US6715100B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for implementing a workgroup server array
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 2000-05-17
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Granted: 2004-03-30
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Expires: 2020-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for implementing a workgroup server array ideal for web-based Intranet, Extranet and Internet applications. The inventive server array comprises a plurality of team/workgroup computers ( 408 ) equipped with work-group-based direct-access servers and modular controlling devices ( 1 ), creating workgroup-based fault-tolerant and fail-over capabilities, providing console-based monitoring and management support, and accommodating highly available and scalable web-based applications with optimal performance. These workgroup server arrays can be used as the basic building blocks to construct large-scale server clusters, so that more users can be served concurrently. Furthermore, workgroup-server-array-based architecture is created for building various highly available, scalable and mission critical server clusters, which enable distributed computing services for enerris-based Intranet, Extranet and Internet mission critical applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Ivan Chung-Shung Hwang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 20:39
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/07; G06F11/16; G06F11/20; G06F11/2002; G06F11/2007; G06F11/2012; G06F11/202; G06F11/2023; G06F11/2025; G06F11/2035; G06F11/2046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A multiple processor computer system comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors each having a multiple CPU computing platform, said platform having RAM and respective modules for interface with a monitor, audio, speaker, access ports, USB, network link, a workgroup peer-to-peer link, peripheral drives and a workgroup server link; said workgroup server link of each said TeamProcessor being connected to a shared plurality of workgroup servers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
A multiple processor computer system comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors each having a multiple CPU computing platform, said platform having RAM and respective modules for interface with a monitor, audio, speaker, access ports, USB, network link, a workgroup peer-to-peer link, peripheral drives and a workgroup server link; said workgroup server link of each said TeamProcessor being connected to a shared plurality of workgroup servers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 wherein each said workgroup server is a fault tolerant disk array.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one chassis housing at least four of said TeamProcessors and at least two of said workgroup servers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 comprising at least eight of said TeamProcessors and at least four of said workgroup servers; each of said TeamProcessors being in communication with each of said workgroup servers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one TeamPanel having a plurality of control CPUs, each CPU interfacing with a corresponding TeamProcessor, each CPU controlling a plurality of switches for selectively connecting the corresponding TeamProcessor to USB devices, a monitor, audio speakers, a keyboard, a mouse, a modem, a printer and serial devices.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer system recited in claim 5 further comprising a plurality of said TeamPanels cascaded together for interfacing an increased number of said TeamProcessors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The computer system recited in claim 5 further comprising at least one additional one of said control CPUs designated as a first main control unit and providing supervision for access to shared buses and devices for said TeamProcessors and for load balancing among said TeamProcessors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer system recited in claim 7 further comprising a second main control unit for failure mode backup of said first main control unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer system recited in claim 7 wherein one of said TeamProcessors, designated the TeamManager, controls said TeamPanel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said workgroup servers is devoted primarily to application file service and at least one other of said workgroup servers is devoted primarily to database file service.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer system recited in claim 10 wherein said application file service-devoted workgroup server provides a capability for servicing application-oriented requests.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer system recited in claim 10 wherein said database file service-devoted workgroup server provides a capability for servicing database-oriented requests.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer system recited in claim 10 wherein each of said workgroup servers provides for generating batch files written into a peripheral drive for fail-safe operation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer system recited in claim 10 comprising at least another workgroup server providing both application file service and database file service for fail-safe operation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 wherein each TeamProcessor recognizes one workgroup server as primary and all remaining workgroup servers as secondary.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 wherein said workgroup peer-to-peer link is based upon Ethernet or SCSI interfaces and wherein said workgroup server link is based upon a SCSI interface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 wherein one of said TeamProcessors designated TeamManager, monitors the status of each of the remaining TeamProcessors.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computer system recited in claim 1 wherein each said workgroup server is directly accessible to at least one of said TeamProcessors.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
