Abstract: A computer system has a processing unit with suspend/resume capability, a memory, and a hard disk drive. In response to a first command from the processor, the hard disk drive sends its status to the processor and the processor stores it in the memory. In response to a second command from the processor, the hard disk accepts from the processor the status retrieved by the processor from the memory, and restores itself to this status. In an alternative embodiment, the hard disk drive response to the first command by storing its status on its own hard disk, and responds to the second command by restoring this status from the hard disk. In each case, an output line from the hard disk used to control a light emitting diode is also selectively used to create an interrupt to the processor which facilitates the systems entry into the suspend mode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 9, 1995
Date of Patent:
October 26, 1999
Assignee:
Vantus Technology
Inventors:
Saifuddin T. Fakhruddin, Jiming Sun, Mark J. Foster, Scott A. Hovey, James L. Walker, Gregory Allen Mart, Randy J. Vanderheyden, Mark A. Ruthenbeck
Abstract: A laptop computer system includes a protected mode microprocessor capable of operating in restricted and unrestricted modes, and an arrangement which in response to a predetermined condition saves information from the processor and then forcibly switches the processor to its unrestricted mode of operation. When running a multi-tasking operating system where an application program is being executed in a restricted mode, a suspend/resume operation can be carried out in which the system is substantially powered down and then powered back up, and will resume the interrupted application with the restricted mode back in effect. Further, set-up changes such as adjustment of the processor speed can be made without exiting the application program running in the restricted mode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 1995
Date of Patent:
June 9, 1998
Assignee:
Vantus Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Mark J. Foster, Saifuddin T. Fakhruddin, James L. Walker, Matthew B. Mendelow, Jiming Sun, Rodman S. Brahman, Michael P. Krau, Brian D. Willoughby, Michael D. Maddix, Steven L. Belt, Scott A. Hovey, Mark A. Ruthenbeck
Abstract: A laptop computer system includes a protected mode microprocessor capable of operating in restricted and unrestricted modes, and an arrangement which in response to a predetermined condition saves information from the processor and then forcibly switches the processor to its unrestricted mode of operation. When running a multi-tasking operating system where an application program is being executed in a restricted mode, a suspend/resume operation can be carried out in which the system is substantially powered down and then powered back up, and will resume the interrupted application with the restricted mode back in effect. Further, set-up changes such as adjustment of the processor speed can be made without exiting the application program running in the restricted mode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 23, 1993
Date of Patent:
July 29, 1997
Assignee:
Vantus Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Mark J. Foster, Saifuddin T. Fakhruddin, James L. Walker, Matthew B. Mendelow, Jiming Sun, Rodman S. Brahman, Michael P. Krau, Brian D. Willoughby, Michael D. Maddix, Steven L. Belt, Scott A. Hovey, Mark A. Ruthenbeck