US6263387B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for automatically configuring a server after hot add of a device
Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
•
Filing: 1997-10-01
•
Granted: 2001-07-17
•
Expires: 2017-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A system for automatically configuring a computer system, after a device has been hot added to the computer system, which includes the following elements: a detection module which automatically detects a hot added device; a first configuration module which automatically configures the device; an identification module which automatically identifies a device type for the device; a location module which automatically determines the location where the device has been hot added; a driver module which automatically loads a driver corresponding to the hot added device; and a second configuration module which automatically modifies a configuration file so as to integrate the hot added device into the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Chrabaszcz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:12
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F13/00; G06F13/38; G06F13/40; G06F13/4063; G06F13/4068; G06F13/4086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for automatically configuring an operating computer system, comprising: a bus system having a plurality of bus slots; hot plug hardware for enabling and disabling the supply of power to selected ones of the bus slots; a detection module which automatically detects a PCI device in response to the PCI device being connected to a selected one of the bus slots that has a disabled power supply, and wherein the hot plug hardware enables the supply of power to the hot added PCI device in response to the detection of the hot added PCI device by the detection module; a first configuration module which automatically configures the PCI device; an identification module which automatically identifies a device type for the PCI device; a location module which automatically determines the location where the PCI device has been hot added; a driver module which automatically loads a driver corresponding to the PCI device; and a second configuration module which automatically modifies a configuration file so as to integrate the PCI device into the system, wherein the second configuration module comprises a LAN module which determines whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, the LAN module modifies a first configuration file, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, the LAN module modifies a second configuration file.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
240 words
A system for automatically configuring an operating computer system, comprising: a bus system having a plurality of bus slots; hot plug hardware for enabling and disabling the supply of power to selected ones of the bus slots; a detection module which automatically detects a PCI device in response to the PCI device being connected to a selected one of the bus slots that has a disabled power supply, and wherein the hot plug hardware enables the supply of power to the hot added PCI device in response to the detection of the hot added PCI device by the detection module; a first configuration module which automatically configures the PCI device; an identification module which automatically identifies a device type for the PCI device; a location module which automatically determines the location where the PCI device has been hot added; a driver module which automatically loads a driver corresponding to the PCI device; and a second configuration module which automatically modifies a configuration file so as to integrate the PCI device into the system, wherein the second configuration module comprises a LAN module which determines whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, the LAN module modifies a first configuration file, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, the LAN module modifies a second configuration file.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the detection module comprises: a first scanning module which scans a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; and a compare module which compares a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the identification module comprises a vendor module which retrieves a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
74 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the location module comprises: a second scanning module which scans all slots connected to the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN), wherein each slot has a specified slot number; a HIN module which obtains a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; and a recording module which records a slot number and the hardware instance number corresponding to the device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a data module which determines if additional data is required to configure the system, wherein, if it is determined that additional data is required, the data module prompts a system operator for the additional data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the data module comprises: a table module which reviews a table of configuration parameters for the device type; and a parameter module which generates a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the identification module comprises a vendor module which retrieves a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the detection module comprises: a first scanning module which scans a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; and a compare module which compares a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
71 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the location module comprises: a second scanning module which scans all slots connected to a system bus for any devices which have hardware instance number (HIN) wherein each slot has a specified slot number; a HIN module which obtains a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; and a recording module which records a slot number corresponding to each device having a HIN.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
71 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the configuration module comprises a LAN module which determines whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, the LAN module modifies a first configuration file, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, the LAN module modifies a second configuration file.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a data module which determines if additional data is required to configure the system, wherein, if it is determined that additional data is required, the data module prompts a system operator for the additional data.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
60 words
The system of claim 11 wherein the data module comprises: a table module which reviews a table of configuration parameters for the device type; a parameter list module which generates a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device; and a second compare module which compares the list of parameters with presently available data about the device.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
231 words
A system of automatically configuring a server system after a device has been hot added to the system, comprising: a first scanning module which scans a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; a compare module which compares a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database; a first configuration module which configures the device; a vendor module which retrieves a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device so as to identify the type of device; a second scanning module which scans the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); a HIN module which obtains a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; a recording module which records a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device; a driver module which loads a driver corresponding to the hot added device; a LAN module which determines whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; and a second configuration module which modifies a configuration file, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, a first configuration file is modified, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, a second configuration file is modified.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
231 words
