U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
the subclass number
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For classification search strategies, please refer to the
Classification Index
Explanation of Data web page.
(definitions have been obtained from the
Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which
is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Electronic Products Branch)
Class 714
ELECTRICAL COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL PROCESSING SYSTEMS: ERROR
DETECTION/CORRECTION AND FAULT DETECTION/RECOVERY
Class Definition:
This class provides for process or apparatus for detecting
and correcting errors in electrical pulse or pulse coded
data.
This class also provides for process or apparatus for
detecting and recovering from faults in electrical computers
and digital data processing systems, as well as logic level
based systems.
Ii
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclasses for process and apparatus for measuring, testing
or sensing of electric properties or measuring, testing or
sensing of nonelectric properties by electric means.
341, Coded data Generation or Conversion, appropriate
subclasses for process and apparatus utilizing electrical
pulse coding techniques without error correcting/detecting
functions for the generating or conversion of coded data.
358, Facsimile and Static Presentation Processing,
appropriate subclasses for process and apparatus for testing
and performance monitoring of facsimile devices.
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 200
and 201, for process and apparatus including the specifics of
memory devices which are tested for defects or erroneous
information.
370, Multiplex Communications, appropriate subclasses for
process and apparatus for measuring and testing part of a
multiplex system.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 213 and 224 -
228 for process and apparatus for testing pulse or digital
communication systems.
379, Telephonic Communications, subclasses 1-33 for process
and apparatus for testing of telephone circuits.
455, Telecommunications, appropriate subclasses for process
and apparatus for measuring, testing and monitoring of
telecommunication systems.
706, Data Processing: Artificial Intelligence, 1 for fuzzy
logic, subclasses 15+ for neural networks and subclasses 45+
for knowledge processing systems.
707, Data Processing: Database and File Management, Data
Structures, or Document Processing, subclasses 1-206 for
database processing.
708, Electrical Computers - Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, appropriate subclasses for process and apparatus
for computer arithmetic circuits.
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, appropriate
subclasses for multiple computer or computer process
systems.
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Input/Output, appropriate subclasses for process and
apparatus for computer input or output systems.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, 133 for entry replacement strategies and page fault
recovery, and subclasses 161+ for data archiving.
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Processing Architectures and Instruction Processing,
appropriate subclasses for process and apparatus for computer
structure and program execution systems.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Support, appropriate subclasses for process and apparatus for
computer cases, housing and supports.
Iii
BUS
A conductor used for transferring data, signals or power.
COMPUTER
A machine that inputs data, processes data, stores data, and
outputs data.
DATA
Representation of information in a coded manner suitable for
communication, interpretation, or processing.
ADDRESS DATA
Data that represent or identify a source or destination.
INSTRUCTION DATA
Data that represent an operation and identify its operands,
if any.
STATUS DATA
Data that represent conditions of data, digital data
processing systems, computers, peripherals, memory, etc.
USER DATA
Data other than address data, instruction data, or status
data.
DATA PROCESSING
See PROCESSING, below.
DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM
An arrangement of processor(s) in combination with either
memory or peripherals, or both, performing data processing.
ERROR
Manifestation of a fault as an undesired event that occurs
when actual behavior deviates from the behavior that is
required by initial specification. This includes a change in
information content of pulse or pulse coded data to a state
or value other than the normal state or value of a properly
operating device or system.
FAULT
A flaw in a functional unit (hardware or software).
INFORMATION
Meaning that a human being assigns to data by means of the
conventions applied to that data.
MEMORY
A functional unit to which data can be stored and from which
data can be retrieved.
PERIPHERAL
A functional unit that transmits data to or receives data
from a computer to which it is coupled.
PROCESSING
Methods or apparatus performing systematic operations upon
data or information exemplified by functions such as data or
information transferring, merging, sorting, and computing
(i.e., arithmetic operations or logical operations).
(1) Note. In this class, the glossary term data is used to
modify processing in the term data processing; whereas the
term digital data processing system refers to a machine
performing data processing.
PROCESSOR
A functional unit that interprets and executes instruction
data.
RECOVERY
Responding to a fault in a system by either returning a
system to a previous level of correct operation, achieving a
degraded level of correct operation, or safely shutting down
the system.
SECURITY
Extent of protection for system hardware, software, or data
from maliciously caused destruction, unauthorized
modification, or unauthorized disclosure.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
RELIABILITY AND AVAILABILITY:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including means or steps for increasing a
conditional probability of correctly performing services
(e.g., data processing) throughout a time interval, given
correct performance at the beginning of the interval, or for
increasing the probability of correctly performing services
at any given instant.
(1) Note. Classification in this array requires more than
nominal recitation of data processing components in
combination with means or steps for furthering correct data
processing operations by mechanisms including error
detecting, performance monitoring, fault locating, and
fault recovery.
(2) Note. The species of reliability and availability
directed to memory accessing and control with data archiving,
backups, device access limiting, and security is classified
elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below. Other
species of reliability and availability in memory accessing
and control such as isolating failed memory and storing
redundant data are classified in this array.
(3) Note. Reliability features in a data processing control
system are classified elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
746 for generic data error detection and correction, and
fault detection and recovery.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
380, Cryptography, subclass 4 for stored digital data access
or copy prevention in combination with data encryption; e.g.,
software program protection or computer virus detection in
combination with data encryption.
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 79-82 for reliability features in
a data processing generic control system.
Subclass:
2
Fault recovery:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
further including means or steps for responding to a failure
by either returning a system to a previous level of correct
operation, achieving a degraded level of correct operation,
or safely shutting down the system after detecting the error
or locating the fault.
(1) Note. Classification here requires significant data
processing features claimed. For fault recovery in a system
without significant data processing method or apparatus,
classification is elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS and SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below.
(2) Note. Classification here requires notification or
detection of the fault, its location, and a further action.
Subcombinations used in the process of fault recovery; e.g.,
fault locating, are classified below.
(3) Note. "Page faults" are a species of faults peculiar to
memory accessing and are classified elsewhere in this class.
See the SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
746 for data error detection and correction of general
utility.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, 133 for entry replacement strategies and page fault
recovery.
Subclass:
3
By masking or reconfiguration:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery by selecting a
correct output from a concurrently active redundant
functional unit in place of the output of the failed
functional unit, or by replacing or isolating the failed
functional unit.
(1) Note. This subclass is for fault recovery by masking or
reconfiguration in combination with significant data
processing. Generic fault recovery is classified elsewhere.
See the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
825 for fault recovery by replacing or isolating the failed
functional unit not provided for elsewhere.
Subclass:
4
Of network:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery at a network
level (e.g., recovery from nodal failures).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, various subclasses for
residual electrical communication systems, subclass 827 for
alternate routing in a plural stage communication system,
and see related Class 342 and Class 343.
342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and
Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation), various subclasses
for alternate routing in a plural stage radar network.
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, various subclasses
for alternate routing in a plural antenna system.
370, Multiplex Communications, 216 for fault recovery and
subclasses 229+ for data flow congestion prevention and
control in a multiplex communication system.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, various subclasses for
generic pulse or digital communication systems.
Subclass:
5
Of memory or peripheral subsystem:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery from a fault of
a memory function level or the peripheral function level, or
for recovery limited to a specialized processor accessing
either memory, peripheral, or other I/O device.
(1) Note. "Page faults" are a species of faults peculiar to
memory accessing and are classified elsewhere. See the SEE OR
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for memory fault recovery of general utility without
significant data processing features claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Input/Output:, 1, for transferring data from one or
more peripherals to one or more computers for the latter to
process, store, or further transfer or for transferring data
from the computers to the peripherals (i.e., Input/Output
data processing).
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, 100 for means (e.g., processor, controller, etc.) or
steps for governing memory in a digital data processing
system or the passage (e.g., reading or writing) of data
thereto and subclasses 133+for entry replacement strategies
and page fault recovery.
Subclass:
6
Redundant stored data accessed (e.g., duplicated data, error
correction coded data, or other parity-type data):
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery by accessing
redundant stored data.
(1) Note. This and indented subclasses rely on information
which is a function of the actual data of concern as
exemplified in one simple form by parity data. The species of
fault recovery or avoidance concerned with storing archival
verbatim copies of data is classified elsewhere. See SEE
OR SEARCH CLASS notes below.
(2) Note. Parity and error-correction coded storage of
general utility in a system without data processing features
claimed are classified elsewhere in this class. See SEE OR
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
763 for memory access block coding.
805 for storage accessing error/fault detection techniques.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, 161 for preventing the corruption, loss,
alteration, or disclosure of data by storing, as in making
backup copies.
Subclass:
7
Reconfiguration (e.g., adding a replacement storage
component):
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
further including means or steps for statically replacing a
failed memory component.
(1) Note. Classification here requires more than selecting a
correct output from a concurrently active redundant
functional unit in place of the output of the failed
component.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for recovery from failure of memory, by replacing or
isolating the failed memory, in a system without significant
data processing features claimed.
Subclass:
8
Isolating failed storage location (e.g., sector remapping):
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery by disabling
access to a failed memory location.
(1) Note. Classification here requires more than selecting a
correct output from a concurrently active redundant
functional unit in place of the output of the failed
component.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for recovery from failure of memory, by replacing or
isolating the failed memory, in a system without significant
data processing features.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 200
and 201 for bad bit and testing of static storage.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, 170 for automatically determined memory space
allocation.
Subclass:
9
Access processor affected (e.g., I/O processor, MMU, DMA
processor):
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery from fault of
an access processor (e.g., memory management unit (MMU),
direct memory access (DMA) processor, I/O processor, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems -
Processing Architecture or Instruction Processing (e.g.,
Processors), appropriate subclasses for digital data
processing system architecture, per se.
Subclass:
10
Of processor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery from fault of a
processor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Processing Architecture or Instruction Processing
(e.g., Processors), appropriate subclasses for digital data
processing system architecture, per se.
Subclass:
11
Concurrent, redundantly operating processors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery employing
redundant processors substantially simultaneously performing
the same operation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclass 3 for master/slave processors in a
data processing generic control system, and subclasses 79-82
for protection or reliability in a digital data processing
control system.
Subclass:
12
Synchronization maintenance of processors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Subject matter
further including means or steps for maintaining processor
state synchronization to achieve redundancy of operation.
(1) Note. Classification here requires a redundant processor
for the purpose of reliability, such as by consideration of
state of internal registers and the like of the redundant
processors and thus the machines themselves.
Synchronization in the form of timing and clock skew is
classified elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS notes below.
(2) Note. Classification here requires the existence of a
fault condition. Synchronization maintenance at the clock
level, however, is classified elsewhere. See the search class
notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, 354 for communications
synchronizing.
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating,
appropriate subclasses for multicomputer and synchronizing,
and for synchronization maintenance of plural processors, per
se.
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Processing Architecture or Instruction Processing
(e.g., Processors), appropriate subclasses for task
management, per se.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital processing
Systems-Support, 400, for clock synchronization, per se,
subclasses 500+, for digital data processing system clock,
pulse and timing interval generation, per se.
Subclass:
13
Prepared backup processor (e.g., initializing cold backup) or
updating backup processor (e.g., by checkpoint message):
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter
further including means or steps for readying a backup
processor or digital data processing system to replace a
failed primary processor or digital data processing system,
or to receive recent processing result(s) from a backup
processor or digital data processing system that may be
relied upon.
(1) Note. Classification here allows for the backup
processor or digital data processing system to be performing
operations unrelated to backup operation before or after
failure of the primary processor or digital data processing
systems.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 2-7 for data processing control
system applications employing plural
processors, and subclasses 79-82 for
protection or reliability in a digital data processing system
based control system.
