Redundant multiple computer architecture

• US 20080133694A1
• Filed: 10/05/2007
• Published: 06/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John M. Holt
• Original Assignee: John M. Holt
• Inventors: Holt, John M.
• Application Number:
  US11/973,389
• Publication Number:
  US 20080133694A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/215
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/52 Program synchronisation; Mutual exclusion, e.g. by means of semaphores

Abstract

A multiple computer system incorporating a redundant memory architecture is disclosed. Memory locations (0-99, A-C) stored on one machine (C1, M1) are stored on the hierarchically adjacent machines (C2, M2) and maintained updated. In the event of the failure of only one machine, the hierarchically adjacent machine has the memory locations of the failed machine and is able to resume or take over the computational tasks of the failed machine thereby providing a measure of redundancy. Both distributed memory systems (DSM) and replicated memory system (RSM) are disclosed. In particular, a partially replicated memory system, structure, and method for replicating in using the same, are all disclosed.

Claims

1. A single computer adapted to operate in a multiple computer system environment, the multiple computer system comprising a plurality of computers each having a local memory and each being interconnected to the other computers via a communications network, said single computer comprising:

a local memory which is partitioned into two compartments;

a communications port for connection with said communications network;

a data updating means connected with said communications port to receive data from, or send data to, said communications port; and

a data storage allocation means to store in a first of said compartments first data created by, or required for, the operation of said computer, to send said first data to said communications port for storage in another computer, and to receive from said communications port second data created by, or required for, the operation of another computer so that in the event of failure of said another computer the data required for said single computer to take over the computational tasks of said another computer is present in said single computer.

2. The single computer as in claim 1, wherein said multiple computer system has a hierarchical order allocated to the computers thereof, and said another computer comprises the hierarchically adjacent computer.

3. A method of storing data in a single computer operating in a multiple computer system environment including a plurality of external computers each having a local memory and each being interconnected to the other computers via a communications network, said method of storing data in a single computer comprising the steps of:

(i) partitioning the local memory of said single computer into two compartments;

(ii) storing data created by, or required for, the operation of said single computer firstly in a compartment in said computer, and secondly in a compartment of one other of said plurality of external computers; and

(iii) updating changes in content or value in said stored data in said first compartment of the local memory of said single computer and in said second compartment of the local memory of said other external computer;

whereby in the event of failure of only one of said single computer said stored and updated data is available in at least the other external computer.

4. The method as in claim 3, including the further step of:

(iv) allocating a hierarchical order to said computers; and

(v) for each computer storing the data for that computer in one of said local memory compartments and storing the data for the hierarchically adjacent computer in the other compartment of said local memory.

5. The method as in claim 4, including the step of:

(vi) making all the data stored on each computer accessible to all other ones of said computers to thereby form a distributed shared memory computer system.

6. The method as in claim 4, including the step of:

(vii) replicating some of the stored data and storing same on each said computer, but not replicating all of said stored data to thereby form a partially replicated stored memory computer system.

7. The method as in claim 6, wherein the replicated stored memory of each computer is substantially the same.

8. The method as in claim 6, wherein the replicated stored memory is substantially located in a single computer.

9. The method as in claim 8, including the further step of:

transmitting changes made to a memory location of a first computer to another computer for storage therein, and said other computer transmitting said changes to the remaining computers.

10. The method as in claim 9, wherein said multiple computers are arranged in a hierarchical order and said first computer and said other computer are adjacent computers in said hierarchical order.

11. A computer program stored in a computer readable media, the computer program including executable computer program instructions and adapted for execution by a single computer operating in a multiple computer system environment that includes a plurality of computers to modify the operation of the single computer;

the modification of operation including performing a method of storing data in at least the single computer, said method comprising;

(i) partitioning the local memory of said single computer into two compartments;

(ii) storing data created by, or required for, the operation of said single computer firstly in a compartment in said computer, and secondly in a compartment of one other of said plurality of external computers; and

(iii) updating changes in content or value in said stored data in said first compartment of the local memory of said single computer and in said second compartment of the local memory of said other external computer;

whereby in the event of failure of only one of said single computer said stored and updated data is available in at least the other external computer.