BIOS Subsystem Identifier Override via Protected Variables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency and cost associated with generating multiple BIOS images for computing devices with the same hardware components due to different subsystem identifiers (SSIDs), leading to redundant BIOS configurations and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system where a protected variable value overrides the SSID in the BIOS, allowing a single BIOS to be used for a printed circuit assembly, with the variable value indicating which drivers and functionalities to enable, thereby eliminating the need for separate BIOS images for devices with the same hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple BIOS images are generated for devices with different SSIDs, then device identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SSID override functionality from the BIOS image itself and stores it in a separate non-volatile memory device. This allows the BIOS to remain universal while device-specific identification data is stored externally and applied at runtime, eliminating the need for multiple BIOS image variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines whether to override the SSID based on conditions evaluated during device initialization. The override flag and protected variable values allow the system to adaptively select between using the original SSID or an overridden value, providing flexibility without requiring multiple static BIOS images.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple BIOS images are maintained for different SSIDs, then device-specific configuration accuracy is improved, but maintenance cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal BIOS image is created that can serve multiple device types with different SSIDs. The universality is achieved by storing override flags and protected variable values in non-volatile memory, allowing the same BIOS to correctly configure different devices based on runtime conditions rather than requiring device-specific BIOS variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The override flag and protected variable values are pre-configured in non-volatile memory during device manufacturing or initialization. This preliminary setup allows the universal BIOS to automatically apply the correct SSID override without requiring manual configuration or maintenance intervention during device operation or updates.
3Loss of energy
If SSID override functionality is added, then resource efficiency is improved, but system security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (override flag and protected variable values stored in non-volatile memory) that mediates between the universal BIOS and device-specific SSID requirements. This intermediary layer enables resource efficiency by allowing a single BIOS image to serve multiple devices while maintaining security through protected storage and conditional override logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of the SSID parameter dynamically based on the override flag. When the override is enabled, the SSID is changed from its original value to a protected variable value. This parameter change mechanism allows efficient resource utilization while maintaining security through controlled conditional modification rather than hardcoding multiple configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a computing device is described. The computing device includes a printed circuit assembly and a basic input/output system (BIOS) coupled to the printed circuit assembly. The BIOS includes a subsystem identifier (SSID). The computing device also includes a non-volatile memory device which includes an override flag to indicate whether an override of the SSID is enabled and a protected variable value to, when enabled, override the SSID in the BIOS.