Embedded Controller Error Storage for Boot Sequence Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems often lose or fail to display error information during power-on self-tests and boot sequences if a user is not present, and there is no playback of multiple errors after the operating system is executing.
Innovation Solution
An embedded controller in the information handling system detects errors before the operating system is operational and stores this information for later retrieval, providing it to the OS or user interface upon request, using management information exchanges like WMI or CIM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If error information is displayed only during power-on self-test and boot sequence, then the display is simple and direct, but the error information is lost if user is not viewing the screen during that period
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller captures and stores error information in advance during power-on self-test and boot sequence before the operating system is fully operational. This preliminary action ensures error data is preserved even if the user is not present to view it during the brief display window, directly resolving the information loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an embedded controller as an intermediary component between the system hardware and the user interface. This mediator captures error information, stores it in non-volatile memory, and makes it available for later retrieval by the operating system or user, thereby preventing information loss without requiring direct user presence during boot.
2Reliability
If a login screen is displayed after operating system execution, then system security is improved, but error information viewing is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller provides feedback about error conditions to the operating system through standardized interfaces (WMI, CIM). The OS can then query the embedded controller for error information and present it to the user through the logged-in interface, maintaining security while enabling error accessibility after login.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves error information from the traditional display dimension (screen output during boot) to a temporal dimension (stored data accessible anytime after login). By storing errors in non-volatile memory and allowing OS retrieval, users can access error information in a different temporal context - after secure login - rather than during the pre-login boot phase.
3Productivity
If multiple errors are not played back after operating system execution, then the system operation is simpler, but error analysis and resolution tracking are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller automatically captures, stores, and manages error information without requiring complex external playback systems. The operating system can autonomously query the embedded controller for error data through standard interfaces, enabling error analysis and resolution tracking through simple Q&A operations rather than complex playback mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, an embedded controller of the information handling system may detect an error associated with an information handling system before an operating system, executable via a processor of the information handling system, is operable to provide information associated with the error. The embedded controller may store the information associated with the error via a memory medium. The embedded controller may receive a query from operating system executing via the processor. The embedded controller may provide the information associated with the error to the operating system. In one or more embodiments, the embedded controller may detect another error after the operating system is executing and may provide providing information associated with the other error to the operating system upon detection of the other error.