BIOS Update Method with Dual-Image Segmentation and Flag Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional BIOS update methods are prone to failure due to limited boot area capacity, interference from other applications, and risk of data damage during updates, leading to extensive downtime and repair costs when updates fail.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a CPU, first storage unit for the BIOS program, and a controller that duplicates a second BIOS image file from an external storage device to a designated area in internal non-volatile storage, changing a flag to indicate successful duplication, allowing the system to boot from either the original or updated BIOS image file based on the flag's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the BIOS update is performed in the conventional method using the limited booting area, then the update process is simple, but the update fails when the booting area capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple areas: a booting area for storing the original BIOS and a program area for storing the updated BIOS image. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the original BIOS while updating, preventing update failures due to insufficient space in the booting area alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The updated BIOS image is preliminarily stored in the program area before being activated. The system performs preliminary checks and prepares the update in advance, allowing the booting area to remain intact while the new BIOS is ready for activation, thus ensuring update reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the BIOS update is performed while the OS is running, then the update can be initiated conveniently, but the update is interfered with by other application programs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the BIOS update function into an independent program area, isolating it from other OS applications. This segmentation prevents interference from concurrent applications while maintaining ease of initiation through the OS interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the separate program area and flag system) that mediates between the OS application layer and the BIOS update execution. This intermediary ensures that updates can be initiated conveniently from the OS while executing reliably without interference from other applications.
3Productivity
If the BIOS update process is interrupted by powering off, then the update may be completed, but data damage occurs causing the system to cannot be booted
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares a backup area (program area) in advance to store the updated BIOS image before it becomes the active BIOS. This cushioning mechanism ensures that if power is interrupted during update, the original BIOS in the booting area remains intact and the system can still boot, preventing data damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery mechanism where the system can discard the incomplete update and recover by booting from the original BIOS in the booting area. The flag system allows the system to detect update status and automatically recover by reloading the original BIOS if necessary, ensuring data integrity.
4Reliability
If the BIOS update fails in conventional methods, then the system must be delivered to manufacturer for repair, but this causes extensive loss of time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service recovery when BIOS update fails. The flag mechanism automatically detects update failures and triggers recovery procedures that reload the original BIOS from the booting area, allowing the system to restore functionality without external intervention, thus eliminating repair time and cost losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the flag system that monitors update status and provides feedback to the system. When an update fails, the feedback triggers automatic recovery actions, enabling the system to self-correct without requiring manufacturer intervention, reducing downtime significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
Approaches for updating a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) program used in a computer system. The computer system includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory is used to store the BIOS program, and the BIOS program includes a booting area and a program area for storing a first BIOS image file. The update method includes: duplicating a second BIOS image file from an external storage device of the computer system to a designated area of an internal non-volatile storage device of the computer system; changing a flag from a first status to a second status after the duplication is completed; checking the status of the first BIOS image file when the computer system is booted; and booting the computer system by the first BIOS image file or the second BIOS image file according to the status of the first BIOS image file.