Power button controlled diagnostic mode for an information appliance
US6477482B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/2284
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system adds functionality to a power button where use of the power button controls the entry and exit from a diagnostic mode. The system includes an information appliance connected to a diagnostic appliance. Once an information appliance is powered up, the information appliance monitors its power button for a press which indicates a request to enter a diagnostic mode. Absent a press of the power button, the system continues to be under control of the information appliance and never enters a diagnostic mode. However, if a press of the power button is detected, the system enters a diagnostic mode. Once in a diagnostic mode the system provides an exit therefrom by interpreting a power button press as a request to exit. The window of time to make such an exit closes once the diagnostic appliance achieves communication with the information appliance. If the power button is pressed during this window of time, then the system ends its diagnostic mode and control of the system returns to the information appliance. If the power button is pressed after the window of time has closed, then the diagnostic appliance retains control of the information appliance and maintains its ability to exec…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.