Function selector with external hard wired button array on computer chassis that generates interrupt to system processor
US5987537A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F13/24
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a computer system with a button array on the computer chassis for simulating the operation of common consumer electronic devices. Each button of the array of buttons is hardwired to the system processor. Upon activation of one of these buttons, an interrupt signal is sent to the system processor. The system processor halts whatever it is doing, and subsequently identifies the activated button. A signal generator attached to the buttons then sends the system processor a second interrupt signal, such that upon exiting the handling of the first interrupt, the system processor is presented with a second interrupt. The system processor then handles the second interrupt. While handling this second interrupt, the system processor executes whatever function corresponds to the activated button. The system processor then exits the handling of the second interrupt and resumes whatever activity it was engaged in before the activation of the button.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.