Controller BIOS Recovery Backup via External Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current BIOS recovery and backup technologies for computing devices are inflexible and costly, particularly with dual BIOS systems, and single BIOS systems lack robust recovery options when the flash memory is abnormal, leading to booting issues and limited user control.
Innovation Solution
A controller that uses a storage unit, input/output interface, and processing unit to manage BIOS recovery and backup via an external storage device, allowing users to select operation modes for secure or non-secure booting, and automatically backing up or recovering the BIOS based on valid versions stored in the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual BIOS is adopted to implement platform firmware resiliency, then security level is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to requiring two non-volatile memories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a backup copy of the BIOS in external storage media (USB flash drive, SD card, etc.) instead of maintaining a second internal non-volatile memory. The controller verifies the external backup during boot operations, providing dual-BIOS-like security with single-BIOS hardware costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external storage media as an intermediary between the BIOS and the system. The external storage serves as a mediator that holds backup BIOS images, allowing the system to recover from BIOS failures without requiring expensive internal redundant storage.
2Reliability
If dual BIOS recovery and backup is implemented, then firmware resiliency is improved, but device complexity increases due to fixed application mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that can switch between secure and non-secure BIOS operations. The system can adaptively choose whether to verify external storage media based on configured policies, enabling flexible response to different boot scenarios rather than fixed recovery modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of BIOS recovery by introducing configurable verification policies and multiple operation modes. The system can adjust verification strictness, storage media requirements, and recovery behavior based on system state and user preferences, making the complexity adaptable rather than fixed.
3Ease of manufacture
If single BIOS with automatic recovery is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but booting reliability deteriorates when flash memory is abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of external storage media containing backup BIOS before actual boot operations. The controller checks the validity and integrity of external backup images in advance, ensuring reliable recovery options are available before they are needed, rather than attempting recovery when failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares backup BIOS images in external storage media beforehand and verifies their availability during boot. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if the internal BIOS fails, a validated backup is already in place and ready for immediate recovery, preventing boot failures.
4Use of energy by moving object
If BIOS recovery requires manual button operation and designated USB port connection, then power consumption is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service BIOS recovery where the system automatically detects external storage media, verifies its contents, and performs recovery operations without user intervention. The controller autonomously manages the entire recovery process, eliminating the need for manual button presses or specific port connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the BIOS recovery system universal by accepting external storage media from any USB port or compatible interface without requiring designated ports. The system can operate in multiple modes (secure, non-secure, verification-only) and automatically adapts to different storage media types, greatly improving operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller used in a computing device executes the following steps. When a security profile stored in a storage device is successfully verified, according to a security profile configuration stored in the controller, an operation mode described in the security profile is used. When the used operation mode is in a non-secure mode, the booting of the computer device is directly completed. When the used operation mode is a secure mode and a main BIOS of the computing device is not valid, at least one BIOS stored in the storage device is used to recover the main BIOS, and the computer device is rebooted. When the used operation mode is a secure mode and the main BIOS is valid, but the storage device does not store the main BIOS, the main BIOS is backed up and to be stored in the storage device.