BIOS Standby Mode Retention for Computer System Bootup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems experience lengthy boot-up times due to the need for a complete power-on self test (POST) after shutdown, as they enter into a full shutdown mode, which requires reinitializing all hardware components.
Innovation Solution
A bootup and shutdown method that allows the computer system to enter a standby mode instead of full shutdown, retaining operation mode data in memory, and quickly restoring settings when powered back on if no hardware changes are detected, thereby skipping the complete POST process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the computer system enters into full shutdown mode after power off, then all devices are turned off to save power, but the boot-up time becomes very long due to complete hardware reinitialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shutdown process into two distinct modes: full shutdown mode (ACPI S5) where all devices are powered off, and standby mode (ACPI S3) where the system remains partially powered. This segmentation allows the system to choose a lighter shutdown mode that preserves hardware state information, thereby reducing boot-up time while maintaining acceptable power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the BIOS save hardware configuration information and operation mode data before the actual shutdown occurs. This pre-saving of state information allows the system to quickly restore settings on next boot without performing complete hardware reinitialization, thus reducing boot-up time while enabling power savings through standby mode.
2Reliability
If the computer system performs complete power on self test (POST) after shutdown, then all hardware components are properly initialized and tested, but the boot-up process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary POST checks after standby mode shutdown rather than a complete POST. The system restores hardware settings from saved configuration data and performs validation procedures only for critical components, thereby maintaining sufficient reliability while significantly reducing boot-up time compared to full POST.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a copy of the hardware configuration state and operation mode data in memory before shutdown. This copied state information is then restored during boot-up, allowing the system to quickly reconfigure hardware without performing complete initialization, thus maintaining reliability while reducing boot time.
3Ease of operation
If the BIOS loads and executes complete POST to initialize hardware, then all hardware components work properly, but the boot process is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of shutdown mode from full shutdown (S5) to standby mode (S3), which fundamentally alters the system state upon power-on. This parameter change enables the BIOS to restore hardware settings from saved data rather than performing complete initialization, thereby reducing boot process duration while maintaining system reliability through validation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and a bootup and shutdown method thereof are provided. The computer system includes a memory, a chipset, a basic input/output system (BIOS), and an embedded controller, and an operating system (OS) is executed in the computer system. In the shutdown and bootup method, the embedded controller is notified to prepare to enter into a standby mode when the BIOS intercepts a shutdown instruction issued by the OS. The content of a register of the chipset is set according to the standby mode. A current operation mode data of the computer system is retained, and power is continuously supplied to the memory to make the computer system enter into the standby mode.