US6243774B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus program product and method of managing computer resources supporting concurrent maintenance operations
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1998-06-30
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Granted: 2001-06-05
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Expires: 2018-06-30
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus, program product and method of managing computer resources each facilitate concurrent maintenance operations by automatically re-associating existing resources in a computer, when suitable, with appropriate hardware devices installed into the computer after a concurrent maintenance operation has been performed. An existing resource is re-associated with an installed hardware device by updating at least one of a device identifier and a location identifier associated with the resource based upon that of the installed hardware device. A resource identifier for the resource, however, is preserved so that any computer application that relies on the resource can still access the resource without additional manual reconfiguration of the resource or the computer application. Consequently, maintenance operations are substantially simplified and expedited, thereby facilitating system maintenance and minimizing computer downtime.
Inventors
- 👤 Curtis Shannon Eide
- 👤 James Lee Naylor
- 👤 William Alan Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:30
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/4401; G06F9/4411
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of managing a computer resource, the method comprising: (a) in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a predetermined location among a plurality of locations in a computer, automatically determining whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with an existing resource in the computer, the resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the computer, and a location identifier that identifies one of the plurality of locations in the computer; and (b) if the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource, associating the predetermined hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier of the resource to identify the predetermined location, while preserving the resource identifier for the resource.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of managing a computer resource, the method comprising: (a) in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a predetermined location among a plurality of locations in a computer, automatically determining whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with an existing resource in the computer, the resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the computer, and a location identifier that identifies one of the plurality of locations in the computer; and (b) if the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource, associating the predetermined hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier of the resource to identify the predetermined location, while preserving the resource identifier for the resource.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the resource is associated with a previously-installed hardware device prior to installation of the predetermined hardware device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein the previously-installed and predetermined hardware devices are coupled to the computer through a bus, the method further comprising: (a) powering down the bus prior to permit user removal of the previously-installed hardware device from the computer; and (b) restoring power to the bus after user installation of the predetermined hardware device in the computer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 3 , further comprising maintaining the computer in a fully or partially active and powered-on state between powering down and restoring power to the bus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein the resource further includes a hardware driver, the method further comprising setting the resource to a not connected status prior to powering down the bus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 , wherein powering down the bus and restoring power to the bus are performed in response to user input.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 , further comprising, after restoring power to the bus, detecting and restarting each hardware device coupled to the bus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the resource further includes a device identifier that uniquely identifies a hardware device associated therewith, and wherein determining whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource determines that the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource if the device identifier of the resource uniquely identifies the predetermined hardware device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
125 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the predetermined hardware device has associated therewith a device type, wherein the resource further includes a device type identifier that initially identifies the device type for a hardware device associated therewith, and wherein automatically determining whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the existing resource in the computer includes: (a) creating a second resource associated with the predetermined hardware device if no resource exists in the computer having a location identifier that identifies the predetermined location and a device type identifier that identifies the device type of the predetermined hardware device; and (b) querying with the second resource whether another resource exists in the computer having a device identifier that uniquely identifies the predetermined hardware device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined hardware device includes an input/output card coupled to the computer through a bus, the bus including a plurality of slots within which the input/output card may be received, wherein each slot defines a unique location, and wherein the predetermined location for the predetermined hardware device is defined by the slot within which the input/output card is received.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined hardware device includes an input/output processor.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus, comprising: (a) a memory; (b) a resource, resident in the memory, the resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the apparatus, and a location identifier that identifies one of a plurality of locations in the apparatus; and (c) a program, resident in the memory, the program configured to, in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a predetermined location in the apparatus, automatically determine whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource, and if so, to associate the predetermined hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier of the resource to identify the predetermined location, while preserving the resource identifier for the resource.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus, comprising: (a) a memory; (b) a resource, resident in the memory, the resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the apparatus, and a location identifier that identifies one of a plurality of locations in the apparatus; and (c) a program, resident in the memory, the program configured to, in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a predetermined location in the apparatus, automatically determine whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource, and if so, to associate the predetermined hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier of the resource to identify the predetermined location, while preserving the resource identifier for the resource.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the resource is associated with a previously-installed hardware device prior to installation of the predetermined hardware device, the apparatus further comprising: (a) a bus to which the predetermined hardware device is coupled; and (b) a power control network, responsive to user input and configured to selectively power down and restore power to the bus in response to user input.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the program is further configured to maintain the apparatus in a fully or partially active and powered-on state between powering down and restoring power to the bus.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined hardware device includes an input/output card coupled to the computer through the bus, the bus including a plurality of slots within which the input/output card may be received, wherein each slot defines a unique location, and wherein the predetermined location for the predetermined hardware device is defined by the slot within which the input/output card is received.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the resource further includes a device identifier that uniquely identifies a hardware device associated therewith, and wherein the program is configured to determine that the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource if the device identifier of the resource uniquely identifies the predetermined hardware device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
120 words
The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the predetermined hardware device has associated therewith a device type, wherein the resource further includes a device type identifier that initially identifies the device type for a hardware device associated therewith, and wherein the program is further configured to create a second resource associated with the predetermined hardware device if no resource exists in the apparatus having a location identifier that identifies the predetermined location and a device type identifier that identifies the device type of the predetermined hardware device, wherein the program determines that the predetermined hardware device should be associated with the resource if another resource exists in the computer having a device identifier that uniquely identifies the predetermined hardware device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the predetermined hardware device includes an input/output processor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
