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Pre-boot authentication system

  • US 7,797,729 B2
  • Filed: 09/06/2005
  • Issued: 09/14/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2000
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for enhancing a basic input output system (BIOS) of a computing device during a BIOS procedure, the computing device having an adaptive interface module, the adaptive interface module being capable of communicating with an information module, and the BIOS procedure having an interval with a start and a finish, the method comprising the steps of:

  • starting the BIOS procedure;

    interrupting the BIOS procedure during the interval before the finish;

    establishing communication with said information module through said adaptive interface module by exchanging a plurality of signals between said information module and said adaptive interface module;

    determining by said adaptive interface module a data format, within which updated information stored in said information module is addressable and available, according to said plurality of signals;

    retrieving said updated information from the information module according to said data format;

    and modifying the BIOS procedure and updating system settings for an authorized user according to the updated information;

    wherein the steps of establishing communication with said information module through said adaptive interface module by exchanging a plurality of signals between said information module and said adaptive interface module, and determining by said adaptive interface module a data format, within which updated information stored in said information module is addressable and available, according to said plurality of signals, further comprises the steps of;

    sending a handshake prompt signal from said adaptive interface module to said information module;

    if said handshake prompt signal is recognized by said information module, operating the steps of;

    sending a corresponding handshake return signal from said information module to said adaptive interface;

    establishing communication with said information module through said adaptive interface module; and

    determining by said adaptive interface module a data format, within which updated information stored in said information module is addressable and available, according to said handshake prompt signal and said handshake return signal; and

    if said handshake prompt signal is not recognized by said information module, sending a next handshake prompt signal from said adaptive interface module to said information module; and

    wherein, the steps of sending a handshake prompt signal from said adaptive interface module to said information module and sending a corresponding handshake return signal from said information module to said adaptive interface further comprises the steps of;

    sending said handshake prompt signal from said adaptive interface module to said information module through a corresponding one of a plurality of format library modules coupled to said information module and sending said corresponding handshake return signal from said information module to said adaptive interface through said corresponding format library module.

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