United States Patent (19)
`Russell
`
`54
`
`IN AN INTERACTIVE NETWORK BOARD, A
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING
`A MEDIA ACCESS CONTROL ADDRESS IN A
`REMOTELY ALTERABLE MEMORY
`
`Inventor: William C. Russell, Laguna Hills,
`Calif.
`
`Assignee: Canon Information Systems, Inc.,
`Irvine, Calif.
`
`Appl. No.: 978,435
`Filed:
`Nov. 18, 1992
`Int. Cl." ........................... G06F 13/16; G06F 15/177
`U.S. Cl. ................................ 395/200.51; 395/200.46;
`395/834; 395/183.14
`Field of Search ..................................... 395/200, 800,
`395/2001, 200.07, 200.08, 430, 834, 183.14,
`200.42, 200.46, 200.5, 200.51, 653; 370/85.14,
`85.08; 340/825.05, 825.3, 825.5; 364/276.3,
`281.9, 280.3, 962.1; 711/103
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,742,483 5/1988 Morrell ................................... 364/900
`4,769,767 9/1988 Hilbrink ...
`... 364/DIG. 1
`4,797,881
`1/1989 Ben-Artzi.................................. 370/88
`4,837,764 6/1989 Russello .................................... 371/20
`4.866,664 9/1989 Burkhardt, Jr. et al
`... 364/900
`4,939,636
`7/1990 Nakagawa et al. ..................... 395/200
`4,974,199 11/1990 Verbanets, Jr. et al. ................ 364/900
`5,007,013 4/1991 Elms ....................
`... 364/900
`5,018,079 5/1991 Shukunami et al.
`... 364/519
`5,046,082 9/1991 Zicker et al. ............................. 379/59
`5,060,228 10/1991 Tsutsui et al. ....................... 370/85.13
`5,075,875 12/1991 Love et al. .............................. 395/117
`5,155,837 10/1992 Liu et al. ................................ 395/500
`5,155,847 10/1992 Kirouac et al.
`... 395/200.09
`5,163,131 11/1992 Row et al. .............................. 395/200
`5,165,018 11/1992 Simor ...
`395/2001
`5,195,130 3/1993 Weiss et al. .............................. 379/98
`5,210,854 5/1993 Beaverton et al.
`... 395/430
`5,214,646 5/1993 Yacolny ............
`370/85.14
`5,239,662 8/1993 Damelson et al. ...................... 395/800
`
`USOO584.1991A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`5,841,991
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`5,261,055 11/1993 Moran et al. ........................... 395/834
`5,263,003 11/1993 Cowles et al...
`365/230.03
`5,268,928 12/1993 Herh et al. .................................. 375/8
`5,276,839
`1/1994 Robb et al. ............................. 395/430
`5,299,313 3/1994 Petersen et al. ........................ 395/200
`5,309,363 5/1994 Graves et al. ..................... 364/464.02
`5,317,693 5/1994 Cuenod et al..
`5,359,730 10/1994 Marron .............................. 364/DIG. 1
`5,371,692 12/1994 Draeger et al. ...................... 340/825.5
`5,410,703 4/1995 Nilsson ...........
`... 395/183.14
`5,420,572 5/1995 Dolin, Jr. et al.
`... 340/825.5
`5,421,009 5/1995 Platt ..................................... 395/200.1
`5,428,748 6/1995 Davidson et al.
`... 364/DIG. 1
`5.434,999 7/1995 Goire et al. ........................ 395/200.09
`5,438,528 8/1995 Emerson et al..
`5,444,861
`8/1995 Adamec et al..
`5,495,610 2/1996 Shing et al. ....................... 395/200.08
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`8904578 5/1989 WIPO.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“Penny-Pinching Networks for Distributed Control', Paula
`Skokowski, Control Engineering, vol.39, No. 5, Mar. 1992,
`pp. 35–37.
`Primary Examiner Mark H. Rinehart
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper &
`Scinto
`ABSTRACT
`57
`Method and apparatus for Storing a Media AcceSS Control
`(MAC) address in an EPROM disposed on a target interac
`tive network board having a local area network interface
`comprises the Step of activating a LAN communication
`program. The communication program operates to broadcast
`an inquiry through the LAN for the target interactive net
`work board, to receive location information of the target
`interactive network board in response to the broadcast
`inquiry, and to establish communication with the target
`interactive network board. The MAC address is downloaded
`to a RAM on the board, verified therein, and loaded into the
`EPROM from the RAM.
`
`26 Claims, 31 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`ACTIVATELANSADCAST MAC
`ARESS FOARGETNEB
`
`S240
`
`S2402
`
`HAS
`ARGet NEB
`REPLED
`
`YES
`RCEIVE ADDRESS, ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION,
`Download New RogyARE MAGE To DRAM
`NN
`
`S24C3
`
`NOYOPERATOR
`ANPURGEDRAM
`
`CES
`CHECKSUMCF
`ROM FIRMWAR
`WERY
`
`Yes
`STORE DATAIN ORDER OF ROMMAGE
`
`CONTROLOMOLECTRONICALLY CLEARAND
`ERASEALLERASABELOCATIONS
`
`0ADROMIMAGE FROMORAMINTO ROM
`
`S2407
`
`S2408
`
`S240
`
`RECEIVE
`COMMAND TO
`EEBOOT FROMEPROy
`
`YES
`
`REBOO
`
`
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0001
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`ae?)
