In case it wasn't clear, "management system" in the '388 patent corresponds to
the "control means" in '662, as in
a management system capable of
receiving fault messages from the memory section controllers and removing from
service the memory section from which the fault message was
received
control means coupled to said switches for electronically
removing from the system any data storage means and data buffer means which
transmits erroneous data [ Reply to This | Parent | # ]
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This is a similar patent, assigned to the same company, different inventor,
issued in the EU, also from 1990
EP0524247A4 APPARATUS AND
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DATA FLOW BETWEEN A COMPUTER AND MEMORY
DEVICES
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling data flow
between a computer (10) and a group of memory devices (18A...18M) arranged in a
particular logical configuration. The system includes a group of first level
controllers (12A, 12B) and a group of second level controllers (14A, 14B). The
first level controllers (12A, 12B) and the second level controllers (14A, 14B)
work together such that if one of the second level controllers (14a, 14B) fails,
the routing between the first level controllers (12A, 12B) and the memory
devices (18A...18M) is switched to a properly functioning second level
controller (14A, 14B) without the need to involve the computer (10) in the
rerouting process. The logical configuration of the memory devices (18A...18M)
remains constant. The invention also includes switching circuitry (16A1...16M6)
which permits a functioning second level controller (14A, 14B) to assume control
of a group of memory devices (18A...18M) formerly controlled by the failed
second level controller (14A, 14B).
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