Peripheral Bus Connection Verification via Identifier Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing communication bus connections to peripheral devices in systems with multiple devices is challenging due to the complexity of identifying correct connections and detecting mismatches, which can lead to incorrect device coupling.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that include a data module to receive identifiers for peripheral device locations over a communication bus, a verification module to compare these identifiers with predefined ones, and a notification module to alert of mismatches, along with an identifier module that assigns unique identifiers to each install location and a reference module that generates a mapping for the operating system, utilizing ACPI tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If identifier verification is implemented to ensure correct peripheral device connections, then connection accuracy and system reliability are improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidmanagement overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs identifier verification during system startup before the operating system loads, comparing received identifiers against pre-stored expected identifiers in the firmware. This preliminary action ensures correct connections are established before the system becomes operational, preventing misconfiguration issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The verification system is fully automated and self-executing, requiring no manual intervention. The firmware automatically receives identifiers, performs comparisons, and generates error messages if mismatches are detected, eliminating the need for manual connection verification by system administrators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual identification and verification of communication bus connections is performed, then connection accuracy can be ensured, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection identification accuracyVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated electronic identifier comparison. Instead of physically tracing cables and manually checking connections, the system electronically receives identifiers from peripheral devices and automatically compares them against expected values, dramatically reducing verification time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Identifier strings serve as an intermediary between the physical connection and the verification process. Rather than directly examining physical cable connections, the system uses these identifier strings transmitted over the communication bus to indirectly verify connection correctness, simplifying the verification mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If identifier comparison and verification processes are implemented, then incorrect connections can be detected, but information processing overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection configuration accuracyVSAvoidverification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification functionality is extracted as a separate, dedicated process within the firmware that operates independently from the main operating system. This modular extraction allows the verification logic to be implemented as a distinct set of routines that can be executed during system initialization without complicating the core OS functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs verification only during system startup and configuration phases, rather than continuously during normal operation. This partial action approach provides sufficient verification to ensure correct connections while avoiding the excessive overhead of continuous verification throughout the system's operational lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10324888B2Verifying a communication bus connection to a peripheral device

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

AI summary

An apparatus, system, method, and program product for verifying a communication bus connection to a peripheral device are disclosed. The apparatus includes a data module that receives, over a communication bus, an identifier for a location where a peripheral device is installed. The peripheral device is communicatively coupled to an information handling device using the communication bus. The apparatus includes a verification module that compares the identifier received over the communication bus to a predefined identifier associated with the communication bus. The apparatus includes a notification module that sends a notification in response to the identifier received over the communication bus not matching the predefined identifier associated with the communication bus.