Method and apparatus for automatic generation of I/O configuration descriptions
US5671441A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/4411
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Automatic machine methods and apparatus for determining which components of an I/O configuration are shared by other components of the configuration. The information can be obtained through the use of existing self-description facilities and unique identifiers. By noting which channel paths are used to obtain configuration-data records and examining the unique identifiers provided for each I/O items it can be determined which I/O devices are accessible through the same control unit, and which control units provide access to the same I/O device. Furthermore, by examining the unique identifiers provided, it can be determined which I/O subsystems and which control units or channel subsystems are accessible through the same dynamic switch and which dynamic switches provide access to the same I/O subsystem of channel subsystem. A programmable subchannel is provided to enable communication between a CEC and an electrically-connected I/O item not represented in the current I/O configuration description being used by the CEC. Without the programmed subchannel, the CEC cannot access any I/O item not represented in the CEC's current I/O configuration description.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.