Multi-tasking boot firmware
US6732264B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/4401
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Firmware for a computer system reduces boot time utilizing the multi-tasking capabilities of a processor to perform at least two boot tasks simultaneously. The boot tasks can be divided into groups which are executed in parallel. To accommodate certain boot tasks which must be performed in sequence, the boot tasks can be arranged in groups which are executed sequentially. The tasks within each group are performed simultaneously. The boot time is also reduced by only enumerating hardware if the system hardware has been changed since the previous boot. The firmware determines if hardware has been changed by checking an electrical hardware latch which signals whether the computer case has been opened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.