System and method for saving the state for advanced microprocessor operating modes
First Claim
1. In a computer system having a system memory and a central processing unit (CPU) operable in an enhanced mode and in a real mode, a method of saving an operational state of the CPU corresponding to the enhanced mode prior to a power-down of the computer system, comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving, while in the enhanced mode, a power-down request to power down the computer system;
(b) actuating, in response to said step (a), a resume processing module residing in the system memory for saving operational states and switching modes, accessible to the CPU during operation in the real mode;
(c) saving the operational state of the enhanced mode using said resume processing module;
(d) switching from the enhanced mode to the real mode using said resume processing module;
(e) performing a controlled power-off sequence.
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Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, a resume processing driver for an advanced microprocessor, such as the Intel 80386 operating in enhanced mode, is provided which saves data indicative of the operating conditions of the advanced microprocessor into system memory and then calls a previously existing resume processing routine designed for a previously existing operating system, such as MS-DOS operating in real mode. The previously existing resume processing routine performs additional processing in order to save operating condition data associated with the previously existing operating system into system memory, and then performs a controlled power off sequence and removes the power supplied to all elements of the computer except the computer memory. Thereafter, the existing resume processing routine performs processing to restore the operating condition data associated with the previously existing operating system from system memory and then passes control to the resume processing driver of the present invention. The resume processing driver restores the data indicative of the operating conditions of the advanced microprocessor from system memory, and control then passes to the computer program which was executing before the resume processing driver was initiated. In addition, in another embodiment, the present invention is able to properly switch from the enhanced mode to the real mode and then back to the enhanced mode for use in applications other than resume functions.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. In a computer system having a system memory and a central processing unit (CPU) operable in an enhanced mode and in a real mode, a method of saving an operational state of the CPU corresponding to the enhanced mode prior to a power-down of the computer system, comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving, while in the enhanced mode, a power-down request to power down the computer system; (b) actuating, in response to said step (a), a resume processing module residing in the system memory for saving operational states and switching modes, accessible to the CPU during operation in the real mode; (c) saving the operational state of the enhanced mode using said resume processing module; (d) switching from the enhanced mode to the real mode using said resume processing module; (e) performing a controlled power-off sequence. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. In a computer system having a system memory and a central processing unit (CPU) operable in an enhanced mode and in a real mode, said CPU being able to execute a plurality of instructions and wherein said enhanced and real modes utilize different memory addressing and data register schemes, a method of switching from the enhanced mode to the real mode, and subsequently switching back to the enhanced mode, said mode switching method comprising the steps of:
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(a) saving an operational state of the enhanced mode, (b) switching from the enhanced mode to the real mode, (c) executing a resume processing program, residing in system memory, designed to operate in the real mode and be accessible to the CPU during operation in the real mode, (d) switching from the real mode to the enhanced mode, (e) performing a controlled power-off sequence, and (f) restoring said operational state of the enhanced mode saved in step (a).
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27. A computer system having a system memory and a central processing unit (CPU) operable in an enhanced mode and in a real mode capable of saving an operational state of the CPU corresponding to the enhanced mode prior to a power-down of the computer system, comprising:
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power-down detection means for receiving, while in the enhanced mode, a power-down request to power down the computer system; actuation means for actuating, in response to said power-down detection means, a resume processing module residing in the system memory for saving operational states and switching modes, accessible to the CPU during operation in the real mode; state saving means, responsive to said power-down detection means, for saving the operational state of the enhanced mode using said resume processing module; a processor mode switcher for switching the CPU from the enhanced mode to the real mode using said resume processing module; and power-down means for performing a controlled power-off sequence in response to said processor mode switcher. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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31. A computer implemented system having a system memory and a central processing unit (CPU) operable in an enhanced mode and in a real mode for saving an operational state of the CPU corresponding to the enhanced mode prior to a power-down of the computer system and for subsequently restoring the state of the CPU corresponding to the enhanced mode, comprising:
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state saving means for saving the operational state of the enhanced mode; a processor mode switcher, responsive to said state saving means, for switching the CPU from the enhanced mode to the real mode; a resume processing program residing in system memory, responsive to said processor mode switcher, designed to operate in the real mode and be accessible to the CPU during operation in the real mode, said processor mode switching means for switching from the real mode to the enhanced mode, and state restoration means for restoring said operational state of the enhanced mode saved by said state saving means.
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Specification