CN101308459B - Prompt system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a prompting system and method, which is applied to a data processing device with a basic input and output system, wherein the basic input and output system is provided with a power-on self-test program, the prompting method is to perform a scanning operation on each hardware device in the data processing device, which can be used as a starting device, at the beginning of the initialization of the power-on self-test execution, and determine whether the scanning data is 0, if so, outputting a prompt message, if not, outputting a detection message to detect whether the hardware device capable of being used as a starting device is enabled, if so, then the power-on self-test program is executed continuously, if not, a prompt message is outputted to prompt the user that the hardware device of the data processing device is not enabled, therefore, the system can be prompted before the driver is loaded, and the detection operation time is further saved.

Description

Prompt system and method

technical field

The present invention relates to a prompt system and method, more specifically, relates to a data processing device applied to a basic input/output system (Basic Input/Output System; BIOS) and a hardware device that can be used as a boot device Prompt system and method.

Background technique

With the vigorous development of data processing device technology, its functions are becoming more and more powerful. Among them, the expandable interface devices (such as network cards and display hardware) in the computer system are an important part of realizing its powerful functions, and the computer system must be loaded. The corresponding interface device driver can connect and control the interface device.

After the current computer device is powered on, it starts to execute (Basic Input/Output System, hereinafter referred to as BIOS) to detect whether each hardware component in the computer device (such as a driver with a small data capacity such as a network card and a display) is operating normally, and After the detection work is normal and correct, so that the operating system (such as Windows operating system) is entered, if the computer device is found to be not connected to any hardware device that can be used to start when executing the BIOS to detect, it will give the user a message similar to "not plugged in". At this time, the user usually waits for a while, then chooses to shut down, connects the device and then restarts the computer or resets after restarting.

However, a server is different from a desktop computer or a notebook computer. Because the server needs to store a large amount of data information, many hard disks are usually installed, and so many hard disks must be made into a disk array (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks, hereinafter referred to as RAID) to facilitate management. , and to realize RAID, the driver related to the RAID must be loaded during the process of Power On Self Test (POST), and there are usually two ways to realize the RAID, that is, built-in (On-Board) RAID and external card RAID, in this way, if the onboard is set to RAID enabled in the BIOS configuration interface or a RAID card is inserted, it will take a lot of time to load the driver related to the RAID during the POST process. And the required time varies depending on the type of card inserted. Some multi-channel (Channel) cards will take several minutes to scan each channel in turn. In addition to RAID cards, there are other types of cards in the POST process. It will also take some time to load the drivers. However, when the driver is loaded during the POST process, if the user does not connect the bootable device due to negligence, the calculator will prompt the user after the attempt fails. It is only displayed, that is, the user has to wait for a long time for the relevant drivers to be loaded before finding that there is no bootable device, so he has to unplug the power and connect the device to restart the machine, which will waste a lot of time.

Therefore, how to provide a prompt system and method for displaying the prompt information as early as possible to save the user's time has become an important problem to be solved urgently.

Contents of the invention

In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a system and method for prompting, so that the prompt information is displayed before the system loads the relevant driver to save time.

To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a reminder system and method. The prompt system of the present invention is applied in a data processing device with a basic input output system (BasicInput/Output System, BIOS) and a hardware device that can be used as a boot device, and the basic input output system has a power-on self-test (Power -onSelf-Test, POST) program, the prompt system includes: a scanning module, a storage module, a judgment module, a detection module and a display module. The scanning module performs a scanning operation on each hardware device that can be used as a starting device in the data processing device when the basic input and output system performs the initialization of the power-on self-test; the storage module records and stores the scanning data of the scanning operation ; The judging module extracts the scan data from the storage module, and judges whether the scan data is 0, if so, outputs a first prompt message, if not, outputs a detection message based on the extracted scan data; When the detection module receives the detection information, it judges whether the device at the first startup priority is enabled according to the preset priority. Prompt information; and the display module is used to display the first or second prompt information, thereby reminding the user that there is no hardware device that can be used as a boot device in the data processing device or that the hardware device is not enabled and/or unavailable A hardware device that acts as a boot device.

