US5134580A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer with capability to automatically initialize in a first operating system of choice and reinitialize in a second operating system without computer shutdown
Assignee: Lenovo Singapore Pte Ltd
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Filing: 1990-03-22
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Granted: 1992-07-28
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Expires: 2010-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A computer system with read-only memory and permanent read/write memory provides the user with the capability of loading an alternate operating system at the conclusion of a session without turning the computer off and then on. A customization word with a system request (SR) bit is located in read/write memory and is set by routines located in ROM upon user request. A reinitialization is then forced which resets the SR bit and brings up the machine in the alternate operating system located in external memory on a diskette or fixed disk. A flexible initialization system is also disclosed providing customized initialization in a variety of operating systems and applications. The preferred customized initialization is maintained for future system start-ups due to the resetting of the SR bit.
Inventors
- 👤 Randal L. Bertram
- 👤 Dwayne T. Crump
- 👤 Jeffrey V. Ford
- 👤 Glenn E. Welman
- 👤 John P. Wright
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:49
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/4401; G06F9/4406; G06F9/441
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
202 words
A computer system with the capability of automatically initializing itself in an operating system of choice, comprising: a data processor; random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM) and permanent read/write memory, all connected to said data processor; system drive means connected to said processor for holding alternate operating systems; input means and output means both connected to said processor; customization word means located in said permanent read/write memory for directing the initialization of said computer system in the operating system of choice when power is turned on; indicia means located within said input means for enabling the user to request an alternate system through operation of said indicia means; routines located in ROM to check for the operation of indicia means, and if operated, to set an alternate system request (SR) bit in said customization word means and force a system reset; and initialization routines located in ROM and operable upon system reset for checking said SR bit resetting said SR bit, and loading said alternate system from said system drive means; whereby said computer system is restarted in an alternate operating system without turning said computer off and then on and without changing the manner of initialization on future start-ups.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
202 words
A computer system with the capability of automatically initializing itself in an operating system of choice, comprising: a data processor; random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM) and permanent read/write memory, all connected to said data processor; system drive means connected to said processor for holding alternate operating systems; input means and output means both connected to said processor; customization word means located in said permanent read/write memory for directing the initialization of said computer system in the operating system of choice when power is turned on; indicia means located within said input means for enabling the user to request an alternate system through operation of said indicia means; routines located in ROM to check for the operation of indicia means, and if operated, to set an alternate system request (SR) bit in said customization word means and force a system reset; and initialization routines located in ROM and operable upon system reset for checking said SR bit resetting said SR bit, and loading said alternate system from said system drive means; whereby said computer system is restarted in an alternate operating system without turning said computer off and then on and without changing the manner of initialization on future start-ups.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said permanent read/write memory is battery backed-up for retaining data during periods when computer power is off.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said ROM contains a default operating system which is automatically loaded into RAM unless said customization word means directs otherwise.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said ROM contains a shell means which is automatically loaded into RAM with said default operating system for creating on said output means a display of choices for operator interaction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 4 wherein said display of choices include information, utility software, personal software and operating system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said customization word means contains bits for directing the initialization of said system in one of the choices on said display of choices.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said ROM contains default operating system files which are automatically loaded into RAM with said default operating system unless said customization word means directs otherwise.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said customization word means contains for directing the initialization of said system in an application of choice.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said customization word means contains bits for directing the initialization of said system in an application of choice.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-07-28 | 1996-01-27 | 1996-07-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-07-28 | 2000-01-27 | 2000-07-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-07-28 | 2004-01-27 | 2004-07-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |