US6802015B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for accelerating the speed of a CPU using a system command having an operation not associated with changing the speed of the CPU
Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
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Filing: 2000-12-29
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Granted: 2004-10-05
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Expires: 2020-12-29
Abstract
Abstract A computer system supports operation of a CPU at multiple clock speeds. Logic in the computer system predicts the performance requirements of the CPU, and selects the fastest clock speed to optimize performance. In one embodiment, a Keyboard controller receives user inputs from various user input devices, including a mouse and keyboard. The Keyboard controller identifies user inputs that reflect a system command, such as, for example, a mouse click, selection of the Alt key with another key, or any special function keys associated with a software application. If such a user input is detected, the Keyboard controller generates a system management interrupt (SMI) to the CPU. In response, the CPU calls a speed control algorithm that identifies the source of the SMI and increases the clock speed to the processor by providing a control input to a multiplexer or switch that selects the highest clock speed for the CPU.
Inventors
- 👤 Lee W. Atkinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 06:51
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/26; G06F1/32; G06F1/3203; G06F1/3234; G06F1/324; Y; Y02; Y02D; Y02D10/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for accelerating the speed of a CPU, comprising: detecting user inputs; comparing any user inputs to a list of inputs that indicate a system command; accelerating the speed of the CPU if a user input indicates a system command; and performing an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the speed of the CPU nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for accelerating the speed of a CPU, comprising: detecting user inputs; comparing any user inputs to a list of inputs that indicate a system command; accelerating the speed of the CPU if a user input indicates a system command; and performing an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the speed of the CPU nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein a Keyboard controller detects the user inputs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein the user input comprises a keyboard that generates a make code signal to the keyboard controller when a key is pressed, and which generates a break code signal when the key is lifted.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein the keyboard controller identifies the make code and translates it to a scan code.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 4 , wherein the Keyboard controller compares the make code with the list of inputs that indicate a system command.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 5 , wherein the Keyboard controller asserts a system management interrupt to the CPU if the make code matches an entry in the list of inputs that indicate a system command, and in response, power management software is called that accelerates the speed of the CPU.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 4 , wherein the Keyboard controller includes a buffer for storing scan codes, and the Keyboard controller generates a system hardware interrupt when the buffer is becoming full.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein the CPU executes a system BIOS, and the system BIOS responds to the system hardware interrupt by reading the scan codes from the buffer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the system BIOS compares the scan code with the list of inputs that indicates a system command.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the system CPU executes a system BIOS, and the system BIOS responds to the system hardware interrupt by reading the scan codes from the buffer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 10 , wherein the system BIOS calls power management software if an entry in the scan code matches one of the entries in the list of inputs that indicate a system command.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the system BIOS responds to a software interrupt call to retrieve the scan codes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein the system BIOS compares the scan code with the list of inputs that indicates a system command.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 13 , wherein the system BIOS calls power management software if an entry in the scan code matches one of the entries in the list of inputs that indicate a system command.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein the user input comprises a pointing device that periodically transmits a packet of information to the Keyboard controller identifying position and whether a button has been depressed on the pointing device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein the Keyboard controller examines the packet to determine if a button has been depressed on the pointing device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein the Keyboard controller determines if the button on the pointing device has been double-clicked.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 17 , wherein the Keyboard controller transmits a system management interrupt to the CPU if a button on the pointing device has been double-clicked, and in response, power management software is called that accelerates the speed of the CPU.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the user inputs are detected by the Operating system.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 19 , wherein the list of inputs identifies keystrokes that represent system commands.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the Operating system identifies activation of system command keys by the user, and in response, calls power management software to increase the speed of the CPU.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the CPU continues low speed operation if a system command is not detected.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
132 words
A computer system, comprising: a CPU capable of operating at two different clock speeds; a multiplexer that selects the clock speed at which the CPU operates; a Keyboard controller coupled to said CPU; at least one user input device coupled to said Keyboard controller; wherein said Keyboard controller detects input signals from said user input device that indicate a system command, and in response generates a system management interrupt to said CPU; and wherein said CPU, in response to said system management interrupt, provides a control input to said multiplexer to accelerate the clock speed at which the CPU operates and performs an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the clock speed of the CPU nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
132 words
A computer system, comprising: a CPU capable of operating at two different clock speeds; a multiplexer that selects the clock speed at which the CPU operates; a Keyboard controller coupled to said CPU; at least one user input device coupled to said Keyboard controller; wherein said Keyboard controller detects input signals from said user input device that indicate a system command, and in response generates a system management interrupt to said CPU; and wherein said CPU, in response to said system management interrupt, provides a control input to said multiplexer to accelerate the clock speed at which the CPU operates and performs an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the clock speed of the CPU nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 23 , wherein the user input device comprises a mouse, and said Keyboard controller generates the system management interrupt in response to a mouse click.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 23 , wherein the user input device comprises a keyboard.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 25 , wherein the Keyboard controller generates the system management interrupt in response to a depression of a predetermined system command keystroke by the user.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 23 , wherein the CPU calls a speed control algorithm in response to the system management interrupt.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 23 , wherein the Keyboard controller couples to a South bridge, and said South bridge generates a Stopclock signal to said CPU to turn off the clock input to said CPU.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 23 , wherein the two clock speeds are fast and slow, and further comprising a voltage control circuit that supplies power to said CPU at a selected voltage level, and wherein the voltage level to the CPU varies depending on whether the CPU is operating at a fast clock speed or a low clock speed.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of accelerating or maintaining the clock speed of a CPU at its highest speed, comprising the acts of: detecting user inputs; analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command; operating the CPU at its highest clock speed in response to receipt of the system command; and performing an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the clock speed of the CPU nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of accelerating or maintaining the clock speed of a CPU at its highest speed, comprising the acts of: detecting user inputs; analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command; operating the CPU at its highest clock speed in response to receipt of the system command; and performing an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the clock speed of the CPU nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 30 , further comprising the act of generating a system management interrupt to the CPU indicating a system command has been received.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the clock speed of the CPU is maintained at its fastest speed in response to receipt of a system command within a predetermined time period.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying a mouse double-click and interpreting that user input as a system command.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying a predetermined keystroke combination.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 19 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying selection of an Alt key in combination with another key as a system command.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the act of operating the CPU at its highest clock speed occurs as an extended burst event.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of accelerating the clock speed of a processor, comprising the acts of: detecting user inputs; analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command; generating an interrupt to a CPU indicating a system command has been received; and increasing the clock speed of the processor in response to receipt of the system command; and performing an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the clock speed of the processor nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
87 words
A method of accelerating the clock speed of a processor, comprising the acts of: detecting user inputs; analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command; generating an interrupt to a CPU indicating a system command has been received; and increasing the clock speed of the processor in response to receipt of the system command; and performing an operation associated with the system command, wherein the operation does not comprise changing the clock speed of the processor nor causing the speed of the CPU to be changed.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the interrupt comprises a system management interrupt.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the clock speed of the processor is increased to its fastest speed in response to receipt of a system command.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying a mouse click within a particular application and interpreting that user input as a system command.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying a selection of an Enter key and interpreting that input as a system command.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying a selection of a Page Up or Page Down key and interpreting those inputs as a system command.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying a selection of a special function key and interpreting that input as a system command.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the act of analyzing the user inputs to identify a system command includes identifying a selection of an Alt key in combination with another key as a system command.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 37 , wherein the processor comprises the CPU.
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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) | 2007-10-05 | 2008-04-05 | 2008-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-10-05 | 2012-04-05 | 2012-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-10-05 | 2016-04-05 | 2016-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |