Modular BIOS Initialization Manager for Scalable Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing BIOS implementation is inefficient due to undivided code that cannot perform discrete functions, requires complete rewriting for new platforms and components, and results in over-allocation of system resources, making it difficult to add or remove support for new computer platforms, components, and features.

Innovation Solution

A modular BIOS solution, Enhanced Device Initialization Manager (eDIM), which allows for the addition or removal of support for new platforms, components, and features by isolating code sections and subroutines, enabling efficient resource allocation and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the BIOS code is implemented as undivided code, then the system can maintain simplicity in structure, but it becomes difficult to add or remove specific functions and hardware support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add or remove hardware supportVSAvoidBIOS code structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The BIOS code is divided into separate modules, each responsible for specific hardware functions. This segmentation allows individual modules to be added, removed, or modified without affecting the entire BIOS system, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the BIOS code is written as a lengthy series of undivided code, then the implementation can be straightforward, but it requires complete re-writing for new platforms and components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with new platformsVSAvoidtime for code rewriting

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the BIOS into platform-specific modules and hardware-specific modules, the system can maintain core functionality while allowing individual modules to be updated or replaced for new platforms without rewriting the entire codebase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular architecture creates universal interface standards that allow different platform modules to work with the same hardware abstraction layer, enabling cross-platform compatibility without complete re-writing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the BIOS allocates 2× the resource requirement for devices, then resource allocation is simplified, but it results in over-allocation and waste of system resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation processVSAvoidsystem resource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The BIOS module dynamically adjusts resource allocation parameters based on actual device requirements rather than using fixed over-allocation factors. This allows the system to maintain simple allocation processes while optimizing resource usage to match actual needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7500094B2BIOS identification, initialization and management

Publication Date: 2009.03.03 AMERICAN MEGATRENDS

AI summary

The present invention provides systems and methods for a modular and enhanced device initialization manager (eDIM). eDIM enumerates and allocates resources to buses and devices of a computer systems during basic input output system (BIOS) power on self-test (POST).