`
`9
`
`
`
`qaqdqagws-
`
`YAAYSSOge
`
`LaNO0Sd9-|_:
`
`YHSAdSaSddIs|YALNIYddy
`
`HALNIHdHD-[GaN=|gzYSAYaS
`z|,LYOdLAN.
`
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`HALNIYd“A||oevSe7
`HSAYSSO8TWNYALXS-
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`SSNSNDLNidd-[=|[——]
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`NIWGV
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`
`[=]
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0002
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0002
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`42
`
`44
`
`46
`
`48
`
`62
`
`SERVER
`S1
`
`40
`
`50
`
`BACK
`BONE
`
`54
`
`SERVER
`S2
`
`6O
`
`PC
`
`66
`
`68
`
`56
`
`
`
`MODEM/
`TRANSPONDER
`P
`
`58
`
`59
`
`SERVER
`S3
`
`70
`
`PC
`
`72
`
`re
`
`74
`
`re
`
`76
`
`78
`
`FIG. 2
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0003
`
`

`

`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`boeteLNOYS!||||!,3NIDNA|WVOSid
`SNILNIYdelt||OLL(|Poor|
`
`AW1dSI0:qaNVd
`
`€“Did!ne||
`r0l||WHANSTOULNOO|CUYOdAR»jFEESOVIYALNI|
`
` 901FOVAYSLNI|oolISOsISOS||||lSnisos:ZOL|||
`
`
`
`
` NVILOLpotreeee-|||z|qyvH|l||“WaINGT||FOVIYSINI
`
`
`
`Sheet 3 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0004
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0004
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`NOISNVdx3a(CO)
`
`
`SNSZHATIOHINOOISOS
`
`LuOd
`
`VOBOES
`
`Sheet 4 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`9ce
`
`cc€9S¢WVYAN
`
`
`
`OeHA1SIDSYIOYLNOD
`
`aicoTsMCGHVH/SSAHCGV
`
`OVI
`
`0é2@y2lSWVHG
`
`Zoegn9seWOdds
`
`vSIs
`
`p02
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0005
`
`BI?
`
`1HOdWIH3S()
`YHOSSSADOHEdOHOIN
`
`ESA
`
`ove
`
`a8WVYS
`|XGvie
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`
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`
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`o1zLHAANCO—Gt
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`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0005
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 5 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`
`
`POWER ON
`
`S1
`
`EXECUTE POST FROM ROM
`S3
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`S2
`
`S4
`
`INDICATE
`FAILURE
`
`
`
`EPROM OPCODE READS NETWORKAND
`CONFIGURATION CODE FROM NVRAM
`
`
`
`
`
`S5
`
`EPROM OPCODE READS SELECTED CONFIGURATION
`MODULES, PROTOCOLTOWERS, HOUSEKEEPING
`MODULES (e.g., MONITOR, CPSOCKET, CPSERVER,
`SAPSERVER) FROMEPROMAND DOWNLOADS TO DRAM
`
`
`
`S6
`
`DETERMINE ETHERNET FRAMETYPE
`
`S7
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TIMER MODULE FINDS NEAREST SERVER
`AND REGUESS TIME
`
`S8
`
`
`
`REGUEST PRINTERTO REPORT STATUS
`
`
`
`CAL CULATE PRINTER STATISTICS
`
`
`
`
`
`STORE STATISTICS ON PRINTER DISC OR IN
`NVRAM
`
`(A)
`
`F.G. 5A
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0006
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 6 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`(A)
`
`S2O
`
`MONITOR
`PROCESSES
`SOFT-TIME TASKS
`ON MULTI-TASKING
`BASIS
`
`SAPSAVER ADVERTISES
`PSERVER AND CPSOCKET
`DENTITIES
`
`S13
`
`
`
`CPSOCKET CHECKS LAN LS 4
`AND SCSI INTERFACES
`FOR DATA
`
`S 15
`O
`
`LAN
`DATA
`
`
`
`S 17
`
`YES
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE DATA
`FROM PRINTER
`
`S 16
`
`DETERMINE SW
`PROTOCOLTYPE
`
`STORE
`PRINTER DATA
`
`FIG.5B
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0007
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 7 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`
`
`VLVdGVOINMOG
`
`SAALes
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
`
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`
`
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`
`
`
`
`
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`
`
`
`
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`
`
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`TissOS“Old
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`eerrlity>LSustouncaoeSn”|caHOWOU
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`NVTAHLOLLiSONAS
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`
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`éONgor(a)
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`YALNiddFHLOLLISQNAS
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`
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`
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`
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`
`LNAWNOUIANA
`
`
`WOudASVus
`Wv¥NISSSYCQVOVW
`
`
`
`sahSzs
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0008
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0008
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 8 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`MODULE LOAD SEOUENCE
`
`SCSI DRIVER
`
`LINK SUPPORT LAYER
`
`NETWORK DRIVER
`
`S6003
`
`PRESCAN
`
`S6004
`
`PX/SPX
`
`S6005
`
`CNETX
`
`S6006
`
`SAPSERVER
`
`S6007
`
`MULTI-TASKING MONITOR
`
`S6008
`
`CPSOCKET
`
`S6009
`
`PRINT APPLICATIONS
`CPSERVER/CRPRINTER
`
`F.G. 6
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0009
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 9 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`NETWAR 'PooMPATIBLE
`NETWORKAPPLICATION
`PROGRAM
`
`-COMPATIBLE
`NETWORKAPPLICATION
`PROGRAMS
`
`SOFTWARE LEVEL
`
`
`
`HARDWARE LEVEL
`
`304
`
`3O2
`
`NETWORK DRIVER
`
`ELECTRICAL INTERFACE
`
`
`
`
`
`F. G.7
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0010
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 10 0f 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`POWER UP
`
`S1
`
`MCROPROCESSOR ACCESSES EPROM-RESIDENT
`CODE TO READ RPRINTER OR PSERVER
`CONFIGURATION CODE FROM NVRAM
`
`S8OO1
`
`MCROPROCESSOR FORMS A CONFIGURATION
`MASK WHOSE BIT PATTERN CORRESPONDS TO ONE
`CONFIGURATION CODE
`
`S8002
`
`EPROM-RESIDENT LOADER FUNCTION APPLIES
`CONFIGURATION MASK TO A PLURALITY OF
`SOFTWARE MODULES STORED IN EPROM
`
`S80O3
`
`S8004
`
`S8005
`
`DOES BET
`OF BIT PATTERN
`MATCH A STORED
`MODULE
`
`YES SELECT MATCHED
`MODULE
`
`SKIP TO NEXT BIT
`
`S8006
`
`S8007
`
`YES
`STORE SELECTED MODULES TO DRAM
`
`S8008
`
`PASS EXECUTION CONTROL TO MONTOR MULTITASKING PROGRAM
`
`OAD NEW
`CONFIGURATION CODE
`INNVRAM
`
`RECEIVE
`NEW
`YES / CONFIGURATION
`CODE OVER
`LAN
`
`
`
`FIG. 8
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0011
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 11 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`411.
`
`6 BYTES
`DESTINATION
`MAC ADDRESS
`
`VARIABLE NUMBER
`OF BYTES
`6 BYTES
`/
`SOURCE MAC 1
`ADDRESS % % IPX HEADER
`
`
`
`M
`
`42
`
`413
`
`414
`
`415
`
`FIG. 9
`
`REMAINDER
`OF PACKET
`(VARIABLE)
`
`2.
`
`46
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0012
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 12 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`LOAD PRESCAN AND BEGIN
`EXECUTION
`
`S100
`
`PRESCANSIMULANEOUSLY BINDS THROUGH / S1002
`LSL TO ALL FOUR FRAME PACKET TYPES
`
`NETWORK DRIVERMONITORS LAN BUS
`COMMUNICATIONS FOR BROADCAST TRAFFIC
`
`S1004
`
`
`
`
`
`BROADCAST
`TRAFFIC
`
`YES
`
`STRIP OFF MAC FIELDS
`
`S1005
`
`S1 OO6
`
`LSL PROVIDES DATA GROUP FOREACH PACKET TYPE
`
`PRESCAN DETERMINES WHICH DATA GROUP
`HAS PROPER PX HEADER
`
`S1 OO7
`
`PRESCAN STORES CORRESPONDING FRAME
`PACKET TYPE
`
`PRESCAN FREES ITS STORAGE AREAFOR
`OVERWRITING BY OTHER SOFTWARE MODULES
`
`FIG.O
`
`SOO8
`
`S1 OO9
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0013
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 13 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`PRINTER
`
`4.
`
`NETWAREBCOMPATIBLE
`NETWORKAPPLICATION
`PROGRAMS
`
`
`
`UNIX-COMPATIBLE
`NETWORKAPPLICATION
`PROGRAMS
`
`
`
`SPX
`
`
`
`TCP
`
`339
`
`335
`
`LSL
`
`324
`
`NETWORK DRIVER
`
`322
`
`ELECTRICAL INTERFACE
`
`321
`
`6
`
`AN BUS
`
`FIG.11
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0014
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 14 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`CLENT #1
`CPSOCKET
`
`CLIENT #2
`CPSERVER
`
`. .
`
`CLIENT #N
`
`1.
`
`are
`
`-
`
`1.
`
`1.
`
`(SOFTWARE)
`
`NETWORK LEVEL
`(SOFTWARE)
`
`SPX
`
`IPX
`
`LS
`
`HARDWARE LEVEL
`
`NETWORK DRIVER
`
`ELECTRICAL INTERFACE
`
`LAN BUS
`
`FIG. 12
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0015
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 15 0f 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`S1301
`
`CONFIGURE SAPSERVER TO LISTEN FOR
`NETWORK BROADCASTS TO PROPRIETARY
`
`S1302
`
`CPSOCKE ISSUES REGUEST FOR SAPSERVER TO
`ADVERTISE CPSOCKETSERVICES
`
`S1303
`
`SAPSERVER PERIODICALLY ADVERTISES FOR CPSOCKET
`
`S1304
`
`CPSERVER ISSUES REGUEST FOR SAPSERVER TO
`ADVERTISE CPSERVER SERVICES
`
`
`
`C
`
`S1305
`
`SAPSERVER INTERLEAVES ADVERTISEMENTS FOR
`CPSERVER AND CPSOCKET
`
`S1306
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BROADCAST
`RECQUEST RECEIVED
`AT PROPRIETARY
`SOCKET
`?
`
`(SAPSERVER)
`
`S1307
`
`IS BROADCAST
`REGUEST FOR
`CPSOCKET OR CPSERVER
`SERVICES
`
`FIG.13
`
`
`
`S1308
`
`YES
`
`SAPSERVER RESPONDS WITH IPX PACKET ON PROPRIETARY SOCKET
`THAT DESIGNATES A COMMUNICATION SOCKE
`
`S1309
`ESTABLISH DIRECT SPX CONNECTION OVER COMMUNICATION SOCKET
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0016
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 16 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`CPNT INITIATES SAP BROADCAST ON LAN
`
`S14O1
`
`CPNT DISPLAYS LIST OF NEB DEVICES AND
`ALLOWS OPERATOR SELECTION
`
`S1402
`
`CPNIT REQUESTSCURRENT CONFIGURATION
`OF TARGETED NEB
`
`S1403
`
`CPSOCKET OBTAINS CURRENT
`CONFIGURATION AND RESPONDS TO CPNIT
`
`S1404
`
`CPNT DISPLAYS MENU OF CURRENT
`CONFIGURATION FOR TARGETED NEB
`
`S1405
`
`ADMINISTRATOR SELECTS LOGLEVELAND
`LOG FILE SIZE
`
`S4O6
`
`ADMINISTRATOR ASSIGNS NAME TO NEB
`
`S14O7
`
`
`
`ADMINISTRATOR SELECTS NEB
`CONFIGURATION (CPSERVER OR
`CRPRINTER) AND PROVIDES NEEDED
`SERVER INFORMATION
`
`S1408
`
`CPNIT SENDS NEW CONFIGURATION TO NEB
`
`S4O9
`
`CPSOCKET STORES NEW CONFIGURATION
`
`S140
`
`CPINIT COMMANDSNEB TO RE-BOOTIN NEW is
`CONFIGURATION
`
`CPSOCKETRE-BOOTS NEB
`
`S1412
`
`FIG.14
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0017
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 17 Of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`CPCONSOL INITIATES
`SAP BROADCAST ON
`LAN
`
`S15O1
`
`CPSOCKET
`RESPONDS WITH
`UNICRUE NETWORK D
`
`S15O2
`
`CPCONSOL
`DISPLAYS LST OF
`NEB DEVICES AND
`ALLOWS OPERATOR
`SELECTION
`
`S1503
`
`FIG.15
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CPCONSOL
`DISPLAYS
`GRAPHICAUSER
`INTERFACE FOR
`FUNCTIONAL
`GROUPS
`S1505
`
`(A)
`
`
`
`
`
`S1504
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S506
`OBTAN AND
`DISPLAY
`CURRENT NEB
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`S1507
`
`MODIFY AND STORE
`NEW ENVIRONMENT
`N TARGETED NEB
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NETWORK
`GROUP
`
`
`
`LOGGING
`GR9UP
`
`OBTAIN AND
`DISPLAY CURRENT
`NEB NETWORK
`GROUP
`
`MODIFY AND STORE
`NEW NETWORK
`GROUPN
`TARGETED NEB
`
`OBTAIN AND
`DISPLAY CURRENT
`NEBLOGGING
`GROUP
`
`MODIFY AND STORE
`NEW LOGGNG
`GROUPN
`TARGETED NEB
`
`AEGASN
`NIROL
`
`OBTAIN AND
`DISPLAY CURRENT
`NEB APPLICATION
`CONTROL
`
`MODIFY AND STORE
`NEW APPLICATION
`CONTROLIN
`TARGETED NEB
`
`PRINTER
`STATUS
`
`
`
`OBTAIN AND
`DISPLAY CURRENT
`NEB PRINTER
`STATUS
`
`MODIFY AND STORE
`NEW PRINTER
`STATUS IN
`TARGETED NEB
`
`
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0018
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 18 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`POST-POST TRANSFER OF
`CPSOCKET FROM PROM TO DRAM
`
`NEB COMMENCES EXECUTION OF
`CPSOCKET IN MULTITASKING
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`S1601
`
`S1602
`
`CPSOCKET BROADCASTS SAP
`ADVERTISEMENTS VIASAP SERVER
`
`S1603
`
`CPSOCKET RECEIVES BROADCAST
`RECUESTS FROM CLIENT
`
`S1604
`
`FIG.16A
`
`CPSOCKET RESPONDS TO CLIENT
`WITH IPX PACKET ON SAME SOCKET
`
`S1605
`
`CLIENT ESTABLISHES DIRECT SPX
`CONNECTION WITH CPSOCKET OVER
`SPECIFIED SOCKET
`
`S1606
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S16O7
`CONFIGURATION
`YES
`COMMANDS
`
`S1608
`
`EXECUTE CONFIGURATION
`COMMANDS AND PROVIDE
`RESULT VALAN TO CLIENT
`
`S1609
`
`COMyANDs
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`
`
`
`
`CONFIGURATION
`PARAMETER COMMANDS
`
`YES
`
`
`
`NO
`
`
`
`S1613
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S1610
`EXECUTE DEVICE
`COMMANDS AND PROVIDE
`RESULT VIA LAN TO CLIENT
`
`S1612
`
`EXECUTE CONFIGURATION
`COMMANDS AND PROVIDE
`RESULT VALAN TO CLENT
`
`S1614
`
`NEB APPLICATION
`PROGRAM COMMANDS
`?
