BMC Self-Upgrade to OpenBMC Using Embedded Image Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional BMC systems do not support the upgrade to OpenBMC, necessitating server return or on-site intervention, causing inefficiency and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A BMC heterogeneous upgrading method involving a target image installation program that generates a temporary image, embeds it into the current image, and installs it on the device, allowing the BMC to support OpenBMC installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional BMC upgrading method is used, then upgrade process is simple, but server cannot be upgraded to OpenBMC while operating and requires return to manufacturer or on-site intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupgrade operation convenienceVSAvoidupgrade efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares a target image installation program in advance that includes the installation method and target image. This preliminary preparation allows the BMC to automatically install OpenBMC without requiring return to manufacturer or on-site intervention, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and upgrade efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The BMC system performs self-upgrade by automatically executing the target image installation program locally. The system generates and installs the OpenBMC image autonomously without external intervention, transforming the upgrade process from requiring manufacturer service to self-service, thereby improving both ease of operation and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If BMC returns to manufacturer for re-burning, then upgrade is reliable, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupgrade reliabilityVSAvoidupgrade time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical mechanical process of returning to manufacturer for firmware re-burning with an automated software-based installation process. The target image installation program automatically writes the OpenBMC image to the BMC flash memory, substituting the manual mechanical upgrade process with an automated digital process that maintains reliability while dramatically reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If manufacturer dispatches worker to computer room, then upgrade can be performed, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupgrade feasibilityVSAvoidon-site intervention time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional BMC does not support OpenBMC installation, then system stability is maintained, but upgrade capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidupgrade capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250231755A1BMC heterogenous upgrading method and system, device, and readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 INSPUR SUZHOU INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a BMC heterogeneous upgrading method and system, a device, and a non-transitory readable storage medium. The method includes: a target image installation program is generated based on an installation method of a target image, and the target image installation program is sent to a target device; and in response to the execution of the target image installation program, the target image is sent to the target device, and the target image is installed onto the target device through the target image installation program.