Appeal 2007-0339
Application 09/872,600
A. INVENTION
The invention at issue on appeal automatically switches control of a
bus in a processor-based device. (Specification 1.) Although the
motherboard of a server may include a small computer system
interface ("SCSI") controller for controlling SCSI devices (e.g., hard drives)
connected to the controller, an end-user may wish to incorporate alternate
SCSI controller cards that provide different or additional features. (Id. 3-4.)
Use of alternate SCSI controller cards also may enable the user to ensure
uniformity among all his servers. (Id. 4.)
As aforementioned, the Appellants' invention automatically switches
control of a bus in a processor-based device. In a server, more specifically,
control of a bus is automatically switched from a controller mounted on a
system board to a controller located on an optional expansion card upon
connection of the expansion card to the board. Automatic switching
includes isolating the on-board controller from the bus and appropriately
terminating any transmission line ends on the bus resulting from the
establishment of the alternative control path. (Id. 34.)
Claim 1, which further illustrates the invention, follows.
1. A method of switching control of a bus in a processor-based
device, the method comprising the acts of:
electrically coupling a first bus controller to the bus;
generating a detection signal indicative of coupling of a
second bus controller to the bus; and
2
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