Computer Boot Priority Query for Specific Hard Disk Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for setting the boot order in computers require rebooting and cannot selectively prioritize specific types of HDD/SSDs, such as DCPMM, leading to inefficient booting processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a baseboard controlling unit and processing unit that queries and prioritizes boot devices and types during power-on self-test, allowing direct booting from a specific type of hard disk without repeated BIOS setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional BIOS method is used to set boot order, then the user can select boot devices, but the computer requires rebooting which is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring boot device priorities and types in the baseboard controlling unit before system startup. The BMC stores boot device information including device paths and types, and automatically matches them during power-on self-test, eliminating the need for user intervention and repeated rebooting to set boot order.
2Loss of time
If the IPMI command is used to set boot order, then rebooting is not required, but it cannot select specific types of HDD/SSD for booting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the boot device selection into two independent dimensions: boot device option (CD-ROM, HDD, SSD, etc.) and boot device type (SATA, PCIe, NVMe, DCPMM, etc.). The baseboard controlling unit stores both boot device information and boot device type information separately, allowing the system to independently query and match both dimensions during power-on self-test, thus achieving specific type selection without rebooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters stored in the baseboard controlling unit to include not only boot device paths but also boot device types (SATA, PCIe, NVMe, DCPMM). This parameter expansion enables the system to query and match both the device option and device type, providing versatile boot device selection capability while maintaining the no-reboot advantage of IPMI.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user needs to boot from a specific type of HDD, then they must repeatedly enter BIOS setup menu and re-set priority until the desired type boots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the processing unit query the baseboard controlling unit during power-on self-test to obtain boot device information and type information, then automatically match the queried information with the desired boot device type and initiate booting. This automated feedback loop eliminates the need for repeated manual configuration and testing, reducing configuration time while maintaining specific HDD type booting capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of booting a computer is provided. The computer includes a processing unit, and a baseboard controlling unit storing a prioritized option of boot device and a prioritized type of boot hard disk. The method includes steps of: the processing unit sending a first query about the prioritized option of boot device to the baseboard controlling unit; in response to receiving the prioritized option of boot device from the baseboard controlling unit, when the processing unit determines that the prioritized option of boot device is hard disk, the processing unit sending a second query about the prioritized type of boot hard disk to the baseboard controlling unit; and in response to receiving the prioritized type of boot hard disk from the baseboard controlling unit, the processing unit booting the computer from a hard disk that corresponds to the prioritized type of boot hard disk.