Dynamic Branding via Planar Type Detection in Server Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information handling systems face limitations in dynamic branding, requiring complex logic to detect specific backplanes and risers, which restricts customer configuration options and increases costs due to limited SKU creation and engineering efforts.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically brands information handling systems based on a planar type, determined by a motherboard, hardware processor, and operating system, using a baseboard management controller to map the planar type to branding identities without needing to detect backplanes or risers, allowing for multiple configuration options and reduced costs through a hyper-segmenting marketing paradigm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional systems detect specific backplanes and risers to determine branding, then branding accuracy is improved, but device complexity and engineering effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the branding determination logic from complex hardware detection (backplanes, risers) and consolidates it into a single planar type identifier stored in an EEPROM on the motherboard. This extraction simplifies the detection process while maintaining branding accuracy by focusing on the core identifying characteristic rather than multiple hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar type identifier serves as a universal key that enables multiple functions: it determines branding identity, maps to manufacturer/model information, and supports various configuration options. This single identifier replaces the need for multiple specific hardware detections, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If systems support multiple configuration options through dynamic branding, then adaptability is improved, but SKU proliferation increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic branding where the same physical server chassis can be branded into multiple models based on the planar type detected. This dynamic approach allows a single hardware platform to serve multiple configuration needs, increasing adaptability without requiring separate SKUs for each configuration variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the branding parameter from hardware-specific identifiers (backplane models, riser types) to a software-mappable planar type identifier. This parameter change enables flexible branding configurations where the same hardware can be assigned different branding identities through software mapping, reducing the number of physical SKUs needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus executes a boot operation, and determines a planar type associated with a motherboard. The apparatus queries an electronic database for the planar type associated with the motherboard, and identifies a branding identity that is electronically associated with the planar type.