Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery – Data processing system error or fault handling – Reliability and availability
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-14
2001-09-18
Beausoleil, Robert (Department: 2784)
Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery
Data processing system error or fault handling
Reliability and availability
C379S010030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292909
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to testing apparatus, and more particular to apparatus and methods for testing the operability of transaction systems to find errors and faults, as experienced by customers and users of the systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The networking of computers and the computerized equipment has lead to substantial enhancements in the accessibility and distribution of data and information. The networking of equipment can be accomplished by local area networks, wide area networks and other types of communication systems, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). While the integration of geographically remote equipment is substantially facilitated by networks of various types, the failures in such networks can and systems have substantial and wide-spread ramifications. Indeed, the troubleshooting of networked systems becomes more troublesome and complicated. There exist test operations and methods that can carry out periodic tests on a network system and report failures. In many instances, the test circuits are driven by software embedded in the application program. While this may be effective, a failure of the application system often results in the inability to report failures. As a result, the customers or users are the first to experience inoperability of the system, rather than a repair or technical staff.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that a need exists for a technique to carry out test on transaction equipment in a manner substantially the same as the procedures utilized by a customer or user. Another need exists for a procedure to test the equipment in the manner utilized by customers so that an accurate portray of the fault can be experienced by the test operation. Another need exists for a test technique for finding faults in the equipment before customers, thereby reducing customer dissatisfaction with the system. Another need exists for a test method for carrying out tests on systems at periodic time intervals to verify the operability of the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the principles and concepts of the invention, the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art systems have been overcome. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the test system accesses a transaction-type system in a manner much like the users thereof. The responses of the transaction system are much like those received by the users of the system. Based on the test conducted, and the response thereto, it can be determined if the system is functional, and if not, which sub-system is at fault. The invention is integrated with conventional test systems so that the test can be carried out periodically, and malfunctions reported quickly to the appropriate technical staff or repair persons.
In accordance with an important feature of the invention, a traffic driver/checker is provided with probe points connected to the various subsystems and components of the system. In addition, the traffic driver/checker includes check points connected to various other equipment of the system to be monitored and tested to obtain inputs in response to tests carried out. The traffic driver/checker is programmed with a Management Information Base (MIB) that controls the flow of tests on the transaction system. The traffic driver/checker operates in conjunction with a conventional enterprise automation package to perform the surveillance, monitoring and testing of the transaction system.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5572570 (1996-11-01), Kuenzig
patent: 5737518 (1998-04-01), Grover et al.
patent: 5835565 (1998-11-01), Smith et al.
patent: 6052371 (2000-04-01), Lemieux
HP Openview Network Node Manager for the WIndows NT® Operating System Product Brief, Hewlett Packard, International Data Corporation, Mar. 1996, pgs 1-6.
itSMF Newsletter Issue No. 32—Aug. 1998.
Beausoleil Robert
Chauza, Esq. Roger N.
Howison, Chauza, Thoma, Handley & Arnott, L.L.P.
Ziemer Rita A.
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