Subclass:
14
Of power supply:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery using power
supply subsystem component redundancy.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, 300, for power control in a digital data
processing system environment, and subclass 321 for
electrical digital calculating computer (i.e., calculator)
with power saving feature.
Subclass:
15
State recovery (i.e., process or data file):
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery by restoring
data in a data file, or data for a process, to data at a
previous point in time.
(1) Note. The species of fault recovery or avoidance
concerned with storing verbatim copies of data is classified
elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS notes
below.
(2) Note. Parity and error-correction coded storage of
general utility in a system without data processing features
claimed is classified elsewhere.
(3) Note. This state recovery subclass provides for
reliability and availability recovery under the condition of
a fault. Data management, per se, is classified elsewhere.
See the search class notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
6 for recovery by accessing redundant stored data.
763 for memory access block coding.
805 for storage accessing error/fault detection techniques.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, 141 for cache memory coherency, per se; subclasses
147+ for shared memory data processing which may employ
data management principles; and subclasses 161+ for
preventing the corruption, loss, alteration, or disclosure of
data by storing, as in making backup copies.
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Processing Architecture or Instruction processing
(e.g., processors), appropriate subclasses for source code
management and software version management.
Subclass:
16
Forward recovery (e.g., redoing committed action):
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery by re-executing
an operation in response to detecting an error in an
operation.
(1) Note. Recovery by operation retry or error detection by
sequential repetition in a system without data processing
features is classified elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
822 for sequential repetition.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
707, Data processing-Database and File Management, Data
Structures, or Document Processing, subclass 202 for
database file recovery.
Subclass:
17
Reexecuting single instruction or bus cycle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery by retrying
single instruction or bus cycle.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital processing
Systems-Input/Output, 100, for system intraconnecting and bus
processing, per se.
Subclass:
18
Transmission data record (e.g., for retransmission):
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery of a
communication process (e.g., a session) using a record.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
748 for retransmission in a system without data processing
features claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital processing
Systems-Input/Output, appropriate subclasses for I/O
processing and communication between computers and
peripherals.
Subclass:
19
Undo record:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery of data in the
presence of uncommitted action using a record of the data
created before the action.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
707, Data processing-Database and File Management, Document
Processing, 200, for database and file maintenance in the
absence of a fault condition, subclasses 500+ for a word data
processing applications on computers and subclasses 530+, for
editing in a text data processing applications.
Subclass:
20
Plural recovery data sets containing set interrelation data
(e.g., time values or log record numbers):
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery using sets of
sequenced or linked recovery data containing set sequencing
or linking data.
Subclass:
21
State validity check:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
further including means or steps wherein recovery is
controlled by verifying the accuracy of the state data.
Subclass:
22
With power supply status monitoring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
further including means or steps wherein recovery is
controlled by a power supply status monitor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, subclass 321 for electrical digital
calculating computer (i.e., calculator) with power saving
feature, and subclass 340, for generic power control
monitoring in a digital data processing system environment.
Subclass:
23
Resetting processor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery using clearing
or initializing of a processor register.
Subclass:
24
Safe shutdown:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery including
termination of a system component to a safe condition.
(1) Note. Isolating (i.e., disabling) an output of a failed
network, processor, memory, peripheral, I/O, or power supply
component is classified elsewhere. See SEE OR SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 for network affected fault recovery.
5 for memory or peripheral subsystem affected.
8 for isolating failed storage locations.
10 for processor affected fault recovery.
14 for power supply affected fault recovery.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, 300, for power control in a digital data
processing system environment.
Subclass:
25
Fault locating (i.e., diagnosis or testing):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
further including means or steps for pinpointing a fault
using either a reactive diagnosing or a proactive testing,
including testing for developmental stage fault avoidance,
for assurance, or for maintenance.
(1) Note. An invention directed to locating a fault in a
digital data processing system including more than nominal
data processing, or where the fault is specific to a
nongeneral use of a digital data processing system, is
classified here. fault locating in combination with a
specific art device not of the basic subject matter of this
class is classified with the art device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 73.1 for
various electrical testing arrangements that may include
fault locating.
370, Multiplex Communications, 241 for diagnostic testing in
multiplex communications.
399, Electrophotography, 9 for diagnostic testing of a
photocopier, including computer controlled malfunction
warning and recovery.
Subclass:
26
Artificial intelligence (e.g., diagnostic expert system):
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
wherein the testing is performed using an artificial
intelligence technique; e.g., fault tree, reasoning rules,
self-learning.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
706, Data Processing: Artificial Intelligence, appropriate
subclasses, for artificial intelligence, per se.
Subclass:
27
Particular access structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
further including means or steps related to an access
structure specialized for observing or controlling a test or
diagnosis.
Subclass:
28
Substituted emulative component (e.g., emulator
microprocessor):
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter
further including means or steps for using a tester component
that can emulate (i.e., functionally operate as) a normal
component in the tested system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
395, Information Processing System Organization, subclass
500, for compatibility, simulation, and emulation of system
components.
Subclass:
29
Memory emulator feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter
further including means or steps for using memory that can
functionally replace a system component.
(1) Note. For classification here the replaced component
need not be a memory.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
703, Data Processing: Structural Design, Modeling,
Simulation, and Emulation, appropriate subclasses for general
purpose simulation or emulation of system components.
Subclass:
30
Built-in hardware for diagnosing or testing within-system
component (e.g., microprocessor test mode circuit, scan
path):
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter
further including means or steps for testing or diagnostic
access using specialized testing or diagnosing hardware
permanently built into a component of the system being tested
or diagnosed.
Subclass:
31
Additional processor for in-system fault locating (e.g.,
distributed diagnosis program):
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter
further including an additional processor for controlling all
or part of in-system testing or diagnosis.
Subclass:
32
Particular stimulus creation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
further including means or steps for selection or generation
of a signal (i.e., data) for testing or diagnosing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
712 for memory testing including pattern generation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 201
for static memory testing.
Subclass:
33
Derived from analysis (e.g., of a specification or by
simulation):
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
further including means or steps for deriving a test or
diagnosis program based on an analysis of specification,
design, or output of the system to be tested or diagnosed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 73.1 for
various electrical testing arrangements that may include
fault locating.
703, Data Processing: Structural Design, Modeling,
Simulation, and Emulation, subclasses 13-22 for simulating
electronic device and electrical system.
716, Data Processing: Design and Analysis of Circuit or
Semiconductor Mask, appropriate subclasses for designing and
analyzing circuit or semiconductor mask.
Subclass:
34
Halt, clock, or interrupt signal (e.g., freezing, hardware
breakpoint, single-stepping):
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
further including means or steps for controlling a processor
or digital data processing system to be tested or diagnosed
by applying an interrupt, halt, or clock signal to a
processor or digital data processing system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
395, Information Processing System Organization, 701, for
software development tools,
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Input/Output, 48, for Input/Output device interrupt
processing.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, subclass 204 for virtual address branch or jump
address predicting; and subclasses 213 for generalized
prefetch, look-ahead, jump, or predictive address
generating.
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems
Processing Architecture and Instruction Processing (e.g.,
Processors), subclass 227, for instruction processing in
support of testing, debugging, emulation, etc.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, 500, for clock processing, per se.
Subclass:
35
Substituted or added instruction (e.g., code instrumenting,
breakpoint instruction):
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
further including means or steps for substituting or adding a
testing or diagnosing instruction into a program or
instruction data stream of a processor or digital data
processing system being tested or diagnosed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Processing Architecture and Instruction Processing
(e.g., Processors), appropriate subclasses for instruction
processing, per se, including instruction alignment, fetching
and decoding, and for processing control at the processor
level, per se, particularly subclass 227, for instruction
processing in support of testing, debugging, emulation, etc.
Subclass:
36
Test sequence at power-up or initialization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
further including means or steps for performing a sequence of
tests automatically in response to a power-up or
initialization action.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Input/Output, appropriate subclasses, for assigning
operating characteristics to peripherals, particularly
subclass 104, for utilizing a hardware structure for
providing a processor with an arrangement of the digital data
processing system including characteristics of the digital
data processing system's components.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, subclass 170 for automatically determining and
allocating memory space or specifying an allocation.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, subclasses 1-100, for digital data
processing system initialization and configuration at
boot-time.
Subclass:
37
Analysis (e.g., of output, state, or design):
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
further including means or steps for evaluating the output,
state, or design, of a computer system or a processor or a
program, for fault locating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 73.1 for
various electrical testing arrangements that may include
fault locating.
395, Information Processing System Organization, 500.02 for
circuit design and subclasses 500.34+ for simulating
electronic device and electrical system.
Subclass:
38
Of computer software:
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
further including means or steps for locating a fault in
software or testing software.
(1) Note. This subclass also provides for detecting an error
in instruction data in combination with a digital data
processing system. Generic coded information error detection
is classified elsewhere. See SEARCH CLASS notes below.
(2) Note. This subclass also provides for fault locating in
software analysis by mechanisms such as debugging, automatic
code generating, object oriented design, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
799 for coded information error detecting.
Subclass:
39
Monitor recognizes sequence of events (e.g., protocol or
logic state analyzer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
further including means or steps for locating a fault by
using a monitor for classifying or otherwise recognizing a
sequence of events.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, subclass
224 for computer network managing including monitoring.
Subclass:
40
Component dependent technique:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
further including means or steps for fault locating that are
specific to a device under test.
Subclass:
41
For reliability enhancing component (e.g., testing backup
spare, or fault injection):
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter
further including means or steps for fault locating specific
to fault in a reliability enhancing component.
Subclass:
42
Memory or storage device component fault:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter
further including means or steps for fault locating specific
to a fault in a memory.
Subclass:
43
Bus, I/O channel, or network path component fault:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter
further including means or steps for fault locating specific
to a fault in a bus, peripheral or I/O channel, or network
path.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Input/Output, 100, for subject matter directed to
system intraconnecting and bus access processing.
Subclass:
44
Peripheral device component fault:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter
further including means or steps for fault locating specific
to a fault in a peripheral device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Input/Output, appropriate subclasses, for subject
matter directed to Input/Output processing and communication
between peripherals and computers or digital data
processing systems.
Subclass:
45
Output recording (e.g., signature or trace):
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
further including means or steps for recording output from
the system under test or diagnosis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 for error logging without recording.
48 for error detecting, per se.
Subclass:
46
Operator interface for diagnosing or testing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter
further including means or steps for interfacing with an
operator for fault locating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, appropriate
subclasses for information displaying and particularly 326
for computer graphics operator interface.
Subclass:
47
Performance monitoring for fault avoidance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
further including means or steps for monitoring event
duration and event counts for anticipating or recognizing
faults.
(1) Note. This subclass relates to the fault avoidance
species of reliability.
(2) Note. This subclass includes event duration and counting
arrangements for statistical analysis of system operations
and predictive methods of fault avoidance.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, appropriate
subclasses for time measurement.
377, Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift
Registers: Circuits and Systems, 64 for shift registers, and
subclasses 107+ and 11+ for counters.
702, Data Processing-Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclasses for measuring, monitoring, and testing
applications of computers.
705, Data Processing - Financial. Business Practice,
Management, or Cost/Price Determination, 7 for operations
research.
708, Electrical Computers-Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, 200 for various arithmetic data processing
operations performed by digital calculating computers.
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Multiple Computer or Process Coordination, subclass
224, for computer network managing including monitoring.
Subclass:
48
Error detection or notification:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
further including means or steps for automated on-line
sensing of errors, or for storing or propagating such error
information (e.g., error logging).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for fault recovery in combination with error detecting or
notifying.
25 for fault locating combined with error detecting or
notifying.
47 for performance monitoring for fault avoidance in
combination with error detecting or notifying.
Subclass:
49
State error (i.e., content of instruction, data, or
message):
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
further including means or steps for detecting an error based
on the information content of an instruction, a message, or
data.
Subclass:
50
State out of sequence:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
wherein an ordering of state information related to a
succession of data, instructions etc., is the basis for state
analysis.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Input/Output, 260 for Input/Output device interrupt
processing.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, subclass 204 for virtual address branch or jump
address predicting; and subclass 213 for generalized
prefetch, look-ahead, jump, or predictive address
generating.
712, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Processing Architecture and Instruction Processing
(e.g., Processors), appropriate subclasses for instruction
fetching and prefetching and for branching instruction
processing and for task management and control, per se.
Subclass:
51
Control flow state sequence monitored (e.g., watchdog
processor for control-flow checking):
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter
to detect state errors in an instruction data sequence.
Subclass:
52
Error checking code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter
for detecting consistency of information by using a code
(e.g., parity, etc.) which is generated from the
information.
(1) Note. Error checking codes are a function of the actual
data of concern, as exemplified in one simple form by parity
data.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
763 for memory access block coding, and subclass 805 for
storage accessing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, 161 for preventing the corruption, loss, alteration,
or disclosure of data by storing, as in making backup
copies.
Subclass:
53
Address error:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
further including means or steps for detection or
notification of error of address state.
Subclass:
54
Storage content error:
This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter
further including means or steps for detection or
notification of error of storage state.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Memory, subclass 144 for cache status data bits (e.g., bits
indicating modified, valid, dirty data), wherein coherency
for each unit or block of data includes associated
identifier bit(s) to indicate the validity status of an
associated cached location; subclass 156 for status storage
control techniques including provisions for storing status
data (e.g., control status words, program status words, etc.)
associated with memory accessing and control; and subclass
165 for movement/transfers of data amongst locations within a
same memory level.
Subclass:
55
Timing error (e.g., watchdog timer time-out):
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
further including means or steps for detection or
notification of error of timing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, 1 for
task management, per se, and subclass 400 for synchronization
maintenance of plural processors, per se.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, 400, for clock synchronization, per se, and
subclasses 500+, for digital data processing system clock,
pulse and timing interval generation, per se.
Subclass:
56
Bus or I/O channel device fault:
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter
further including means or steps for detecting errors related
to a flaw in a bus, peripheral, or I/O channel device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Input/Output, appropriate subclasses for system
intraconnecting and bus processing, per se.
Subclass:
57
Error forwarding and presentation (e.g., operator console,
error display):
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
further including means or steps for propagating error
information so as to make notification of detected error.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics processing, Operator Interface
processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, appropriate
subclasses for information displaying.
Subclass:
700
SKEW DETECTION/CORRECTION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which an error caused by the time delay
between plural parallel bits forming a byte or data word is
detected or corrected.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
subclass 26 for electronically correcting phasing errors
between related information signals.
Subclass:
701
DATA FORMATTING TO IMPROVE ERROR DETECTION/CORRECTION
CAPABILITY:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which a change in data format or sequence
is utilized to improve the error detection/correction
capability of a coding scheme.
Subclass:
702
Memory access (e.g., address permutation):
This subclass is indented under subclass 701. Subject matter
which changes the format of digital data by having the signal
with the data written into or read out of a storage device.
(1) Note. Address permutation arrangements are included in
this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
718 for diagnostic testing of a memory.
Subclass:
703
TESTING OF ERROR-CHECK SYSTEM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
lSubject matter in which the proper operation of the error
detection/correction or fault detection/recovery apparatus
itself is verified.
Subclass:
704
Error count or rate:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter which determines the number of bits in error
or the number of bits in error per unit of time.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
798 for this subject matter combined with control of
synchronization in response to an error detection signal.
Subclass:
705
Pseudo-Error rate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 704. Subject matter
having a main data path and a secondary data path having
intentionally degraded performance connected in parallel, the
secondary path having a decision device to compare and
evaluate the disagreement between the paths.
(1) Note. Each disagreement is called a pseudo-error.
Subclass:
706
Up-down counter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 704. Subject matter
including an reversible accumulating register which counts up
in response to an error and counts down in response to an
error-free increment of time.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
377, Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift
Registers: Circuits and Systems, appropriate subclasses for
up-down counters per se.
Subclass:
707
Synchronization control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 704. Subject matter
in which a determination of the error rate is used to control
synchronization between devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
798 for error detection controlled synchronization control
other than by error rate.
Subclass:
708
Shutdown or establishing system parameter (e.g., transmission
rate):
This subclass is indented under subclass 704. Subject matter
including control of system operation by either deactivation
of the system, or controls a parameter related to normal
system operation, in response to error count or error rate.
Subclass:
709
DATA PULSE EVALUATION/BIT DECISION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which the information bearing parameter
(amplitude, pulse position, etc.) of a data pulse is
evaluated to determine the proper logic state or value.
(1) Note. Subject matter in this subclass relates to
determining if a data pulse represents a particular given
logic state, e.g., logic one as opposed to logic zero.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 1 for pulse selecting means.
329, Demodulators, 311 for pulse demodulation or detection,
per se.
Subclass:
710
REPLACEMENT OF MEMORY SPARE LOCATION, PORTION, OR SEGMENT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which the spare apparatus comprises only a
location, or a contiguous group of locations of memory.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 200
and 201 for bad bit and testing read/write circuits,
respectively.
Subclass:
711
Spare row or column:
This subclass is indented under subclass 710. Subject matter
spare apparatus comprises only a column or row within a
memory device or element.
Subclass:
712
TRANSMISSION FACILITY TESTING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which the diagnostic testing is performed
upon a channel of a transmission medium with a device for
supplying digital data thereto.
(1) Note. The transmission facility includes the
transmission medium and all associated equipment required to
transmit a message.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
370, Multiplex Communications, 241 for testing of multiplex
communication systems.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, 224 for testing of
pulse or digital communications system.
379, Telephonic Communications, 1 for diagnostic testing of
telephone equipment.
Subclass:
713
For channel having repeater:
This subclass is indented under subclass 712. Subject matter
wherein a transmission channel has a repeating amplifier.
Subclass:
714
By tone signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 712. Subject matter
which includes application of a test signal composed of one
or more tone signals.
Subclass:
715
Test pattern with comparison:
This subclass is indented under subclass 712. Subject matter
in which the transmission facility is tested by applying a
test pattern to the device under test and comparing the
output to a reference test pattern.
Subclass:
716
Loop-back:
This subclass is indented under subclass 715. Subject matter
in which the transmission facility is configured so that the
receiver shunts the test pattern back to transmitter for
comparison at the transmitter.
Subclass:
717
Loop or ring configuration:
This subclass is indented under subclass 712. Subject matter
in which a plurality of transmission stations or devices are
configured in a serial fashion to form a loop or ring.
Subclass:
718
MEMORY TESTING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which the diagnostic testing is performed
upon an information signal storage device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for fault recovery of memory devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, 210 for testing of
magnetic memory elements, per se.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
subclass 26, 47, and 53 for testing of dynamic magnetic
memory systems.
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 200
a bad bit memory used to store information; and subclass
201 for specifics of a memory which is tested but doesn't
include data processing techniques.
386, Television Signal Processing for Dynamic Recording or
Reproducing, 2 and 47+ for drop-out detection or correction,
subclasses 13+ and 85+ for time correction, and subclasses
21+ and 113+ for recorder or reproducer fault condition
compensation.
Subclass:
719
Read-in with read-out and compare:
This subclass is indented under subclass 718. Subject matter
in which the testing is done by reading in a test pattern,
reading out the contents of the memory and comparing the
output with the test pattern read in.
Subclass:
720
Special test pattern (e.g., checkerboard, walking ones):
This subclass is indented under subclass 719. Subject matter
in which the test patterns are selected to exercise the
memory by transferring a combination of logic zeroes and ones
through the memory, e.g., alternating zeroes and
ones-checkerboard pattern.
Subclass:
721
Electrical parameter (e.g., threshold voltage):
This subclass is indented under subclass 718. Subject matter
in which the diagnostic test measures an electrical parameter
of the memory device, e.g., threshold voltage.
Subclass:
722
Performing arithmetic function on memory contents:
This subclass is indented under subclass 718. Subject matter
in which the diagnostic test consists of performing an
arithmetic function, such as addition, on the contents of the
memory and comparing the results to a reference value.
Subclass:
723
Error mapping or logging:
This subclass is indented under subclass 718. Subject matter
in which the detected error or fault is registered or
recorded to present a history for diagnostic purposes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
42 for such subject matter used with data processor
testing.
Subclass:
724
DIGITAL LOGIC TESTING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which the diagnostic test is performed upon
a system or element performing a binary logic operation upon
a signal having plural distinct discrete states.
(1) Note. Testing or measuring of electrical properties are
classified elsewhere unless the testing device includes
analysis of the information content of a digital signal.
Control signals are not data signals.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclass, particularly subclass 73 for measuring and testing
of electrical device parameters under controlled conditions.
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, subclass 16 for
electronic digital logic circuitry with test facilitating
feature and subclasses 21+ for electronic digital logic
circuitry maintaining signal integrity.
Subclass:
725
Programmable logic array (PLA) testing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
for testing an array of logical elements selectively
configurable to sequentially perform various binary logic
functions.
(1) Note. Examples of such binary logic functions are AND,
OR, NAND, NOR, and NOT.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclass, particularly subclass 73.1 for measuring and
testing of electrical device parameters under controlled
conditions.
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, subclass 16 for
electronic digital logic circuitry with test facilitating
feature, subclasses 21+ for electronic digital logic
circuitry maintaining signal integrity, and subclasses 37+
for a programmable or multifunctional logic array circuit,
per se.
Subclass:
726
Scan path testing (e.g., level sensitive scan design
(LSSD)):
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject
matter in which digital logic is designed for improved
testability by including shift register latches (SRL) to
enable the configuring of the circuitry into combinational
logic form.
(1) Note. Test data is clocked (scanned) through the
combinational logic forms and then compared to a reference.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
738 for digital logic testing including test pattern
generation in general.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, subclass 16 for
logic circuitry with test feature.
377, Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift
Registers: Circuits and Systems, appropriate subclasses for
shift register latches, per se.
Subclass:
727
Boundary scan:
This subclass is indented under subclass 726. Subject matter
where selected components in a circuit are each provided with
one or more cells, comprising a single-bit register, coupled
to a node of a component, such as an input, output,
input/output or control node, and where said cells are
serially coupled in a single chain, usually referred to as a
boundary-scan chain.
Subclass:
728
Random pattern generation (includes pseudorandom pattern)
This subclass is indented under subclass 726. Subject matter
where a series of digits is generated in an unpredictable,
incoherent, or arbitrary pattern.
(1) Note. Included herein is generation of a series of
digits which simulates a random pattern.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
715 for test pattern with comparison in testing a
transmission facility.
720 for use of special test patterns in memory testing.
739 for random test pattern generation in general.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
708, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Arithmetic Processing and Calculating, 250 for
random number generation.
Subclass:
729
Plural scan paths:
This subclass is indented under subclass 726. Subject matter
having more than one group of shift register latches
connected in series, and which groups form a plurality of
shift paths (scan paths) along which data can be
transmitted.
Subclass:
730
Addressing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 726. Subject matter
including data which specifies a location.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
743 for addressing in digital logic testing using a test
pattern generator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, 230.01 for
addressing memories.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Memory, 200 for address formation in data processing
systems.
Subclass:
731
Clock or synchronization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 726. Subject matter
including a reference timing function or a clock-pulse
generator for causing the various parts of the device to
operate on a common time base.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
744 for clock or synchronization in digital logic testing
using a test pattern generator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, 93 for clocking or
synchronization of logic stages or gates.