`
`
`
`YES
`
`EXECUTE NEB APPLICATION
`PROGRAM COMMANDS AND
`PROVIDE RESULT VALAN TO
`CLENT
`
`NO
`
`(A)
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0019
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 19 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`S1615
`
`S1616
`
`
`
`NEB/PRINTER
`STATSTC goMMANDs
`
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`EXECUTE NEB/PRINTER
`STATISTIC COMMANDS AND
`PROVIDE RESULT VIA LAN TO
`CLIENT
`
`NO
`
`
`
`LOGGING
`COMMANDS
`
`S167
`YES
`
`NO
`
`
`
`S1619
`
`DOWNLOAD
`COMMANDS
`
`
`
`YES
`
`
`
`
`
`S168
`
`EXECUTE LOGGING COMMANDS
`AND PROVIDERSIT VALAN TO
`NT
`
`S 62O
`
`EXECUTE DOWNLOAD
`COMMANDS AND PROVIDE
`RESULT VIA LAN TO CLIENT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.16B
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0020
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 20 0f 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`POWER ON
`
`S
`
`TIMER MODULE FINDS NEAREST
`SERVER AND REGUESTS TIME
`
`S8
`
`S1701
`
`NONE
`LOGGNG EVEL
`SELECTED
`
`YES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`S1702
`
`AUTO
`LOGGINGLEVEL
`SELECTED
`
`ERROR
`LOGGINGLEVEL
`SELECTED
`
`JOBLOGGINGLEVEL SELECTED
`
`
`
`STORE JOB START/ENDTIMES TO LOG FILE
`
`OUERY PRINTER FOR ERROR EVENTS AND
`SAVE TO LOG FILE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(A)
`
`FIG.17A
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0021
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 21 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OUERY PRINTER FOR DALY
`STATSTICS
`
`S 1
`
`CALCULATE DALY PRINTER
`STATSTCS
`
`STORE STATISTICS ON
`PRINTER DISKOR IN NEB
`NVRAM
`
`
`
`CONTINUE
`
`FIG.17B
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0022
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 22 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`POWER ON
`
`S1
`
`DOWNLOAD MONITOR PROGRAM AND FIRST AND
`SECOND APPLICATION MODULES FROM EPROM TO DRAM
`
`S18O1
`
`RECEIVE DATA FROM FILE SERVER AND BEGINEXECUTION
`OF FIRST APPLICATION MODULE
`
`S1802
`
`FIRST
`MODULE
`NTERRUP! REACHED
`
`FIRST
`MODULE END
`REACHED
`
`YES
`STOP EXECUTION OF FIRST APPLICATION
`MODULE AND PASS CONTROL TO MONITOR
`PROGRAM WHICH STORES IN DRAM THE
`INTERRUPTED STATUS OF FIRST MODULE
`
`
`
`
`
`DATA
`RECEIVED
`
`YES
`BEGIN EXECUTION OF SECOND MODULE WITH SCS DATA
`
`SECOND
`MODULE
`INTERRUPT
`REAgHED
`
`STOP EXECUTION OF SECOND APPLICATION
`AND PASS CONTROL TO MONITOR
`PROGRAM WHICH STORES IN DRAM THE
`INTERRUPTED STATUS OF SECOND MODULE
`
`MODULE END
`REACHED
`?
`
`so5ENG
`REASHED 1.
`
`RECOMMENCE EXECUTION OF FIRST
`MODULE FROM INTERRUPT POINT
`
`S1812
`
`
`
`ES
`
`F.G. 18
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0023
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 23 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`POWER ON
`
`S1
`
`ACCESS LAN FILE SERVER FOR ACTIVE PRINT OUEUE AND
`DOWNLOAD PRINT DATA TO DRAM
`
`S22
`
`DETERMINE LAN SOURCE OF PRINT DATA
`
`S1901
`
`RETRIEVE THE DEFAULT CONFIGURATION CODE FROM
`PRINTER WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE LAN SOURCE
`
`S1902
`
`ASSEMBLE BLOCKS OF IMAGE DATA AND DESIGNATE
`START OF PRINT JOBAND END OF PRINT JOB
`
`S1903
`
`APPEND ESCAPE SEOUENCE WHICH CORRESPONDS TO
`RETREVED CONFIGURATION SPE TO BEGINNING OF
`PRINT JOB
`
`S1904
`
`SEND PRINT JOBTO PRINTER
`
`S1905
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`J S.