101 words
A workgroup server array system comprising: a plurality of groups of TeamProcessors, each TeamProcessor having a multiple CPU computing platform, each group comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors and being connected to a TeamPanel for interface with VGA monitors, keyboards, audio speakers and serial buses; each said group being connected to a workgroup server link; a plurality of direct access workgroup servers connected to said groups of TeamProcessors by said workgroup server link; said groups being interconnected to a workgroup Ethernet hub through a workgroup peer-to-peer link; said groups also being connected to a local area network through a workgroup Ethernet switch.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
101 words
A workgroup server array system comprising: a plurality of groups of TeamProcessors, each TeamProcessor having a multiple CPU computing platform, each group comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors and being connected to a TeamPanel for interface with VGA monitors, keyboards, audio speakers and serial buses; each said group being connected to a workgroup server link; a plurality of direct access workgroup servers connected to said groups of TeamProcessors by said workgroup server link; said groups being interconnected to a workgroup Ethernet hub through a workgroup peer-to-peer link; said groups also being connected to a local area network through a workgroup Ethernet switch.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 wherein each said workgroup server is a fault tolerant disk array.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 further comprising at least one chassis housing at least four of said TeamProcessors and at least two of said workgroup servers.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 comprising at least eight of said TeamProcessors and at least four of said workgroup servers; each of said TeamProcessors being in communication with each of said workgroup servers.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
59 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 further comprising at least one TeamPanel having a plurality of control CPUs, each CPU interfacing with a corresponding TeamProcessor, each CPU controlling a plurality of switches for selectively connecting the corresponding TeamProcessor to USB devices, a monitor, audio speakers, a keyboard, a mouse, a modem, a printer and serial devices.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 23 further comprising a plurality of said TeamPanels cascaded together for interfacing an increased number of said TeamProcessors.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
47 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 23 further comprising at least one additional one of said control CPUs designated as a first main control unit and providing supervision for access to shared buses and devices for said TeamProcessors and for load balancing among said TeamProcessors.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 25 further comprising a second main control unit for failure mode backup of said first main control unit.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 25 wherein one of said TeamProcessors, designated the TeamManager, controls said TeamPanel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
40 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 wherein at least one of said workgroup servers is devoted primarily to application file service and at least one other of said workgroup servers is devoted primarily to database file service.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 28 wherein said application file service-devoted workgroup server provides a capability for servicing application-oriented requests.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 28 wherein said database file service-devoted workgroup server provides a capability for servicing database-oriented requests.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 28 wherein each of said workgroup servers provides for generating batch files written into a peripheral drive for fail-safe operation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 28 comprising at least another workgroup server providing both application file service and database file service for fail-safe operation.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 wherein each TeamProcessor recognizes one workgroup server as primary and all remaining workgroup servers as secondary.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 wherein said workgroup peer-to-peer link is based upon Ethernet or SCSI interfaces and wherein said workgroup server link is based upon a SCSI interface.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The workgroup server array system recited in claim 19 wherein one of said TeamProcessors designated TeamManager, monitors the status of each of the remaining TeamProcessors.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The workgroup computer array system recited in claim 19 wherein each said workgroup server is directly accessible to at least one of said TeamProcessors.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
96 words
In a multiple processor computer system having a plurality of TeamProcessors each having a multiple CPU computing platform and a workgroup server link connecting the TeamProcessor to a shared plurality of direct access team servers, a method of team server coordination and supervision, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a first one of said TeamProcessors as TeamManager; employing said selected TeamManager to monitor the status of all of the remaining TeamProcessors; each TeamProcessor sending its status information to said TeamManager; said TeamManager compiling a management-based status table corresponding to status information received from said TeamProcessors.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
96 words
