Microsoft Expands Rebootless Display Driver Upgrade Patent
Microsoft was just granted the rights to a more elaborate display driver update that does not require a computer system to reboot.
The approach covers three separate steps - first, to stop a display driver from running; second, to activate the Windows default VGA driver (Microsoft Basic Display Driver in Windows 8); and third to start up the new driver that is provided by an independent hardware vendor (IHV).
The patent is fairly new and dates back to an application filed in September 2011 and is apparently an updated version of a patent that was originally filed as an application in 2005 and granted in 2011. What makes the patent special is its scope that is not only limited to Windows in general, but to all "other well known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention." Te patent covers "automated teller machines, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like."
Depending on your your definition of "well-known", it refers to operating systems such as Linux and Mac OS, but iOS and Android may be especially affected by this update. One of the most notable additions in this updated patent is the consideration of cloud computing and mobile device environments. According to the just granted patent, the rebootless update now also includes "distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network or other data transmission medium."
Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Wolfgang Gruener is an experienced professional in digital strategy and content, specializing in web strategy, content architecture, user experience, and applying AI in content operations within the insurtech industry. His previous roles include Director, Digital Strategy and Content Experience at American Eagle, Managing Editor at TG Daily, and contributing to publications like Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware.
-
InvalidError If Microsoft patentedReply
1- transfer control from old driver to generic driver
2- uninstall old driver
3- install new driver
4- transfer control from generic driver to new driver
This means someone else can still patent:
1- install new driver in standby state
2- transfer control from old driver to new driver
3- remove old driver
-
vaughn2k santiagoandersI thought patents had to be non-obvious. Stupid patent office.I've been writing patents, and you're right, now this is stupid...Reply -
p05esto Not sure about this patent, they must be missing something. I'm guessing it's the technology behind the scenes here that we're really talking about. It must be something no one else has thought of just yet.Reply -
alchemy69 I still remember the good ole' days when you had to reboot just to change screen resolution.Reply -
amdfangirl One year from now headlines:Reply
"Microsoft patents rebootless reboot"Microsoft has patented a computer technology colloquially known as "just having a computer running". Effective immediately, all working computers will need to pay royalties to continue using the Microsoft patented "just having a computer running".