Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery – Data processing system error or fault handling – Reliability and availability
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-08
2001-05-29
Iqbal, Nadeem (Department: 2184)
Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery
Data processing system error or fault handling
Reliability and availability
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240528
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention takes as its starting point a method of testing a control system.
2. Discussion of Background
With the preamble of patent claim
1
, the invention refers to a prior art as is disclosed by Andreas Danuser and Hannes Rüscher in Was geschieht wann wo im Programm? [What happens when and where in the program], Technische Rundschau 35/1990, pp. 48-57. In the latter, a description is given of an observation tool which inserts instructions of the form:
MOVE (TAG, ADDR)
into the program to be tested, for example at the start and end of routines to be tested in the program, as a marker in the source text. In this case, TAG means a number which is allocated uniquely to the point in the program, and ADDR means an address at which a connecting point is addressed. When a marker inserted in this way is reached during the running of the source program, the instruction MOVE sends the TAG via the connection to the observation tool. In addition to the TAG, it is also possible for variable values to be transmitted. In the observation tool, a connection point receives the TAG, registers its arrival time and stores this information in an event list. The evaluation of the event list makes it possible to determine how much time is needed for which program section or how often a program section is executed. Statistics about the program flow can be compiled. If it is desired to observe a plurality of parallel computers simultaneously, a plurality of connection points are used, synchronized in time.
However, this observation tool does not register any external events; it records only points in the program, possibly with variable values, which are executed in the computers.
An observation tool of this type is described in more detail in EP 0 368 190 A1.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the invention, is to develop a novel method of testing a control system of the type cited at the beginning, in such a way that external events can also be observed, that is to say that measurement and error signals from physical processes which interact with the computers can also be registered at the same time.
One advantage of the invention is that the testing depth can be improved significantly. As a result of it being possible for the observation tool to receive measurement signals and error signals, it is possible to set up and evaluate logical and chronological checks there.
According to an advantageous refinement of the invention, it is possible to connect, instead of a physical process, a real time simulator, which allows the simulation of operating states or faults, which, on cost grounds, can scarcely be tested in a real time process. It is thus possible to detect and avoid undesired and, under certain circumstances, hazardous situations in a process.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4096989 (1978-06-01), Tawfik
patent: 4287565 (1981-09-01), Haubner et al.
patent: 4333177 (1982-06-01), Sutterlin
patent: 5541504 (1996-07-01), Kubo et al.
patent: 5564012 (1996-10-01), Shigyo et al.
patent: 0 368 190 (1990-05-01), None
Hassler et al., Test appts. for Vehicle electronic control system—has software store containing test inormation to repalce operating software module and I/O connector, Derwent-Week, 1-2, Mar. 1988.*
Von Andreas Danuser and Hannes Rüscher, “What Happens When and Where In The Program”, Technische Rundschau 35/1990, pp. 48-57.
Kirrmann Hubert
Terwiesch Peter
ABB Research Ltd.
Burns Doane Swecker & Mathis L.L.P.
Iqbal Nadeem
LandOfFree
Method of testing a control system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of testing a control system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of testing a control system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2514913