Pre-Boot Display Control Using EC Telemetry Policies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Information Handling Systems (IHSs) lack the ability to control display settings, such as brightness and power states, during the pre-boot environment, which is crucial for power management and user experience, especially considering battery charge and processor load.
Innovation Solution
A pre-boot application in the IHS receives telemetry data from an Embedded Controller (EC) to modify display settings based on battery charge, processor load, and other conditions, using policies and rules to adjust brightness and power states before the host operating system boots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If display settings are controlled during pre-boot environment, then power management is improved and battery life is conserved, but device complexity increases due to additional pre-boot application and telemetry data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing display control during the pre-boot environment, before the host operating system loads. The pre-boot application receives telemetry data from the EC and modifies display settings (brightness, power state) in advance based on battery charge levels and processor load, thereby conserving battery life without requiring complex post-boot software management
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the pre-boot application autonomously monitor telemetry data from the EC and automatically adjust display settings based on predefined policies. The system serves itself by making power management decisions without requiring user intervention or complex external control mechanisms
2Duration of action of moving object
If display brightness is adjusted based on battery charge level, then battery life is extended, but loss of information may occur due to unexpected shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring battery charge levels and processor load through telemetry data from the EC. The pre-boot application receives this feedback and dynamically adjusts display settings accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that extends battery life while maintaining system stability through policy-based decision making
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by implementing policies that prevent overly aggressive power-saving actions that could lead to unexpected shutdowns. The pre-boot application uses telemetry data to make balanced decisions that extend battery life while maintaining sufficient power reserves, cushioning against the risk of data loss from abrupt power failure
3Productivity
If pre-boot application modifies display settings based on telemetry data, then power management efficiency is improved, but processing requirements increase during boot phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing display control specifically during the pre-boot environment rather than throughout the entire system operation. The pre-boot application focuses its processing power on receiving telemetry data and modifying display settings only during this limited time window, thereby improving power management efficiency without significantly increasing overall processing requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for display control in a pre-boot environment are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS) may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution, cause the IHS to: receive, by a pre-boot application, telemetry data from an Embedded Controller (EC) coupled to the processor; and in response to a determination, by the pre-boot application, that a policy condition or rule is met based, at least in part, upon the telemetry data, modify a display setting.