Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-07
2001-04-24
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
C714S002000, C714S015000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223336
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a computer system, and more particularly to an art of a computer system that can rewrite a boot process program (referred to as a BOOT process program, hereinafter) in service by remote control.
Conventionally, in a computer system of that type, rewriting the content of a boot process program is generally made by first opening the cabinet of the computer system and then replacing the ROM to which the BOOT process program is written.
FIG. 6
illustrates the configuration of a conventional computer system. Referring to
FIG. 6
, a conventional computer system includes a bus
1
necessary for operation of the computer system, a CPU
2
, a secondary storage unit
8
, a multitasking operation system (OS)
9
stored on the secondary storage unit
8
, a RAM
5
, and a ROM
13
such as a UVEPROM (Ultra-Violet Erasable Programmable ROM) or mask ROM
13
.
FIG. 7
is a flowchart showing the sequence ranging from a system start-up to re-operation after replacement with the ROM
13
in the conventional computer system.
Referring to
FIGS. 6 and 7
, first, the computer system starts up according to a BOOT process program written in the ROM
13
(step
202
). Thereafter, the multitasking OS
9
stored in the secondary storage unit
8
is loaded onto the RAM
5
and started up (step
204
). In the following steps, the computer system executes in normal working conditions (step
206
).
To rewrite the BOOT process program, the cabinet of the computer system is opened (step
210
) after shutdown of the computer system (step
208
). Then, the ROM
13
mounted for BOOT operation is replaced by a ROM in which a new BOOT process program is written (step
212
).
The cabinet of the computer system is closed (step
214
). Then, the computer system is started up using the BOOT process program written in the new ROM
13
(step
216
). Thereafter, the multitasking OS
9
stored on the secondary storage unit
8
is loaded onto the ROM
5
and restarted (step
218
). In the following steps, the computer system executes processes in normal working conditions (step
220
).
In another method of rewriting the content of a BOOT process program in that type of computer, JP-A-324857/1994, for example, proposes that a rewritable non-volatile memory device is used for the BOOT process program. This method, however, requires to carry the secondary storage medium such as a rewrite processing memory device or flexible disk to the site where the computer system exists. Hence, the BOOT process program must be rewritten only at the place where the computer system exists.
JP-A-259242/1994, for example, proposes a method that a BOOT process program written in a non-volatile memory device can be corrected while it is incorporated in a unit. However, this method cannot amend the BOOT process program if rewrite information is previously stored into the secondary storage medium in the computer system.
Any one of the foregoing prior arts has the problem that a maintenance crew must go to the site where the computer system exists and operate the computer system to rewrite the BOOT process program.
The reason is that BOOT process program rewrite information cannot be supplied if it is not loaded to the computer system. For example, in the prior art shown in
FIG. 6
, the cabinet of the computer system must be opened to exchange the ROM for a new one. In the prior art disclosed in JP-A-324857/1994, a secondary storage medium such as a memory device or flexible disk must be mounted. Furthermore, the prior art disclosed in JP-A-259242/1994 can remotely execute the rewrite operation, but a maintenance crew must go to the site where the computer system exists to rewrite previous rewrite information into the secondary storage medium.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned tasks. The objective of the invention is to provide a computer system that can rewrite a BOOT process program without suspending the computer system and without opening the cabinet of the computer system even if a bug is found in the BOOT process program.
Moreover, the objective of the invention is to provide a computer system that can rewrite a BOOT process program while an ordinary user is operating the computer system.
Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a computer system that can remotely rewrite a BOOT process program by transferring BOOT process program rewrite information to the secondary storage unit in the computer system via a communication line even if a maintenance crew does not go to the site where the computer system is installed.
Still furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a computer system that can set up a computer system normally by resuming power supply even if a power supply should fail during a BOOT process program rewriting operation.
The objectives of the present invention are achieved by the computer system that can rewrite a boot process program during operation, comprising at least two planes of non-volatile memory devices that are rewritable by software, a non-volatile memory device selector for switching at least the two planes of non-volatile memory devices, a multitasking operation system that can operate plural tasks, a boot process program rewrite program for operating as one task on the multitasking operating system and rewriting boot process programs written in the non-volatile memory devices, and a register with a latch function for holding a rewrite state of each of the boot process programs written in at least the two planes of non-volatile memory devices.
The computer system further comprises an input/output device for connecting via a remote maintenance terminal and a communication line, and a file transfer protocol for transferring rewrite information of the boot process program via the communication line, wherein the boot process program can be remotely rewritten on working.
In the computer system, the register with latch function has at least two pieces of information including a flag indicating that a memory primary device module is being rewritten (hereinafter referred to as a primary module rewriting flag) and a flag indicating that a standby memory device is being rewritten (hereinafter referred to as a standby module rewriting flag), and is rewritable in flag units by software, and is directly connected to a signal line in hardware to execute automatic discrimination when the non-volatile memory device selector is powered on.
As described above, according to the present invention, the computer system includes a software rewritable non-volatile memory device (
4
in
FIG. 4
) as a memory device that stores a BOOT process program. Thus, the BOOT process program can be rewritten without sustaining the computer system or opening the cabinet of the computer system.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the computer system includes at least two planes of non-volatile memory devices (
4
a
and
4
b
in
FIG. 1
) and a non-volatile memory device selector that selects the two planes of non-volatile memory devices (
3
in FIG.
1
). Hence if it should fail to rewrite a BOOT process program in one plane of non-volatile memory device, the other plane of non-volatile memory device can execute a BOOT process.
According to the present invention, the computer system includes a multitasking OS (
9
in
FIG. 1
) acting as OS of the computer system stored on the secondary storage unit (
8
in
FIG. 1
) as well as a BOOT process program rewrite program (
6
in
FIG. 1
) operated as one task on the multitasking OS. Hence the BOOT process program can be rewritten while the computer system is being operated.
Moreover, according to the present invention, since the computer system includes an interface that connects the input/output device (
10
in
FIG. 1
) to the communication line (
12
in FIG.
1
), the computer system can be operated from remote sites. Since the computer system includes the file transfer protocol (
14
in FIG.
1
), rewrite information for t
Foley & Lardner
NEC Corporation
Powell Mark R.
Zhen Wei
LandOfFree
Multitasking computer system having a boot process rewrite... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Multitasking computer system having a boot process rewrite..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multitasking computer system having a boot process rewrite... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2455320