as to execute an operating process corresponding to the second set value and recover the second set value and the first set value.