UEFI Debug Aggregation via NFC Token
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional BIOS firmware limitations hinder efficient retrieval of debugging data during UEFI firmware execution, requiring manual and time-consuming processes that become impractical with scaled-up manufacturing or QC operations.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that aggregates debug status data generated during UEFI firmware execution into a Near Field Communication (NFC) token, enabling rapid and automated data retrieval without the need for engineers to be present, using a debug aggregation function initiated by a debug retrieval request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual line-by-line reading of console output is used to retrieve debugging data, then debugging information can be obtained, but the process is slow and requires engineer presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by capturing and aggregating debugging data during the UEFI firmware execution process itself, before the system boots to the operating system. The debug aggregation function collects status data from multiple sources and formats it into a token that can be retrieved later without requiring manual console reading, thus eliminating the time loss while maintaining data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the debug aggregation function and NFC token - that mediates between the UEFI firmware execution process and the engineer. Instead of directly reading console output, the system uses this intermediary to capture, format, and store debugging data in a retrievable form, enabling automated retrieval without engineer presence during execution.
2Loss of information
If engineers standby to retrieve debugging data from each computer system, then complete debugging information can be collected, but manual effort and time multiply exponentially with scaled operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling computer systems to automatically capture, aggregate, and store their own debugging data during UEFI execution without requiring engineer intervention. The debug aggregation function operates autonomously to collect status data from various sources and format it into NFC tokens, allowing systems to serve their own debugging needs and enabling scalable automated retrieval across multiple systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the debugging data collection process from the manual engineer operation and separates it into an automated system function. By extracting the data aggregation logic into a dedicated debug aggregation function that operates independently during firmware execution, the system eliminates the need for proportional engineer resources while maintaining complete data collection across scaled operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional BIOS firmware is used, then hardware control is limited, but the system maintains simplicity and compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of UEFI firmware, which serves both as a boot manager and as a platform for executing third-party applications and modules. This universal firmware interface provides enhanced hardware control capabilities beyond traditional BIOS while maintaining a standardized interface that works across different hardware platforms, managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic nature of UEFI firmware, which can be extended and modified during execution through driver installation and module loading. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt hardware control functions as needed during the boot process and runtime, providing versatility without requiring all functionality to be statically built into the core firmware.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system includes a memory and computer-readable instructions stored at the memory and executable by a microprocessor to: receiving a debug retrieval request to retrieve a debug status data during execution of a UEFI firmware; initiating a debug aggregation function in response to the debug retrieval request; and aggregating the debug status data into a NFC data token.