Intelligent modular server management system for selectively operating and locating a plurality of computers

• US 20050076102A1
• Filed: 09/18/2003
• Published: 04/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RIIP, Inc.
• Original Assignee: RIIP, Inc.
• Inventors: Hsieh, David, Chen, Alan, Kan, Tomy
• Granted Patent: US 7,454,495 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/220
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0677 Localisation of faults
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/082 the condition being updates or upgrades of network functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5061 characterised by the interaction between service providers and their network customers, e.g. customer relationship management

Abstract

The present invention relates to a remote computer or server management system for coupling a series of remote computers to one or more user workstations allowing for efficient location, error detection and/or general status indication of the remote computers or servers. In particular, computer interface modules connected to the remote computers or servers include a signaling circuit to emit an audible or visual signal upon detection of a problem or upon receipt of a signal command from a user trying to locate a particular remote computer. Alternatively, the signaling circuit may transmit a message to the user workstation to inform the user of a problem, general status (e.g., of firmware upgrade), etc., which may be displayed on the user'"'"'s video monitor.

Claims

1. A remote computer management system comprising:

a plurality of remote computers;

at least one user interface unit for coupling at least one keyboard, video monitor and cursor control device to said remote computers, said user interface unit comprising circuitry for receiving and transmitting keyboard, cursor control device and video signals; and

a plurality of computer interface units, each of said computer interface units being coupled to one of said remote computers, and each said computer interface unit being coupled to said user interface unit, said computer interface units comprising circuitry for receiving and transmitting keyboard, cursor control device and video signals, and a signaling circuit for generating a signal at each of said computer interface units upon detection of a specific event.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said signaling circuit produces an audible signal in response to said signaling control circuit signal.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said signaling circuit produces an audible signal in response to said signaling circuit control signal.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said signaling circuit produces a first response in response to said signaling circuit control signal and a second response to a second signaling circuit control signal.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said signaling circuit control signal is produced in response to a hardware failure on said computer.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said signaling circuit control signal is produced in response to the completion of a firmware upgrade on said computer.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein said signaling circuit control signal is produced in response to the completion of a firmware upgrade on said computer interface.

8. A system according to claim 2, wherein said audible signal indicates the status of an upgrade to said computer.

9. A system according to claim 2, wherein said audible signal indicates the status of an upgrade to said computer interface.

10. A system according to claim 1, wherein said user interface produces said signaling circuit control signal.

11. A computer management system comprising:

at least one computer;

at least one computer interface coupled to said computer via a computer interface cable for establishing communication between said computer interface and said remote computer;

at least one management unit coupled to said computer interface;

at least one signaling circuit contained in said computer interface responsive to a signaling circuit control signal, wherein said signaling circuit is capable of producing an auditory and visual signal in response to said signaling circuit control signal; and

at least one user interface coupled to said management unit and coupled to at least one of a keyboard, a video monitor, and a mouse, wherein said user interface is capable of producing said signaling circuit control signal.

12. A method of remotely locating a computer comprising the steps of:

producing a signaling control circuit signal at a user interface, wherein said signaling circuit control signal causes a signaling circuit to emit a signal from one of the group consisting of an audible signal and a visual signal;

locating the source of said signal;

terminating said audible signal at said user interface.