Asking the experts - Controlling a point-of-load regulator

I'm a patent researcher looking for examples, before 2002, of controlling a point-of-load (POL) regulator by use of a microprocessor. In this case, a serial bus is used to communicate between a power controller and a POL regulator. The power controller is actually performing calculations instead of merely enabling/disabling or monitoring. I' happy to clarify or answer any questions you may have. For additional info you can look at US patent 6,949,916; I believe what is discussed in this patent actually existed before 2002. Any assistance would be appreciated.