Backup status notification function for closed computer networks

Abstract

The computer network includes a group of computers and an administrator computer. The group of computers includes computers, each having a signaling device capable of indicating the status of that computer. The administrator computer is coupled to the group of computers and utilizes signaling device software whose purpose is to instruct the signaling device of the computer to identify that computer. The administrator computer also uses the signaling device software to perform the following for each computer in the group of computers: instruct the signaling device of the computer to display a backup in progress signal when a backup process is running, and instruct the signaling device to display a backup completed signal when the backup process is complete.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to computer networks, and more particularly to a backup status notification function for closed computer networks. [Background technology]

[0002] In a computer data backup process, computer data is copied onto a backup medium. The copy of the data is stored elsewhere so that in the event of data loss, the copy can be used to recover the original data. In a medical system, a backup process may be performed to generate backup copies of important medical information. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a specific embodiment, a computer network includes a group of computers and an administrator computer. The group of computers includes computers, each having a signaling device capable of indicating the status of that computer. The administrator computer is coupled to the group of computers and utilizes signaling device software whose purpose is to instruct the signaling device of the computer to identify that computer. The administrator computer also uses the signaling device software to perform the following for each computer in the group of computers: instruct the signaling device of the computer to display a backup in progress signal when a backup process is running, and instruct the signaling device to display a backup completed signal when the backup process is complete.

[0004] Embodiments may include none, one, some, or all of the following features. The administrator computer further performs the following for each computer in the group of computers: instructing the signaling device to turn off when the backup medium is removed from the computer; the signaling device comprises an illuminator that emits a light. The illuminator can flash to signal that a backup is in progress and can emit a light continuously to signal that the backup is complete; the signaling device comprises a speaker that emits a sound. The speaker can emit a sound discontinuously to signal that a backup is in progress and can emit a sound continuously to signal that the backup is complete; and the computer network is a closed computer network.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a method for backing up a computer network includes repurposing signal emitter software by an administrator computer of the computer network. The computer network includes a group of computers and an administrator computer. The group of computers includes a computer, each computer having a signal emitter indicating the status of the computer. The signal emitter software is designed to instruct the signal emitter of the computer to identify the computer. Here, the signal emitter software is repurposed for each computer in the group of computers to: instruct the signal emitter of the computer to display a backup in progress signal when a backup process is running, and instruct the signal emitter to display a backup complete signal when the backup process is complete.

[0006] Embodiments may include none, one, some, or all of the following features. The method further includes performing the following for each computer in the group of computers: instructing the signaling device to turn off when the backup medium is removed from the computer. The signaling device includes an illuminator configured to emit a light. The method may include flashing by the illuminator for the backup in progress signal. The method may include emitting a light continuously by the illuminator for the backup complete signal. The signaling device includes a speaker that emits a sound. The method may include emitting a sound discontinuously by the speaker for the backup in progress signal. The method may include emitting a sound continuously by the speaker for the backup complete signal. The computer network is a closed computer network.

[0007] In a specific embodiment, a computer network includes a group of computers and an administrator computer. The group of computers includes a computer. Each computer has a signaling device capable of indicating the computer's status, the signaling device including an illuminator that emits a light. The administrator computer is coupled to the group of computers and utilizes signaling device software whose purpose is to instruct the signaling device of the computer to identify the computer. The administrator computer also uses the signaling device software to perform the following for each computer in the group: while a backup process is being performed, instruct the computer's signaling device to display a backup in progress signal, with the illuminator flashing for the backup in progress signal; when the backup process is complete, instruct the signaling device to display a backup complete signal, with the illuminator continuously emitting a light for the backup complete signal; and when the backup media is removed from the computer, instruct the signaling device to turn off.

[0008] Embodiments may include none, one, some, or all of the following features: The signaling device further includes a speaker that emits a sound, and the speaker can emit a discontinuous sound for a backup in progress signal and a continuous sound for a backup complete signal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a computer network 10, according to certain embodiments. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates an example of a method that may be used to communicate the backup status of computers in the network of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Referring now to the description and drawings, exemplary embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods are shown in detail. The description and drawings are not intended to be exhaustive or to otherwise limit the claims to the specific embodiments shown in the figures and disclosed in the description. While the drawings illustrate possible embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be simplified, exaggerated, omitted, or partially cut off in order to better illustrate the embodiments.

[0011] Computers often include signal emitters (SAs) (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs) that allow a server administrator to locate a single computer within a network of multiple computers of similar type and / or appearance). The signal emitters can be remotely switched on by software via network access, highlighting the appropriate computer for easy identification.

