Patent ID: 7748008

Claim:
A method for using an electronic device having a processor to allow multiple applications to cooperatively access a serial port on said electronic device, said processor implementing said method comprising steps of: a) using a processor to open said serial port for a first application, registering a callback instruction for a first application using said serial port resource; b) receiving a request for said serial port from a second application wherein a request for said resource is to be accepted or denied; c) invoking said callback instruction to notify said first application of a request from a second application for said serial port, wherein said step of invoking comprises steps of: c1) sending notice to first said application of said request; and c2) receiving from said first application a response to said notice; d) yielding said serial port to said second application provided said first application grants said request, and e) providing notice to said first application that said second application is finished using said serial port, said notice indicating said serial port is available.