System for the identification and configuration of computer hardware peripherals
US5794032A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/4411
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for the automatic identification and configuration of a computer peripheral uses an initialization program to send one or more query instructions to a peripheral device such as a CD-ROM drive. In response to the query instructions, the CD-ROM drive replies with data that can be used to uniquely identify the model number or type of CD-ROM drive. The system then selects the appropriate software driver for the identified CD-ROM drive and loads the selected driver. The system can further verify proper operation of other peripheral devices, such as a hard disk drive, by using commands within the disk operating system. A floppy disk, or other computer readable storage media, contains the initialization program and a software driver file for every type of CD-ROM drive supported by the system. The system automatically identifies and loads the appropriate software driver without requiring the user to respond to technical questions related to the hardware.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.