Computer system performing machine specific tasks before going to a low power state
US6732280B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/3203
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer system having an Advance Configuration and Power Interface-compliant, or ACPI, operating system performs certain machine specific tasks before going to a low power state. When the computer operating system indicates that entry into the low power state is desired, a microcontroller embedded in an input/output chip is alerted. Synchronization between the main processor of the computer system and the embedded microcontroller of the ACPI operating system is achieved, reducing the likelihood of system failure on the next boot operation. The embedded microcontroller then also causes the state of devices connected to the input/output chip to be saved. This helps the machine to go to a known state during the resume process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.