BIOS Test Manager for Multi-System Remote Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems lack an efficient method for testing Basic Input Output System (BIOS) components across multiple systems, which is crucial for ensuring system reliability and performance, especially in distributed computing environments.

Innovation Solution

A BIOS test system comprising a BIOS test manager, local and remote test harness drivers, a test buffer, and a test engine integrated within the BIOS, enabling remote testing and execution of test routines across information handling systems, with a map file for specific BIOS configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If BIOS testing is performed locally on each system, then testing accuracy is maintained, but testing efficiency and productivity decrease due to manual intervention and sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidtest management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A centralized test management system acts as an intermediary between multiple BIOS test systems and the BIOS components being tested. This mediator automatically distributes test routines to multiple systems, collects results, and manages the testing process, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The test management system provides universal functionality to manage BIOS testing across multiple different information handling systems simultaneously. It can distribute test routines to various systems, collect results from different sources, and maintain comprehensive test records, making the testing process efficient and scalable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple systems are tested simultaneously, then productivity increases, but coordination complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring test results increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous testing capabilityVSAvoidtest result management difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where test results from multiple simultaneous BIOS tests are automatically collected, processed, and analyzed. The test management system receives results from various systems, validates them against expected outcomes, and provides feedback on test status, making it easier to detect and measure results across distributed systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual coordination and measurement of test results across multiple systems is replaced with automated electronic systems. The test management system uses computer-based mechanisms to distribute test routines, collect results, and generate reports, substituting manual processes with automated digital operations that handle complexity efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If comprehensive BIOS testing is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity and ease of operation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidtest operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The BIOS test systems perform self-service by automatically executing test routines, collecting their own results, and reporting status without requiring manual intervention. The systems self-manage the testing process, which improves reliability through comprehensive testing while maintaining ease of operation through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The comprehensive BIOS testing process is segmented into discrete test routines that can be independently distributed and executed. Each test routine is a separate, manageable unit that can be automatically managed by the test management system, breaking down the complexity of comprehensive testing into organized, automated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7895472B2System and method of managing BIOS test routnes

Publication Date: 2011.02.22 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A system and method of a basic input output system (BIOS) test system are disclosed. According to an aspect, a basic input output system (BIOS) test system can include a BIOS test manager configured to enable BIOS testing of multiple information handling systems within a test environment. The BIOS test system can also include a local test harness driver operable to be coupled to the remote BIOS test manager to receive test routines, and a test buffer configured to receive a test routine from the BIOS test manager. The test routine can further be executed using a test engine integrated as a part of a BIOS of a particular information handling system.