JPH06168046A - Method and device for automatically operating work station - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent an operational error and the trouble of security by writing into a magnetic card an operation which is not directly related to a job performed by an application program user. CONSTITUTION:A relay for power control 2 and a magnetic card reader 3 recognizing the user, identifying an application program which the user uses and dealing with the magnetic card used for the acquirement of a parameter peculiar to the user are provided. Furthermore, MODEM 4 to be connected with an external system board via a telephone line and a keyboard interface 5 connected with the keyboard of a work station (OS) are provided. Then, a CRT interface 7 connected to CRT of OS, an RS 232C interface 6 connected to an OS main body and CPU 1 controlling them are provided. Thus, an automatic processing to the rise of the application program is executed only by permitting a person who executes the job by OS to turn on a power switch and to insert the magnetic card.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a small computer of the type called a workstation, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for automating its operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the past, many users often shared large-scale computer equipment such as mainframe computers jointly, but recently, the processing capacity of small computers such as workstations and personal computers. As the power consumption increases, the data processing conventionally performed by the large-sized computer is often processed by these small-sized computers.

In such a case, especially in a workstation, it is usual to connect to a network (LAN, WAN) and communicate with each other to perform data processing, but with the recent decrease in the price of the workstation, It has become more common to use this in a single-user format as if it were a personal computer.

In the conventional large-scale computer equipment, since its operation is performed by a professional engineer, it has been operated without any trouble such as command input, failure countermeasures, etc. from power-on to power-off.

Further, since the workstation was originally used by an engineer having specialized knowledge, its handling was as difficult as a large computer. In particular, Unix (a registered trademark of ATT in the United States), which is widely used as operating system software (OS) used in workstations, is used for powering up a workstation and starting an application program. -Professional and complicated command procedure input is required from the end of the program to the power off.

For this reason, application program users who are unfamiliar with UNIX knowledge and processing procedures at the time of abnormalities often have command input mistakes, and in combination with the difficulty of recovery for UNIX system input mistakes, they cannot operate. In other words, it often fell into a hang-up state.

Further, since the UNIX system has an open architecture, there are operational security problems such as difficulty in eliminating interference of other users during execution of the application program, and its solution is awaited. It was

[0008]

In view of the above-mentioned inconvenience in the workstation, the present invention simplifies the operation not directly related to the job executed by the application program user, particularly in the UNIX workstation, to simplify the operation. It is intended to prevent mistakes and security issues.

[0009]

A relay for controlling power supply, a magnetic card reader that handles a magnetic card used for user recognition, identification of an application program used by the user, and acquisition of parameters peculiar to the user,
A modem for connecting to external systems via telephone lines,
Keyboard interface (I / F) connected to the workstation keyboard, CRT interface connected to the workstation display (CRT), and RS23 connected to the workstation body
A device provided with a 2C interface and a CPU for controlling them is provided, and a display, a keyboard, and a main body (CPU) that constitute a workstation to be controlled are connected via the device of the present invention, and built in the device. It controls the magnetic card reader, modem, etc. to execute the following functions.

[0010]

[Operation] In order to execute the job on the workstation,
A person who performs the operation turns on the power switch of the apparatus of the present invention and inserts a predetermined magnetic card to automatically perform the process until the application program starts up. Also,
When suspending the execution of the application, simply remove the magnetic card to lock the keyboard, turn off the CRT display, and prevent interference from others. At the end of the job, a power-off request for this apparatus is issued, and the magnetic system is simply taken out to automatically perform processing until the UNIX system is terminated and the power is turned off. Further, when the commercial power supply fails, a power failure signal is received from an external uninterruptible power supply, and the UNIX system is automatically terminated to prevent the system from being damaged by the power failure. Furthermore, if a hang-up occurs during job execution, if the UNIX monitor is operating, it is often possible to recover from a remote location using the RS232C port of the workstation, so dial the specified telephone number. By doing so, you will be able to receive remote support.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the construction of the apparatus of the present invention and the connection with a workstation. In the figure, 1
Is a microcomputer that controls this device,
Reference numeral 2 is a relay for controlling the power supply of the workstation system connected under the control of the microcomputer, and 3 is a magnet used for recognition of the user, identification of the application program used by the user, and acquisition of the user-specific parameters. A magnetic card reader for handling cards, 4 is a modem for connecting to an external system via a telephone line, and 5 is a keyboard for connecting to the workstation body and the workstation keyboard.
An interface (I / F) 6 is an RS232C interface connected to the workstation body, and 7 is a CRT interface connected to the workstation body and a display (CRT) device of the workstation. Further, 8 is a keyboard device of the workstation, 9 is the workstation body, and 10
Is the display device of the workstation.

