Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Distributed data processing – Client/server
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-14
2001-03-20
Luu, Le Hien (Department: 2152)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Distributed data processing
Client/server
C709S201000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205470
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards a unique network configuration for the processing and sorting of documents, checks and the like. Specifically, the present invention comprises the implementation of a Document Processor Server (“DPS”) to optimize the use of a Off-Load Reader/Sorter (“ORS”) DLP's and its accompanying Item Processing System (“IPS”) software by integrating the data to be processed into a LAN/WAN configuration. The ORS interface described in the present invention is designed for use on Unisys “V” and “A” Series, as well as Unisys ClearPath™ series computer systems. The Our approach will run ORS Reader/Sorters on ClearPath™, thus protecting the users's investment and not forcing Reader/Sorters upgrades. DL#1 DP1000/DP1800 ORS Reader/Sorter can add the Network Document Processor (“NDP”) function and thus be dual bootable—i.e., ORS and NDP interfaces.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The use of mainframe relay systems for the routing and processing of checks and other data using ORS hardware is well known, as reflected, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,170,466, 5,301,350, and 5,321,816. These documents discuss generally the hardware configurations of high-capacity, high-speed storage/retrieval systems, and their disclosures are incorporated by reference.
Please note the term Off-Load is a relative term which is due to restrictions of the on-board Reader/Sorter processor (Motorola 68000 series) and the very limited on-board Reader/Sorter memory (for buffering). In the ORS mode of these designs, the host system is used as an extension of Reader/Sorter's very limited memory resources—for buffering. Unisys requires 1 (one) ORS DLP per Reader/Sorter (refer to FIG. #
1
). Each ORS DLP generates interrupts for its own Reader/ Sorter. Thus 16 Reader/Sorters generate 16 separate interrupts. The more Reader/Sorters, the more ORS DLPs. These DLPs use card slots and cabinets. This also means that cards positioned at lower addresses will not receive the priority that higher level addresses receive. This forces the host personnel to select which Reader/Sorters are more important and which Reader/Sorter are less important. The Reader/Sorter will idle if it is waiting for the system due to priority or it loses synchronization with the ORS DLP.
The prior art lacking any disclosure or teaching of providing LAN/WAN connectivity and/or economical telephone company connections (such as Frame Relay) for the mainframe/ORS interface connection. These references also fail to teach the elimination of a need for one ORS DLP per Reader/Sorter, or the need to avoid generating a separate interrupt for each Reader/Sorter. Due to the ORS DLP hardware buffering limitation of these designs, “burps” are frequent. A “burp” is where the data comm synchronization cannot be maintained because the system and/or IPS is accessing the ORS DLP. When synchronization is lost and the Reader/Sorter idles, no checks or documents are sorted. These and other needs are addressed by the disclosure of the present invention, as set forth below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention involves the use of a DPS to relay information from an ORS interface to a mainframe computer via LAN/WAN connectivity and/or economical telephone company connections such as Frame Relay.
The Advantage Connectivity System® communicates to the Reader/Sorter locally, sends the data to the host which routes the data to the proper Unisys IPS program(s). The Advantage Connectivity System® looks like two Unisys 2145 magnetic tape to the Unisys V/A/ClearPath™ Series Unisys host.
The DPS communicates with the ORS Reader/Sorter at the remote location, encapsulates data in a TCP/IP packet, places the data on the WAN, the TCP/IP packet is delivered to the Advantage Connectivity System® where the Advantage sends the data to the host which routes the data to the proper Unisys IPS program(s). The Advantage Connectivity System® looks like two Unisys 2145 magnetic tape units to the Unisys V/A/ClearPath™Series Unisys host.
The benefits of present invention include the following:
1. Reduces host overhead—to service interrupts.
2. Gives LAN/WAN connectivity for ORS Reader/Sorters.
3. Eliminates needs of special Multiplexers like Codex.
4. Saves on separate non-WAN Data Comm lines.
5. Eliminates need to upgrade and potential “click” (utilization) charges.
The present invention also allows users of Unisys' ClearPath™/A/V/Series host(s) who use Unisys' IPS software and DP1800/DP1000 series Reader/Sorter hardware to:
Reduce host overhead—save processor cycles and/or I/O interrupts.
Allows LAN/WAN connectivity for Unisys DP1800/DP1000 ORS Reader/Sorter.
Provides WAN (Frame Relay) usage—cut telephone costs.
Through WAN connectivity deliver data faster.
Through WAN connectivity provides one common telco solution.
Eliminates costs of separate non-WAN telco connections.
Eliminates costs of separate non-WAN hardware such as MUXes.
Eliminates costly upgrade(s) to NDP for network connectivity.
Allows ClearPath users and alternative to replacing ORS Reader/Sorters.
The present invention reduces the interrupts (I/Os) and overhead of prior ORS approaches in that it can use SCSI 8 K message and “piggyback” up to 4 reads and/or writes per I/O (8 K message divided by a 2 K record=4).
The present invention offers ORS users a less expensive method of connecting remote Reader/Sorters via WAN/LAN without having to purchase NDP upgrade kits nor NDP Reader/Sorters. The present invention also eliminates the need for dedicated non-Wan 56 K lines with special multiplexer equipment. Print can either be routed to a network card in the printer or spooled to the WindowsNT™ PC of the DPS. Processor overhead is saved by not having to service multiple interrupts from multiple ORS DLPs.
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P A Savage-Knepshield et al.; “Interaction in Information Retrieval: Trends Over Time”; Journal of the American Society for Information Science; 50(12):1067-1082, 1999.*
C Haber; “Unisys Seeks A New Route”; Electronic News; p. 1, Jan. 1998.*
M Maclachlan; “Microsoft, Unisys Unite on NT”; Techweb News, Oct. 1997.*
P Chen et al., “Intergarting Noninteractive Document Processors Into an Interactive Environment”; Univ. of California, Apr. 1987.
Clair Leonard
Madden Patrick
Luu Le Hien
Niro Scavone Haller & Niro
Professional Networking Consultants, Inc.
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