Process for the automation of informatic procedures and device therefor

Abstract: A device for executing informatic procedures, including activities of end of day and/or data safety procedures, particularly for computers, peripheral units, computer networks, and the like, all of them working with operating systems, such as DOS, OS/2, UNIX, XENIX, MACINTOSH, NOVELL, NT ADVANCED SERVER, characterized by a request of starting a data processing procedure, said data being adapted for outputting a procedure starting request signal to means for storing and processing said request signal; said storing and processing means being adapted to command the procedures be automatically executed and to drive supply cut-off means for cutting off the supply to the computer at the end of the procedures. A process is also disclosed for executing informatic procedures including data safety and safeguard procedures using the above device.

Description: The present invention relates to a process and device for automating informatic procedures, without the intervention of an operator. It is known that the user of an informatic system has to perform a number of procedures for managing data which is used and stored in a usual processing device, such as an electronic computer. Said procedures may relate for example to the end of day, the definition of daily data relevant to turnover, purchase volume, product inventory, exploiting of daily data for drafting the papers to be sent on the following day, restocking calculation, and so on. In addition, the user is requested to reorganize, select, and update data, copy temporary created files, check for the presence of viruses possibly present in the various files, create a copy or back-up copy of Winchester disks or removable disks on magnetic or magneto-optical media, send or receive via modem any kind of information to another informatic system, park the reading head of a Winchester disk in the adapted safety zone before stopping said disks, rearrange the files stored on the disk so as to optimize disk space occupation and disk access time update file index table, and run a diagnosis test about the status of the informatic system. Each of the above mentioned procedures is currently carried out on the basis of commands issued by the system user, for every single procedure. Usually, said commands are either integrated in programs for specific functions. The installation of such adapted programs requires an operator in order to have them integrated on user-friendly menus. Accordingly, a resulting drawback is that a skilled operator is required for the installation, with times and costs increased accordingly. In addition, the standardization of such procedures is opposite to the peculiarity of each utilization. The procedures of result analysis are complicated and require trained and qualified personnel, which does not ensure absolute reliability in the daily use thereof. US-A-5 276 865 discloses an automatic computer back-up system for automatically backing up the memory of a computer. The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for the automatic execution of a number of informatic procedures relevant to an informatic system. Within this aim, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device as claimed in claim 1 with corresponding process as claimed in claim 13 which allow the execution of both daily routine procedures and safety procedures. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process and device for protecting, processing, and analysing data without the assistance of an operator. It is another object of the invention to provide a device which can be connected on one side thereof to the network and on the other side to a pre-existing informatic device in order to supply it. Another object is to provide a process and device which allow, at the end of working day of the operator, to automatically execute user programs on the informatic system, such as scanning for viruses, zipping, up-dating to the network, posponed print-outs, and the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process and device which allow, at the end of the execution of the various procedures, to disconnect the informatic system from the mains. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a process and device which allow to execute a set of processing procedures automatically, by linking them to one another. Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a process and device for executing automatically procedures compatible with any kind of operating system. Still another object of the invention is to provide a process which allow to increase the working time of the user on an informatic system. Not the least object of the invention is to provide a process and device which have a high reliability, and are comparatively easy to be manufactured with low costs. This aim, these objects, and others which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a device for executing informatic procedures, including activities of end of day and/or data safety procedures, for computers, peripheral units, computer networks as defined in claim 1. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, of the device according to the invention, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 is a block diagram of an informatic system provided with the device according to the invention; figure 2 is a block diagram of a circuit of the device in accordance with the invention; figure 3 is a flow chart showing the steps of creation of changes in the chain-linking of the procedures in accordance with this invention; figure 4 is a flow chart showing the different steps of the procedures in accordance with this invention; figure 5 is a flow chart showing the running of chain-linked procedures in accordance with the method of the invention; figure 6 is a flow chart showing the reactivation of an informatic system provided with a device according to the invention; figure 7 shows a mode, means, and a method of communication between the storage electronic components and the informatic system according to the invention; figure 8 is a block diagram of the storage means according to the invention; figure 9 is a flow chart of the operational steps of the storage means of the invention. With reference first to figures 1, 2, and 8, the device according to the invention comprises means, generally indicated with the reference number 1 in fig. 1, for storing and processing a request of executing procedures, Said means 1 is connected to an informatic system to which a display device 3, a printer 4, and data storage means 5 are connected. Means 1 for storing and processing procedure execution requests may be integrated within the informatic system or they can be external. The informatic system 2 can be connected to other informatic systems through a link 6, for example a network. Storage and processing means 1 can be placed either inside or outside the computer or any peripheral device. The connection between the means 1 for storing and processing procedure execution requests to an informatic system 2 can be obtained by several communication means such as for example parallel buses, SCSI buses, serial connection, networking, etc. The storing and processing means 1 receives a control signal from at least one means 16 for requesting the start of procedures, said means consisting advantageously of a key of a keyboard, a touch-responsive screen portion of said display means, a speech recognition device, a switch, a UPS command, hardware clock with or without weekly scheduler either provided with a key-lock capability, or not. The procedure starting request means are connected to said storage and processing means 1, and can be either inside or outside said storage and processing means 1. With reference to fig. 8, and in greater detail, the storage and processing means 1 comprises means 7 for decoding an electronic circuit connected to means 8 for detecting the location of the procedure starting request means. Connection means 15 connects said means 8 to the procedure starting request means. Means 8 is connected to managing means 9 of lines a, b, and c connecting the input/output of the informatic system 2 and the storing and processing means 1, to means 10 storing the request of stopping informatic system 2, and timing or clock command means. Lines a, b, and c and means 9, and 10 are connected to electric insulation means 11. Lines a, b, and c form one-way or two-way exchange lines for data, whereas line 18, connected to said decoding means, carries only input data for the storing and processing means 1. Timing means 12 is connected to the storing and processing means 12, which is adapted to calculating a timing or clock set for example at 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Said timing means 12 are finally connected to control means 13 adapted to drive means 14 for connection to supply cut-off means 17, as shown in fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an optional embodiment of the device according to the invention, which shows the storing and processing means 1 of fig. 8 connected to procedure start request means 16 and to supply cut-off means 17. In fig. 7 the communication between the informatic system (computer with its own operating system) and the storing and processing means 1 is shown. The communication can take place over to two lines: a first one-way exchange line 18 for outputting the electronic circuit address, and a second line 19, formed for example by lines a, b, and c, for the two-way exchange of data. Outputting the address over line 18 allows a connection to be established between the storing and processing means 1 and the informatic system 2. Said addressing can be realized directly or indirectly by sending a series of simultaneous or time-delayed codes. Over line 19, communication can be established by putting a zero on the line if a user makes a procedure start request, and by putting a one on the line if no such request is made. The function of the device according with a first embodiment and according to the figures is as follows. The storing and processing means for the procedure start request is connected trough the communication system consisting of lines 18 and 19, to the microcomputer(s) of informatic system 2. When the microcomputer(s) reads the request of automatically executing the procedures, it will stop the current operations and execute the procedures corresponding to the parameters which have been pre-selected and inputted by the operator. At the end of said procedures, the result of said operations is displayed on the screen of the display device 3. The result can also be printed. The various operations are displayed with the relevant result. In this way the operator is kept updated with the procedures which have been carried out. These information can also be displayed at the computer start-up for more comfort and security for the user. As an alternative, at the mains power connection level, the user has the choice of having part of the informatic system not powered by the device according to the present invention if he wants to keep available part of the computer resources. For example it is possible to keep the mother board of the computer in stand by mode or it is possible to keep the mother board open to be able to access to its directly connected devices, such as disks or tapes, or modem. Fig. 1 shows an exemplary configuration since it is possible to add terminals, screens, printers, bar code readers, external modems and the like. Depending on the choice of the user, other computers and/or peripherals linked to the mother board can be a part of the informatic system 2. According