BIOS Setup Access from Shell via Dynamic Command
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are unable to access the BIOS setup utility during the booting process once the power on self-test (POST) is completed, limiting configuration options and requiring frequent reboots to enter the utility, which is inefficient, especially for developers working in the shell environment.
Innovation Solution
A method and computing system that allows users to return to the BIOS setup utility by storing an update UEFI BIOS firmware, adding a dynamic command and protocol, and executing a back function to call a program file, enabling access to the BIOS setup utility from the shell environment without rebooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the computing system completes the POST quickly and proceeds to the shell environment, then the booting efficiency is improved, but the user cannot access the BIOS setup utility without rebooting the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the shell environment with a special command (e.g., 'back') that was prepared in advance during system initialization. This command is registered in the shell's command table before the user needs it, allowing immediate access to BIOS setup utility without requiring a full system reboot. The back function and associated protocol are also pre-installed in the firmware, enabling the rapid return to BIOS setup when the command is executed.
2Ease of operation
If the user reboots the computing system to access the BIOS setup utility, then the user can configure system settings, but significant time is lost due to repeated reboots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the BIOS setup utility access function from the traditional reboot process. Instead of requiring a complete system shutdown and restart, the invention separates the BIOS setup utility access as an independent function that can be invoked from the shell environment. The 'back' command extracts and executes only the necessary routine to return to BIOS setup, bypassing the need to re-execute the entire POST and boot sequence, thus saving substantial time while maintaining full access to BIOS configuration capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If a dynamic command is added to the shell environment to access BIOS setup utility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional protocols and functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary back function that acts as a mediator between the shell environment and the BIOS setup utility. This back function serves as a bridge, translating the simple 'back' command into the appropriate routine execution that returns control to the BIOS setup utility. The back protocol acts as an intermediary communication layer that handles the transition without requiring complex direct integration between the shell and BIOS components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for returning to a basic input/output system (BIOS) setup utility while in a shell environment during a booting process of a computing system includes: upon execution of an update Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) (BIOS) firmware file, storing a dynamic command in a command storage; storing a back protocol in the storage module, the back protocol being linked to a back function that, when executed, causes the CPU to call a program file that, when executed by the CPU, causes the CPU to enter a BIOS setup utility, the dynamic command being linked to accessing a memory location in which the back protocol is stored; and in response to receipt of the dynamic command while in the shell environment, locating the back protocol, performing the back function and calling the specific program file, which causes the CPU to enter the BIOS setup utility.