Effecting a processor operating mode change to execute device code
US7581037B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/4403
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Provided are a method, system and program for effecting a processor operating mode change to execute device code. A processor receives a call while the processor is operating in a first mode, wherein the call is made to effect execution of device code to control a device. The processor determines whether the call is intended to change a processor operating mode from the first mode to a second mode. The state of the processor is selectively changed to a second mode in which the processor executes second mode instructions loaded in a protected section of memory inaccessible to an operating system in response to determining that the call is intended to change the processor operating mode. The second mode instructions execute the device code to control the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.