[0012] Certain end consumers, such as medical companies, may use closed networks that host their data and have their own backup capabilities, which can improve protection of confidential information. Because closed networks tend to be smaller and more self-contained, signaling devices are typically not required to identify computers. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure describe changing the purpose of signaling devices from identifying computers to indicating the backup process status of the computers. Embodiments utilize off-the-shelf (OTS) hardware, thereby avoiding routine work and additional certification.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a computer network 10, according to certain embodiments. As an overview of this example, the network 10 includes an administrator computer 20 and a group 22 of any suitable number of computers 24 (24a, 24b, 24c). Each computer 24 (24a, 24b, 24c) has a signaling device 30 (30a, 30b, 30c). A backup (B / U) medium 32 stores copies of data from the computers 24. A communication link 26 communicatively couples the computers 20, 24 of the network 10, allowing the computers 20, 24 to communicate with each other. In certain embodiments, the computer network 10 may be used by an end consumer, such as a healthcare company, that uses the network 10 to store medical information.

[0014] As an example overview of operation, the administrator computer 20 performs the following for each computer 24 in the computer group 22: instructs the signaling device 30 of the computer 24 to display a backup in progress signal while the backup process is running, and instructs the signaling device 30 of the computer 24 to display a backup complete signal when the backup process is complete. The administrator computer can also instruct the signaling device 30 to turn off when the backup media 32 is removed from the computer.

[0015] With respect to components, the computers 20, 24 of the network 10 may include interfaces, logic, and / or memory, any of which may include computer hardware and / or software. An interface can receive input to and / or send output from a component and is typically used to exchange information between, for example, software, hardware, peripherals, users, and combinations thereof. A user interface is one type of interface through which a user can communicate with a computer (e.g., send input to and / or receive output from). Examples of user interfaces include a display, a graphical user interface (GUI), a touchscreen, a keyboard, a mouse, a gesture sensor, a microphone, and a speaker.

[0016] Logic can perform the operations of the computer 20, 24. Logic can include one or more electronic devices that execute instructions to process data, e.g., generate output from input. Examples of such electronic devices include computers, processors, microprocessors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)), and computer chips. Logic can include computer software that encodes instructions that can be executed by the electronic device to perform operations. Examples of computer software include computer programs, applications, and operating systems.

[0017] Memory (e.g., memory of computer 20, 24 or backup medium 32) can store information and may include tangible, computer-readable and / or computer-executable storage media. Examples of memory include computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disks), removable storage media (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital video or versatile discs (DVDs)), databases, network storage (e.g., servers), and / or other computer-readable media. Certain embodiments may relate to memory encoded with computer software.

[0018] Administrator computer 20 may perform operations to back up computers 24. During the backup process, computer 20 facilitates the selection, extraction, and / or manipulation of data for storage. The process may also involve data compression, encryption, and deduplication. Administrator computer 20 may perform other operations to manage computers 24, such as coordinating communications between computers 24, updating computers 24, and resolving problems with computers 24.

[0019] As noted above, computer 24 is typically equipped with a signaling device (SA) that allows a server administrator to locate a single computer within a network that may include multiple computers of similar type and / or appearance. Computer 24 includes SA software that is used to switch on the signaling device through network access to highlight computer 24 for easy identification.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, administrator computer 20 repurposes the SA software to instruct the signaling device to indicate the status of the backup process of computer 24, instead of identifying computer 24. That is, instead of instructing the signaling device to emit a signal to identify itself, administrator computer 20 instructs the signaling device to emit a signal indicative of a particular stage, or status, of the backup process in response to the initiation of that stage.

[0021] The signaling device 30 indicates the backup status of the computer 24. The backup status may include, for example, backup in progress, backup completed, and off status. The backup in progress status indicates that the backup medium 32 is connected to the computer 24 and the backup process is running. To avoid data corruption or data loss that may result from improper removal of the backup medium 32, it is not recommended to remove the medium 32 at this time. The backup completed status indicates that the backup process is complete. The backup medium 32 can be safely removed. The off status indicates that the backup medium 32 is not connected to the computer 24.

[0022] The signaling device 30 can be any suitable device capable of communicating backup status, for example, visually and / or audibly. Examples of the signaling device 30 include an illuminator and a speaker. An illuminator is a light source (e.g., a light bulb or LED) that emits light to communicate status. A speaker emits a sound, such as a tone or beep, to communicate status. The signaling device 30 can communicate status in any suitable manner. In certain embodiments, a backup in progress status may be communicated by a continuous signal (e.g., a continuous light or sound), and a backup complete status may be communicated by a discontinuous signal (e.g., a flashing light or beep), or vice versa in different embodiments. The discontinuous signal can have any suitable frequency (e.g., 0.2 cycles per second to 1 cycle per 5 seconds).

