Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Network computer configuring
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-11
2001-11-20
Harrell, Robert B. (Department: 2152)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Network computer configuring
C709S219000, C709S220000, C709S225000, C709S230000, C709S232000, C709S203000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321258
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to computer systems having networked resources and to methods for resource administration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a conventional office, a local area network (LAN) typically connects several shared resources to several workstation computers. Due to the rate of advances being made in software and computer system equipment, the office system is subject to the frequent introduction of new products including software such as word processors and computer equipment such as color printers. The interfaces between software products and equipment are complex in order to support wide application. This complexity makes the installation and proper operation of all capabilities of each new product on the LAN a daunting task for the person responsible for system operations. Workstation users are equally burdened to learn and retain operational details related to the new products. The process of installing a resource, configuring a resource, and obtaining operating information related to a resource is conventionally called resource administration.
In general, resource administration for a new or upgraded product involves setting configuration values to be stored in memory. For a software product, such values are requested on installation screens and stored with the working copy of the product on mass storage. For a resource such as an input device (scanner, mouse, instrument, etc.), an output device (printer, plotter, audio/visual component, etc.), or an I/O device (modem, disk, robot, etc.) numerous settings are specified via front panel controls, installation screens, or specified in one or more files to be edited before being activated for use by the resource. The settings are typically stored in nonvolatile memory packaged with the resource, such as an integral disk drive or EEPROM.
General purpose installation screens for use with many product configurations are often confusing to the system operator. Generality often obscures the consequences of particular values of a configuration setting. On the other hand, tailored installation screens for interoperable resources and software are particularly helpful when they include graphic images to which the system operator can associate information.
For a conventional installation or upgrade, a resource vendor, such as a printer manufacturer, supplies configuration software on removable media with the printer. The configuration software typically includes installation screens and graphic images created to match the functions and appearance of the printer. When the printer is to be upgraded or replaced, a new complement of configuration software must be installed.
Configuration software is difficult to consistently prepare and difficult to distribute and install. Preparation is made difficult by the numerous combinations of alternate functions and alternate packaging that change the appearance of the printer. Distribution of the software must be synchronized with distribution of the printer. And, installation is difficult because the new complement of configuration software may not operate correctly when components of prior configuration software are not deleted during the installation of new software.
A conventional resource administration approach provides a setup program executable file (EXE) developed to cooperate with dynamic link library files (DLLs). Installation screens and graphic images are conventionally embedded in such DLL files and accessed by specific references from the EXE files. If a DLL should require modification by the resource vendor, then the EXE is conventionally redeveloped to assure all specific references are updated in concert with the modification. Maintaining consistency among the EXE and DLL files is difficult and costly.
In view of the problems described above, the need remains in computer systems having networked resources for improved systems and methods of resource administration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a computer system in one embodiment of the present invention includes a resource and a workstation. The resource provides a message in response to an address. The workstation is coupled to the resource for data communication. The workstation includes a file system having a named file and an administrator program. The named file includes a data structure including the address and a conditional expression. The administrator is executable by the workstation and is developed independently of the filename and the data structure. The administrator sends the address to obtain the message, evaluates the conditional expression in response to the message, and reports status of the resource in response to the evaluation.
According to a first aspect of such an embodiment, independent development of the administrator program permits distribution of replacements for the file without replacement of the administrator program. Further, additional and interrelated files are added in an alternate variation without replacement of the administrator program.
A prerecorded data storage medium in another embodiment of the present invention includes a data storage medium and machine readable indicia recorded on the medium. The indicia include a file system, a data structure, and a file. The file system includes a first filename and a second filename. The data structure, identified by the first filename, supplies an external parameter and an address to a provided machine executable program for obtaining a message from a resource at the address. The program is developed without foreknowledge of the external parameter. The file, identified by the second filename, supplies to the program a description of a status of the resource. The second filename is identified by the external parameter in response to the message. The program reports the status responsive to the description.
According to a first aspect of such an embodiment, the program is independent of both the data structure and the file, allowing the data structure and the file to be revised and replaced without the need to revise or replace the program. Expansion of system level capabilities is thereby less likely to introduce errors into system functions that existed prior to the expansion.
A prerecorded data storage medium in yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a data storage medium and machine readable indicia recorded on the medium. The indicia include a file system, a first data structure, a second data structure, and a file. The file system includes a first, a second, and a third filename. The first data structure, identified by the first filename, supplies a first external parameter to a provided machine executable program for determining the second filename. The program is developed without foreknowledge of the first external parameter. The second data structure, identified by the second filename, supplies a second external parameter and an address for obtaining a message from a resource at the address. The file, identified by the third filename, supplies to the program a description of a status of the resource. The third filename is identified by the second external parameter in response to the message. The program reports the status responsive to the description.
According to an aspect of such an embodiment, references from the first data structure to the second data structure simplify development of the second data structure.
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pa
Eamon, Jr. Robert R.
Stollfus Brennen W.
Harrell Robert B.
Hewlett--Packard Company
Willett Stephan
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