Concurrent BIOS Update Execution and Backup via Private SPI

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing BIOS update process prolongs the startup operation duration due to sequential execution and backup operations, which can lead to delays and potential security concerns from corrupted BIOS instructions.

Innovation Solution

Concurrent execution and backup of updated BIOS instructions by a processor and a controller, respectively, utilizing a private serial peripheral interface for efficient and secure BIOS updates, allowing for parallel execution and storage of updated instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sequential execution and backup operations are used for BIOS updates, then system reliability is maintained, but startup operation duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidstartup operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs BIOS backup operations in advance during the update process, so that when the updated BIOS needs to be executed, the backup is already prepared. This preliminary action allows the startup process to proceed without waiting for backup completion, thereby reducing startup operation duration while maintaining system reliability through pre-prepared backup copies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the BIOS update process into separate concurrent tasks: one thread executes the updated BIOS while another thread performs the backup operation. This segmentation of operations into independent parallel tasks eliminates the sequential dependency that previously extended startup time, while still ensuring both execution and backup are completed reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If sequential BIOS update operations are performed, then data integrity is ensured, but processor efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the BIOS update operations into independent parallel threads: one thread handles BIOS execution while another handles backup operations. This segmentation allows the processor to utilize multiple cores or time-slice between tasks, improving overall processor efficiency and throughput while maintaining data integrity through proper synchronization mechanisms between the parallel threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous useful action by having the processor simultaneously perform BIOS execution and backup operations without idle waiting periods. While one thread is executing BIOS instructions, the other thread continuously performs backup operations, ensuring that the processor remains fully utilized and productive throughout the update process, thereby improving processor efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Speed

If concurrent execution and backup operations are implemented, then startup speed improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thread synchronization mechanisms as intermediaries to manage the concurrent execution and backup operations. These synchronization primitives (such as mutexes or event flags) act as mediators that coordinate between the execution thread and backup thread, ensuring proper sequencing and data integrity without requiring complex inter-thread communication protocols, thus managing system complexity while achieving startup speed improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If BIOS instructions are updated and immediately executed, then system adaptability improves, but risk of corrupted instructions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adaptabilityVSAvoidrisk of corrupted instructions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs backup operations as a preliminary action before completing the BIOS update execution. By preparing the backup copy in advance through separate thread operations, the system ensures that a verified good copy exists before the updated BIOS fully takes effect, thereby reducing the risk of corrupted instructions while maintaining system adaptability to run updated code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a protective cushion by generating backup copies of BIOS instructions before the update is fully committed to execution. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if corruption occurs during or after the update, a known good backup copy is already available to restore from, thereby mitigating the risk of corrupted instructions while allowing the system to adaptively execute updated BIOS code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20240111543A1Concurrent execution and copy of updated basic input/output system instructions

Publication Date: 2024.04.04 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An example apparatus is described for concurrent execution and copy of updated basic input/output system (“BIOS”) instructions. The apparatus may comprise a private serial peripheral interface and a processor to execute updated BIOS instructions. The apparatus may also comprise a controller to copy the updated BIOS instructions to the private serial peripheral interface. In various examples, execution and copy of the updated BIOS instructions may be performed concurrently.