Unified OS and BIOS Configuration via Single Image File

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring operating system (OS) settings and Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) settings for X86 PC compatible devices involves separate tools, increasing complexity and expense.

Innovation Solution

Storing and distributing OS settings and BIOS settings as a single OS image file, allowing for unified configuration and deployment across multiple devices using a configuration manager that captures and synchronizes settings, enabling easy management and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate tools are used to configure OS settings and BIOS settings, then configuration capability is achieved, but device complexity and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration processVSAvoidconfiguration tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate OS configuration tools and BIOS configuration tools into a single unified configuration tool. This tool can capture both OS settings and BIOS settings, store them in a single configuration file, and deploy both types of settings simultaneously to target devices. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified configuration tool performs multiple functions that were previously required separate tools: capturing OS settings, capturing BIOS settings, storing configurations in a single file, and deploying both settings to devices. This multi-functional approach simplifies the configuration process while maintaining comprehensive configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate tools are used for OS and BIOS configuration, then configuration capability is maintained, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration process cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging separate configuration tools into one unified tool, the patent reduces the number of software products that need to be developed, maintained, and licensed. This consolidation lowers development costs and reduces the overall expense of the configuration process while maintaining the ability to configure both OS and BIOS settings reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If configuration settings are stored separately for OS and BIOS, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges OS configuration settings and BIOS configuration settings into a single configuration file with a unified structure. This single file can be captured from source devices and deployed to target devices, providing centralized management. The unified structure maintains the flexibility to configure both OS and BIOS settings while simplifying management through a single file-based approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7827394B2Methods and systems for configuring computers

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A system is provided, the system includes a base computer having operating system (OS) settings and Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) settings. The system also includes a plurality of managed computers. An OS image file having the OS settings and the BIOS settings is transferred from the base computer to the managed computers for configuring the managed computers.