Utilization of a microcode interpreter built in to a processor
View Patent ↗Augmented processor hardware contains a microcode interpreter. When encrypted microcode is included in a message from a service, the microcode may be passed to the microcode interpreter. Based on decryption and execution of the microcode taking place at the processor hardware, extended functionality may be realized.
1. A method of responding to a query, said method comprising:
at a processor containing a microcode interpreter, receiving, from a location determination device, a query, said query including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said location determination device;
passing said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receiving a result of execution of said microcode;
based on said result, generating said response; and
transmitting, to said location determination device, said response.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said block of microcode comprises encrypted microcode.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising encrypting said response.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said microcode functions to determine an indication of a location of a device that has received the query.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said indication of said location of said device comprises latitude and longitude coordinates.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said indication of said location of said device comprises a digital image.
7. A processor containing a microcode interpreter, the processor configured to:
receive, from a location determination device, a query, said query including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said location determination device;
pass said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receive a result of execution of said microcode;
generate said response; and
transmit, to said location determination device, said response.
8. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when performed by a processor containing a microcode interpreter, cause said processor to:
receive, from a location determination device, a query, said query including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said location determination device;
pass said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receive a result of execution of said microcode;
generate said response; and
transmit, to said location determination device, said response.
9. A method of responding to a control message, said method comprising:
at a processor containing a microcode interpreter, receiving, from a privacy control device, a control message, said control message including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said privacy control device;
passing said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receiving a result of execution of said microcode;
based on said result, generating said response; and
transmitting, to said privacy control device, said response.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said microcode functions to put into place controls to limit a manner in which responses are generated to received queries.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said microcode functions to disable the device that has received the control message.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said microcode functions to instruct a processor to blow a fuse.
13. A processor containing a microcode interpreter, the processor configured to:
receive, from a privacy control device, a control message, said control message including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said privacy control device;
pass said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receive a result of execution of said microcode;
generate said response; and
transmit, to said privacy control device, said response.
14. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when performed by a processor containing a microcode interpreter, cause said processor to:
receive, from a privacy control device, a control message, said control message including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said privacy control device;
pass said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receive a result of execution of said microcode;
generate said response; and
transmit, to said privacy control device, said response.
15. A method of responding to a historical data retrieval message, said method comprising:
at a processor containing a microcode interpreter, receiving, from a historical data retrieval device, a historical data retrieval message, said historical data retrieval message including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said historical data retrieval device;
passing said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receiving a result of execution of said microcode;
based on said result, generating said response; and
transmitting, to said historical data retrieval device, said response.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said historical data comprises data related to the operation of a device that has received the historical data retrieval message.
17. A processor containing a microcode interpreter, the processor configured to:
receive, from a historical data retrieval device, a historical data retrieval message, said historical data retrieval message including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said historical data retrieval device;
pass said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receive a result of execution of said microcode;
generate said response; and
transmit, to said historical data retrieval device, said response.
18. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer-executable instructions that, when performed by processor containing a microcode interpreter, cause said processor to:
receive, from a historical data retrieval device, a historical data retrieval message, said historical data retrieval message including a block of microcode and an indication of a destination for a response, where said destination comprises said historical data retrieval device;
pass said block of microcode to the microcode interpreter;
receive a result of execution of said microcode;
generate said response; and
transmit, to said historical data retrieval device, said response.