The prompting method of the present invention is applied in a data processing device having a basic input output system (BasicInput/Output System, BIOS) and a hardware device that can be used as a boot device, and the basic input output system has a power-on self-test (Power- onSelf-Test (POST) program, the prompting method includes the following steps: first, during the initialization process of the power-on self-test performed by the BIOS, a scan is performed for each hardware device that can be used as a starting device in the data processing device Then record and store the scanning data of the scanning operation; then extract and judge whether the scanning data is 0, if so, output a prompt message, if not, output a detection information according to the extracted scanning data; then according to The preset priority judges whether the device at the first startup priority is enabled; if yes, continues to execute the POST procedure normally; if not, outputs a prompt message.

Compared with the prior art, the prompting system and method of the present invention scans each hardware device that can be used as a starting device in the data processing device through the BIOS, and judges whether the scanned data is 0, and if so, outputs a prompt information, if not, judge whether the device at the first startup priority is enabled according to the preset priority, if so, continue to execute the power-on self-test program normally, if not, then output a prompt message to prompt the user The hardware device of the data processing device is disabled, thus saving a lot of waiting time for the user and improving the work efficiency of the user.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the basic architecture of the reminder system of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the prompting method of the present invention.

Description of component symbols

2 data processing device

20 Basic Input Output System

21 hint system

210 scanning module

211 storage module

212 judgment module

213 detection module

214 display module

22 CD-ROMs

23 Floppy

24 Udisks

S1 to S7 steps

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the present invention are described below through specific examples, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to the details in this specification based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 1 , which is a schematic block diagram showing the basic structure of the reminder system of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the prompting system 21 of the present invention is applied in a data processing device 2 having a basic input/output system (Basic Input/Output System, BIOS) 20 and a hardware device that can be used as a starting device, and the basic input The output system 20 has a power-on self-test (Power-on Self-Test, POST) program. In this embodiment, the data processing device 2 is a server (server), but it is not limited thereto. Others with a BIOS system Data processing devices are also suitable for the present invention, such as personal computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, etc., which are equipped with relevant operating systems. In this embodiment, the hardware devices are, for example, CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23, and Udisk 24, etc., and may also be, for example, a disk array (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks, RAID) composed of hardware devices such as hard disks (not shown in the figure). , and in actual application, the hardware device can be other devices that can be connected to the data processing device and perform data transmission, storage and/or reading.

As shown in the figure, the reminder system 21 of the present invention at least includes: a scanning module 210 , a storage module 211 , a judgment module 212 , a detection module 213 and a display module 214 .

The scanning module 210 is during the process of the BIOS 20 performing the POST initialization, preferably at the beginning of the POST initialization, the CD- ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 perform a scan operation.

The storage module 211 is used to record and store the scan data of the scan operation. In this embodiment, the scan data refers to the data of scanning the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk24 quantity, that is, if the scan operation does not scan the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 , then the scan data is 0, if the scan operation scans to the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24, then the scan data is the number of the hardware device, such as 1, 2, 3, etc.

The judging module 212 extracts the scan data from the storage module 211, and judges whether the scan data is 0, if yes, outputs a prompt message, if not, outputs a detection message according to the extracted scan data. In this embodiment, the prompt information output by the judging module 212 is first prompt information. Preferably, the first prompt information is a prompt that there is no hardware device that can be used as a starting device in the data processing device 2 .

The detection module 213 is to detect the state of the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 that can be used as a boot device when receiving the detection information, that is, the detected boot device can be used Whether the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 of the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 are enabled, if so, then continue to carry out this POST normally; If not, then output prompt information. In this embodiment, the prompt information of the detection module 213 is the second prompt information. Preferably, the second prompt information is a prompt that the hardware device that can be used as the boot device is not enabled.

It should be noted that the BIOS 20 pre-sets the boot priority for the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and Udisk 24 that can be used as boot devices. If the CD-ROM 22 with the first priority is terminated , then the Floppy 23 of the second priority rises to the position of the first priority, the Udisk 24 of the third priority rises to the position of the second priority, and so on. Then the number of hardware devices seen in the interface at the same time is one less than before. Therefore, preferably, the user only needs to check whether the first priority hardware device, that is, whether the CD-ROM 22 is enabled, can know whether there is a hardware device available for startup.

