Processor unique processor number feature with a user controllable disable capability
US6289459A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2207/7219
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A software method of setting a state in a processor regarding whether a processor number encoded in the processor will be available for reading is described. The method comprises prompting the user to enter an indication whether the processor number should be available for reading by a program. Then, setting a state to inhibit the processor number from being read by a program if the indication indicates that the processor number should not be available for reading by the program. For one embodiment, the method further includes testing the indication if a request for the processor number is received, and releasing the processor number if the indication indicates that the processor number is available.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.