The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 26, 2011
Filed:
May. 26, 2004
Vincent Zimmer, Federal Way, WA (US);
Michael Rothman, Puyallup, WA (US);
Greg Miller, Portland, OR (US);
Mark Doran, Olympia, WA (US);
Vincent Zimmer, Federal Way, WA (US);
Michael Rothman, Puyallup, WA (US);
Greg Miller, Portland, OR (US);
Mark Doran, Olympia, WA (US);
Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
Firmware-based conversion methods for storing converted firmware variables in a firmware storage device, such as flash memory. Under one method, 'eager' compression of firmware is performed. In response to a storage request, a determination is made to whether a compressor is available. If it is, the firmware variable is stored in a compressed form in the storage device; if not, the firmware variable is stored in an uncompressed form. In response to a read request for a stored firmware variable, a determination is made to whether the variable is stored in a compressed or uncompressed form. If it is compressed, a decompressor is employed to return the variable to its uncompressed form prior to providing it to the requestor; already uncompressed variables are provided directly to the requester. An application program interface is provided to enable operating system runtime access to the firmware variables. Similar conversions may be employed separately or in parallel, including encryption.