The display module 214 is used to display the prompt information. In this embodiment, the prompt information prompt includes first prompt information and second prompt information. Preferably, the first prompt information prompts that there is no hardware device that can be used as a boot device in the data processing device 2, and the second prompt information prompts that the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 have not been activated. able. Thereby prompting the user to disable the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 in the data processing device 2, for the user to choose to enter the setting interface of the BIOS according to the prompt to enable the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 or a job of rebooting.

In addition, the prompt system 21 further has a selection module 215 for the user to choose whether to enter the operating system (operating system) after displaying the first or second prompt information. In detail, when the user starts the data processing device 2, it is only to detect whether there is a CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 that can be used as a boot device or a CD-ROM that can be used as a boot device. When ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 are not enabled, enable the selection module 215, so that the user enters the setting interface of the basic input and output system to reset or directly shut down after displaying the prompt information, that is, no Then enter the operating system (operating system).

Please refer to FIG. 2 , which is a flowchart showing the basic steps of the prompting method of the present invention. In this embodiment, it shows the operation steps for prompting when the BIOS 21 in the data processing device 2 loads the driver program related to the RAID through the prompting system of the present invention and the prompting method of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, step S1 is first executed. During the process of performing the POST initialization of the BIOS 20, preferably at the beginning of the POST initialization, each of the data processing devices 2 available As the hardware device CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and Udisk 24 of the boot device, a scanning operation is performed; then step S2 is performed;

In step S2, the scan data of the scan job is recorded and stored; in this embodiment, the scan data refers to the data of the number of scans of the hardware device 22, 23 and/or 24, that is, if the scan job does not scan The CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and Udisk 24, then the scan data is 0, if the scan job scans the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk24, then the scan data is the number of the hardware device, then Proceed to step S3;

In step S3, it is judged whether the scan data is 0, if so, then proceed to step S7, if not, then proceed to step S4;

In step S4, a detection information is output according to the extracted scan data; then step S5 is performed.

In step S5, it is judged according to the preset priority whether the CD-ROM 22 positioned at the first startup priority is enabled, if so, then proceed to step S6; if not, then proceed to step S7.

In step S6, continue to execute the POST routine normally.

In step S7, prompt information is displayed. In this embodiment, the prompt information is a prompt including the first prompt information and the second prompt information. Preferably, the first prompt information prompts that there are no CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and Udisk 24 that can be used as a boot device in the data processing device 2, and the second prompt information prompts that the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 And Udisk 24 is not activated. Thereby prompting the user to disable the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 in the data processing device 2, for the user to choose to enter the setting interface of the BIOS according to the prompt to enable the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 or a job of rebooting.

In another embodiment, the prompting method of the present invention further includes a selection module step (not shown), which is for the user to choose whether to enter the operating system (operating system) after displaying the prompting information. In detail, when the user starts the data processing device 2, it only detects whether the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and Udisk 24 that can be used as a boot device are connected or the CD-ROM 22 that can be used as a boot device , Floppy 23 and/or Udisk 24 are not enabled, enable the selection module 215, so that the user enters the setting interface of the basic input and output system to reset or directly shut down after displaying the prompt information, that is, no longer enter operating system.

In yet another embodiment, the prompting method of the present invention further includes a setting step. After displaying the prompting information, in the setting interface of the basic input output system 20, set the CD-ROM that can be used as a boot device. 22. Steps for starting priority of Floppy 23 and Udisk 24 (not shown). In the present embodiment, it is to set the system in the setting interface of the basic input output system 20, which one of CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23 and Udisk 24 should be started and the order. After the setting is successful, the basic input output system 20 will be based on This sequence starts from the hardware device of the first startup priority (as CD-ROM 22 in the present embodiment).

It should be noted that the BIOS 20 pre-sets boot priorities for the CD-ROM 22, Floppy 23, and Udisk 24 that can be used as boot devices. In this embodiment, if the first priority After CD-ROM 22 is suspended, then the Floppy 23 of this second priority promptly rises to the first priority position, the Udisk 24 of the third priority rises to the second priority position, and so on, then at the same time The number of hardware devices seen in the interface is one less than before. Therefore, preferably, the user only needs to check whether the CD-ROM 22 of the first priority is enabled to know whether there is a hardware device available for booting.