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 141 for synchronizing electrical
nonlinear devices.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, subclasses 400-503 for synchronization in
computer systems.
Subclass:
732
Signature analysis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
controlled including monitoring of controlled conditions of
execution test points or nodes within the digital logic
device and the measured output (signature) is compared to a
known good signature.
Subclass:
733
Built-in test circuit (BILBO):
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
in which the digital logic testing equipment includes a
selectively configurable shift register, structurally a part
of the device being tested.
(1) Note. Some selective configurations of the shift
register include a latch, linear shift register, multiple
input signature register, and a forced reset.
(2) Note. Included herein are built-in logic block
observation (BILBO) devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclass, particularly subclass 73.1 for measuring and
testing of electrical device parameters under controlled
conditions.
377, Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift
Registers, 19 for a shift register used for measuring or
testing; and subclass 28 for error checking or correction in
a shift register system.
Subclass:
734
Structural (in-circuit test):
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
in which each component of the logic circuit is tested
individually while physically connected to the circuit.
(1) Note. Generally, the test instrument is connected to
nodes of the logic circuit under test in a unique way for
each component.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, appropriate
subclass, particularly subclass 73.1 for measuring and
testing of electrical device parameters (other than by
information signal content) under controlled conditions.
Subclass:
735
Device response compared to input pattern:
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
in which the operational condition of a system or device is
determined by comparing the system or device response to a
test signal input pattern.
Subclass:
736
Device response compared to expected fault-free response:
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
in which the operational condition of a system or device is
determined by comparing the system or device response to a
predetermined fault-free response.
Subclass:
737
Device response compared to fault dictionary/truth table:
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
in which the operational condition and identification of an
actual or potential fault is determined by comparing the
system response to a predetermined fault dictionary or truth
table.
Subclass:
738
Including test pattern generator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
in which the specific means or method of generating a test
pattern for a digital logic testing system is claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 100 for miscellaneous waveform
generationor conversion.
345, Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass 26 and 194+
for a character generator in a visual display system with
selective electrical control.
708, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Arithmetic Processing and Calculating, 250 for
random number generators, and subclasses 270+ for digital
function generators.
Subclass:
739
Random pattern generation (includes pseudorandom pattern):
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Subject matter
where a series of digits is generated in an unpredictable,
incoherent or arbitrary pattern.
(1) Note. Included herein is generation of a series of
digits which simulates a random pattern.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
715 for testing a transmission facility using a test pattern
with comparison
720 for use of special test patterns in memory testing.
728 for random test pattern generation in boundary
scanning.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
708, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Arithmetic Processing and Calculating, 250 for
random number generation.
Subclass:
740
Having analog signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Subject matter
including an electrical signal, the amplitude or frequency of
which varies continuously in value over time.
Subclass:
741
Simulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Subject matter
having an electrical model or a computer program which
imitates the operation of a device under test.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
395, Information Processing System Organization, 500.24 for
electrical analog simulator, subclasses 500.27+ for
simulating nonelectrical device or system, and subclasses
500.34+ for simulating electronic device and electrical
system.
Subclass:
742
Testing specific device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Subject matter
where the test pattern is applied to a distinctive named
means to carry out a special function.
(1) Note. Examples of things that are not specific devices
include "logic device," "circuit," "device under test," etc.
(2) Note. See sections D and E of the class definition for
the distinction between this class and classes having the
specific device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
718 for testing an information signal storage device.
Subclass:
743
Addressing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Subject matter
including data which specifies a location.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
730 for scan path testing with addressing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, 230.01 for
addressing memories.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Memory, 1 and 200+ for memory address formation in
data processing systems.
Subclass:
744
Clock or synchronization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 738. Subject matter
including a reference timing function or a clock pulse
generator for causing the various parts of the device to
operate on a common time base.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
731 for clocking or synchronizing in scan path testing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, 93 for clocking or
synchronizing of logic stages or gates.
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 141 for synchronizing nonlinear
devices, circuits, or systems.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing
Systems-Support, subclasses 400-503 for synchronization in
computer systems.
Subclass:
745
Determination of marginal operation limits:
This subclass is indented under subclass 724. Subject matter
in which the device or system is tested under controlled and
varying circuit parameters, such as input voltage, to
determine the range of circuit parameter values within which
the device or system operates without error or malfunction.
Subclass:
746
DIGITAL DATA ERROR CORRECTION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which the error in information content of
pulse or pulse coded data is corrected.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
799 for error detection which does not include correction of
the error signal.
Subclass:
747
Substitution of previous valid data:
This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Subject matter
in which a previously validated data state or value is
substituted for data state or value determined to be
erroneous.
Subclass:
748
Request for retransmission:
This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Subject matter
in which the digital data error correction is achieved by
retransmission of data responsive to a request.
Subclass:
749
Retransmission if no ACK returned:
This subclass is indented under subclass 748. Subject matter
in which a retransmission of data is initiated upon the
condition that no acknowledgment (ACK) signal is returned
from the receiver.
Subclass:
750
Feedback to transmitter for comparison:
This subclass is indented under subclass 748. Subject matter
in which the digital data is returned to the transmitter for
comparison to detect an error.
Subclass:
751
Including forward error correcting capability:
This subclass is indented under subclass 748. Subject matter
in which the digital data is encoded to enable error
correction at the receiver and retransmission is requested
only if the error rate exceeds the forward error correcting
capability.
Subclass:
752
Forward correction by block code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Subject matter
in which a grouping of symbols (i.e., a block of data or a
data word) is transformed into a code word having an
increased number of symbols in order to provide an increased
minimum distance between code words relative to the minimum
distance of the corresponding data words in order to provide
for forward correction of the encoded data in the event that
an error or erasure is subsequently imposed on the encoded
data.
(1) Note. This subclass includes both forward error
correction, per se, (i.e., the receiver corrects the error
without requiring any further information from the sender,
which requires a minimum amount of redundancy in the
transmission since not only must an error be detected, but
its location must be determined) and forward error correction
with the assistance of symbol reliability information.
(2) Note. Forward error correction (FEC) is an
error-correcting technique that avoids the need for any
reverse channel by enabling self-correction of errors at the
receiver by adding information (at the expense of throughput)
to enable the receiver to determine what the error was and
the correct information to substitute for said error.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
786 for convolutional codes in which each check bit is
generated as a function of a different plurality of
information bits and is interspersed among the information
bits at predetermined intervals with no natural beginning
point or ending point.
Subclass:
753
Double error correcting with single error correcting code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
in which a single bit error correcting code arrangement
corrects double bit errors by successively correcting
consecutive single bit errors.
Subclass:
754
Error correction during refresh cycle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
including a digital data storage device having a refresh
cycle in which decaying information is read before it becomes
unrecognizable, and rewritten in original form, and decoding
a stored block data code signal for error correction during
the refresh cycle.
Subclass:
755
Double encoding codes (e.g., product, concatenated):
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
including calculation and independent decoding of two
independent sets of check words for enhancement of error
correction.
Subclass:
756
Cross-interleave Reed-Solomon code (CIRC):
This subclass is indented under subclass 755. Subject matter
doubly encoded with Reed-Solomon codes and interleaved to
enable the correction of burst errors.
Subclass:
757
Parallel generation of check bits:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
having plural check bit calculating elements connected in
parallel.
Subclass:
758
Error correcting code with additional error detection code
(e.g., cyclic redundancy character, parity):
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
which encodes digital data with both an error correcting code
(ECC) for error correction and detection, and an additional
error detection code to detect uncorrected errors.
(1) Note. Such additional codes include a cyclic redundancy
code (CRC) and a parity bit code.
Subclass:
759
Look-up table encoding or decoding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
having an encoder or decoder which contains a table of all
possible error patterns in a corrupted received code word and
compares the computed syndrome to these patterns to determine
the position of erroneous bits.
Subclass:
760
Threshold decoding (e.g., majority logic):
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
the decoder operates upon a corrupted received code word to
compute the parity check sums which are applied to a
threshold or majority gate and an error indicated if the sums
exceed a certain value.
Subclass:
761
Random and burst error correction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
in which the block code is capable of correcting both random
and burst errors.
(1) Note. Random errors are of the type where each data bit
is affected independently by noise. Burst errors are of the
type where disturbances introduce errors of unspecified time
duration and thus cause a cluster of multiple consecutive
data bits in error.
(2) Note. Interlacing or interleaving techniques may be used
to give a random error correcting code the capability of
correcting both random and burst errors. A product code or
concatenated code may be formed from two codes to provide
both random and burst error correction capability.
Subclass:
762
Burst error correction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
in which the block code is derived to be most effective in
correcting burst errors.
(1) Note. An example of a block code with good
burst-correcting capability is the Reed-Solomon code.
Interleaving techniques are also utilized to improve the
burst-correcting capability of a code.
Subclass:
763
Memory access:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
in which digital data being written into or read out of a
storage device is encoded in a block code format.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
710 for memory fault recovery systems.
718 for diagnostic testing of a memory.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
subclass 26, 36.1+, 47, and 53 for error detection combined
with a magnetic, dynamic memory system.
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 200
and 201 for bad bit and testing read/write circuits,
respectively.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, appropriate
subclasses for a dynamic, nonmagnetic memory device.
Subclass:
764
Error correct and restore:
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
which corrects the errors upon readout of the data and the
corrected data in written into memory as a substitute for the
erroneous data.
Subclass:
765
Error pointer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
which generates a signal (pointer) upon the occurrence of a
particular type of error or failure.
(1) Note. In many error correcting systems accessing data
from a memory or storage device, the error pointer identifies
the track or channel with which the error or failure is
associated.
Subclass:
766
Check bits stored in separate area of memory:
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
including a section of memory for storage of the check bits
separate from that the section of memory storing data
information.
Subclass:
767
Code word for plural n-bit (n>1 ) storage units (e.g., x 4
DRAM's):
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
in which there is more than one storage device, each storing
more than a single digit of data.
Subclass:
768
Error correction code for memory address:
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
where the block code includes a memory address as part of the
encoded data.
Subclass:
769
Dynamic data storage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
where there is relative motion between a transducer and an
information storage medium.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, for
dynamic magnetic data storage and retrieval.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, for dynamic
data storage and retrieval.
Subclass:
770
Disk array:
This subclass is indented under subclass 769. Subject matter
where the storage medium is a plurality of interconnected
disks.
Subclass:
771
Tape:
This subclass is indented under subclass 769. Subject matter
where the storage medium is essentially of a two dimensional
shape with one dimension being very long in relation to the
other.
Subclass:
772
Code word parallel access:
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
in which the bits of the code word are created from parallel
data digits.
Subclass:
773
Solid state memory:
This subclass is indented under subclass 763. Subject matter
where the storage device is or contains a solid state device
(e.g., an integrated circuit or transistor).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
718 for memory testing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
65, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, 174 for
solid state memories.
Subclass:
774
Adaptive error-correction capability:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
in which the error-correction capability of the system is
adapted to the existing error rate by selection of encoding
format.
Subclass:
775
Synchronization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
in which a lack of synchronization between encoder and
decoder is detected and/or corrected.
Subclass:
776
For packet or frame multiplexed data:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
where plural encoded data streams are simultaneously
transmitted over a common transmission medium in such a
manner that the information signals may be discretely
recovered, wherein each data stream contains one or more
bytes preceded by an address header or where the
simultaneously transmitted plurality of data streams include
synchronization or other control information.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
370, Multiplex Communications, 351 for multiplex switching
such as packet or frame switching.
Subclass:
777
Hamming code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
where there are m information code elements and k error check
code elements such that there are sufficient check elements
to correct a single error and the k check elements are
determined by even parity checks in conjunction with element
values appearing in certain selected information positions
where each of the elements of the code group must be in a
parity check subgroup with one or more of the check elements
and no two different code elements having exactly the same
set of check elements associated with it.
(1) Note. See U.S. Patent RE23601, columns 5-9, for a more
rigorous definition.
Subclass:
778
Nonbinary data (e.g., ternary):
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
where each bit of a data word can assume more than two
values.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, 59 for nonbinary
logic circuits.
Subclass:
779
Variable length data:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
where the number of bits in a data word is not fixed, but can
vary from word to word.
Subclass:
780
Using symbol reliability information (e.g., soft decision):
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
where, during error correction, in addition to an error
correcting code, use is made of information about the
reliability of the decoding of a particular bit.
Subclass:
781
Code based on generator polynomial:
This subclass is indented under subclass 752. Subject matter
where a code word c(x), where x is a unit delay operator, is
generated by dividing a delayed version of the data
polynomial d(x), i.e.,. xnd(x), by a generator polynomial,
g(x), and subtracting the remainder from the delayed version
of the data polynomial, thereby producing a code word that is
a multiple of the generator polynomial, and where the data
polynomial d(x) is such that positions within the block
correspond to powers of x and data values at the positions
correspond to polynomial coefficient values.
Subclass:
782
Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781. Subject matter
where the block code is a t error correcting code which is
the set of all polynomials {a(c)} over the Galois field GF(
2m) of degree n-1 or less, such that a(ai)=0, for
i=1,3,5,..., 2t-1 where a is a primitive element of the
finite field GF( 2m), and where c is the radix 2 for binary
data, a(c)=a0+a1c+a2c2+...+an-1cn - 1, and aj=0,1
(j=0,1,2,..., n-1 ).
Subclass:
783
Golay code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781. Subject matter
where the block code is an (n, k, t) type polynomial code in
which each code word is n=23 bits long, contains k=13 data or
information bits, corrects up to t=3 errors, and the code
word also contains (n-k)=10 redundant check bits.
Subclass:
784
Reed-Solomon code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781. Subject matter
where the block code consists of K data and N-K check
symbols, where N is an arbitrary number and K is less than N,
and where each symbol is made of J binary bits encoded with a
generator polynomial g(x) for the code and a field generating
polynomial M(x) which defines the Galois field.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
756 for cross-interleave Reed-Solomon codes.
762 for burst error correction using Reed-Solomon codes.
Subclass:
785
Syndrome computed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 781. Subject matter
where decoded data is divided by an inverse of the generator
polynomial to obtain a data word of 1 bit which indicate
which bits of the decoded data are in error.
Subclass:
786
Forward error correction by tree code (e.g., convolutional):
This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Subject matter
in which information bits are encoded to generate a plurality
of check bits, each check bit is generated as a function of a
different plurality of information bits and is interspersed
among the information bits at predetermined intervals with no
natural beginning point or ending point (i.e., there is no
length restriction for the encoded data).
(1) Note. Convolutional coding means adding to the
information a repeating sequence that is known to the
receiver. By subtracting this repeating sequence and
performing other tests, the receiver can determine what
should have been received with a high degree of accuracy.
(2) Note. This subclass includes forward error correction,
per se, (i.e., the receiver corrects the error without
requiring any further information from the sender, which
requires a minimum amount of redundancy in the transmission
since not only must an error be detected, but its location
must be determined) and forward error correction with the
assistance of symbol reliability information.
(3) Note. This subclass does not include demodulation
decisions based upon oversampling or on intersymbol
interference alone.
(4) Note. This subclass does not include channel
equalization or predistortion control based on correction
results (e.g., decision feedback equalization).
(5) Note. This subclass does not include detection or
correction of errors produced by trial values, perturbations,
predictions, quantizations, estimations or approximations,
which errors are used as feedback for control of signal
generation or coding (e.g., PID controlling, source
calibration, successive approximation A/D conversion, DSV
constrained encoding, predictive encoding).
(6) Note. Forward error correction (FEC) is an
error-correcting technique that avoids the need for any
reverse channel by enabling self-correction of errors at the
receiver by adding information (at the expense of throughput)
to enable the receiver to determine what the error was and
the correct information to substitute for said error.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
746 and 797, for various types of data correction such as
trial values, perturbations, predictions, quantizations,
estimations or approximations, which errors are used as
feedback for control of signal generation or coding.
752 for block codes wherein the information bits and
associated bits form independent and distinct blocks of
data bits.
799 for various error/fault detection techniques such as
those based on oversampling or intersymbol interference.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
341, Coded Data Generation or Conversion, 50 for digital
data conversion and subclasses 126+ for analog to or from
digital conversion.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications,229 for pulse or
digital equalizers.
Subclass:
787
Random and burst errors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
in which the convolutional code is capable of correcting both
random and burst errors.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
761 for block code correction of both random and burst
errors.
Subclass:
788
Burst error:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
in which the convolutional code corrects for burst error.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
762 for block code correcting of burst errors.
Subclass:
789
Synchronization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
in which a lack of synchronization between the encoder and
decoder is detected and/or corrected.
Subclass:
790
Puncturing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
where single bits are periodically deleted at intervals from
a low-rate convolutional code.
Subclass:
791
Sequential decoder (e.g., Fano or stack algorithm):
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
where a tree structure of the convolutional code is used for
searching locally a path which is considered to be the most
likely to produce a correct data sequence.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
794 for maximum likelihood decoding in general.
796 for branch metric calculation in general.
Subclass:
792
Trellis code:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
where, for a convolutional code of k bits length, an inverse
coding operation is performed in which 2k-1 decision bits are
used to select an output bit and where after many branches,
the most probable path will be selected with a high degree of
certainty, and where the branches form a mesh pattern (i.e.,
branches start at a plurality of points and intersect other
branches).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 265 for
trellis coders and decoders in pulse or digital
communication.
704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics,
Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
subclass 242 for Viterbi trellis speech recognition.
Subclass:
793
Syndrome decodable (e.g., self orthogonal):
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
where decoded data is divided by an inverse of the generator
polynomial to obtain a data word of 1 bit which indicate
which bits of the decoded data are in error.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
785 for syndrome decodable block codes.
Subclass:
794
Maximum likelihood:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
where a decoder selects the sequence out of all the possible
transmitted sequences which is most likely to match the
received data sequence and determines corresponding digital
(data) information.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
791 for a sequential decoder.
795 for Viterbi decoding.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 262 and 341
for maximum likelihood decoding (other than for error
correction) in pulse or digital communication.
Subclass:
795
Viterbi decoding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
where data is not decoded as soon as it is received, instead,
a sequence of data, having a predetermined decoding depth,
following the digit to be decoded is first collected, then,
by computing what are known as path metrics, a limited number
of possible messages are selected, each extending throughout
the decoding depth far beyond the digit presently to be
decoded, with one such survivor sequence ending in each of
the data states.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
794 for maximum likelihood decoding.
796 for branch metric calculation decoding.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 262 and 341
for Viterbi decoding (other than for error correction) in
pulse or digital communication.
704, Data processing-Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics,
Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
subclass 242 for Viterbi trellis speech recognition.
Subclass:
796
Branch metric calculation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 786. Subject matter
where a tree of possible data sequences is constructed
identifying the possible data sequences in terms of data
states, and from which correlations are computed for
selecting the paths which are to survive to the next stage of
decoding received data.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
791 for sequential decoding.
795 for Viterbi decoding.
Subclass:
797
Majority decision/voter circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 746. Subject matter
in which error correction is effectively achieved by error
masking (making error invisible at output) through majority
logic or voting techniques.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, 35 for threshold
(e.g., majority) logic.
Subclass:
798
ERROR DETECTION FOR SYNCHRONIZATION CONTROL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which error detecting techniques are
utilized to detect an out-of-synch condition or to control
synchronization between devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
775 for block code synchronization error correction.
789 for convolutional code synchronization error
correction.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
370, Multiplex Communications, 503 for synchronization of
time multiplex information which may include error detecting
techniques.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 357 for
synchronization failure prevention in pulse or digital
communication.
Subclass:
799
ERROR/FAULT DETECTION TECHNIQUE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter in which a specific technique is recited for
detecting an error or fault condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for reliability and availability, fault recovery,
locating, and avoidance in digital data processing systems.
746 for digital data error correction which include
error/fault detection techniques.
Subclass:
800
Parity bit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 799. Subject matter
in which a redundant bit is added to a block of data bits.
(1) Note. This redundant bit or parity bit is of a logic
state to make the total number of bits having a
predetermined logic state within the block odd or even.
Subclass:
801
Parity generator or checker circuit detail:
This subclass is indented under subclass 800. Subject matter
which specify the particular elements of a parity signal
source or comparator circuit.
Subclass:
802
Even and odd parity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 800. Subject matter
wherein the parity scheme in the system includes the
generation of parity bits on both an even and odd basis.
Subclass:
803
Parity prediction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 800. Subject matter
which calculates an expected parity value prior to execution
of an operation and is subsequently compared to the actual
parity value to detect an error.
Subclass:
804
Plural dimension parity check:
This subclass is indented under subclass 800. Subject matter
in which a single parity bit is derived from data bits taken
over each of two or more dimensions, such as horizontal and
vertical parity.
Subclass:
805
Storage accessing (e.g., address parity check):
This subclass is indented under subclass 800. Subject matter
in which the parity bit is calculated for data bits read into
or read out of an information signal storage device. (1)
Note. Address parity check arrangements are included in this
subclass.
Subclass:
806
Constant-ratio code (m/n):
This subclass is indented under subclass 799. Subject matter
in which a code constraint of a constant-ratio between bits
of a first logic state and a second logic state is utilized
to enable error/fault detection.
Subclass:
807
Check character:
This subclass is indented under subclass 799. Subject matter
in which a check character, derived as a predetermined
function of a group of data bits, is associated with the
group of data bits for error detection purposes.
Subclass:
808
Modulo-n residue check character:
This subclass is indented under subclass 807. Subject matter
in which a check character, calculated as the remainder after
the value of the digital data is divided by a modulus-n, is
associated with the digital data to enable error/fault
detection.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
708, Electrical Computers-Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, subclass 532 for residue code checking in
arithmetic operations.
Subclass:
809
Code constraint monitored:
This subclass is indented under subclass 799. Subject matter
in which the digital data encoding scheme provides inherent
constrained conditions which are monitored to enable
error/fault detection.
Subclass:
810
Multilevel coding (n>2 ):
This subclass is indented under subclass 809. Subject matter
in which the digital data is encoded in a multilevel or
multistate format where the number of levels or states is
greater than 2.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 292 for
disparity reduction in multilevel digital communications.
Subclass:
811
Forbidden combination or improper condition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 799. Subject
matter in which a forbidden combination of digital data or
improper condition of a device is monitored to enable error
or fault detection.
Subclass:
812
Specified digital signal pattern or pulse count:
This subclass is indented under subclass 811. Subject matter
in which the forbidden combination is either a specified
pattern of digital data or a count of one or more types of
digital pulses.
Subclass:
813
Two key-down detector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 811. Subject matter
in which the improper condition is the simultaneous
activation of two or more keys on a data input device.
Subclass:
814
Data timing/clocking:
This subclass is indented under subclass 811. Subject matter
in which the timing or clocking of digital data is monitored
to detect a predetermined forbidden combination or
condition.
Subclass:
815
Time delay/interval monitored:
This subclass is indented under subclass 811. Subject matter
in which the time delay between events or data is detected to
determine a predetermined forbidden condition.
Subclass:
816
Two-rail logic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 811. Subject matter
in which both the true and complement state of each logic
function is provided and the simultaneous occurrence of both
states indicates a forbidden combination.
Subclass:
817
Noise level:
This subclass is indented under subclass 811. Subject matter
in which the forbidden condition is the presence of noise
exceeding a predetermined level.
Subclass:
818
Missing-bit/drop-out detection:
This subclass is indented under subclass 811. Subject matter
in which the improper combination is a missing bit or dropout
of a bit within a data character.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 18 for missing pulse detecting
means.
386, Television Signal processing for Dynamic Recording or
Reproducing, 2 and 47+ for drop-out detecting or correcting
in the processing of a television signal.
Subclass:
819
Comparison of data:
This subclass is indented under subclass 799. Subject matter
in which an error or fault is detected by the comparison of
data.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
735 for diagnostic apparatus testing which include error
detection by comparison of data.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 146.2 for digital
comparator devices, per se.
Subclass:
820
Plural parallel devices or channel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 819. Subject matter
in which the data from plural parallel devices or channels is
compared to detect an error or fault.
Subclass:
821
Transmission facility:
This subclass is indented under subclass 820. Subject matter
which detects an error or fault in a device including a
channel of a transmission medium with a device for supplying
a digital signal thereto.
Subclass:
822
Sequential repetition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 819. Subject matter
in which an error or fault is detected by comparison of
repetitive data.
(1) Note. Included herein is majority logic or voter
circuitry in which the most frequently occurring data is
presumed to be correct.
Subclass:
823
True and complement data:
This subclass is indented under subclass 822. Subject matter
in which the data being transferred and compared comprises
both the true and complement bit states of the data.
Subclass:
824
Device output compared to input:
This subclass is indented under subclass 819. Subject matter
in which the error/fault detection is enabled by comparing
the device output with the device input.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
735 for diagnostic apparatus testing which includes
comparison of the device output with the device input.
Subclass:
825
MISCELLANEOUS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter not hereinabove classified.
FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS
Subclass: FOR 100
Scan path testing (LSSD): Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which digital logic is designed for
improved test ability by including shift register latches
(SRL) to enable the configuring of the circuitry in
combinational logic form.
Subclass: FOR 101
Including test pattern generator: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the specific means or
method of generating a test pattern for an error checking
system is claimed.
Subclass: FOR 102
Block code: Foreign art collections including subject matter
in which a plurality of information bits are encoded to
generate a plurality of check bits as a function of the
information bits with the information bits and check bits
being associated together to form a block code.
Subclass: FOR 103
Memory access: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which digital data being written into or read out
of a storage device is encoded in a block code format.
Subclass: FOR 104
Convolutional code: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which the information bits are encoded to generate
a plurality of check bits, each check bit is generated as a
function of a different plurality of information bits and is
interspersed among the information bits at predetermined
intervals with no natural beginning point or ending point as
in block codes.
Subclass: FOR 105
SKEW DETECTION/CORRECTION: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which an error caused by the time delay
between plural parallel bits forming a byte or data word is
detected and/or corrected.
Subclass: FOR 106
DATA FORMATTING TO IMPROVE ERROR DETECTION/CORRECTION
CAPABILITY: Foreign art collections including subject matter
in which a change in data format or sequence is utilized to
improve the error detection/correction capability of a coding
scheme.
Subclass: FOR 107
Memory access (e.g., address permutation): Foreign art
collections including subject matter which changes the format
of digital data by having the signal with the data written
into or read out of a storage device.
Subclass: FOR 108
TESTING OF ERROR-CHECK SYSTEM: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the proper operation of the
error detection/correction or fault detection/recovery
apparatus itself is verified.
Subclass: FOR 109
Error count or rate: Foreign art collections including
subject matter which determines the number of bits in error
or the number of bits in error per unit of time.
Subclass: FOR 110
Pseudo-error rate: Foreign art collections including subject
matter having a main data path and a secondary data path
having intentionally degraded performance connected in
parallel, the secondary path having a decision device to
compare and evaluate the disagreement between the paths.
Subclass: FOR 111
Up-down counter: Foreign art collections including subject
matter including an reversible accumulating register which
counts up in response to an error and counts down in response
to an error-free increment of time.
Subclass: FOR 112
Synchronization control: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which a determination of the error rate is
used to control synchronization between devices.
Subclass: FOR 113
Shutdown or establishing system parameter (e.g., transmission
rate): Foreign art collections including subject matter
including control of system operation by either deactivation
of the system, or controls a parameter related to normal
system operation, in response to error count or error rate.
Subclass: FOR 114
DATA PULSE EVALUATION/BIT DECISION: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the information bearing
parameter (amplitude, pulse position, etc.) of a data pulse
is evaluated to determine the proper logic state or value.
Subclass: FOR 115
REPLACEMENT OF MEMORY SPARE LOCATION, PORTION, OR SEGMENT:
Foreign art collections including subject matter in which the
spare apparatus comprises only a location, or a contiguous
group of locations of memory.
Subclass: FOR 116
Spare row or column: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which a spare apparatus comprises only a
column or row within a memory device or element.
Subclass: FOR 117
TRANSMISSION FACILITY TESTING: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the diagnostic testing is
performed upon a channel of a transmission medium with a
device for supplying digital data thereto.
Subclass: FOR 118
For channel having repeater: Foreign art collections
including subject matter wherein a transmission channel has a
repeating amplifier.
Subclass: FOR 119
By tone signal: Foreign art collections including subject
matter which includes application of a test signal composed
of one or more tone signals.
Subclass: FOR 120
Test pattern with comparison: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the transmission facility
is tested by applying a test pattern to the device under test
and comparing the output to a reference test pattern.
Subclass: FOR 121
Loop-back: Foreign art collections including subject matter
in which the transmission facility is configured so that the
receiver shunts the test pattern back to transmitter for
comparison at the transmitter.
Subclass: FOR 122
Loop or ring configuration: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which a plurality of transmission
stations or devices are configured in a serial fashion to
form a loop or ring.
Subclass: FOR 123
MEMORY TESTING: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which the diagnostic testing is performed upon an
information signal storage device.
Subclass: FOR 124
Read-in with read-out and compare: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the testing is done by
reading in a test pattern, reading out the contents of the
memory and comparing the output with the test pattern read
in.
Subclass: FOR 125
Special test patterns (e.g., checkerboard, walking ones):
Foreign art collections including subject matter in which the
test patterns are selected to exercise the memory by
transferring a combination of logic zeroes and ones through
the memory, e.g., alternating zeroes and ones-checkerboard
pattern.
Subclass: FOR 126
Electrical parameters (e.g., threshold voltage): Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which the diagnostic
test measures an electrical parameter of the memory device,
e.g., threshold voltage.
Subclass: FOR 127
Performing arithmetic functions on memory contents: Foreign
art collections including subject matter in which the
diagnostic test consists of performing an arithmetic
function, such as addition, on the contents of the memory and
comparing the results to a reference value.
Subclass: FOR 128
Error mapping or logging: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the detected error or fault is
registered or recorded to present a history for diagnostic
purposes.
Subclass: FOR 129
DIGITAL LOGIC TESTING: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the diagnostic test is performed upon
a system or element performing a binary logic operation upon
a signal having plural distinct discrete states.
Subclass: FOR 130
Programmable logic array (PLA) testing: Foreign art
collections including subject matter for testing an array of
logical elements selectively configurable to sequentially
perform various binary logic functions.
Subclass: FOR 131
Scan path testing (e.g., level sensitive scan design (LSSD)):
Foreign art collections including subject matter in which
digital logic is designed for improved testability by
including shift register latches (SRL) to enable the
configuring of the circuitry into combinational logic form.
Subclass: FOR 132
Boundary scan: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where selected components in a circuit are each
provided with one or more cells, comprising a single-bit
register, coupled to a node of a component, such as an input,
output, input/output or control node, and where said cells
are serially coupled in a single chain, usually referred to
as a boundary-scan chain.
Subclass: FOR 133
Random pattern generation (includes pseudorandom pattern):
Foreign art collections including subject matter where a
series of digits is generated in an unpredictable,
incoherent, or arbitrary pattern.
Subclass: FOR 134
Plural scan paths: Foreign art collections including subject
matter having more than one group of shift register latches
connected in series, and which groups form a plurality of
shift paths (scan paths) along which data can be
transmitted.
Subclass: FOR 135
Addressing: Foreign art collections including subject matter
including data which specifies a location.
Subclass: FOR 136
Clock or synchronization: Foreign art collections including
subject matter including a reference timing function or a
clock-pulse generator for causing the various parts of the
device to operate on a common time base.
Subclass: FOR 137
Signature analysis: Foreign art collections including
subject matter controlled including monitoring of controlled
conditions of execution test points or nodes within the
digital logic device and the measured output (signature) is
compared to a known good signature.
Subclass: FOR 138
Built-in test circuit (BILBO): Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the digital logic testing
equipment includes a selectively configurable shift register,
structurally a part of the device being tested.
Subclass: FOR 139
Structural (in circuit test): Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which each component of the logic
circuit is tested individually while physically connected to
the circuit.
Subclass: FOR 140
Device response compared to input pattern: Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which the operational
condition of a system or device is determined by comparing
the system or device response to a test signal input
pattern.
Subclass: FOR 141
Device response compared to expected fault-free response:
Foreign art collections including subject matter in which the
operational condition of a system or device is determined by
comparing the system or device response to a predetermined
fault-free response.
Subclass: FOR 142
Device response compared to fault dictionary/truth table:
Foreign art collections including subject matter in which the
operational condition and identification of an actual or
potential fault is determined by comparing the system
response to a predetermined fault dictionary or truth table.
Subclass: FOR 143
Including test pattern generator: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the specific means or
method of generating a test pattern for a digital logic
testing system is claimed.
Subclass: FOR 144
Random pattern generation (includes pseudorandom pattern):
Foreign art collections including subject matter where a
series of digits is generated in an unpredictable, incoherent
or arbitrary pattern.
Subclass: FOR 145
Having analog signal: Foreign art collections including
subject matter including an electrical signal, the amplitude
or frequency of which varies continuously in value over
time.
Subclass: FOR 146
Simulation: Foreign art collections including subject matter
having an electrical model or a computer program which
imitates the operation of a device under test.
Subclass: FOR 147.
Testing specific device: Foreign art collections including
subject matter where the test pattern is applied to a
distinctive named means to carry out a special function.
Subclass: FOR 148.
Addressing: Foreign art collections including subject matter
including data which specifies a location.
Subclass: FOR 149.
Clock or synchronization: Foreign art collections including
subject matter including a reference timing function or a
clock pulse generator for causing the various parts of the
device to operate on a common time base.
Subclass: FOR 150
Determination of marginal operation limits: Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which the device or
system is tested under controlled and varying circuit
parameters, such as input voltage, to determine the range of
circuit parameter values within which the device or system
operates without error or malfunction.
Subclass: FOR 151
DIGITAL DATA ERROR CORRECTION: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the error in information
content of pulse or pulse coded data is corrected.
Subclass: FOR 152
Substitution of previous valid data: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which a previously validated data
state or value is substituted for data state or value
determined to be erroneous.
Subclass: FOR 153
Request for retransmission: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the digital data error correction is
achieved by retransmission of data responsive to a request.
Subclass: FOR 154
Retransmission if no ACK returned: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which a retransmission of data is
initiated upon the condition that no acknowledgement (ACK)
signal is returned from the receiver.
Subclass: FOR 155
Feedback to transmitter for comparison: Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which the digital
data is returned to the transmitter for comparison to detect
an error.
Subclass: FOR 156
Including forward error correcting capability: Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which the digital
data is encoded to enable error correction at the receiver
and retransmission is requested only if the error rate
exceeds the forward error correcting capability.
Subclass: FOR 157.
Forward correction by block code: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which a grouping of symbols
(i.e.., a block of data or a data word) is transformed into a
code word having an increased number of symbols in order to
provide an increased minimum distance between code words
relative to the minimum distance of the corresponding data
words in order to provide for forward correction of the
encoded data in the event that an error or erasure is
subsequently imposed on the encoded data.
Subclass: FOR 158.
Double error correcting with single error correcting code:
Foreign art collections including subject matter in which a
single bit error correcting code arrangement corrects double
bit errors by successively correcting consecutive single bit
errors.
Subclass: FOR 159.
Error correction during refresh cycle: Foreign art
collections including subject matter including a digital data
storage device having a refresh cycle in which decaying
information is read before it becomes unrecognizable, and
rewritten in original form, and decoding a stored block data
code signal for error correction during the refresh cycle.
Subclass: FOR 160.
Double encoding codes (e.g., product, concatenated): Foreign
art collections including subject matter including
calculation and independent decoding of two independent sets
of check words for enhancement of error correction.
Subclass: FOR 161.
Cross-interleave reed-solomon code (CIRC): Foreign art
collections including subject matter doubly encoded with
Reed-Solomon codes and interleaved to enable the correction
of burst errors.
Subclass: FOR 162.
Parallel generation of check bits: Foreign art collections
including subject matter having plural check bit calculating
elements connected in parallel.
Subclass: FOR 163.
Error correcting code with additional error detection code
(e.g., cyclic redundancy character, parity): Foreign art
collections including subject matter which encodes digital
data with both an error correcting code (ECC) for error
correction and detection, and an additional error detection
code to detect uncorrected errors.
Subclass: FOR 164.
Look-up table encoding or decoding: Foreign art collections
including subject matter having an encoder or decoder which
contains a table of all possible error patterns in a
corrupted received code word and compares the computed
syndrome to these patterns to determine the position of
erroneous bits.
Subclass: FOR 165.
Threshold decoding (e.g., majority logic): Foreign art
collections including subject matter the decoder operates
upon a corrupted received code word to compute the parity
check sums which are applied to a threshold or majority gate
and an error indicated if the sums exceed a certain value.
Subclass: FOR 166.
Random and burst error correction: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the block code is capable
of correcting both random and burst errors.
Subclass: FOR 167.
Burst error correction: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the block code is derived to be most
effective in correcting burst errors.
Subclass: FOR 168.
Memory access: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which digital data being written into or read out
of a storage device is encoded in a block code format.
Subclass: FOR 169.
Error correct and restore: Foreign art collections including
subject matter which corrects the errors upon readout of the
data and the corrected data in written into memory as a
substitute for the erroneous data.
Subclass: FOR 170.
Error pointer: Foreign art collections including subject
matter which generates a signal (pointer) upon the occurrence
of a particular type of error or failure.
Subclass: FOR 171.
Check bits stored in separate area of memory: Foreign art
collections including subject matter including a section of
memory for storage of the check bits separate from that the
section of memory storing data information.
Subclass: FOR 172.
Code word for plural n-bit (n>1) storage units (e.g., x4
DRAM's): Foreign art collections including subject matter in
which there is more than one storage device, each storing
more than a single digit of data.
Subclass: FOR 173.
Error correction code for memory address: Foreign art
collections including subject matter where the block code
includes a memory address as part of the encoded data.
Subclass: FOR 174.
Dynamic data storage: Foreign art collections including
subject matter where there is relative motion between a
transducer and an information storage medium.
Subclass: FOR 175.
Disk array: Foreign art collections including subject matter
where the storage medium is a plurality of interconnected
disks.
Subclass: FOR 176.
Tape: Foreign art collections including subject matter where
the storage medium is essentially of a two dimensional shape
with one dimension being very long in relation to the other.
Subclass: FOR 177.
Code word parallel access: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the bits of the code word are created
from parallel data digits.
Subclass: FOR 178.
Solid state memory: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where the storage device is or contains a solid state
device (e.g., an integrated circuit or transistor).
Subclass: FOR 179.
Adaptive error-correction capability: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the error-correction
capability of the system is adapted to the existing error
rate by selection of encoding format.
Subclass: FOR 180.
Synchronization: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which a lack of synchronization between encoder and
decoder is detected and/or corrected.
Subclass: FOR 181.
For packet or frame multiplexed data: Foreign art collections
including subject matter where plural encoded data streams
are simultaneously transmitted over a common transmission
medium in such a manner that the information signals may be
discretely recovered, wherein each data stream contains one
or more bytes preceded by an address header or where the
simultaneously transmitted plurality of data streams include
synchronization or other control information.
Subclass: FOR 182.
Hamming code: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where there are m information code elements and k
error check code elements such that there are sufficient
check elements to correct a single error and the k check
elements are determined by even parity checks in conjunction
with element values appearing in certain selected information
positions where each of the elements of the code group must
be in a parity check subgroup with one or more of the check
elements and no two different code elements having exactly
the same set of check elements associated with it.
Subclass: FOR 183.
Nonbinary data (e.g., ternary): Foreign art collections
including subject matter where each bit of a data word can
assume more than two values.
Subclass: FOR 184.
Variable length data: Foreign art collections including
subject matter where the number of bits in a data word is not
fixed, but can vary from word to word.
Subclass: FOR 185.
Using symbol reliability information (e.g., soft decision):
Foreign art collections including subject matter where,
during error correction, in addition to an error correcting
code, use is made of information about the reliability of the
decoding of a particular bit.
Subclass: FOR 186.
Code based on generator polynomial: Foreign art collections
including subject matter where a code word c(x), where x is a
unit delay operator, is generated by dividing a delayed
version of the data polynomial d(x), i.e.,. xnd(x), by a
generator polynomial, g(x), and subtracting the remainder
from the delayed version of the data polynomial, thereby
producing a code word that is a multiple of the generator
polynomial, and where the data polynomial d(x) is such that
positions within the block correspond to powers of x and data
values at the positions correspond to polynomial coefficient
values.
Subclass: FOR 187.
Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem code: Foreign art collections
including subject matter where the block code is a t error
correcting code which is the set of all polynomials {a(c)}
over the Galois field GF(2m) of degree n-1 or less, such that
a(ai)=0, for i=1,3,5,...,2t-1 where a is a primitive element
of the finite field GF(2m), and where c is the radix 2 for
binary data, a(c)=a0+a1c+a2c2+...+an-1cn-1, and aj=0,1
(j=0,1,2,..., n-1).
Subclass: FOR 188.
Golay code: Foreign art collections including subject matter
where the block code is an (n, k, t) type polynomial code in
which each code word is n=23 bits long, contains k=13 data or
information bits, corrects up to t=3 errors, and the code
word also contains (n-k)=10 redundant check bits.
Subclass: FOR 189.
Reed-Solomon code: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where the block code consists of K data and N-K check
symbols, where N is an arbitrary number and K is less than N,
and where each symbol is made of J binary bits encoded with a
generator polynomial g(x) for the code and a field generating
polynomial M(x) which defines the Galois field.
Subclass: FOR 190.
Syndrome computed: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where decoded data is divided by an inverse of the
generator polynomial to obtain a data word of 1 bit which
indicate which bits of the decoded data are in error.
Subclass: FOR 191.
Forward error correction by tree code (e.g., convolutional):
Foreign art collections including subject matter in which
information bits are encoded to generate a plurality of check
bits, each check bit is generated as a function of a
different plurality of information bits and is interspersed
among the information bits at predetermined intervals with no
natural beginning point or ending point (i.e.., there is no
length restriction for the encoded data).
Subclass: FOR 192.
Random and burst errors: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the convolutional code is capable of
correcting both random and burst errors.
Subclass: FOR 193.
Burst errors: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which the convolutional code corrects for burst
errors.
Subclass: FOR 194.
Synchronization: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which a lack of synchronization between the encoder
and decoder is detected and/or corrected.
Subclass: FOR 195.
Puncturing: Foreign art collections including subject matter
where single bits are periodically deleted at intervals from
a low-rate convolutional code.
Subclass: FOR 196.
Sequential decoder (e.g., Fano or stack algorithm): Foreign
art collections including subject matter where a tree
structure of the convolutional code is used for searching
locally a path which is considered to be the most likely to
produce a correct data sequence.
Subclass: FOR 197.
Trellis code: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where, for a convolutional code of k bits length, an
inverse coding operation is performed in which 2k-1 decision
bits are used to select an output bit and where after many
branches, the most probable path will be selected with a high
degree of certainty, and where the branches form a mesh
pattern (i.e.., branches start at a plurality of points and
intersect other branches).
Subclass: FOR 198.
Syndrome decodable (e.g., self orthogonal): Foreign art
collections including subject matter where decoded data is
divided by an inverse of the generator polynomial to obtain a
data word of 1 bit which indicate which bits of the decoded
data are in error.
Subclass: FOR 199.
Maximum likelihood: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where a decoder selects the sequence out of all the
possible transmitted sequences which is most likely to match
the received data sequence and determines corresponding
digital (data) information.
Subclass: FOR 200.
Viterbi decoding: Foreign art collections including subject
matter where data is not decoded as soon as it is received,
instead, a sequence of data, having a predetermined decoding
depth, following the digit to be decoded is first collected,
then, by computing what are known as path metrics, a limited
number of possible messages are selected, each extending
throughout the decoding depth far beyond the digit presently
to be decoded, with one such survivor sequence ending in each
of the data states.
Subclass: FOR 201.
Branch metric calculation: Foreign art collections including
subject matter where a tree of possible data sequences is
constructed identifying the possible data sequences in terms
of data states, and from which correlations are computed for
selecting the paths which are to survive to the next stage of
decoding received data.
Subclass: FOR 202.
Majority decision/voter circuit: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which error correction is
effectively achieved by error masking (making error invisible
at output) through majority logic or voting techniques.
Subclass: FOR 203.
ERROR DETECTION FOR SYNCHRONIZATION CONTROL: Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which error detecting
techniques are utilized to detect an out-of-synch condition
or to control synchronization between devices.
Subclass: FOR 204.
ERROR/FAULT DETECTION TECHNIQUES: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which specific techniques are
recited for detecting an error or fault condition.
Subclass: FOR 205.
Parity bit: Foreign art collections including subject matter
in which a redundant bit is added to a block of data bits.
Subclass: FOR 206.
Parity generator or checker circuit detail: Foreign art
collections including subject matter which specify the
particular elements of a parity signal source or comparitor
circuit.
Subclass: FOR 207.
Even and odd parity: Foreign art collections including
subject matter wherein the parity scheme in the system
includes the generation of parity bits on both an even and
odd basis.
Subclass: FOR 208.
Parity prediction: Foreign art collections including subject
matter which calculates an expected parity value prior to
execution of an operation and is subsequently compared to the
actual parity value to detect an error.
Subclass: FOR 209.
Plural dimension parity check: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which a single parity bit is
derived from data bits taken over each of two or more
dimensions, such as horizontal and vertical parity.
Subclass: FOR 210.
Storage accessing (e.g., address parity check): Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which the parity bit
is calculated for data bits read into or read out of an
information signal storage device.
Subclass: FOR 211.
Constant-ratio code (m/n): Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which a code constraint of a constant-ratio
between bits of a first logic state and a second logic state
is utilized to enable error/fault detection.
Subclass: FOR 212.
Check character: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which a check character, derived as a predetermined
function of a group of data bits, is associated with the
group of data bits for error detection purposes.
Subclass: FOR 213.
Modulo-n residue check character: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which a check character,
calculated as the remainder after the value of the digital
data is divided by the modulus-n, is associated with the
digital data to enable error/fault detection.
Subclass: FOR 214.
Code constraint monitored: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the digital data encoding scheme
provides inherent constrained conditions which are monitored
to enable error/fault detection.
Subclass: FOR 215.
