SMBIOS Table Runtime Update via Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process for updating firmware management information in computer systems is time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring OEMs to rely on firmware manufacturers for customization, which delays the distribution of customized motherboards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows OEMs to update system management information at runtime by building a system management information table using a base set of management information and updates, stored in a non-volatile memory device, utilizing a utility program and SMBIOS structure table compatible with the SMBIOS specification, enabling updates to be stored and applied without manufacturer assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If OEMs rely on firmware manufacturers for customization, then management information accuracy is improved, but time consumption and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables OEMs to independently update SMBIOS management information in firmware without requiring firmware manufacturer assistance. The system provides tools and mechanisms for OEMs to perform self-customization of management data, eliminating the need to return firmware images to manufacturers for modifications. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by allowing accurate customization (maintaining manufacturing precision) while eliminating iterative communication cycles (reducing time loss).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary mechanisms during firmware development, including reserved update areas in the firmware image and pre-configured update tools. These preliminary actions enable OEMs to perform rapid customization later without requiring manufacturer involvement. The preliminary setup of update capabilities allows the system to maintain information accuracy through structured data formats while reducing time consumption by eliminating iterative manufacturer-OEM communication cycles.
2Manufacturing precision
If firmware images are customized through multiple iterations, then management information accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent empowers OEMs with self-service capabilities to customize firmware management information independently. By providing update tools and mechanisms that allow OEMs to modify SMBIOS data without manufacturer involvement, the system achieves accurate customization in a single pass rather than through multiple iterative cycles. This eliminates the productivity bottleneck caused by repeated firmware image exchanges while maintaining information accuracy through structured update protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary customization mechanisms into the firmware structure, including reserved update areas and pre-configured update tools. These preliminary actions enable OEMs to perform accurate customization locally without requiring iterative manufacturer involvement. The one-time update process, enabled by preliminary setup, resolves the contradiction by achieving both accurate customization and rapid firmware distribution simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If SMBIOS data is customized by firmware manufacturers, then information accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides OEMs with self-service tools to update SMBIOS data independently. The update mechanism uses structured data formats and predefined update areas that simplify the customization process. By eliminating the need for complex iterative communication and manual modification processes between manufacturers and OEMs, the system achieves accurate SMBIOS data customization while reducing process complexity. The standardized update protocol and pre-configured tools make the process straightforward and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for updating the management information of a computer system are provided. According to one method, a system management information table is built during the execution of the computer system. The system management information table is built from a base set of management information and one or more updates to the base set of management information. The updates to the base set of management information may be stored a protected region of a non-volatile memory device. A utility program is provided for storing the updates to the management information in the non-volatile memory device.