Method and apparatus for booting up a computing system with enhanced graphics

A computing system comprises:

• a processing module;
• and
• memory operably coupled to the processing module, wherein the memory includes operational instructions that cause the processing module to (a) obtain header information from a graphics controller the header information having at least an extended mode identifier;
• (b) interpret the header information to determine whether the graphics controller is to boot up in an extended operating mode by identifying the extended mode identifier as indicating one of VGA compatible extended operating mode and non-VGA compatible extended operating mode;
• when the graphics controller is to boot up in the extended operating mode:
• (c) allocate memory for storing a boot up algorithm of the graphics controller;
• (d) provide an address pointer to the graphics controller, wherein the address pointer points to the memory;
• and (e) access the boot up algorithm from the memory when the graphics controller is to boot up.

A digital storage medium for storing operation instructions that cause a processing module to boot up a computing system, the digital storage medium comprises:

• first storage means for storing operation instructions that cause the processing module to obtain header information regarding a graphics controller, the header information having at least an extended mode identifier;
• second storage means for storing operation instructions that cause the processing module to interpret the header information to determine whether the graphics controller is to boot up in an extended operating mode by identifying the extended mode identifier as indicating one of VGA compatible extended operating mode and non-VGA compatible extended operating mode;
• when the graphics controller is to boot up in the extended operating mode:
• third storage means for storing operational instructions that cause the processing module to allocate memory for storing a boot up algorithm of the graphics controller;
• fourth storage means for storing operational instructions that cause the processing module to provide an address pointer to the graphics controller, wherein the address pointer points to the memory;
• and
• fifth storage means for storing operational instructions that cause the processing module to access the boot up algorithm from the memory when the graphics controller is to boot up.

A method for a graphics controller to boot up, the method comprises the steps of:

• a) providing header information, wherein the header information includes an extended mode identifier;
• b) providing an extended boot-up algorithm to memory, when prompted by identifying the extended mode identifier as indicating one of VGA compatible extended operating mode and non-VGA compatible extended operating mode;
• and
• c) storing an address pointer that points to the memory.

A graphics controller comprises:

• processing module;
• and
• memory operably coupled to the processing module, wherein the memory includes operational instructions that cause the processing module to (a) provide header information, wherein the header information includes an extended mode identifier;
• (b) provide an extended boot-up algorithm to memory, when prompted by identifying the extended mode identifier as indicating one of VGA compatible extended operating mode and non-VGA compatible extended operating mode;
• and
• (c) store an address pointer that points to the memory.

A method for booting up a computing system, the method comprises the steps of:

• (a) obtaining header information from a graphics controller, the header information having at least an extended mode identifier;
• (b) interpreting the header information to determine whether the graphics controller is to boot up in an extended operating mode by identifying the extended mode identifier as indicating one of VGA compatible extended operating mode and non-VGA compatible extended operating mode, when the graphics controller is to boot up in the extended operating mode:
• (c) allocating memory for storing a boot up algorithm of the graphics controller;
• (d) providing an address pointer to the graphics controller wherein the address pointer points to the memory;
• (e) when the graphics controller is to boot up, accessing the boot up algorithm from the memory;
• (f) using a bandwidth corresponding to data bandwidth capabilities of the computing system to execute the boot-up algorithm;
• (g) obtaining timing parameters of an associated display from one of the associated display or via default display settings;
• and
• (h) using the timing parameters to perform a boot-up graphics display.

A computing system comprises:

• a processing module;
• and
• memory operably coupled to the processing module, wherein the memory includes operational instructions that cause the processing module to (a) obtain header information from a graphics controller, the header information having at least an extended mode identifier;
• (b) interpret the header information to determine whether the graphics controller is to boot up in an extended operating mode by identifying the extended mode identifier as indicating one of VGA compatible extended operating mode and non-VGA compatible extended operating mode;
• when the graphics controller is to boot up in the extended operating mode:
• (c) allocate memory for storing a boot up algorithm of the graphics controller;
• (d) provide an address pointer to the graphics controller, wherein the address pointer points to the memory;
• (e) access the boot up algorithm from the memory when the graphics controller is to boot up;
• (f) use a bandwidth corresponding to data bandwidth capabilities of the computing system to execute the boot-up algorithm;
• (g) obtain timing parameters of an associated display from one of the display or via default display settings;
• and (h) use the timing parameters to perform a boot-up graphics display.