It should be added that, in another embodiment, the prompting method of the present invention can directly proceed to step S6 after executing the above step S4, that is, omit the first startup priority based on the preset priority. Step S5 whether the device is enabled. The main reason for omitting step S5 is that when it is judged in step S3 that the scan data is not 0, in most cases the device with the first boot priority is enabled, so directly proceeding from step S4 to S6 can effectively increase the boot speed and efficiency.

In summary, the prompting system and method of the present invention scans each hardware device that can be used as a starting device in the data processing device through the BIOS, and judges whether the scanned data is 0, and if so, outputs a prompting message, If not, output detection information and judge whether the device at the first startup priority is enabled according to the preset priority, if so, continue to execute the power-on self-test program normally, if not, output prompt information to prompt The user's data processing device generates a hardware device that is not enabled. Therefore, the prompting system and method of the present invention can indeed solve the problem in the prior art that the user has to wait for the related drivers to be loaded before discovering that there is no prompting enabled. Therefore, the prompting system and method of the present invention It has the advantages of saving a lot of time and improving the user's work efficiency.

The above-mentioned embodiments only illustrate the principles and effects of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art will modify and change the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. A prompting system, applied in a data processing device with a basic input output system and a hardware device that can be used as a starting device, and is executed during the boot self-test program execution of the basic input output system, the prompting The system includes: The scanning module is used for performing a scanning operation on each hardware device used as a starting device in the data processing device during the boot self-test initialization process performed by the BIOS; a storage module, configured to record and store the scan data of the scan operation; A judging module, used to extract the scan data from the storage module, and judge whether the scan data is 0, if so, output a first prompt message, if not, output a detection message based on the extracted scan data; The detection module is used to judge whether the device at the first startup priority is enabled according to the preset priority when receiving the detection information, and if so, continue to execute the power-on self-test program normally, if not , output the second prompt message; and The display module is used to display the first or second prompt information, so that the user is reminded by the first prompt information that there is no hardware device that can be used as a boot device in the data processing device or the user is prompted by the second prompt information that the hardware device is Not enabled. 2. The prompt system according to claim 1, further comprising a selection module for the user to choose whether to enter the operating system after displaying the first or second prompt information. 3. The reminder system according to claim 1, wherein the scan data is the data of the number of scans of the hardware device. 4. The prompting system according to claim 1, which is executed at the initial stage of the BIOS executing the POST procedure. 5. The reminder system according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device is a server. 6. A prompting method, which is applied in a data processing device having a basic input output system and a hardware device that can be used as a starting device, and is executed during the boot self-test program of the basic input output system, the The prompt method includes the following steps: Step 1. During the boot self-test initialization process of the BIOS, perform a scanning operation on each hardware device used as a startup device in the data processing device; Step 2, recording and storing the scanned data of the scanning operation; Step 3, extracting and judging whether the scan data is 0, if so, proceed to step 6, if not, proceed to step 4; Step 4, outputting detection information according to the extracted scan data; Step 5, continue to execute the POST procedure normally; and Step 6. Display prompt information. 7. The prompting method according to claim 6, after step 4, further comprising step 4-1 judging whether the device at the first startup priority is enabled according to the preset priority; if so, proceed to step 5. If not, go to step 6. 8. The prompting method according to claim 7, wherein the prompting information prompting includes first prompting information and second prompting information. 9. The prompting method according to claim 8, wherein the first prompting information prompts that there is no hardware device in the data processing device that can be used as a starting device. 10. The prompting method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second prompting information prompts that the hardware device is not enabled. 11. The prompting method according to claim 6, further comprising a selection step for the user to choose whether to enter the operating system after displaying the prompting information. 12. The prompt method according to claim 6, further comprising a setting step, after displaying the prompt information, setting the startup priority of each hardware device that can be used as a startup device in the setup interface of the basic input and output system class. 13. The prompting method according to claim 6, wherein the scanned data is the data of the number of scanned hardware devices. 14. The prompting method according to claim 6, which is executed at the initial stage of executing the POST program of the BIOS. 15. The prompting method according to claim 6, wherein the data processing device is a server.

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