Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-18
2003-03-18
Gaffin, Jeffrey (Department: 2182)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
C713S100000, C709S220000, C710S104000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06535974
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates in general to boot programs in electronic devices such as digital computers which include one or more processors that utilize programs stored in memory to commence operation. More particularly, the present invention pertains to replacement of an inoperable boot program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method for replacement of an inoperable boot program without physical access to and removal of the memory in which is stored the inoperable boot program.
BACKGROUND ART
In order for electronic devices such as digital computers which include one or more processors that utilize programs stored in memory to commence operation, it is necessary upon initial powerup to automatically load sufficient instructions to enable the device to perform basic input and output tasks, and locate and load the remainder of its operating system. These relatively minimal instructions are commonly referred to with a variety of names, such as the boot program, boot loader or flash kernel. The boot program must be stored in nonvolatile memory, such as a read only memory (hereinafter, “boot ROM”), in a block (often called the “boot record”) beginning at a preselected address so that upon initial powerup hardware circuitry can locate and load the boot program for processor execution.
If the boot program cannot be successfully loaded for processor execution, the computer cannot proceed with any further operation. If such inoperability is due to corruption of the boot program or other boot ROM malfunction, heretofore operation could be restored only by replacement of the boot ROM. Since the boot ROM is nearly universally included on the computer main or daughter board, time consuming and labor intensive physical disassembly of the computer by a skilled technician was required before proper operation could be restored. This made repair costly and, in some instances, economically prohibitive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for replacement of an inoperable boot program.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device and method for replacement of an inoperable boot program without physical access to, or removal of, the memory including the inoperable boot program.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device and method for replacement of an inoperable boot program without the need for a skilled technician.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device and method for replacement of an inoperable boot program that is simple to operate and may be performed by the user.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention over existing prior art forms will become more apparent and fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In general, a device for user replacement of an inoperable, first boot loader program includes a boot memory including the first boot loader program beginning at a first address, an external memory including a second boot loader program beginning at a second memory address, a switch for receiving user selection of one of the first boot loader program and the second boot loader program and generating a selection signal corresponding to the user selected boot loader program, and combinational logic receiving the selection signal, enabling the selected boot loader program and disabling the other boot loader program.
A method for user replacement of an inoperable, first boot loader program in a boot memory of a device, including the steps of operatively associating with the device an external memory including a second boot loader program beginning at a second memory address, actuating a switch to select the second boot loader program and generating at least one signal enabling the selected boot loader program and disabling the other boot loader program.
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Chang Yung-Fu
Leeson Randal A.
Accelent Systems Inc.
Mai RiJue
Robbins Howard S.
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