In a multiple processor computer system having a plurality of TeamProcessors each having a multiple CPU computing platform and a workgroup server link connecting the TeamProcessor to a shared plurality of direct access team servers, a method of team server coordination and supervision, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a first one of said TeamProcessors as TeamManager; employing said selected TeamManager to monitor the status of all of the remaining TeamProcessors; each TeamProcessor sending its status information to said TeamManager; said TeamManager compiling a management-based status table corresponding to status information received from said TeamProcessors.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method recited in claim 37 wherein each of said TeamProcessors is connected through a VGA link to a common monitor and further comprising the steps of: using said TeamManager to monitor diagnostics of each of said Team Processors; capturing the VGA link of any failed TeamProcessor by the TeamManager; and having said TeamManager reset a failed TeamProcessor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method recited in claim 37 further comprising the steps of allocating at least one TeamProcessor for load balancing; allocating at least one TeamProcessor for database service; allocating at least one other TeamProcessor for application-specific services.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method recited in claim 37 further comprising the step of pairing the TeamProcessors to provide fault tolerant takeover by one TeamProcessor for another of a pair.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method recited in claim 37 wherein said computer system has an additional apparatus for monitoring TeamProcessor status; the method further comprising the steps of: employing said additional apparatus for monitoring status of said TeamProcessors; said additional apparatus being the final arbitrator of load balancing among said TeamProcessors; said additional apparatus instructing said TeamManager to alter load distribution among said TeamProcessors to achieve said load balancing.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer system recited in claim 19 wherein each TeamProcessor is associated with one of said servers as a primary server and is associated with the remaining servers as secondary servers.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The computer system recited in claim 42 wherein each primary server for a selected TeamProcessor provides full function database accessibility to its selected TeamProcessor and provides read-only database accessibility to all other said TeamProcessors.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
58 words
The computer system recited in claim 19 wherein some of said TeamProcessors are application-based and some of said TeamProcessors are database-based, and wherein some of said servers are application-based servers and some are database servers; the system further comprising: means for adjusting the number of application-based TeamProcessors and servers to optimize the quality of performance for incoming traffic.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
112 words
A workgroup server duster having a plurality of interconnected workgroup server arrays, each such server array comprising: a plurality of groups of TeamProcessors, each TeamProcessor having a multiple CPU computing platform, each group comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors and being connected to a TeamPanel for interface with VGA monitors, keyboards, audio speakers and serial buses; each said group being connected to a workgroup server link; a plurality of direct access workgroup servers connected to said groups of TeamProcessors by said workgroup server link; said groups being interconnected to a workgroup Ethernet hub through a workgroup peer-to-peer link; said groups also being connected to a local area network through a workgroup Ethernet switch.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
112 words
A workgroup server duster having a plurality of interconnected workgroup server arrays, each such server array comprising: a plurality of groups of TeamProcessors, each TeamProcessor having a multiple CPU computing platform, each group comprising a plurality of TeamProcessors and being connected to a TeamPanel for interface with VGA monitors, keyboards, audio speakers and serial buses; each said group being connected to a workgroup server link; a plurality of direct access workgroup servers connected to said groups of TeamProcessors by said workgroup server link; said groups being interconnected to a workgroup Ethernet hub through a workgroup peer-to-peer link; said groups also being connected to a local area network through a workgroup Ethernet switch.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The workgroup server cluster recited in claim 45 further comprising a round robin server for balancing the load among said plurality of workgroup server arrays.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The workgroup server duster recited in claim 46 further comprising a Domain Name Server for distributing incoming traffic.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
The workgroup server cluster recited in claim 45 wherein each said workgroup server array provides a workgroup database which is duplicative of every other workgroup server array workgroup database in said workgroup server cluster.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The workgroup server duster recited in claim 45 wherein each said workgroup server array provides a unique workgroup database.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
The workgroup server cluster recited in claim 45 , said cluster being upwardly scaleable by serial and parallel connection to a plurality of additional workgroup server clusters for high availability mission critical applications.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-09-29 | 2008-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-30 | 2011-09-29 | 2012-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-30 | 2015-09-29 | 2016-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |