Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing the location of machine-dependent code is disclosed. In a departure from the art, code for implementing an applications program interface (API) or other machine dependent program is divided into a system management mode (SMM) portion and a non-SMM portion, depending on whether the code needs to be implemented in a secure environment or not, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the non-SMM portion of the API maintains a BIOS jump table comprising an indexed array of function addresses, and the SMM portion of the API maintains a parallel, but nonidentical, SMM jump table. For each API function that is to be executed in SMM, that is, for each function that must be executed in a secure environment, the indexed BIOS jump table entry calls an SMM interface (SMI) function, which initiates SMM by generating a system management interrupt and accesses the parallel SMM jump table.

Abstract: A docking detection and suspend circuit for portable computer/expansion chassis docking system. A first circuit within the portable computer is capable of detecting an impending electrical coupling of the portable computer to a corresponding docking station and generating a signal indicating the impending coupling. A second circuit within the portable computer and coupled to the first circuit is capable of receiving the signal and placing the portable computer in a suspend mode at least until the portable computer fully electrically couples to the docking station. The present invention relieves a computer user of the task of manually placing the portable computer in the suspend mode prior to docking with the docking station. The present invention protects components within both the portable computer and the docking station from being damaged by docking the portable computer when in a normal operational mode and prevents the user's data from being corrupted.

Abstract: A device in which functions of both a conventional mouse and a numerical data entry keypad are integrated into a single unit is disclosed. A conventional mouse ball is disposed on the bottom of the device. Pointer select buttons are disposed on a forward portion of the top of the device and numerical entry keys are disposed on a rearward portion of the top of the device. A microprocessor responsive to the ball, buttons, and keys, generates appropriate signals for input to a single I/O port in a computer. A hood is also provided which is hingedly attached to the device between the forward and rearward portions thereof such that it is rotatable between a first position in which the numerical data entry keys are rendered accessible, thereby enabling the device to function as a numerical keypad, and a second position, in which the numerical data entry keys are rendered inaccessible, thereby enabling the device to function as a conventional mouse.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting BIOS independent power management of a personal computer system having a processor complex connected via a system bus to at least one I/O device capable of operating in a reduced power consumption state. A power control system comprising a dedicated power management microcontroller monitors the activity of various I/O devices. When a particular device or combination of devices has remained inactive for the preselected time interval, the power control system issues a bus request to a processor complex. When the processor complex acknowledges the bus request, the power control system asserts control as master of the system bus and performs the operations necessary to cause at least one device to enter a reduced power consumption state. The power control system then surrenders control of the bus to the processor complex. In one aspect, a CPU clock controller is utilized to reduce the processing speed of the processor complex CPU.