BIOS Register Access via Pre-Registered Handler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accessing and modifying computer system settings, such as BIOS settings, during runtime without causing downtime, as they often require system resets or specific modes like SMM, making it difficult to manage hard-to-access data and settings.
Innovation Solution
A pre-registered handler is initiated within the BIOS during the power-on self-test to allow access and modification of registers during runtime, enabling requests from the BMC or OS to be processed without system resets for most settings, except write-once registers, thereby reducing downtime and improving user accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If system reset is performed to access or modify BIOS settings during runtime, then access to BIOS settings is achieved, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent registers an SMI handler during the POST phase before the operating system runtime begins. This preliminary registration allows the handler to be invoked during runtime without requiring a system reset, thus enabling BIOS setting access while avoiding downtime. The handler is pre-prepared and waiting in the background to be activated when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an SMI handler as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the operating system runtime environment and the BIOS settings. This handler acts as a bridge, allowing the OS to access BIOS settings through the registered SMI handler without needing to exit to POST or reset the system, thus maintaining continuous operation.
2Ease of operation
If SMM mode is used to access hard-to-access data, then data accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the SMI handler to access system data and settings directly during runtime without requiring external tools or specific conditions. The registered handler serves itself by being automatically invoked when accessed through the predefined interface, eliminating the need for external debugging equipment or special access conditions that would increase system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If system reset is performed to modify settings, then setting changes are achieved, but service availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The SMI handler is registered in advance during POST, before runtime begins. This preliminary setup allows setting modifications to be performed during runtime through the handler without requiring system resets, thus maintaining service availability while enabling adaptability for setting changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous service operation by allowing setting modifications through the registered SMI handler during runtime. The useful action of providing service continues uninterrupted while settings can be modified through the handler, eliminating the discontinuity caused by system resets and maintaining continuous service availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed that initiate, during a power-on self-test of a computer system, a pre-registered handler for accessing, modifying, or a combination thereof one or more registers within a basic input output system (BIOS) of the computer system. A request to access, modify, or a combination thereof at least one register of the one or more registers within the BIOS is received during runtime of an operating system of the computer system. The request with the pre-registered handler is processed to access, modify, or a combination thereof at least one register of the one or more registers within the BIOS corresponding to the request. A response to the request is provided based on data from the at least one register obtained by the pre-registered handler.