`COMPLETE
`
`
`
`S24
`
`YES
`
`SET PRINTER TO DEFAULT
`
`S25
`
`F.G. 19
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0024
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 24 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`
`
`
`
`START
`
`S2OO1
`
`ACTIVATE LAN BROADCAST FOR TARGET NEB
`
`S2OO2
`
`HAS
`TARGET NEB
`REPLIED
`
`YES
`
`S2003
`
`
`
`RECEIVE ADDRESS AND LOCATION OF TARGET
`NEB, ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION
`
`DOWNLOAD NEW OFPERATIONAL SOFTWARE
`TO DRAM
`
`S2004
`
`S2006
`
`
`
`NOTIFY OPERATION OF
`ERRORARPURGE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S2005
`
`IS
`CHECKSUM OF NEW
`OPERATIONAL PROGRAM
`VERIFIED
`
`
`
`YES
`
`S2OO7
`
`RUN DOWNLOAD OPERATIONAL
`PROGRAM FROMDRAM
`
`F. G.2O
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0025
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 25 0f 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`POWER ON
`
`S
`
`S2101
`
`READ FROM RAMA CONFIGURATION FILE WHCH
`IDENTIFIES ALL MODULES TO BE FLASHED INTO EPROM
`
`SELECT FROM RAM THOSE SOFTWARE MODULES TO
`BE FLASHED TO EPROM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WRITEA HEADER TO A SELECTED MODULE. HEADER
`ID'S MODULE, DESCRIBES MODULE AT TRIBUTES, AND
`POINTS TO SUCCEEDING MODULE
`
`
`
`LAST
`SELECTED MODULE
`
`YES
`
`S21 O5
`
`APPEND ROM-RESIDENT CODE TO LAST MODULE
`
`FLASH ORDERED MODULES TO EPROM
`
`S36
`
`FIG.21
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0026
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 26 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`SngVLVd
`sndSSSaYqqv
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`dOls-di4QdAdAL-d
`
`oeOld-
`
`YOLVYANAD
`
`9a-9d
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0027
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0027
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 27 Of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`LOAD ROM MAGE INTO DRAMAND VERIFY
`
`S2301
`
`MICROPROCESSOR REEE COMMAND TO FLASH
`
`S2302
`
`WRITE 360 ADDRESS WITH PREDETERMINED BIT HIGH IN A / S2303
`FIRST ADDRESS
`
`LATCHPREDETERMINED BIT AND SEND PROG1 TO DC-DC
`CONVERTER
`
`S2304
`
`READ ADDRESS 366 HEX AND SEND PROG2 TO FLP FLOP
`
`S2305
`
`CLEAR AND ERASE EPROM
`
`
`
`
`
`SEPROM
`FULLY ERASED
`
`YES
`
`FLASH EPROM WITH ROM IMAGE STORED IN DRAM
`
`WRITE 360 ADDRESS WITH PREDETERMINED BIT LOW
`
`READ 366 HEX ADDRESS INTO PAL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE
`COMMAND TO
`REBOOT FROM EPROM
`?
`
`YES
`
`REBOOT
`
`S2309
`
`S231 O
`
`S232
`
`FIG.23
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0028
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 28 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`START
`
`ACTIVATE LAN BROADCAST MAC
`ADDRESS FOR TARGET NEB
`
`S24O1
`
`
`
`
`
`S2402
`
`HAS
`TARGET NEB
`REPLIED
`
`YES
`
`S2403
`
`RECEIVE ADDRESS, ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION,
`DOWNLOAD NEW ROM RAWARE IMAGE TO DRAM
`NNEB
`
`S2405
`
`NOTIFY OPERATOR
`AND PURGE DRAM
`
`
`
`NO
`
`S2404
`
`DOES
`CHECKSUM OF
`ROM FIRMWARE
`VERIFY
`
`STORE DATA IN ORDER OF ROM IMAGE
`
`YES
`
`CONTROL ROM TO ELECTRONICALLY CLEAR AND
`ERASE ALLERASABLE LOCATIONS
`
`LOAD ROM IMAGE FROM DRAMINTO ROM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RECEIVE
`COMMAND TO
`REBOOT FROM EPROM
`
`YES
`
`
`
`REBOOT
`
`S24O7
`
`S2408
`
`S2410
`
`FIG.24
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0029
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 29 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`
`
`HE_LNIHc]
`
`Z 18
`
`LSEL
`
`HEC]\/OT
`
`! Od
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0030
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 30 0f 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`POWER ON
`
`S26O1
`
`PERFORM P.O.S.T. IN NEB
`
`S2602
`
`P.O.S.T.
`CHECKPOINTS
`O.K.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`INDICATE
`FAILURE
`
`S2603
`
`YE S
`
`S2604
`
`PREPARE TO SEND TEST PROGRAMS TO
`NEB
`
`NEB AWAITS INSTRUCTIONS IN 1 SECOND
`WINDOW
`
`S2605
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S2606
`
`S26O7
`
`INSTRUCTION
`SET RECEIVED
`FROM PC
`
`
`
`NO
`
`ENTER
`NORMAL
`OPERATION
`MODE
`
`YES
`
`S2608
`
`DOWNLOAD TEST PROGRAM FROM PC1
`TO DRAM ONNEB
`
`ACTIVATE AND EXECUTE TEST
`PROGRAM FROMDRAM
`
`S2609
`
`FIG.26A
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0031
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 24, 1998
`
`Sheet 31 of 31
`
`5,841,991
`
`S260
`
`CONFIGURE PC2 ASALANPERPHERAL
`AND OO LAN LOOPBACK
`
`S2611
`
`
`
`
`
`ARE THE
`JOB RESULTS
`CORRECT
`
`S2612
`
`USE BRANCH TEST IN
`ACCORDANCE WITH
`RECEIVED RESULTOR
`OUT
`
`S2613
`
`YES
`
`CONFIGURE PC2ASA SCSI PERIPHERAL
`AND DO SCS LOOPBACK
`
`
`
`S2615
`
`S2614
`
`
`
`ARE THE
`TEST RESULTS
`CORRECT
`
`
`
`USE BRANCH TEST IN
`ACCORDANCE WITH
`RECEIVED RESULT
`
`S2616
`
`
`
`
`
`YES
`
`FURTHER
`TESTING
`REQUIRED
`
`NO
`
`YES-G)
`
`S2617
`
`
`
`
`
`IMAGE
`TO BE STORED
`NEPROM
`
`NO
`
`
`
`S2618
`
`FLASH EPROM WITH ROM IMAGE AND
`MAC ADDRESS
`
`END
`
`FIG.26B
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0032
`
`

`

`1
`IN AN INTERACTIVE NETWORK BOARD, A
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING
`A MEDIA ACCESS CONTROL ADDRESS IN A
`REMOTELY ALTERABLE MEMORY
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates generally to a circuit board
`which is coupled to a local area network peripheral (e.g. a
`printer) and which allows the peripheral to be an intelligent,
`interactive network member eliminating the necessity of
`dedicating a personal computer to manage the peripheral.
`More particularly, the present invention relates to a method
`and apparatus for storing a Media Access Control (MAC)
`address in a remotely alterable programmable read-only
`memory disposed on an interactive network board coupled
`to a peripheral device.
`2. Related Art
`Local Area Networks (“LANs”) are known for coupling
`together a plurality of personal computers with peripheral
`devices Such as printers, copiers, etc., to provide for
`enhanced communication and shared resources. Heretofore,
`peripherals Such as printers coupled to a LAN were rather
`unintelligent, merely accepting information from the LAN
`and printing Such information on a hard copy. Moreover,
`25
`Such printers usually required a host personal computer
`(“PC”) to effectively manage the flow of data to the printer,
`i.e., to act as a "server” for the printer. This almost always
`required that the host PC be dedicated solely to the printer
`Server task.
`A number of products have recently appeared which
`ostensibly eliminate the need for such a dedicated PC by
`incorporating hardware and Software into a circuit board
`which may be coupled into the peripheral in order to perform
`limited server functions. For example, ASP Computer
`Products, Inc. provides a device known as “JetLAN/P”
`which acts as a Stand-alone print Server for Novell networkS.
`The JetLAN/P(R) device couples to a LAN using a 10Base-2
`thin coaxial cable or a 10Base-T twisted-pair cable.
`However, the JetLAN/P(R) couples to the printer only
`through the printer's parallel port. Thus, while print infor
`mation can be sent to the printer, the amount of printer Status
`information which can be returned from the printer is
`Severely restricted. For example, Such a device may obtain
`“off-line” and “out of paper” status from the printer, but little
`else. Such a device does very little toward making the printer
`a truly intelligent, responsive member of the network.
`Other known devices for coupling a printer to a LAN
`include the Hewlett-Packard Jet Direct(R) C2071A/B and
`C2059A, the Extended Systems EtherFlex(R), the Intel Net
`Port(E) and NetPort II(E), the Castelle LANPress(E) and
`JetPress(E), and the MiLAN FastPort(R). However, all of these
`devices suffer from the same disadvantages as the ASP
`JetLAN in that they do not allow the printer to transmit
`sufficient amounts of data to the LAN to enable the printer
`to be an effective and intelligent member of the network.
`Every peripheral device which utilizes a LAN has asso
`ciated therewith a unique identifier. That is, each device to
`be identified on a LAN is programmed prior to Shipping with
`a Media Access Control (MAC) address. The MAC address
`is a 48-bit number which is typically stored in an address in
`a dedicated programmable read only memory (“PROM').
`The dedicated PROM typically also stores such hardware
`related information Such as date of manufacture, test date,
`board revision number, etc. The dedicated PROM is
`installed into each device at the factory before shipping to
`the customer.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`5,841,991
`
`15
`
`2
`The MAC addresses are issued by the Institute of Elec
`trical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE Supplies
`to each manufacturer of peripheral devices a group of MAC
`addresses to be installed into each peripheral device manu
`factured. The IEEE maintains a listing of the MAC
`addresses that have been used by each manufacturer in order
`to ensure that there is no MAC duplication. A MAC address
`provides a peripheral device with the ability to uniquely
`identify itself on the LAN. In this manner, a remote user on
`the LAN is able to identify and access a peripheral device by
`its MAC address.