to a second embodiment of the invention, the storing and processing means 1 is connected to microcomputer(s) by a standard link, such as for example serial port, parallel bus, SCSI bus, series and parallel connection. The storing and processing means 1 associated with dedicated software causes the initialization of the status of the microprocessor of the microcomputer(s), when said means 1 require the automatic execution of the procedures. When the procedures are completed, the microprocessor sets the storing and processing means 1 at a storing condition where cut-off of the supply to informatic system 2 is requested by the cut-off request means 16. Memorizing the cut-off request involves a timing be started. Upon said timing, for example after 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the storing and processing means 1 set an electronic output to a condition allowing the associated supply cut-off means 17 to interpret the output as a cut-off command. The device according to the invention comprises also logical processing and actuating means having the following functions: creation of procedures, by defining: a) name of procedure; b) kind or function of procedure; c) localization of the procedure of the informatic system 2 (i.e. disk, directory, subdirectory, ...); d) commands necessary for executing the procedure; e) commands and means used for verifying the procedure is executed correctly, and for checking the result thereof; chain-linking of procedures, by defining: a) order and priority level of each procedure; b) importance level of the obtained result, pointing out whether a negative result involves arresting the chain of procedures to be executed; c) the rule used for starting each procedure on the basis of hourly programming, direct chain-linking, and so on. The processing and actuation means provides also for actuation of said defined procedures. Disclosing the necessity of actuating a procedure being defined as the creation of a "task" which includes the procedures and adds elements necessary to its chain-linking to another procedure to be executed subsequently. In addition, said processing and actuation means provides for automatic management of calculation of the "tasks" and for their execution at the due time and without the intervention of the user. The following table is an example of programming the procedure done by the user: PRIORITY FUNCTION DATE TIME 1 Virus scanning Always Always 2 Calculation of daily turnover Always After 3 p.m. 3 Up-dating of inventory product Always After 3 p.m. 4 Closing of working day Always After 3 p.m. 5 Editing of turnover and cash volume Always After 3 p.m. 6 Monthly closing End of month After 3 p.m. 7 Editing of monthly turnover End of month After 3 p.m. 8 Back-up copy of files used in starting up Always Always 9 Safety safeguard of data in memory disks Always After 3 p.m. 10 Back-up of Winchester disks Always Always 11 System stop Always Always 12 Cut-off of power supply Systematic Systematic The above table allows to understand that the device and the relevant process may be actuated during the working day without causing dead times. On the basis of the date and time of the day, the device performs the corresponding tasks as explained in the above table. When said tasks are completed, the system will be automatically switched off, and at a time when it is switched on again, it is possible to associate analysis functions and therefore inform the user, on the screen, about the procedure performed and their results. The procedures may be obviously set by the user by means of a mouse. In order to have the 'end of day' set of the operations of end of day carried out, it is sufficient to request the procedure in the afternoon. It is important to understand that the processing and actuation means are not of a clock-controlled type, i.e. the so-called "scheduler". Said scheduler starts operations at a preset time, thus preventing the use of the system under normal conditions. It does not entail chain-link functions of the different procedures and does not leave the user a complete freedom of use. In addition, the informatic system 2, in the presence of a scheduler is not disconnected from the mains at the end of the carried out procedures. On the contrary, it is mandatory to let it turned on. With reference now to figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9, the process according to the invention, which makes use of the above disclosed device comprises the following steps. Figure 4 is a flow chart of the main steps of the process according to the invention. After the initial step 30, the consultation step of the procedure start request takes place, verifying the status of the request means 16. In case step 40 is executed, then step 50 of closing the current programs is performed, otherwise the sequence goes back to step 30. Subsequently, for initializing informatic system 2 step 60 is carried out. After step 60, there is step 70 of analysis of the automatic procedure to be executed, which is followed by step 80 for defining each task and then step 90 for executing each task. Then step 100 follows wherein it is requested whether it is desired to execute all the procedures. In case of negative answer, the processing goes back to step 70, otherwise it goes to step 110 of arresting the software. After step 110, there are the electric supply cut-off step 120 and the end step 130. Fig. 3 shows the flow chart of the step sequence for creating and modifying the procedure link up. Said sequence starts with initial step 140, which is followed by step 150 of displaying the main menu. The subsequent step 160 provides for displaying the programmed procedures. After said step, there is step 170 of request of changes or additions to the procedures already programmed and previously displayed. In case said request is answered