Virtual GPIO Driver BIOS Modification for ACPI Error Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating systems often encounter errors during the implementation of complex power management functionalities, leading to improper functioning of power management in computing devices.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a GPIO framework extension that allows for the processing of system control interrupts, enabling the loading of control methods from the BIOS to manage ACPI functions, detect errors, and modify the operating system to prevent errors by invoking virtual GPIO drivers and executing specific control methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operating systems implement complex power management functionalities using ACPI specification, then power management capabilities are improved, but errors occur during implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a GPIO framework extension as an intermediary layer between the operating system and hardware devices. This framework handles system control interrupts and coordinates control methods across multiple GPIO controllers, preventing errors by ensuring proper interrupt routing and execution context management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements error detection mechanisms within the GPIO framework that monitor the execution of control methods. When errors are detected during power management operations, the framework provides feedback to correct the issue or prevent further erroneous operations, thereby maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operating systems use OSPM modules for power management, then power management policies complexity is improved, but implementation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The GPIO framework extension serves as a mediator that translates complex power management policies into manageable interrupt handling operations. It abstracts the complexity by providing a standardized interface for controlling GPIO devices, reducing the likelihood of implementation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power management functionality into discrete control methods associated with specific GPIO controllers. Each controller has its own control methods that can be independently executed, making it easier to manage complex policies without introducing errors.
3Productivity
If control methods are executed to manage ACPI functions, then power management functionality is improved, but system control interrupts may return errors
Solution Approach 1:
The GPIO framework extension incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the return status of control method executions. When an interrupt returns an error, the framework detects this feedback and takes corrective action, such as re-routing the interrupt or executing alternative control methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework acts as an intermediary that sits between the interrupt controller and the operating system, filtering and managing control method executions. This intermediate layer prevents errors from propagating upward while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes modifying a basic input/output system (BIOS) to load a virtual general purpose input/output (GPIO) driver in an operating system, the virtual GPIO driver comprising at least one control method to monitor a system control interrupt (SCI) (202). The method can also include detecting the system control interrupt invoking the virtual GPIO driver (204) and executing the control method corresponding to the system control interrupt, the control method to be identified in the modified BIOS (206). Furthermore, the method can include detecting an error from the execution of the control method (208) and modifying an operating system to prevent the error (208), the modification comprising a modification to the control method.