US3795800A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Watchdog reload initializer
Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Italia SpA
•
Filing: 1972-09-13
•
Granted: 1974-03-05
•
Expires: 1992-09-13
Abstract
Abstract A watchdog reload initializer is disclosed which monitors communication between a remote processing system and a central processing system. Upon detection of a condition which may indicate that a malfunction has occurred in the remote processing system, the watchdog reload initializer causes the remote processing system to disconnect from a communications link for a predetermined period of time. Subsequently, the watchdog reload initializer initiates a series of operations which normalize the system and reestablishes communication with the central processing system.
Inventors
- 👤 J Nimmo
- 👤 P Morley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:20
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F15/00; G06F15/16; G06F15/177; G06F11/00; G06F11/07; G06F11/14; G06F11/1402; G06F11/1415
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
In a communication system having a remote processing system coupled to a communication link, an apparatus for normalizing said remote processing system when a communication malfunction occurs, said apparatus comprising: means for storing a first predetermined number, circuit means for changing said first predetermined number to a second predetermined number, said storing means providing a first signal responsive to said second predetermined number, said first signal indicating a malfunction has occurred, means responsive to said first signal for sequencing a series of operations, said sequencing means comprising: means responsive to said second predetermined number for disabling said circuit means and disconnecting said remote processing system from said communication link, and means responsive to said disabling means for generating a predetermined time delay, said generating means after said predetermined time delay enabling said remote processing system to resume communication on said communication link.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a communication system having a remote processing system coupled to a communication link, an apparatus for normalizing said remote processing system when a communication malfunction occurs, said apparatus comprising: means for storing a first predetermined number, circuit means for changing said first predetermined number to a second predetermined number, said storing means providing a first signal responsive to said second predetermined number, said first signal indicating a malfunction has occurred, means responsive to said first signal for sequencing a series of operations, said sequencing means comprising: means responsive to said second predetermined number for disabling said circuit means and disconnecting said remote processing system from said communication link, and means responsive to said disabling means for generating a predetermined time delay, said generating means after said predetermined time delay enabling said remote processing system to resume communication on said communication link.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said sequencing means further includes; counter means responsive to said first signal and said circuit means for providing a plurality of distinct second signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein: said sequencing means further includes a plurality of gates, each of said gates being responsive to one of said plurality of distinct second signals of said counter means, said gates providing for said normalizing of said remote processing system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
84 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said remote processing system includes a remote processor having a program register, a data line controller and a data set, and wherein said plurality of gates includes: first gates for initializing said program register to a starting location in said remote processor, a second gate for initializing the starting circuitry of said remote processor, and a third gate for enabling said remote processor to receive a communication via said data line controller and said data set.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
123 words
A watchdog reload initializer for use in a remote processing communication system comprising: means for determining that a malfunction has occurred in said remote processing system, means for loading said predetermining means to indicate a first predetermined number, circuit means for generating a first series of signals to said determining means, each pulse changing said first predetermined number in said determining means, said determining means providing a first signal when a second predetermined number is reached, means responsive to said circuit means and to said first signal for providing a second series of signals, and pulse generating circuit means responsive to said providing means for generating a series of operations to normalize said remote processing system such that said malfunction may be obviated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
123 words
A watchdog reload initializer for use in a remote processing communication system comprising: means for determining that a malfunction has occurred in said remote processing system, means for loading said predetermining means to indicate a first predetermined number, circuit means for generating a first series of signals to said determining means, each pulse changing said first predetermined number in said determining means, said determining means providing a first signal when a second predetermined number is reached, means responsive to said circuit means and to said first signal for providing a second series of signals, and pulse generating circuit means responsive to said providing means for generating a series of operations to normalize said remote processing system such that said malfunction may be obviated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
96 words
An initializer as defined in claim 5 wherein said remote processing system includes a communication link and wherein said pulse generating circuit means includes: interrupt means responsive to an initial signal of said second series of signals for providing a predetermined time delay such that said remote processing system disconnects itself from said communication link, said interrupt means also disabling said circuit means such that said first series of signals is discontinued, and means responsive to the end of said predetermined time delay for enabling said remote processing system to be connected to said communication link.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
An initializer as defined in claim 5 wherein: said pulse generating circuit means includes a counter, said providing means provides said second series of signals to said counter, and said providing means is initially enabled by said first signal, said counter thereafter providing said second series of signals to said providing means, said counter capable of providing only a fixed number of said second series of signals to said providing means before becoming disabled.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
An initIalizer as defined in claim 7 wherein said counter is a Johnson counter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
87 words
An initializer as defined in claim 5 wherein: said circuit means includes clock means for providing said first series of signals at a predetermined rate, clock enable means responsive to said loading means for providing a second signal, said clock enable means reset by said pulse generating circuit means, and gating means responsive to said loading means, to said circuit means and to said second signal, said gating means when enabled transmitting said first series of signals to said determining means to change said first predetermined number.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
68 words
An initializer as defined in claim 9 wherein said loading means is a detecting circuit responsive to a software instruction having a predetermined value, wherein said predetermined value may be in a first state whereupon said counting means is loaded to a first predetermined number, and said predetermined value may be in a second state whereupon said counting means will not be loaded to said first predetermined number.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for automatically normalizing a remote processing unit vis-a-vis a communication link, said method comprising the steps of: detecting when a malfunction in said remote processing unit occurs, halting the execution of instructions in said remote processing unit, master clearing selected circuitry within said remote processing unit, providing a first predetermined time delay to allow said remote processing unit to disconnect from said communication link, forcing the program register of said remote processing unit to a predetermined address such that a communications program can be executed, and enabling said remote processing unit to execute said communication program such that communication via said communication link is established.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for automatically normalizing a remote processing unit vis-a-vis a communication link, said method comprising the steps of: detecting when a malfunction in said remote processing unit occurs, halting the execution of instructions in said remote processing unit, master clearing selected circuitry within said remote processing unit, providing a first predetermined time delay to allow said remote processing unit to disconnect from said communication link, forcing the program register of said remote processing unit to a predetermined address such that a communications program can be executed, and enabling said remote processing unit to execute said communication program such that communication via said communication link is established.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as defined in claim 11 wherein the master clearing step includes: clearing a time out counter in said remote processor, resetting a multivibrator clock circuit in said remote processing unit, and clearing an overflow gate of an overflow signal in said remote processing unit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as defined in claim 12 and further including the steps of: providing a second predetermined time delay subsequent to said first predetermined time delay, said second predetermined time delay enabling a data controller in a remote processing system to be set such that said remote processor is ready to receive a message from said communication link.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-04 | 1977-09-03 | 1978-03-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-04 | 1981-09-03 | 1982-03-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-04 | 1985-09-03 | 1986-03-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |