Mobile Device BIOS Level Remote Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems lack efficient remote management capabilities, particularly for diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware and software issues before and after boot-up, and for performing remediation tasks without direct access to the system's basic input/output system level.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device is used to connect with the information handling system at a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) level for remote diagnosis and management, employing a remote system manager to perform troubleshooting, remediation, and serviceability tasks, including pre-boot network access and secure communication protocols to facilitate error correction and system recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile device is used to connect at BIOS level for remote diagnosis, then remote management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a baseboard management controller (BMC) as an intermediary device that operates independently from the main information handling system. The BMC provides the remote management capabilities at the BIOS level without requiring the main system to be fully operational, thus improving remote management capability while isolating the complexity to a dedicated management component rather than the entire system.
2Loss of time
If pre-boot diagnosis is enabled, then system recovery time is reduced, but access to system resources becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables diagnosis and management operations to be performed before the information handling system completes its boot sequence. The BMC can access system resources and perform diagnostic routines during the pre-boot phase, allowing recovery actions to be initiated before the operating system loads, thus reducing overall system recovery time while maintaining ease of access through the remote management interface.
3Productivity
If remote troubleshooting is implemented without physical access, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but ability to perform hands-on remediation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the BMC can automatically perform diagnostic routines and remediation actions without requiring physical access to the information handling system. The system can autonomously execute troubleshooting sequences, collect diagnostic data, and attempt automated repairs, thereby improving maintenance efficiency. For cases requiring physical intervention, the BMC can prepare the system in advance by gathering diagnostic information and guiding the technician through the required hands-on steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device receives a request for diagnosis from an information handling system in a service mode, diagnoses the information handling system in response to the request, and executes a routine to troubleshoot the information handling system based on results of the diagnosing the information handling system. The mobile device accesses the information handling system at a basic input/output system level while executing the routine to troubleshoot.