A system of automatically configuring a server system after a device has been hot added to the system, comprising: a first scanning module which scans a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; a compare module which compares a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database; a first configuration module which configures the device; a vendor module which retrieves a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device so as to identify the type of device; a second scanning module which scans the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); a HIN module which obtains a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; a recording module which records a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device; a driver module which loads a driver corresponding to the hot added device; a LAN module which determines whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; and a second configuration module which modifies a configuration file, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, a first configuration file is modified, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, a second configuration file is modified.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 13 further comprising: a data module which determines if additional data is required to configure the system; and a prompt module which prompts a system operator for additional data, if it is determined that additional data is required.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 14 wherein the data module comprises: a table module which reviews a table of configuration parameters for the device type corresponding to the hot added device; and a parameter module which generates a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
160 words
A system for automatically configuring an operating computer system, comprising: means for receiving a PCI device; means for enabling and disabling a supply of power to the PCI device; means for automatically detecting the PCI device; means for automatically configuring the PCI device; means for automatically identifying the type of the PCI device; means for automatically determining the location where the PCI device has been added; means for automatically loading a driver corresponding to the PCI device; and means for automatically modifying a configuration file so as to integrate the PCI device into the system, wherein the means for automatically modifying a configuration file comprises means for determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, a first configuration file is modified and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, a second configuration file is modified.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
160 words
A system for automatically configuring an operating computer system, comprising: means for receiving a PCI device; means for enabling and disabling a supply of power to the PCI device; means for automatically detecting the PCI device; means for automatically configuring the PCI device; means for automatically identifying the type of the PCI device; means for automatically determining the location where the PCI device has been added; means for automatically loading a driver corresponding to the PCI device; and means for automatically modifying a configuration file so as to integrate the PCI device into the system, wherein the means for automatically modifying a configuration file comprises means for determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, a first configuration file is modified and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, a second configuration file is modified.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the act of automatically detecting the hot added device comprises: means for scanning a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; and means for comparing a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 17 further comprising means for initiating the automatic configuration of the device upon the detection of the hot added device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 18 wherein the means for automatically identifying the device type comprises means for retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 19 wherein the means for automatically determining the location where the device has been hot added comprises: means for scanning the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); means for obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; and means for recording a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising: means for determining if additional data is required to configure the system; and means for prompting a system operator for the additional data, if it is determined that additional data is required.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 21 wherein the means for determining if additional data is required comprises: means for reviewing a table of configuration parameters for the type of device; and means for generating a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the means for automatically identifying the device type comprises means for retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the means for automatically determining the location where the device has been hot added comprises: means for scanning a system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); means for obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; and means for recording a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
70 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the means for automatically modifying a configuration file comprises means for determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device, wherein, if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, a first configuration file is modified, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, a second configuration file is modified.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 25 wherein the means for determining whether the hot added device is a LAN device comprises means for retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 16 further comprising: means for determining if additional data is required to configure the system; and means for prompting a system operator for the additional data, if it is determined that additional data is required.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 27 wherein the means for determining if additional data is required comprises: means for reviewing a table of configuration parameters for the device type; and means for generating a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
217 words
A system of automatically configuring a server system after a device has been hot added to the system, comprising: means for scanning a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; means for comparing a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database; means for configuring the device; means for retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device so as to identify a device type; means for scanning the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); means for obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; means for recording a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device; means for loading a driver corresponding to the hot added device; means for determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; and means for configuring the server so as to integrate the hot added device into the server system, wherein if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, a first configuration file is modified, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, a second configuration file is modified.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
217 words
A system of automatically configuring a server system after a device has been hot added to the system, comprising: means for scanning a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; means for comparing a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database; means for configuring the device; means for retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device so as to identify a device type; means for scanning the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); means for obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; means for recording a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device; means for loading a driver corresponding to the hot added device; means for determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; and means for configuring the server so as to integrate the hot added device into the server system, wherein if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, a first configuration file is modified, and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, a second configuration file is modified.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 29 further comprising: means for determining if additional data is required to configure the system; and means for prompting a system operator for the additional data, if it is determined that additional data is required.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 30 wherein the means for determining if additional data is required comprises: means for reviewing a table of configuration parameters for the device type; and means for generating a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
