UEFI Image Update Region Resize to Preserve Flash Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating a UEFI image in an information handling system can result in the overwrite and loss of existing data and variables due to larger code or data regions in the new image, leading to the erasure of important information stored in flash memory.
Innovation Solution
A method that retrieves a new UEFI image and a current UEFI image, identifies data type regions, and checks if the region names and sizes match. If the new region size is larger, the data is copied to a modified new UEFI image, increasing the region size sufficient to store the data, ensuring no overwrite occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the new UEFI image contains larger code or data regions, then the functionality and capacity of the UEFI system is improved, but existing data and variables stored in flash memory are overwritten and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by comparing the data region definitions in the new UEFI image with the current UEFI image before performing the update. The system identifies data regions that exist in both images and preserves their definitions in advance, preventing overwriting of existing data and variables during the update process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a comparison mechanism that acts as a mediator between the new and current UEFI images. This intermediary process identifies matching data regions and ensures proper handling of data preservation, allowing the system to safely update while protecting existing information
2Reliability
If the UEFI image is updated with a new image, then the system obtains updated functionality and fixes, but data regions may be overwritten causing loss of stored information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary comparison of data region definitions between the new and current UEFI images before executing the update. By identifying matching data regions in advance and preserving their definitions, the system ensures that critical data and variables are protected from overwriting during the update process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing the new UEFI image's data region definitions with the current image during the update process. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect potential conflicts and adjust the update process to preserve existing data, ensuring reliable updates without information loss
Data Source
AI summary
A method, information handling system (IHS) and a computer program product for updating a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) image in an IHS. The method includes retrieving a new UEFI image and a current UEFI image. First data type regions contained within the new UEFI image and second data type regions contained within the current UEFI image are identified. If a first data type region name from the new UEFI image matches a second data type region name from the current UEFI image and a first size of the first data type region is larger than or equal to a second size of the second data type region, data associated with the first data type region is copied to a modified new UEFI image.