[0023] The communications link 26 communicatively couples the computers 20, 24 of the network 10, allowing the computers 20, 24 to communicate with each other. For example, the communications link 26 couples the administrator computer 20 to the computers 24 of the group 22. The communications link 26 includes any suitable link that communicatively couples the computers of the network 10. Examples of links include wired or wireless links such as cables, cords, or networks, e.g., personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), and campus area networks (CANs). While backing up the backup computer 24, the administrator computer 20 can communicate with the software of the signaling device 30 via the TCP / IP protocol without requiring direct access to the software (e.g., via a keyboard, mouse, or other input device). The backup (B / U) medium 32 stores a copy of the data from the computer 24.

[0024] 2 illustrates one example of a method that may be used to communicate the backup status of computers in the computer network of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments. The method begins at step 110, when administrator computer 20 initiates a backup process for computer 24. At step 112, administrator computer 20 instructs signaling device 30 to provide a backup-in-progress signal. In response, signaling device 30 may emit a discontinuous light or sound, such as a flash or beep. (See, e.g., computer 24a in FIG. 1.) Backup media 32 is connected to computer 24, and the backup process is performed.

[0025] The backup process is completed in step 114. In step 116, administrator computer 20 commands signaling device 30 to provide a backup completion signal. In response, signaling device 30 may emit a continuous light or sound. (See, for example, computer 24b in FIG. 1.) Backup medium 32 is disconnected from computer 24, and in step 120, administrator computer 20 detects the removal of backup medium 32. In response, in step 122, administrator computer 20 commands the signaling device to turn off. In response, signaling device 30 may stop emitting the light or sound. (See, for example, computer 24c in FIG. 1.) The method ends.

[0026] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to particular embodiments, modifications of these embodiments (e.g., changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and / or other alterations) will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, modifications may be made to the systems and devices disclosed herein. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated, or the operations of the systems and devices may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. As another example, modifications may be made to the methods disclosed herein. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the methods may include more, fewer, or other steps, and the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0027] To assist the Patent Office and the reader in interpreting the claims, applicants note that no claim or claim element is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the terms "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim. Use of any other term in the claims (e.g., "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component," "element," "member," "apparatus," "machine," "system," "processor," or "controller") is understood by applicants to refer to structures known to those skilled in the art and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

1. A computer network comprising: a computer cluster comprising a plurality of computers, each computer having a signaling device configured to indicate a status of said computer; an administrator computer coupled to the group of computers and utilizing signal generator software intended to instruct the signal generators of computers in the group of computers to identify the computers, and using the signal generator software for another purpose to perform the following for each computer in the group of computers: instructing the signaling device of the computer to display a backup in progress signal when a backup process is being performed; and instructing the signaling device to display a backup completion signal when the backup process is completed. an administrator computer; A computer network comprising:

2. The administrator computer further:

10. The computer network of claim 1, configured to execute the command to turn off the signaling device when a backup medium is removed from the computer.

3. The computer network of claim 1 , wherein the signaling device comprises an illuminator configured to emit light.

4. The computer network of claim 3 , wherein the illuminator is configured to flash in response to the backup running signal.

5. The computer network of claim 3 , wherein the illuminator is configured to emit light continuously in response to the backup complete signal.

6. The computer network of claim 1 , wherein the signaling device comprises a speaker configured to emit a sound.

7. 7. The computer network of claim 6, wherein the speaker is configured to emit the sound discontinuously in response to the backup running signal.

8. 7. The computer network of claim 6, wherein the speaker is configured to emit the sound continuously in response to the backup complete signal.

9. The computer network of claim 1 , wherein the computer network is a closed computer network.

10. A computer network comprising: a computer cluster comprising a plurality of computers, each computer having a signaling device configured to indicate a status of said computer, said signaling device comprising an illuminator configured to emit light; an administrator computer coupled to the group of computers and utilizing signal generator software intended to instruct the signal generators of computers in the group of computers to identify the computers, and using the signal generator software for another purpose to perform the following for each computer in the group of computers: instructing the signaling device of the computer to display a backup in progress signal when a backup process is being performed, and configuring the illuminator to flash in response to the backup in progress signal; When the backup process is completed, command the signaling device to display a backup completion signal, and configure the illuminator to continuously emit light in response to the backup completion signal; When the backup medium is removed from the computer, the signaling device is instructed to turn off. an administrator computer configured to: A computer network comprising:

11. The signal emitting device further comprises a speaker configured to emit a sound, the speaker comprising: discontinuously emitting the sound in response to the backup execution signal; 11. The computer network of claim 10, configured to emit the sound continuously in response to the backup completion signal.

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