BIOS Update via Network Switch for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices often fail to boot properly due to BIOS data corruption from viruses or CPU changes, requiring complex and time-consuming factory repairs, and BIOS updates can only be performed during the boot stage using removable storage devices, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with updatable BIOS that connects to a server via a network connection module and switch, allowing BIOS updates in various system modes, including operating, sleep, hibernation, or shutdown, without the need for removable storage devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If BIOS update is performed using removable storage device during boot stage, then BIOS can be updated, but user convenience deteriorates and operation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveBIOS update capabilityVSAvoidUser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network connection module as an intermediary between the BIOS and external update sources. This module enables BIOS updates through network connections, replacing the traditional requirement for removable storage devices and allowing updates during various system states beyond just boot stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different connection modes (removable storage device mode and network connection mode) through a switch component. This allows the system to adaptively select the appropriate update pathway based on available resources and system state, improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If BIOS update is restricted to boot stage only, then update process is simplified, but operation flexibility and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUpdate process complexityVSAvoidSystem mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the BIOS update function to operate dynamically across multiple system states (boot stage, operating state, sleep state, hibernation state, shutdown state) by implementing state detection and adaptive update mechanisms. This maintains operational flexibility while managing complexity through structured state handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network connection module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication interface for updates and as a system state monitor. This universal component handles multiple functions (network communication, state detection, update coordination) that would otherwise require separate mechanisms, balancing versatility with complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If BIOS update requires factory repair for CPU changes or corruption, then system reliability is maintained, but repair time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem boot reliabilityVSAvoidRepair time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service capability by enabling end-users to perform BIOS updates independently through network connections. The system automatically detects corruption or compatibility issues and facilitates autonomous update execution, eliminating the need for factory repair services and significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of BIOS integrity and CPU compatibility before updates are needed, and maintains update capabilities ready through network connectivity. This preliminary preparation ensures that when updates are required, they can be executed immediately without delays associated with factory repair scheduling and logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2750034B1Electronic device having updatable bios and bios updating method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 GIGA BYTE TECH CO LTD
  • EP2750034B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2750034B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2750034B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device (10) having updatable BIOS (102) is used to perform a BIOS updating method. The electronic device (10) electrically connects to a server (20), in which update data is stored. The electronic device (10) includes a Basic Input/ Output System (BIOS (102)), a network connection module (104) and a switch (103). A BIOS program is stored in the BIOS (102), and a connecting program is stored in the network connection module (104) for connecting to the server (20). When the electronic device (10) is updating, the BIOS (102) switches to electrically connect to the network connection module (104) via the switch (103), and the network connection module (104) connects to the server (20) by executing the connecting program, downloads the update data applying to the BIOS (102), and overwrites the update data to the BIOS (102) to update the BIOS program.