158 words
A program storage device which stores instructions that when executed by a computer perform a method which comprises: automatically detecting a PCI device; automatically providing, in response to detecting the PCI device, a supply of power to the PCI device; automatically configuring the PCI device; automatically identifying a device type for the PCI device; automatically determining the location where the PCI device has been added; automatically loading a driver corresponding to the PCI device; and automatically modifying a configuration file so as to integrate the PCI device into the system, wherein the act of automatically modifying a configuration file comprises: determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, modifying a first configuration file; and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, binding a network protocol of the device and modifying a second configuration file.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
158 words
A program storage device which stores instructions that when executed by a computer perform a method which comprises: automatically detecting a PCI device; automatically providing, in response to detecting the PCI device, a supply of power to the PCI device; automatically configuring the PCI device; automatically identifying a device type for the PCI device; automatically determining the location where the PCI device has been added; automatically loading a driver corresponding to the PCI device; and automatically modifying a configuration file so as to integrate the PCI device into the system, wherein the act of automatically modifying a configuration file comprises: determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, modifying a first configuration file; and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, binding a network protocol of the device and modifying a second configuration file.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
60 words
The device of claim 32 wherein the act of automatically detecting the hot added device comprises: scanning a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; and comparing a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 33 wherein the detection of the hot added device initiates the automatic configuration of the device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 34 wherein the act of automatically identifying a device type for the device comprises retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
60 words
The device of claim 35 wherein the act of automatically determining the location where the device has been hot added comprises: scanning the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; and recording a slot number and the hardware instance number corresponding to the device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 36 wherein the method further comprises: determining if additional data is required to configure the system; and if it is determined that additional data is required, prompting a system operator for the additional data.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 37 wherein the act of determining if additional data is required comprises: reviewing a table of configuration parameters for the device type; and generating a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device type.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 32 wherein the act of automatically identifying the device type comprises retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
59 words
The device of claim 32 wherein the act of automatically determining the location where the device has been hot added comprises: scanning a system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; and recording a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
65 words
The device of claim 32 wherein the act of automatically modifying a configuration file comprises: determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, modifying a first configuration file; and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, modifying a second configuration file.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 41 wherein the act of determining whether the hot added device is a LAN device comprises retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 32 wherein the method further comprises: determining if additional data is required to configure the system; and if it is determined that additional data is required, prompting a system operator for the additional data.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 43 wherein the act of determining if additional data is required comprises: reviewing a table of configuration parameters for the device type; and generating a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
204 words
A program storage device which stores instructions that when executed by a computer perform a method of automatically configuring a server system after a device has been hot added to the system, wherein the method comprises: scanning a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; comparing a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database; configuring the device; retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device so as to identify the type of device; scanning the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; recording a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device; loading a driver corresponding to the hot added device; determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, modifying a first configuration file; and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, binding a network protocol of the device and modifying a second configuration file.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
204 words
A program storage device which stores instructions that when executed by a computer perform a method of automatically configuring a server system after a device has been hot added to the system, wherein the method comprises: scanning a system bus in order to identify all devices connected to the bus; comparing a list of identified devices to a configuration database, wherein a new device is indicated if it is identified in the list but not in the configuration database; configuring the device; retrieving a Device ID and Vendor ID from the device so as to identify the type of device; scanning the system bus for any devices which have a hardware instance number (HIN); obtaining a hardware instance number (HIN) from the hot added device; recording a slot number and the hardware instance number of the device; loading a driver corresponding to the hot added device; determining whether the hot added device is local area network (LAN) device; if it is determined that the hot added device is not a LAN device, modifying a first configuration file; and if it is determined that the hot added device is a LAN device, binding a network protocol of the device and modifying a second configuration file.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 45 wherein the method further comprises: determining if additional data is required to configure the system; and if it is determined that additional data is required, prompting a system operator for the additional data.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 46 wherein the act of determining if additional data is required comprises: reviewing a table of configuration parameters for the device type; and generating a list of parameters required to load a driver for the device.
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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) | 2004-07-16 | 2005-01-15 | 2005-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-07-16 | 2009-01-15 | 2009-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-07-16 | 2013-01-15 | 2013-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |