Patent GB-1428663-A (GB)
Title: Computer diagnostic systems
IPC: G06F11/07
Filed: 1972-12-20
Abstract: 1428663 Selective signalling; optical reader system HONEYWELL INFORMATION SYSTEMS Inc 20 Dec 1972 [20 Dec 1971] 58962/72 Headings G4H and G4M [Also in Division G1] A computer-having a central processor and at least one peripheral device associated with an anticipatory diagnostic system comprises a plurality of monitor units for observing operation of the at least one said peripheral device, means for selecting a said monitor unit, quantizing its output, comparing the quantized value with another, and predicting imminent failure. Fig. 2 shows a card reader/punch as the peripheral unit. A decoder 40 (bottom left) responds to commands from the central processor to actuate a picker unit 42 and a pinch unit 44 (the latter in dependence on a photo-cell 58 detecting a card). These units, and a kicker unit 60 actuated by a photo-cell 62 detecting the card, transport the card past a matrix 30 of photo-cells for reading and a matrix 32 of photo-cells to control punching, to a stacker 64. A photo-cell 122 and timing circuit 124 produces an output to " select gating" 98 at the beginning of picker operation and, in the event of underrun or overrun, an error signal at 128. A read error signal can be produced at 38 (top right), e.g. to stop punching. "Select gating" 98 also receives the picker and pinch actuating pulses from decoder 40, and the shaped outputs of photo-cells 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 detecting card transit. The central processor, through decoder 40, can select any two of the inputs to "select gating" 98 to set and reset (respectively) a flip-flop 136 to gate clock pulses to a counter 142, the count being stored at 144. The central processor, through decoder 40, can alternatively select, at "select gating" 160, a voltage corresponding to the picker motor voltage, picker motor bearing temperature, pinch coil voltage, or pinch roller pressure, for digitization at A/D converter 164 to feed store 144. The contents of store 144 can be displayed 150, locally or remotely, and sent to the central processor, which also receives the error signals mentioned, and jam location signals produced when certain inputs to the "select gating" 98 are too far apart, by setting and resetting flip-flops 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 which enable gates directly and through delays as shown. The central processor can dim the light source 34 (top) via the decoder 40 for marginal testing. The computer programme controls testing via the decoder 40, the values from store 144 being compared with reference values. Too great a different indicates degradation. If the degradation has occurred fewer than n times, a warning for action during periodic servicing is printed out. If the degradation has occurred n or more times, an imminent failure warning is produced for immediate repair service or the system may be stopped. Detection of a jam signal causes comparison of current and previous counts (from 142) for the location identified by the jam signal, and then successively preceding locations until the failure location is found, when measurement values via "select gating" 160 are taken if applicable for comparison with the references to further specify the fault. The peripheral device may alternatively be a card punch, card reader, tape drive, disc drive, keyboard input, plotter or printer.