As can be seen from the figure, the keyboard device of the workstation is connected to the main body of the workstation through the keyboard I / F of the device of the present invention, and the display device of the workstation is also the device of the present invention. It is connected to the main body of the workstation via the CRT interface. Further, the main body of the workstation is connected to the device of the present invention through the RS232C interface of the device of the present invention. By doing so, the apparatus of the present invention can monitor the exchange of signals between the workstation body and the keyboard apparatus and the display apparatus, and can perform appropriate control.

That is, at the time of executing the initial start-up process or the shutdown process, the inquiry from the workstation is monitored and the response signal from the keyboard is emulated, and the CRT display is turned off when the execution of the application program is stopped. The mouse can be disabled to eliminate interference from others. Also, when performing remote maintenance during emergency processing, a modem and RS
Effective measures can be taken by operating the workstation directly via the 232C interface.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the configuration of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, the parts with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 indicate the same components as in FIG.

The device of the present invention has a CPU of 68000.
And is specifically controlled by OS-9 as operating system software. 256 Kbytes of read-only memory (RO) for storing software and parameters required for the system
M) 21 and random access memory (RAM) 22. The primary power source of the workstation is supplied via an AC outlet 28 controlled by the relay 2 connected to the parallel output 23 of this apparatus. The power supplies for the display and peripherals that constitute the workstation are also supplied via the AC outlets 29 to 31 controlled by the relay 2. The keyboard is connected to the workstation via the keyboard I / Fs 5 and 27 of the apparatus, and the display is also connected to the workstation via the interface 7 of the apparatus, the parallel output 23 and the controller 27. A buzzer output for external display and a light emitting diode (LED) output are further connected to the parallel output 23. An uninterruptible power supply is used for the power supply of this device, and when an abnormality occurs in the power supply, a failure is prevented by receiving a power failure signal from the device at the parallel input 24 and automatically performing a shutdown process. A switch interface 25 is further connected to the parallel input to enable switch operation from the outside. Commands at startup that were originally input from the keyboard to the workstation, user ID, password, etc. are automatically processed according to the procedure selected by the magnetic card (69 bytes) inserted in this device and the data of the magnetic card. . The interface 3 for the magnetic card is connected to the parallel input 24 via the control device 26 which is an 8749 one-chip CPU. The operation procedure for allowing the apparatus to perform automatic processing can be stored in a memory (for example, the RAM and ROM) in the apparatus and an HDD on a workstation.
A magnetic card prepared for each job to be used is prepared, and in addition, a master card for disabling the functions of this apparatus is also prepared. This Mastercard is mainly used by programmers and customer engineers. As an extended use of magnetic cards, it can also be used as a security code when accessing files from other workstations, writing to servers, and interfering with mainframe databases. The device of the present invention further comprises a 3-port RS232C interface 6,
Direct access to workstation body, modem 4
It is possible to connect a terminal device for remote maintenance and monitoring via the.

The interface portion that differs depending on the manufacturer of the workstation can be prepared by preparing an interface board for each manufacturer.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the main operation of the apparatus of the present invention. When the workstation is started up, the application program user turns on the power of this apparatus (301) and inserts his magnetic card into the magnetic card reader (302). When the magnetic card is properly inserted, the fact is displayed (307), and the four relays are sequentially turned on so as to be turned on sequentially from the power source of the workstation (308-311). If the insertion of the magnetic card fails, an alarm is generated (304), a failure display is displayed (305), and the removal of the magnetic card is awaited (30).
6). If the magnetic card is removed, the process returns to monitoring the insertion of the magnetic card (302).

After the system constituting the workstation is powered on, the workstation is booted, and if it is successfully completed (312), the login procedure is automatically executed according to the data obtained from the magnetic card. (313). Next, the password processing is automatically executed according to the data obtained from the magnetic card (31
4) The application program that the user wants to execute is automatically started (315).

This device constantly monitors the state of the magnetic card during execution of the application program (31
6) If the magnetic card is removed, the keyboard and mouse functions of the workstation are automatically disabled (317). Further, it is monitored whether or not the power switch is pushed (318), and if it is pushed, the shutdown procedure is executed (329), and when the shutdown is completed (330), the four relays are turned off in the reverse order ( 33
1-334), and finally turn off the power to the device (335).
The process ends (336). If the power switch is not pressed and the magnetic card is reinserted (319), the magnetic card is checked for good insertion (320), and if so, the inserted magnetic card was previously inserted. Check whether it is the same as the magnetic card (325),
If they are the same, enable the keyboard and mouse functions of the workstation (328) and return to monitor the status of the magnetic card (B). If they are not the same, the previously executed application program termination procedure is executed (326), the keyboard and mouse functions of the workstation are enabled (327), and the procedure returns to the login procedure (313) ( A). If the magnetic card is not inserted properly, an alarm is issued (321), a failure message is displayed (322), and the removal of the magnetic card is awaited (3).
23). When the magnetic card is removed, the process returns to the monitoring of the power switch (318).

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the device of the present invention when the power source fails, such as a power failure. The device of the present invention constantly monitors the state of the power supply (via a signal from the uninterruptible power supply) (401) and when notified of a failure checks whether the workstation is active (402),
If not active, turn off the device (412)
It ends (413). If active, then UNIX
It is checked whether the system is active (403), and if it is not active, the four relays are turned off sequentially (40
8-411), the power of the apparatus is turned off (412), and the process is terminated (413). If it is active, next check whether the application program is active (40
4) If active, immediately execute shutdown procedure (406), and if shutdown or end (40)
7) Turn off the four relays in sequence (408-41
1) Turn off the power to the device (412) and end (41)
3). If it is active, the termination procedure of the application program is executed (405), then the shutdown procedure is executed (406), and if the shutdown is completed (407), the four relays are turned off in sequence (40).
8-411), the power of the apparatus is turned off (412), and the process is terminated (413).

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining an emergency remote maintenance procedure. In an emergency 500, the support center calls the support center 501, waits for the connection to be completed 502, and when the connection is completed, pressing the data switch 503 causes the support center to perform maintenance directly via the modem 50.
4. After the support is completed, the line is disconnected 505, and the process ends 506.

[0022]

By using the apparatus and method having the above-described configuration, the operation of the workstation not directly related to the job executed by the application user can be simplified, and operation mistakes and security can be prevented. It has become possible to prevent the above problems from occurring. It is also possible to provide support from a remote location if an operational failure occurs.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an apparatus of the present invention and connection with a workstation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the configuration of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the main operation of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the device of the present invention when a power source fails, such as a power failure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a remote maintenance procedure in an emergency.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Microcomputer, 2: Relay, 3: Magnetic card reader, 4: Modem, 5: Keyboard interface, 6: RS232C interface, 7: C
RT interface, 8: keyboard device, 9: workstation body, 10: display device, 21:
ROM, 22: RAM, 23: parallel output, 24: parallel input, 25: switch interface, 2
6, 27: control device, 28-31: AC outlet

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 22, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

3 to 5 are flowcharts for explaining the main operation of the device of the present invention. When the workstation is started up, the application program user turns on the power of this apparatus (301) and inserts his magnetic card into the magnetic card reader (302). When the magnetic card is properly inserted, the fact is displayed (307), and the four relays are sequentially turned on so as to be turned on sequentially from the power source of the workstation (308-311). If the insertion of the above magnetic card fails, an alarm will be issued (30
4) The failure is displayed (305), and the removal of the magnetic card is waited (306). If the magnetic card is removed, the process returns to monitoring the insertion of the magnetic card (302).

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the apparatus of the present invention when the power source fails, such as a power failure. The device of the present invention constantly monitors the state of the power supply (via a signal from the uninterruptible power supply) (401) and when notified of a failure checks whether the workstation is active (402),
If not active, turn off the device (412)
It ends (413). If active, then UNIX
It is checked whether the system is active (403), and if it is not active, the four relays are turned off sequentially (40
8-411), the power of the apparatus is turned off (412), and the process is terminated (413). If it is active, next check whether the application program is active (40
4) If active, immediately execute shutdown procedure (406), and if shutdown or end (40)
7) Turn off the four relays in sequence (408-41
1) Turn off the power to the device (412) and end (41)
3). If it is active, the termination procedure of the application program is executed (405), then the shutdown procedure is executed (406), and if the shutdown is completed (407), the four relays are turned off in sequence (40).
8-411), the power of the apparatus is turned off (412), and the process is terminated (413).

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining an emergency remote maintenance procedure. In an emergency 500, the support center calls the support center 501, waits for the connection to be completed 502, and when the connection is completed, pressing the data switch 503 causes the support center to perform maintenance directly via the modem 50.
4. After the support is completed, the line is disconnected 505, and the process ends 506. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] November 22, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Brief description of the drawing

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an apparatus of the present invention and connection with a workstation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the configuration of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the main operation of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the main operation of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the main operation of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the apparatus of the present invention when a power source fails such as a power failure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a remote maintenance procedure in an emergency.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 1]

[Fig. 2]

[Figure 3]

[Figure 4]

[Figure 5]

[Figure 6]

[Figure 7]

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method of automatically operating a workstation, comprising: A) monitoring the insertion of a card by the user when the power is turned on; and B) the workstation body after the card has been properly inserted.
Power on the connected peripherals, etc. in sequence, C) start up the system software after power on, and D) identify the user according to the recorded contents of the card after starting up the system software , Further start the application program used by the user, E) monitor the status of the card, F) stop the function of the workstation when the card is removed, and G) then reinsert the card normally. Sometimes, it determines whether the inserted card is the same as the previously inserted card, and H) if it is, it enables the workstation function, and I) if it is different, the previously running application After ending the program and returning to D), J) When the card is removed and a power-off request is made, the system software The stops, sequentially cleave workstation body, a power source, such as peripheral devices connected, consisting of the steps, a method of performing the operation of the workstation automatically. 2. K) monitor the status of the power supply during the operation of the workstation; L) terminate the application program if the application program is active at the time of power failure; M) then terminate the system software. N. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: sequentially turning off the power of the workstation. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: O) performing remote maintenance via a modem and a telephone line in an emergency. 4. A CPU device for control, a storage device for storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the CPU, recognition of a user connected to the CPU, and identification of an application program used by the user. And a magnetic card reader device that handles a magnetic card used to obtain parameters unique to the user, a relay device that is connected to the CPU and that controls the power supply of the workstation and its peripheral devices when the power is turned on, and the CPU. A display interface device connected to the display of the workstation and the workstation body to monitor the display from the workstation and control the display on the display; the CPU; the keyboard of the workstation and the workstation body; Connect the signal of keyboard with emulating connects the keyboard interface device for controlling functions of the keyboard, the CPU workstation body RS2
A 32C interface device, a modem device for connecting an external system to the CPU via a telephone line, and a device for automatically operating a workstation according to the contents of a magnetic card inserted by a user.