Modular bios update mechanism
US7213152B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/1417
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A modular BIOS update mechanism provides a standardized method to update options ROMs and to provide video and processor microcode upgrades in a computer system without requiring a complete replacement of the system BIOS. The MBU mechanism provides several advantages. First, new features and BIOS bugs from earlier release may be delivered to an installed base of end-user systems even if direct OEM support cannot be identified. Also, BIOS components may be provided as a validated set of revisions. With resort to a validation matrix, BIOS updates may be managed easily. The modular BIOS update is particularly useful in systems having several independent BIOS's stored within unitary firmware.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.