US4888771A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Diagnostic configuration management for a data processing system
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1988-06-23
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Granted: 1989-12-19
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Expires: 2008-06-23
Abstract
Abstract The system and method of this invention classifies the options of a data processing system into test levels based upon the dependency of the option to other options within a configuration of the processing system. The test level information for each option is stored in a present configuration list of the options. In addition, prerequisite rule bases are linked to each dependent option in the configuration list. The diagnostic system accesses the test level information and the prerequisite rule base information to determine when to test an option, and the order in which to test options, when isolating a failing option. A failing option can be isolated during a system checkout, a selected option checkout, or by resolving a missing option in the present configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas M. Benignus
- 👤 Luke M. Browning
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:54
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/22; G06F11/2289; G06F11/2257; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S706/00; Y10S706/902; Y10S706/911; Y10S706/916
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: means for defining a plurality of test levels for a configuration of said processing system; means for assigning one of said test levels to each one of said options based on the dependency of said each option to other of said options in said configuration; and means for checking the plurality of options in an order determined by the test level assignment of each of said options during a system checkout of said processing system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: means for defining a plurality of test levels for a configuration of said processing system; means for assigning one of said test levels to each one of said options based on the dependency of said each option to other of said options in said configuration; and means for checking the plurality of options in an order determined by the test level assignment of each of said options during a system checkout of said processing system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein a first test level is assigned to said options within a system unit of said processing system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 2 wherein a second test level is assigned to said options that are immediately dependent upon said first test level options.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 3 wherein a third test level is assigned to said options that are immediately dependent upon said second test level options.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising means for identifying a failed option during said system checkout at the test level of said failed option.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for identifying, in said configuration list, a hierarchy of dependent options in said present configuration; and means for accessing said identified hierarchy for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for identifying, in said configuration list, a hierarchy of dependent options in said present configuration; and means for accessing said identified hierarchy for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for linking, in said configuration list, a prerequisite rule base for each of said options dependent upon another option in said present configuration; and means for accessing said linked prerequisite rule base for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for linking, in said configuration list, a prerequisite rule base for each of said options dependent upon another option in said present configuration; and means for accessing said linked prerequisite rule base for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
78 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for identifying, in said configuration list, a location independent rule base for each of said options; and means for linking, in said configuration list, said location independent rule base of each option to a dependent option of said each option.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
78 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for identifying, in said configuration list, a location independent rule base for each of said options; and means for linking, in said configuration list, said location independent rule base of each option to a dependent option of said each option.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in said configuration list; and means for linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in said configuration list; and means for linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in said configuration list; means for linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system; and means for utilizing said test level assignment and said linked prerequisite rule base during a resolution of a missing option.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
111 words
A system for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options in a present configuration of said processing system; means for assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in said configuration list; means for linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system; and means for utilizing said test level assignment and said linked prerequisite rule base during a resolution of a missing option.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
86 words
A system for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a processing system, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options; means for identifying a test level for each of said options in said configuration list; means for identifying a prerequisite rule base for each of said options in said configuration list; and means for resolving a missing option from said present configuration based on said test level identified and prerequisite rule base identified in said configuration list.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
86 words
A system for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a processing system, said system comprising: a configuration list having an entry for each of said options; means for identifying a test level for each of said options in said configuration list; means for identifying a prerequisite rule base for each of said options in said configuration list; and means for resolving a missing option from said present configuration based on said test level identified and prerequisite rule base identified in said configuration list.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: defining a plurality of test levels for a configuration of said processing system; assigning one of said test levels to each one of said options based on the dependency of said each option to other of said options in said configuration; and checking the plurality of options in an order determined by the test level assignment of each of said options during a system checkout of said processing system.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: defining a plurality of test levels for a configuration of said processing system; assigning one of said test levels to each one of said options based on the dependency of said each option to other of said options in said configuration; and checking the plurality of options in an order determined by the test level assignment of each of said options during a system checkout of said processing system.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of identifying a failed option during said system checkout at the test level of said failed option.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: identifying, in a configuration list, a hierarchy of dependent options in said present configuration; and accessing said identified hierarchy for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: identifying, in a configuration list, a hierarchy of dependent options in said present configuration; and accessing said identified hierarchy for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: linking, in a configuration list, a prerequisite rule base for each of said options dependent upon another option in said present configuration; and accessing said linked prerequisite rule base for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: linking, in a configuration list, a prerequisite rule base for each of said options dependent upon another option in said present configuration; and accessing said linked prerequisite rule base for determining an order in checking at least one option antecedent to a selected option during a checkout of said selected option.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: identifying, in a configuration list, a location independent rule base for each of said options; and linking, in said configuration list, said location independent rule base of each option to a dependent option of said each option.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: identifying, in a configuration list, a location independent rule base for each of said options; and linking, in said configuration list, said location independent rule base of each option to a dependent option of said each option.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