Multilevel coding (n 2): Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the digital data is encoded in a
multilevel or multistate format where the number of levels or
states in greater than 2.
Subclass: FOR 216.
Forbidden combination or improper condition: Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which a forbidden
combination of digital data or improper condition of a device
is monitored to enable error or fault detection.
Subclass: FOR 217.
Specified digital signal pattern or pulse count: Foreign art
collections including subject matter in which the forbidden
combination is either a specified pattern of digital data or
a count of one or more types of digital pulses.
Subclass: FOR 218.
Two key-down detector: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the improper condition is the
simultaneous activation of two or more keys on a data input
device.
Subclass: FOR 219.
Data timing/clocking: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the timing or clocking of digital
data is monitored to detect a predetermined forbidden
combination or condition.
Subclass: FOR 220.
Time delay/interval monitored: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the time delay between
events or data is detected to determine a predetermined
forbidden condition.
Subclass: FOR 221.
Two-rail logic: Foreign art collections including subject
matter in which both the true and complement state of each
logic function is provided and the simultaneous occurrence of
both states indicates a forbidden combination.
Subclass: FOR 222.
Noise level: Foreign art collections including subject matter
in which the forbidden condition is the presence of noise
exceeding a predetermined level.
Subclass: FOR 223.
Missing-bit/drop-out detection: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the improper combination is
a missing bit or dropout of a bit within a data character.
Subclass: FOR 224.
Comparison of data: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which an error or fault is detected by the
comparison of data.
Subclass: FOR 225.
Plural parallel devices or channel: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the data from plural
parallel devices or channels is compared to detect an error
or fault.
Subclass: FOR 226.
Transmission facility: Foreign art collections including
subject matter which detects an error or fault in a device
including a channel of a transmission medium with a device
for supplying a digital signal thereto.
Subclass: FOR 227.
Sequential repetition: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which an error or fault is detected by
comparison of repetitive data.
Subclass: FOR 228.
True and complement data: Foreign art collections including
subject matter in which the data being transferred and
compared comprises both the true and complement bit states of
the data.
Subclass: FOR 229.
Device output compared to input: Foreign art collections
including subject matter in which the error/fault detection
is enabled by comparing the device output with the device
input.
Subclass: FOR 230.
MISCELLANEOUS: Foreign art collections including subject
matter not hereinabove classified.
Subclass: FOR 231.
RELIABILITY AND AVAILABILITY: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
increasing a conditional probability of correctly performing
services (e.g., data processing) throughout a time interval,
given correct performance at the beginning of the interval,
or for increasing the probability of correctly performing
services at any given instant.
Subclass: FOR 232.
Fault recovery: Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for responding to a
failure by either returning a system to a previous level of
correct operation, achieving a degraded level of correct
operation, or safely shutting down the system after detecting
the error or locating the fault.
Subclass: FOR 233.
By masking or reconfiguration: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
recovery by selecting a correct output from a concurrently
active redundant functional unit in place of the output of
the failed functional unit, or by replacing or isolating the
failed functional unit.
Subclass: FOR 234.
Of network: Foreign art collections including subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery at a network
level (e.g., recovery from nodal failures).
Subclass: FOR 235.
Of memory or peripheral subsystem: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
recovery from a fault of a memory function level or the
peripheral function level, or for recovery limited to a
specialized processor accessing either memory, peripheral, or
other I/O device.
Subclass: FOR 236.
Redundant stored data accessed (e.g., duplicated data, error
correction coded data, or other parity-type data): Foreign
art collections including subject matter further including
means or steps for recovery by accessing redundant stored
data.
Subclass: FOR 237.
With reconfiguration (e.g., adding a replacement storage
component): Foreign art collections including subject matter
further including means or steps for statically replacing a
failed memory component.
Subclass: FOR 238.
Isolating failed storage location (e.g., sector remapping):
Foreign art collections including subject matter further
including means or steps for recovery by disabling access to
a failed memory location.
Subclass: FOR 239.
Access processor affected (e.g., I/O processor, MMU, DMA
processor): Foreign art collections including subject matter
further including means or steps for recovery from fault of
an access processor (e.g., memory management unit (MMU),
direct memory access (DMA) processor, I/O processor, etc.).
Subclass: FOR 240.
Of processor: Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for recovery from
fault of a processor.
Subclass: FOR 241.
Concurrent, redundantly operating processors: Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for recovery employing redundant processors
substantially simultaneously performing the same operation.
Subclass: FOR 242.
Synchronization maintenance of processors: Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for maintaining processor state synchronization to
achieve redundancy of operation.
Subclass: FOR 243.
Prepared backup processor (e.g., initializing cold backup) or
updating backup processor (e.g., by checkpoint message):
Foreign art collections including subject matter further
including means or steps for readying a backup processor or
digital data processing system to replace a failed primary
processor or digital data processing system, or to receive
recent processing result(s) from a backup processor or
digital data processing system that may be relied upon.
Subclass: FOR 244.
Of power supply: Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for recovery using
power supply subsystem component redundancy.
Subclass: FOR 245.
State recovery (i.e., process or data file): Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for recovery by restoring data in a data file, or
data for a process, to data at a previous point in time.
Subclass: FOR 246.
With forward recovery (e.g., redoing committed action):
Foreign art collections including subject matter further
including means or steps for recovery by reexecuting an
operation in response to detecting an error in an operation.
Subclass: FOR 247.
Reexecuting single instruction or bus cycle: Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for recovery by retrying single instruction or bus
cycle.
Subclass: FOR 248.
Transmission data record (e.g., for retransmission): Foreign
art collections including subject matter further including
means or steps for recovery of a communication process (e.g.,
a session) using a record.
Subclass: FOR 249.
Undo records: Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for recovery of data
in the presence of uncommitted action using a record of the
data created before the action.
Subclass: FOR 250.
Plural recovery data sets containing set interrelation data
(e.g., time values or log record numbers): Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for recovery using sets of sequenced or linked
recovery data containing set sequencing or linking data.
Subclass: FOR 251.
With state validity check: Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps wherein
recovery is controlled by verifying the accuracy of the state
data.
Subclass: FOR 252.
With power supply status monitoring: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps
wherein recovery is controlled by a power supply status
monitor.
Subclass: FOR 253.
Resetting processor: Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps for recovery
using clearing or initializing of a processor register.
Subclass: FOR 254.
Safe shutdown: Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for recovery
including termination of a system component to a safe
condition.
Subclass: FOR 255.
Fault locating (i.e., diagnosis or testing): Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for pinpointing a fault using either a reactive
diagnosing or a proactive testing, including testing for
developmental stage fault avoidance, for assurance, or for
maintenance.
Subclass: FOR 256.
Artificial intelligence (e.g., diagnostic expert system):
Foreign art collections including subject matter wherein the
testing is performed using an artificial intelligence
technique; e.g., fault tree, reasoning rules, self-learning.
Subclass: FOR 257.
With particular access structure: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps
related to an access structure specialized for observing or
controlling a test or diagnosis.
Subclass: FOR 258.
Substituted emulative component (e.g., emulator
microprocessor): Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for using a tester
component that can emulate (i.e., functionally operate as) a
normal component in the tested system.
Subclass: FOR 259.
Memory emulator feature: Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps for using
memory that can functionally replace a system component.
Subclass: FOR 260.
Built-in hardware for diagnosing or testing within-system
component (e.g., microprocessor test mode circuit, scan
path): Foreign art collections including subject matter
further including means or steps for testing or diagnostic
access using specialized testing or diagnosing hardware
permanently built into a component of the system being tested
or diagnosed.
Subclass: FOR 261.
Additional processor for in-system fault locating (e.g.,
distributed diagnosis program): Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including an additional
processor for controlling all or part of in-system testing or
diagnosis.
Subclass: FOR 262.
With particular stimulus creation: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
selection or generation of a signal (i.e., data) for testing
or diagnosing.
Subclass: FOR 263.
Derived from analysis (e.g., of a specification or by
simulation): Foreign art collections including subject matter
further including means or steps for deriving a test or
diagnosis program based on an analysis of specification,
design, or output of the system to be tested or diagnosed.
Subclass: FOR 264.
Halt, clock, or interrupt signal (e.g., freezing, hardware
breakpoint, single-stepping): Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
controlling a processor or digital data processing system to
be tested or diagnosed by applying an interrupt, halt, or
clock signal to a processor or digital data processing
system.
Subclass: FOR 265.
Substituted or added instruction (e.g., code instrumenting,
breakpoint instruction): Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps for
substituting or adding a testing or diagnosing instruction
into a program or instruction data stream of a processor or
digital data processing system being tested or diagnosed.
Subclass: FOR 266.
Test sequence at power-up or initialization: Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for performing a sequence of tests automatically in
response to a power-up or initialization action.
Subclass: FOR 267.
Analysis (e.g., of output, state, or design): Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for evaluating the output, state, or design, of a
computer system or a processor or a program, for fault
locating.
Subclass: FOR 268.
Of computer software: Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps for locating
a fault in software or testing software.
Subclass: FOR 269.
Monitor recognizes sequence of events (e.g., protocol or
logic state analyzer): Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps for locating
a fault by using a monitor for classifying or otherwise
recognizing a sequence of events.
Subclass: FOR 270.
Component dependent technique: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
fault locating that are specific to a device under test.
Subclass: FOR 271.
For reliability enhancing component (e.g., testing backup
spare, or fault injection): Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps for fault
locating specific to fault in a reliability enhancing
component.
Subclass: FOR 272.
Memory or storage device component fault: Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for fault locating specific to a fault in a memory.
Subclass: FOR 273.
Bus, I/O channel, or network path component fault: Foreign
art collections including subject matter further including
means or steps for fault locating specific to a fault in a
bus, peripheral or I/O channel, or network path.
Subclass: FOR 274.
Peripheral device component fault: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
fault locating specific to a fault in a peripheral device.
Subclass: FOR 275.
Output recording (e.g., signature or trace): Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for recording output from the system under test or
diagnosis.
Subclass: FOR 276.
Operator interface for diagnosing or testing: Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for interfacing with an operator for fault
locating.
Subclass: FOR 277.
Performance monitoring for fault avoidance: Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for monitoring event durations and event counts for
anticipating or recognizing faults.
Subclass: FOR 278.
Error detection or notification: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
automated on-line sensing of errors, or for storing or
propagating such error information (e.g., error logging).
Subclass: FOR 279.
State error (i.e., content of instruction, data, or message):
Foreign art collections including subject matter further
including means or steps for detecting an error based on the
information content of an instruction, a message, or data.
Subclass: FOR 280.
State out of sequence: Foreign art collections including
subject matter wherein an ordering of state information
related to a succession of data, instructions etc., is the
basis for state analysis.
Subclass: FOR 281.
Control flow state sequence monitored (e.g., watchdog
processor for control-flow checking): Foreign art collections
including subject matter to detect state errors in an
instruction data sequence.
Subclass: FOR 282.
Error checking code: Foreign art collections including
subject matter for detecting consistency of information by
using a code (e.g., parity, etc.) which is generated from the
information.
Subclass: FOR 283.
Address error: Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for detection or
notification of error of address state.
Subclass: FOR 284.
Storage content error: Foreign art collections including
subject matter further including means or steps for detection
or notification of error of storage state.
Subclass: FOR 285.
Timing error (e.g., watchdog timer time-out): Foreign art
collections including subject matter further including means
or steps for detection or notification of error of timing.
Subclass: FOR 286.
Bus or I/O channel device fault: Foreign art collections
including subject matter further including means or steps for
detecting errors related to a flaw in a bus, peripheral, or
I/O channel device.
Subclass: FOR 287.
Error forwarding and presentation (e.g., operator console,
error display): Foreign art collections including subject
matter further including means or steps for propagating error
information so as to make notification of detected error.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000