Operating system independent apparatus and method for supporting input/output devices unsupported by executing programs
US5896534A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/45537
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A conversion methodology utilizes increasing microprocessor performance characteristics and System Management Mode ("SMM") to provide transparent support of hardware components that include features unsupported by executing application and operating system programs. In one embodiment, a PC system includes code that supports only conventional but unavailable communication interfaces. However, the PC system is equipped with a universal serial bus ("USB") controller. Although the USB controller is unsupported by the executing code by the application and operating system programs, the conversion methodology utilizes system management mode to facilitate transparent support for the USB controller. In SMM, a CPU executes SMM code independently of the operating system(s). The conversion methodology causes entry of SMM upon any I/O operation intended for the supported but unavailable conventional communication interfaces. The SMM code provides data from the USB controller in a format recognizable to the requesting non-supporting software. SMM code supports providing all da t that would otherwise be provided to supporting software.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.