`Heretofore, however, it has not been possible to program
`or alter the MAC address after the PROM has been installed
`in the board by the manufacturer. Consequently, the manu
`facturer needs to provide a dedicated PROM simply to store
`a unique MAC address, and the only way to change a MAC
`address is to change the PROM.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention overcomes the drawbacks noted
`above by providing structure and function on a circuit board
`coupled to a peripheral which will permit the peripheral to
`be a responsive, intelligent member of a network.
`In its general aspects, the present invention envisages the
`use of an EPROM, disposed on the interactive network
`board, for storing the MAC address.
`In one aspect of the present invention, a method for
`remotely storing a MAC address in a target interactive
`network board is provided whereby a MAC address is sent
`from a remote LAN device and flashed into an EPROM
`disposed on the interactive network board. According to this
`aspect of the invention, a method for remotely storing a
`MAC address in a target interactive network board having a
`LAN interface and a test interface comprises the Step of
`activating a LAN communication program. The communi
`cation program operates to broadcast an inquiry through the
`LAN for the target interactive network board, to receive
`location information of the target interactive network board
`in response to the broadcast inquiry, and to establish com
`munication with the target interactive network board. Opera
`tional firmware, including the MAC address, is Stored to
`RAM and verified therein. The EPROM on the interactive
`network board is then erased, and the operational firmware
`including the MAC address is loaded into the EPROM from
`the RAM.
`According to another aspect of the invention, apparatus
`for storing a MAC address in an interactive network board
`coupled to a LAN printer comprises a LAN interface, a
`RAM disposed on the board, and a reprogrammable PROM,
`disposed on the board, for Storing a MAC address and
`executable files. A microprocessor is disposed on the board,
`for executing the executable files stored in the PROM. The
`MAC address is downloaded into RAM from a remote LAN
`device through the LAN interface, and the microprocessor
`receives a command to reprogram the new MAC address
`into the PROM.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The above-noted advantages and features of the present
`invention will become more readily apparent from the
`following detailed description of the preferred embodiments
`when taken in conjunction with the Drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a Local Area Network
`according to the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a plurality of Local Area
`Networks coupled together,
`
`DISH-Blue Spike-408
`Exhibit 1027, Page 0033
`
`

`

`5,841,991
`
`15
`
`25
`
`3
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the Network Expan
`Sion Board according to the present invention coupled
`between the Local Area Network and the printer;
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the Network Expansion
`Board according to the present invention;
`FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C comprise a top-level flowchart
`showing the basic functions of the Network Expansion
`Board according to the present invention;
`FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the Sequence in which
`Software modules are loaded from the Network Expansion
`Board ROM to RAM;
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing hardware and software
`interfaces between the LAN and the Network Expansion
`Board;
`FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing how the EPROM firmware
`is configured for placing the Network Expansion Board in an
`operational mode,
`FIG. 9 is a chart showing the physical construction of
`different frame packets used on Ethernet;
`FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a PRES
`CAN Software module;
`FIG. 11 is a chart showing that the PRESCAN module
`may be used with other Software protocols,
`FIG. 12 is a chart for explaining the Software structure of
`the SAPSERVER program;
`FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of SAPS
`ERVER;
`FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of a CPINIT
`program,
`FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of a
`CPCONSOL program;
`FIGS. 16A and 16B comprise a flowchart showing the
`operation of a CPSOCKET program;
`FIGS. 17A and 17B comprise a flowchart showing the
`automatic logging of peripheral Statistics,
`FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing how multi-tasking pro
`cessing is performed;
`FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing how to place the printer in
`a safe, default configuration;
`FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the downloading of
`executable files to the Network Expansion Board from the
`local area network;
`FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the loading of
`independently-executable modules in the EPROM of the
`Network Expansion Board;
`FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing Network Expansion
`Board EPROM flash protection circuitry;
`FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
`circuitry of FIG. 22;
`FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of remotely
`loading firmware in the Network Expansion Board EPROM;
`FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a hardware configu
`ration for testing the Network Expansion Board; and
`FIGS. 26A and 26B comprise a flowchart showing a
`method of testing the Network Expansion Board using the
`test configuration of FIG. 25.
`
`4
`capable not only of receiving and processing data received
`from the network, but of transmitting to the network Sig
`nificant amounts of data Such as detailed Status information,
`operational parameters, and even data input to the peripheral
`through other modalities Such as Scanning, facsimile
`reception, etc. By integrating Such hardware and Software
`with the peripheral, it is possible to eliminate the require
`ment for dedicating a personal computer to the peripheral to
`act as a peripheral Server.
`1. ARCHITECTURE
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the present invention
`incorporated into a Network Expansion Board (“NEB”) 2
`coupled to a printer 4 which has an open architecture (to be
`discussed below). The NEB2 is coupled to the LAN bus 6
`through a LAN interface 8, for