in the negative, the processing goes to end step 250, otherwise it goes to step 180 of displaying the table of modified parameters. The following step 190 allows the operator to add the desired procedures, the consistence of which is verified in step 200. If the consistency check is negative, the processing goes back to step 190, otherwise it goes to step 210 of modification of the parameters by the operator. The subsequent step 220 ascertains the modifications have been acquired. In case of negative result, the processing goes back to step 210, otherwise it goes to the following step 230 of validation request. If the validation request is answered in the negative, processing goes to end step 250, otherwise it goes to step 240 of memorization of the new parameters entered by the operator. Fig. 5 is a flow chart of the execution steps of the chain-linked procedures. Said execution starts with step 260 which is followed by step 270 of reading the procedure execution request. Then there is a request step 280 of executing or running the procedures. In case of negative answer, the processing goes back to step 270, otherwise it goes to step 290 for the initialization of informatic system 2. Then there is the step of creating the chain-link of the procedures to be executed based on the stored table in accordance with the processing shown in fig. 2. The execution of the procedures therefore takes place, in step 310, according to the set priority level, and the result of the processing is analysed in a report file in step 320. Then there is step 330, where the question is asked whether the procedure is to be ended or not. In the negative, the processing goes to step 310, whereas if the answer is positive, the processing goes to step 340, where the table is looked up. Then step 350 of request of stop to the storing and processing means 1, and step 360 of creating the file indicating that the interrogation about stop has been asked, follow. Subsequently, step 370 of starting procedures for stopping the informatic system 2, and then step 380 are performed. Fig. 6 shows as a flow chart, the sequence of the restart steps of informatic system 2. The restart begins from the initial step 390 to go to step 400 of consulting the file containing the information about the kind of stop executed in the above step 370 of figure 5. Then there is step 410, where the user is asked whether the stop was done after the execution of the procedures. In case of negative answer, the processing goes to step 440 for consulting the file containing the information about the kind of stop executed, otherwise it goes to step 430 for analysing the procedure report file, then to step 430 of displaying the performed procedures and their results, and then to the above mentioned step 440. Step 440 is followed by step 450 where it is asked whether the stop was done without executing the procedures. If the answer to this question is negative, the processing goes to step 470 of actuating or starting up the informatic system 2, otherwise it goes to step 460 of displaying a message indicating that no safety procedure has been performed. After step 470 there is step 480. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the sequence of the operating steps of storing and processing means 1, and particularly it shows the procedure of reading the position of the procedure start request means 16. The sequence begins with the initial step 490, which is followed by step 500 of decoding the addresses being present on the connecting bus between the storing and processing means 1 and informatic system 2. The decoding is done by decoding means 7. Then there is step 510 where it is asked whether the address corresponds. If the answer is negative, the processing goes to step 470 of outputting the image of switch 16, i.e. the status of the switch (open or closed), otherwise it goes back to step 500. After step 520, step 530 is carried out for verifying whether the control lines a, b, and c are active. If the answer is negative, the processing goes to the end step 580 otherwise it goes to step 540 of memorizing the interruption request, which is performed by means 10 for memorizing or storing the informatic system stop request 2. This is followed by timing start step executed by timer means 12, and then step 560 wherein it is checked whether the timing is elapsed. If the answer is negative, the processing remains with step 560, otherwise it goes to step 570 for cutting off the power supply to informatic system 2, and thereafter to end step 580. In practice it has been observed that the device and process according to the present invention fully achieve the intended aim, in that it allows to protect, process, and analyse data automatically and without an operator being present. Also, the device and process according to the invention allow to optimize the effectiveness of the informatic system 2, to increase the useful working time of the user on said system and to carry out operations of end of day, as well as safety operations, without depriving the user of useful time for work. The safety operation includes not only the back-up of files created by the user during the working day, but also scanning for possible viruses, data zipping for reducing the storing space, reorganization of data, postponed print-outs, and possibly sending facsimiles at reduced price times (usualy in the night). At the end of the above operations, the device according to the present invention provides to turn off the informatic system connected thereto, without an operator being present. Finally, compatibility with several operating systems makes the device according to the invention highly versatile. The device thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice all the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of an example by such reference signs.

