Patents by Inventor Amy O'Donnell

Amy O'Donnell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6754828
    Abstract: A novel processor architecture and algorithms are provided which improve non-volatile memory updates and increases processor performance in successive generations of processors. A new processor architecture is supported by a software model consisting of two new firmware layers and the legacy 32 bit basic input output system (BIOS) firmware. The new firmware layers consist of a Processor Abstraction Layer (PAL) and a System Abstraction Layer (SAL). The PAL and SAL have procedure calls which allow updates of the firmware components in the non-volatile memory of a system, e.g. non-volatile ROM. The present invention includes invoking a system abstraction layer update procedure to implement a new input binary into the non-volatile memory. An algorithm for the non-volatile memory includes selecting a lead processor to perform an update and using the system abstraction layer update procedure. The system abstraction layer update procedure is used to call an appropriate authentication routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Suresh Marisetty, Andrew J. Fish, Yan Li, Mani Ayyar, Amy O'Donnell, George Thangadurai, Sham M. Datta
  • Patent number: 6587947
    Abstract: An electronic system and corresponding method for verifying the integrity of code that is stored off-chip. The electronic system comprises a memory element to store Processor Abstraction Layer (PAL) code and a processor coupled to the memory element. The processor verifies the integrity of the PAL code prior to execution of the PAL code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Amy O'Donnell, George Thangadurai, Anand Rajan
  • Patent number: 6571335
    Abstract: An electronic system and corresponding method for authenticating firmware stored in a memory element external to a processor. In one embodiment, an electronic system comprises a processor and a memory element. The memory element is used to contain firmware and a digital signature of the firmware signed by a signatory. Coupled to the memory element, the processor authenticates the firmware during a predetermined condition, which occurs prior to execution of the firmware, through use of a pre-stored public key of the signatory and a pre-stored digital signature function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Amy O'Donnell, George Thangadurai, Anand Rajan