68 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in a configuration list; and linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
68 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in a configuration list; and linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in a configuration list; linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system; and utilizing said test level assignment and said linked prerequisite rule base during a resolution of a missing option.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for running diagnostics on a processing system having a plurality of attachable options, said method comprising: assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of said options in a configuration list; linking, in said configuration list, a plurality of prerequisite rule bases in an order representing a dependency of an option to other of said options in said configuration of said processing system; and utilizing said test level assignment and said linked prerequisite rule base during a resolution of a missing option.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a processing system, said method comprising: identifying a test level for each of said options in a configuration list; identifying a prerequisite rule base for each of said options in said configuration list; and resolving a missing option from said present configuration based on said test level identified and prerequisite rule base identified in said configuration list.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a processing system, said method comprising: identifying a test level for each of said options in a configuration list; identifying a prerequisite rule base for each of said options in said configuration list; and resolving a missing option from said present configuration based on said test level identified and prerequisite rule base identified in said configuration list.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a data processing system, said method comprising: comparing a past configuration list to a present configuration to determine a set of options missing from a present configuration of said processing system; assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of a plurality of options in said data processing system; identifying a hierarchy of dependent options in a configuration of said processing system; identifying a first missing option having a lowest test level; and deleting, from said set of missing options, said first missing option and said identified hierarchy of dependent options of said first missing option if another option has replaced said first missing option in a same location within said configuration.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a data processing system, said method comprising: comparing a past configuration list to a present configuration to determine a set of options missing from a present configuration of said processing system; assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of a plurality of options in said data processing system; identifying a hierarchy of dependent options in a configuration of said processing system; identifying a first missing option having a lowest test level; and deleting, from said set of missing options, said first missing option and said identified hierarchy of dependent options of said first missing option if another option has replaced said first missing option in a same location within said configuration.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a data processing system, said method comprising: comparing a past configuration list to a present configuration to determine a set of options missing from a present configuration of said processing system; assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of a plurality of options in said data processing system; identifying a hierarchy of dependent options in a configuration of said processing system; identifying a first missing option having a lowest test level; testing at least one antecedent option, in an order determined by said hierarchy of dependent options; and identifying said antecedent option which fails said test as said failed option.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
115 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a data processing system, said method comprising: comparing a past configuration list to a present configuration to determine a set of options missing from a present configuration of said processing system; assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of a plurality of options in said data processing system; identifying a hierarchy of dependent options in a configuration of said processing system; identifying a first missing option having a lowest test level; testing at least one antecedent option, in an order determined by said hierarchy of dependent options; and identifying said antecedent option which fails said test as said failed option.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a data processing system, said method comprising: comparing a past configuration list to a present configuration to determine a set of options missing from a present configuration of said processing system; assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of a plurality of options in said data processing system; identifying a hierarchy of dependent options in a configuration of said processing system; identifying a first missing option having a lowest test level; testing at least one antecedent option, in an order determined by said hierarchy of dependent options; and identifying said first missing option as said failing option if each of said antecedent options passes said test.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for isolating a failed option in a present configuration of a data processing system, said method comprising: comparing a past configuration list to a present configuration to determine a set of options missing from a present configuration of said processing system; assigning one of a plurality of test levels to each of a plurality of options in said data processing system; identifying a hierarchy of dependent options in a configuration of said processing system; identifying a first missing option having a lowest test level; testing at least one antecedent option, in an order determined by said hierarchy of dependent options; and identifying said first missing option as said failing option if each of said antecedent options passes said test.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of testing a configuration of a data processing system having a plurality of options, said method comprising: classifying the configuration into a plurality of test levels depending upon the location of the options within the processing system, and the dependency of each of said options to other of said options; and testing options classified within a lower level before testing options classified within a next higher level; defining a prerequisite rule base for each of said options; and testing a plurality of options in an order as determined by said test level and said prerequisite rule base of each of said plurality of options.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of testing a configuration of a data processing system having a plurality of options, said method comprising: classifying the configuration into a plurality of test levels depending upon the location of the options within the processing system, and the dependency of each of said options to other of said options; and testing options classified within a lower level before testing options classified within a next higher level; defining a prerequisite rule base for each of said options; and testing a plurality of options in an order as determined by said test level and said prerequisite rule base of each of said plurality of options.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of halting the test at a current test level if an option at the current test level fails, and displaying an indicator of said failed option.
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) | 1992-12-18 | 1993-06-19 | 1993-12-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-18 | 1997-06-19 | 1997-12-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-18 | 2001-06-19 | 2001-12-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |