Integrated Storage Device Controller for BIOS and OS Code Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems require separate storage devices and interfaces for BIOS and OS codes, leading to redundant components, increased cost, and reduced energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with an integrated storage device using a storage device controller to manage both BIOS and OS codes, where BIOS codes are stored in an invisible area and OS codes in a visible area, allowing for sequential loading and eliminating the need for separate read-only memory and interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate storage devices are used for BIOS codes and OS codes, then reliability of code storage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate storage devices for BIOS codes and OS codes into a single integrated storage device. The storage device includes both an invisible area for BIOS codes and a visible area for OS codes, eliminating the need for separate read-only memory and hard disk drive, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining storage reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated storage device performs multiple functions: it stores both BIOS codes (in invisible area) and OS codes (in visible area), and can be accessed through a unified interface. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized storage devices, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmission interfaces are used for BIOS and OS storage devices, then compatibility with different storage types is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single unified transmission interface for accessing both BIOS codes and OS codes from the integrated storage device. This interface can handle different access modes (read-only for BIOS, read-write for OS) through a single hardware pathway, eliminating the need for separate interfaces and reducing power consumption
3Ease of operation
If separate storage devices are used for BIOS and OS codes, then ease of access to different code types is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate storage devices into one integrated storage device that contains both invisible area (for BIOS) and visible area (for OS). This single device can be manufactured and installed in place of multiple devices, reducing cost while maintaining ease of access through unified interface protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system with integrated storage device for storing both a basic input/output system (BIOS) code and an operating system (OS) code and an associated booting method are provided. The computer system includes a central processing unit, a storage device controller and the storage device. The BIOS code and the OS code are stored in an invisible are and a visible area of the storage device, respectively. At first, the storage device controller is activated to read data from an architecture information area of the storage device to perform initialization. Then, the initialized storage device controller converts a read-only memory access command issued from the central processing unit into a suitable format to control loading of the BIOS code from the invisible area. At last, the storage device controller controls loading of the OS code from the visible area to finish the booting of the computer system.