Claims: A device for executing informatic procedures, including activities of end of day and/or data safety procedures, scanning for viruses, zipping, up-dating to the network, posponed print-outs, for computers, peripheral units, computer networks comprising: at least one request means (16) for requesting the starting of data processing procedures; storing and processing means (1) adapted to receive a procedure starting request signal output from said request means (16); said storing and processing means being adapted to command the procedures be automatically executed and to drive supply cut-off means (17) for cutting off the supply to all or part of said computer and peripherals thereof at the end of said procedures; and logical processing and actuating means adapted to create procedures and to chain-link said procedures including stopping of said computer. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said request means (16) comprises a switch. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said request means (16) comprises a portion of touch-responsive screen. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said request means (16) comprises speech recognition means. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said storing and processing means (1) are connected to at least one of said computers through communication means (18, 19, a, b, c). The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said communication means comprises a one-way communication line (18) and two-way communication lines (19). The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said storing and processing means (1) for storing and processing the procedure start request comprises address decoding means (7) adapted to identifying the computer connected to said storing and processing means, detecting means (8) for detecting the status of said request means (16), said detecting means being connected to said decoding means, communication line managing means (9) driven by said detecting means, means (10) for storing or memorizing the request of stopping said computer and timing means (12) adapted to creating a timing after which control means (13) are actuated for controlling said means (17) for cutting off power supply to all or part of said computer and peripherals thereof. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said communication means comprises a parallel bus. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said communication means (18, 19, a, b, c) comprises a serial connection. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that said communication means comprises a SCSI bus. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said storing and processing means(1) for storing and processing the procedure start request are built in said computer. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said storing and processing means (1) for storing and processing the procedure start request are external to said computer. A process for executing informatic procedures including data safety and safeguard procedures, scanning for viruses, zipping, up-dating to the network, posponed print-outs, for computers, peripheral units, computer networks comprising the steps of: starting informatic procedures; running said procedures; chain-linking said procedures; stopping the processing of said computer; switching off all or a part of said computer and its peripherals; said starting, running, chain-linking, stopping and switching off steps being performed automatically. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that said starting step of the procedure consists in: examining the request of starting said procedures; closing the processing currently performed by said computer; bootstrapping said computer; and analysing said automatic procedures to be run. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that said procedure execution step further includes the additional steps of: displaying predefined procedures; and modifying said predefined procedures, said modification being performed by changing parameters memorized in a table. The process according to claim 15, characterized in that said modification step of the predefined procedures includes the steps of: modifying said parameters memorized in a table; adding customized procedures to said predefined procedures; and storing said modified parameters in said table. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that said step for chain-linking procedures comprises the step consisting in creating the chain-link on the basis of information stored in said table. The process according to claim 13, characterized in that said step of running all the procedures further includes the steps of: controlling the execution of said procedures by creating at least a report file of the execution thereof; analysing said at least one report file and displaying it on display means. The process according to claim 18, characterized in that said step of displaying the at least a report file is carried out at the start-up of said computer.

Inventors: VERHEECKE ERIC JULIEN, VERHEECKE, ERIC JULIEN
Applicants: VERHEECKE ERIC JULIEN, VERHEECKE, ERIC JULIEN
Application year: 1996
Main classification: G06F11
IPC codes: G06F9, G06F11