Unified Boot Device List for Flexible BIOS Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and inflexibility of the two-list implementation in industry standard BIOS Boot Specifications (BBS) for handling bootable devices in information handling systems make it difficult for users to configure and intermix devices of different types, limiting configurability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A single list BBS implementation that includes BCV devices as individual entries in the IPL list, allowing for the intermixing of devices of different types, with a drive swizzler to manage the INT 13 link chain and make BCV devices appear as the first device in the chain to the operating system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-list implementation (IPL list and BCV list) is used to handle bootable devices, then device prioritization and boot control are achieved, but system complexity increases and device configurability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IPL list and BCV list into a single unified boot device list. This single list contains entries for both IPL devices (floppy, CD-ROM, network devices) and BCV devices (hard drives, USB drives), eliminating the need for separate lists. The BIOS processes this single list sequentially, calling appropriate boot routines for each device type, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining boot control functionality.
2Reliability
If a two-list implementation is used, then device types are separated into distinct lists, but flexibility to intermix different device types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By combining IPL and BCV devices into a single list, the patent enables users to intermix different device types in any desired order. The unified list structure allows entries for floppy drives, CD-ROMs, network devices, hard drives, and USB drives to be arranged in custom sequences, providing flexibility while the BIOS maintains proper handling routines for each device type through type-agnostic processing.
3Reliability
If IPL and BCV devices are processed in separate lists, then device-specific boot routines are maintained, but ease of configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single list structure simplifies configuration by presenting users with one unified device list rather than requiring separate IPL and BCV list configurations. Users can easily arrange devices in their preferred boot order through a single interface, and the BIOS automatically executes the appropriate boot routines for each device type based on its entry in the list, maintaining reliability while improving ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for single list BBS implementations that allow for significant configurability and ease of use improvements. BCV devices are included as individual entries in the IPL list so that intermixing of devices of different device types is freely allowed. As such, users are provided a simplified and more powerful configuration interface through which to select the order of boot devices. In addition, a drive swizzler or hard drive link handler is included to provide an interface between the INT 13 link chain for hard drives and the operating system.