System for controlling insertion, locking, and removal of modules by removing plurality of device drivers for module to be removed from BIOS and informing BIOS of module removal
US5974473A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1656
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This is a method and system to lock and release modules on computing devices. The system may include: An automatic lock system for modules on a computing device, the system comprising: a processor connected to a system bus; an input means connected to the processor by the system bus; an output means connected to the processor by the system bus; and a module that inserts into the computing device and is connected to the system bus; a module controller that controls the module and is connected to the system bus; a latch that locks and releases the module to and from the computing device; and a subsystem that controls the latch. The system may also include a basic input/output system (BIOS). The subsystem may include: a means to determine whether the module is being accessed by the processor; a means to communicate to the module controller to terminate input/output activity; a means to remove a plurality of device drivers for the module from the BIOS; and a means to inform an operating system that the module is removed. The module may include: a battery system, a media bay module, a CD-ROM, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, and a magneto-optical drive. Other devices, systems and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.