Patent ID: 6694428
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In an operating system that supports software handlers, a method for identifying a peripheral device detachably coupled to a computer system, said method comprising the steps of:a) receiving an interrupt from said peripheral device, said peripheral device being coupled to a communications port of said computer system; b) responsive to said interrupt, posting an interrupt notification message to alert a notification handler running on said computer system; c) provided that said interrupt is indicative of a compliant peripheral class and said communications port is inactive, opening said communications port; d) sending an inquiry to said peripheral device via said communications port; e) monitoring to receive a response from said peripheral device via said communications port within a predetermined time period; and f) provided that said response is received from said peripheral device within said predetermined time period, posting an identification notification message based on data in said response, wherein said data can be used to classify said peripheral device and wherein a software handler registered with said operating system can handle said identification notification message upon receipt thereof.