BIOS Hotkey Handling Without Interrupting Ongoing Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems interrupt ongoing operations when hotkeys are pressed, causing inconvenience to users as they halt programs to handle interrupt procedures.
Innovation Solution
A key processing method and system that uses a BIOS and controller to determine if a specific hotkey has been pressed after a predetermined time period, acquiring identification data and performing corresponding services without immediate interruption, allowing ongoing tasks to continue uninterrupted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional interrupt procedure is used for hotkey processing, then hotkey function can be executed, but ongoing operations or programs are halted causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The BIOS performs preliminary detection of hotkey presses at predetermined intervals and sets a flag in memory before the operating system needs to handle the hotkey. This allows the hotkey service routine to be executed without interrupting ongoing operations, as the detection and flag setting occur in advance during normal BIOS operation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
A flag in memory serves as an intermediary between the BIOS hotkey detection mechanism and the operating system service routine. The BIOS sets this flag when a hotkey is detected, and the operating system checks this flag to determine when to execute the hotkey service routine, thereby decoupling the detection process from the execution process and avoiding direct interruption of ongoing operations.
2Speed
If interrupt signal is used for hotkey detection, then hotkey response is immediate, but system operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using immediate interrupt signals, the BIOS performs hotkey detection periodically at predetermined time intervals. This periodic detection mechanism allows the system to maintain normal operation flow while still responding to hotkey presses, as the BIOS checks for hotkey status during its regular operation cycles without forcing immediate interruption of ongoing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a feedback mechanism where the BIOS continuously monitors hotkey status and sets a flag when a hotkey is detected. The operating system then checks this flag in its execution flow and responds accordingly, creating a feedback loop that maintains both responsiveness and operational smoothness without relying on interrupt-driven architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A key processing method for use in a computer system having at least one BIOS (basic input output system) and one controller is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. After a predetermined time period, it is first determined whether a specific hotkey has been pressed. If so, the BIOS acquires identification data of the specific hotkey from the controller and performs a corresponding service.