Abstract A method is described for accomplishing the diagnosis of errors in modular constructed, program controlled data exchange systems. The method contemplates the use of a specific program for error diagnosis. Redundance of the system is increased when several operating units in the system operate together in a cyclic fashion with central memories. When a particular unit of the system is recognized as malfunctioning, it is placed in a diagnosis state, and during the continuance of this state, the malfunctioning unit is active only for special test processes run under the control of the diagnostic program utilizing properly functioning units in the system. In carrying out the dianostic program, the properly functioning units are placed in the diagnostic state either constantly or at least for the duration of an operating cycle, as needed. A central sequence demand control, which receives, assigns and selects sequence requirements sent by the units of the system, is placed in a diagnostic state for running the diagnostic program in conjunction with the malfunctioning system unit now placed in the diagnosis state, along with a properly functioning program control unit for controlling the sequence and a properly functioning storage element. The sequence demand control operates in such a manner during the diagnosis state such that only particular cycle-related sequence demands of those units which are at the time in the diagnosis state are considered.
A method for error diagnosis for the use in combination with a diagnosis program in a program controlled data exchange installation constituted by a plurality of system units wherein, under said diagnosis program a number of said system units, as needed to carry out said program, operate together cyclically and with a central storage means and wherein a system unit determined to be malfunctioning is placed in a diagnosis state whereby it functions only under the control of the diagnosis program in conjunction with said number of properly functioning system units comprising the steps of: switching a sequence demand control, which receives assigns and selects sequence requirements from system units, to a diagnosis state for running said diagnosis program in conjunction with said malfunctioning system unit, a properly functioning program control unit controlliNg the sequence and a properly function storage means, and processing in said sequence demand control, for the duration of said diagnosis state, only cycle-related sequence demands of said number of system units, which are at the time in a diagnosis state.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
174 words
A method for error diagnosis for the use in combination with a diagnosis program in a program controlled data exchange installation constituted by a plurality of system units wherein, under said diagnosis program a number of said system units, as needed to carry out said program, operate together cyclically and with a central storage means and wherein a system unit determined to be malfunctioning is placed in a diagnosis state whereby it functions only under the control of the diagnosis program in conjunction with said number of properly functioning system units comprising the steps of: switching a sequence demand control, which receives assigns and selects sequence requirements from system units, to a diagnosis state for running said diagnosis program in conjunction with said malfunctioning system unit, a properly functioning program control unit controlliNg the sequence and a properly function storage means, and processing in said sequence demand control, for the duration of said diagnosis state, only cycle-related sequence demands of said number of system units, which are at the time in a diagnosis state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein said sequence demand control includes a sequence demand register having a first part for storing information indicating the priority of a sequence and a second part and comprising the additional step of: placing at least a data bit in a predetermined portion in said second part of said sequence demand register indicating whether or not a system unit is in the diagnosis state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method defined in claim 2 comprising the additional step of: adding to information issuing from said sequence demand control, which sequence demand control is in the diagnosis state, an additional signal delivered by said second part of said sequence demand control whereby system units not in said diagnosis state will not respond to said information.