Serial Port Buffer Loopback for Application BIOS Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-tasking operating system environments, it is impractical for application programs to directly access main memory or external storage, and for the BIOS to access external storage, requiring complex system call instructions or application programming interfaces, making it difficult to pass data from application programs to the BIOS.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with an input/output port featuring a buffer memory, where an application program writes data into a transmit buffer, and the BIOS reads it from a receive buffer, using a loopback bit or jumper plug to facilitate direct data transfer between terminals, allowing data to be easily passed between the application program and the BIOS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application programs store data into main memory or external storage for BIOS access, then data can be transmitted from application to BIOS, but the system requires complicated functions such as system call instructions or API in multi-task OS environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission function from the complex OS system call/API mechanism and implements it directly through the input/output port's buffer memory. The application program writes data to the transmit buffer and the BIOS reads from the receive buffer, bypassing the need for system call instructions or API, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The input/output port's buffer memory acts as an intermediary between the application program and the BIOS. The transmit buffer and receive buffer serve as mediation points that enable direct data transfer without requiring the application program to access main memory or external storage through complex OS mechanisms
2Productivity
If BIOS gains direct access to external storage in multi-task OS environment, then data can be accessed directly, but it requires generating a huge amount of preparation programs in the BIOS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data access function from the BIOS and redirects it to use the input/output port's buffer memory. Instead of the BIOS accessing external storage directly (which would require preparation programs), the BIOS simply reads from the receive buffer where data has already been placed by the application program, thereby improving productivity without increasing BIOS complexity
3Ease of operation
If direct memory access is made available to application in multi-task OS environment, then data transfer is simplified, but the OS requires complicated functions such as system call instruction or application program interface
Solution Approach 1:
The input/output port's buffer memory serves as an intermediary that enables direct data transfer from the application program to the BIOS without requiring the application to access main memory directly. The application writes to the transmit buffer and the BIOS reads from the receive buffer, achieving ease of operation without needing complex OS functions like system call instructions or API
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an application program which can directly access a transmit buffer of a serial port. Data written into the transmit buffer by the application program is transferred into a receive buffer of the serial port via a switching element. The computer BIOS is enabled to directly access the receive buffer and therefore read the data written by the application program. The state of the switching element may be controlled by the application program to selectively allow data transfer from the transmit buffer to the receive buffer. A jumper plug may be used to create a short circuit between the transmit buffer and the receive buffer instead of closing the switching element.