Dual BIOS Switch Unit for Pre-Boot Selection and Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-BIOS computer systems do not allow users to select a desired BIOS to boot the system prior to startup and cannot backup BIOS before the system boots, limiting flexibility and recovery options.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a switch unit and microcontroller that enables user selection of BIOS before startup and allows BIOS backup prior to booting, using a switch unit with configurable settings and a microcontroller to control the enable signal for either BIOS memory unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the computer system uses conventional dual-BIOS implementation, then the system can backup BIOS after booting, but the user cannot select a desired BIOS to boot prior to system startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing the user to select which BIOS to boot before the system starts up. The switch unit is configured before booting, enabling the user to pre-determine the boot target. This resolves the contradiction by providing BIOS selection flexibility without requiring time-consuming post-boot operations, as the selection is made in advance during system initialization.
2Ease of repair
If the computer system uses conventional dual-BIOS implementation, then the BIOS backup can be performed after system boot, but the recovery process is limited and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary BIOS backup before system booting by detecting the closed state of the switch unit during initialization. This allows the microcontroller to backup the BIOS to the other memory unit before the system starts, providing flexible recovery options and improving reliability. The preliminary backup action ensures that recovery can be performed without requiring system boot access, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and boot reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switch unit configuration is changed before system startup, then the user can select desired BIOS, but the system must determine BIOS usage based on internal configuration after startup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the system automatically determine which BIOS to use based on the pre-configured switch unit state. The microcontroller reads the switch unit configuration during initialization and automatically selects the appropriate BIOS without requiring complex user input or additional configuration steps. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through pre-configuration while keeping the actual system operation simple and automated.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system including a first memory unit, a second memory unit and a switch unit is provided. The first memory unit stores a first BIOS. The second memory unit stores a second BIOS. The switch unit has a first configuration and a second configuration. Upon the computer system being started, the switch unit receives an enable signal. When the switch unit is in the first configuration, the enable signal is provided to the first memory unit to start the first basic input/output system. When the switch unit is in the second configuration, the enable signal is provided to the second memory unit to start the second basic input/output system.