Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2016
Title: John Glen Rockford: Innovator in Firmware Technology
Introduction
John Glen Rockford is a notable inventor based in Wading River, NY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of firmware technology, particularly with his innovative methods for upgrading firmware residing in ROM.
Latest Patents
Rockford holds a patent for a "Firmware ROM patch method." This system allows firmware in ROM to be upgraded without the need to re-spin silicon. A one-bit flag is assigned for each patchable function, indicating whether a firmware upgrade should occur. The initial statement of each function checks its associated flag to determine if patch-code should be executed instead of the current function in ROM. If the flag is not set, the code continues to execute normally. However, if the flag is set, a function identifier is placed into a global memory location, and an assembly language 'jump' instruction is executed. This redirects program control to a specified location in volatile Scratch Read Only Memory (SROM) where the corresponding patched code is stored. If multiple functions are patched, the global identifier helps determine which patched function to execute. This innovative approach allows the patched function to return normally to its calling function after execution.
Career Highlights
Rockford is currently employed at Standard Microsystems Corporation, where he continues to develop and refine his technological innovations. His work has had a lasting impact on the firmware industry, showcasing his expertise and dedication to advancing technology.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Rockford has collaborated with talented individuals such as Andrew J Odlivak and Ravindra Kumar. These partnerships have contributed to the success of his projects and innovations.
Conclusion
John Glen Rockford is a distinguished inventor whose work in firmware technology has paved the way for advancements in the field. His innovative methods for upgrading firmware demonstrate his commitment to improving technology and enhancing functionality.