123 words
A program product, comprising: (a) a program configured to, in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a predetermined location among a plurality of locations in a computer, automatically determine whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with a resource in the computer, the resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the computer, and a location identifier that identifies one of the plurality of locations in the computer; and if so, to associate the predetermined hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier of the resource to identify the predetermined location while preserving the resource identifier for the resource; and (b) a signal bearing media bearing the program.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
123 words
A program product, comprising: (a) a program configured to, in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a predetermined location among a plurality of locations in a computer, automatically determine whether the predetermined hardware device should be associated with a resource in the computer, the resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the computer, and a location identifier that identifies one of the plurality of locations in the computer; and if so, to associate the predetermined hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier of the resource to identify the predetermined location while preserving the resource identifier for the resource; and (b) a signal bearing media bearing the program.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The program product of claim 19 , wherein the signal bearing media is recordable media.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The program product of claim 19 , wherein the signal bearing media is transmission type media.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of managing a computer resource, the method comprising: (a) in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a first predetermined location among a plurality of locations in a computer, automatically determining whether the predetermined hardware device was moved from a second predetermined location in the computer; and (b) if the predetermined hardware device was moved from the second predetermined location in the computer, associating the predetermined hardware device with an existing resource in the computer by updating a location identifier for the existing resource to identify the first predetermined location.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of managing a computer resource, the method comprising: (a) in response to installation of a predetermined hardware device in a first predetermined location among a plurality of locations in a computer, automatically determining whether the predetermined hardware device was moved from a second predetermined location in the computer; and (b) if the predetermined hardware device was moved from the second predetermined location in the computer, associating the predetermined hardware device with an existing resource in the computer by updating a location identifier for the existing resource to identify the first predetermined location.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
346 words
A method of automatically managing a plurality of resources in a computer in response to installation or removal of hardware devices coupled to a plurality of locations on a bus, the method comprising: (a) for each location on the bus having coupled thereto a hardware device, maintaining a resource associated with the location, with each resource including a resource identifier identifying the resource, and a device type and a device identifier identifying the hardware device coupled thereto; (b) powering down at least one location on the bus to permit installation and removal of hardware devices to and from the at least one location on the bus; (c) restoring power to the at least one location on the bus and retrieving a device type for the hardware device if any coupled to the at least one location on the bus; (d) for each location on the bus, if the device type for a hardware device coupled at the location is the same as that in the resource associated with the location, updating the device identifier for the resource to that of the hardware device coupled at the location if the device identifier for the hardware device coupled at the location differs from that maintained in the resource associated with the location; (e) for each location on the bus, if the device type for a hardware device coupled at the location differs from the resource associated with the location, determining whether the device identifier for the hardware device coupled to the location is the same as that maintained in another resource associated with another location, and if so, associating the other resource with the location to which the hardware device is coupled; and (f) for each location, if the device type for a hardware device coupled at the location differs from the resource associated with the location, and if the device identifier for the hardware device coupled to the location is not the same as that maintained in another resource associated with another location, creating a new resource associated with the location and the hardware device coupled thereto.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
346 words
A method of automatically managing a plurality of resources in a computer in response to installation or removal of hardware devices coupled to a plurality of locations on a bus, the method comprising: (a) for each location on the bus having coupled thereto a hardware device, maintaining a resource associated with the location, with each resource including a resource identifier identifying the resource, and a device type and a device identifier identifying the hardware device coupled thereto; (b) powering down at least one location on the bus to permit installation and removal of hardware devices to and from the at least one location on the bus; (c) restoring power to the at least one location on the bus and retrieving a device type for the hardware device if any coupled to the at least one location on the bus; (d) for each location on the bus, if the device type for a hardware device coupled at the location is the same as that in the resource associated with the location, updating the device identifier for the resource to that of the hardware device coupled at the location if the device identifier for the hardware device coupled at the location differs from that maintained in the resource associated with the location; (e) for each location on the bus, if the device type for a hardware device coupled at the location differs from the resource associated with the location, determining whether the device identifier for the hardware device coupled to the location is the same as that maintained in another resource associated with another location, and if so, associating the other resource with the location to which the hardware device is coupled; and (f) for each location, if the device type for a hardware device coupled at the location differs from the resource associated with the location, and if the device identifier for the hardware device coupled to the location is not the same as that maintained in another resource associated with another location, creating a new resource associated with the location and the hardware device coupled thereto.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
186 words
A method of moving a hardware device coupled to a first location on a bus in a computer to a second location on the bus, the hardware device having associated therewith a resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the computer, a location identifier that identifies the first location and a device identifier that identifies the hardware device, the method comprising: (a) powering down at least the first and second locations on the bus in response to user input; (b) restoring power to at least the second location on the bus in response to user input received after movement of the hardware device to the second location; (c) in response to restoring power to the second location on the bus, automatically determining that the hardware device should be associated with the resource by comparing the device identifier of the hardware device with that of the resource; and (d) associating the hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier for the resource to identify the second location while preserving the resource identifier for the resource.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
186 words
A method of moving a hardware device coupled to a first location on a bus in a computer to a second location on the bus, the hardware device having associated therewith a resource including a resource identifier that identifies the resource to at least one application executing on the computer, a location identifier that identifies the first location and a device identifier that identifies the hardware device, the method comprising: (a) powering down at least the first and second locations on the bus in response to user input; (b) restoring power to at least the second location on the bus in response to user input received after movement of the hardware device to the second location; (c) in response to restoring power to the second location on the bus, automatically determining that the hardware device should be associated with the resource by comparing the device identifier of the hardware device with that of the resource; and (d) associating the hardware device with the resource by automatically updating the location identifier for the resource to identify the second location while preserving the resource identifier for the resource.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-06-04 | 2004-12-04 | 2005-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-06-04 | 2008-12-04 | 2009-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-06-04 | 2012-12-04 | 2013-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |