BIOS Update via Shared Memory Bypassing Faulty Initialization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing BIOS update methods require normal initialization of USB storage before updating BIOS data, making it difficult to update BIOS when the initialization process fails due to faulty BIOS data.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system with a shared memory capable of memory-mapped I/O, allowing BIOS data to be written and read, and a processor that can execute BIOS code to perform an update determination procedure, updating BIOS data from shared memory even when initialization is faulty, using an update setting to determine whether to proceed with a BIOS update or boot loader call.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If BIOS data are updated using a tool other than the system, then BIOS data can be updated even when faulty, but additional tools and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBIOS update capability when faultyVSAvoidupdate work time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The BIOS update function is integrated into the system itself, allowing the system to perform self-updating without requiring external tools. The update setting retaining means enables the system to automatically determine and execute updates based on stored update settings, eliminating the need for external ROM writers or other updating tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If BIOS data are updated using the system, then update work is simplified, but update cannot proceed when initialization fails due to faulty BIOS data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate work simplicityVSAvoidupdate capability when initialization fails

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The update setting is retained in advance in the update setting retaining means before initialization occurs. This allows the system to bypass faulty initialization processes by directly executing the predetermined update procedure based on the pre-stored update setting, without requiring successful completion of the faulty initialization steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If USB storage initialization is required before BIOS update, then update process is standardized, but update cannot proceed when initialization is faulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate process standardizationVSAvoidupdate capability when initialization faulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The update procedure is segmented into distinct steps: acquiring the update setting from the update setting retaining means, determining whether to execute the update procedure, and then executing either the update or boot loader call based on the determination. This segmentation allows the system to bypass faulty initialization steps and proceed directly to the essential update operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If backup BIOS is stored in fixed memory area, then system can start when BIOS on flash memory is broken, but backup BIOS cannot be updated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem start capability when BIOS brokenVSAvoidBIOS update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between the flash memory area and fixed memory area based on the state of the BIOS. The BIOS can be updated in the flash memory area when functional, and the system can switch to use the backup BIOS in the fixed memory area when the flash BIOS is broken, providing both update capability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

5Reliability

If switch selects backup BIOS when start fails, then system can normally start, but cannot update BIOS data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem start capabilityVSAvoidBIOS update functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the BIOS execution status to control the switching between flash memory area and fixed memory area. When the BIOS in the flash memory area executes successfully, the system continues to use it and can perform updates. When execution fails, the system switches to the backup BIOS in the fixed memory area, ensuring continuous operation while maintaining update capability through the integrated update setting retaining means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11314665B2Information processing system, information processing device, BIOS updating method for information processing device, and BIOS updating program for information processing device

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 NEC PLATFROMS LTD

AI summary

An information processing device includes: a BIOS flash ROM that is connected to a shared memory having an alternative BIOS written therein and being accessible using a MMIO, and that stores a currently used BIOS; a processor that can execute the currently used BIOS immediately after resetting; and a retaining means for retaining a setting indicating whether updating of the currently used BIOS is possible. The BIOS includes: a procedure for executing determination as to whether updating is possible after initialization necessary for executing the determination; a procedure for executing initialization necessary for updating the currently used BIOS to the alternative BIOS read from the shared memory, if updating is possible; a procedure for executing updating if updating is possible; a procedure for executing initialization necessary for operating the information processing device if updating is impossible; and a procedure for calling a boot loader if updating is impossible.