Computer software control and communication system and method

A data processing system for embedded systems having a data communications bus, comprising:

• a first computer processing means having a first data storage means within the embedded system;
• a plurality of secondary computer processing means in electrical communication with the first computer processing means by a communications bus, each secondary computer processing means having a secondary data storage means;
• software means, stored on the first data storage means and executed on the first computer processing means, for directing;
• and
• software means, stored on the secondary data storage means and executed on said each secondary computer processing means, for transferring data from said each secondary computer processing means to the first computer processing means, wherein the software means for directing further comprises a director header means for the storage of director software, and the software means for transferring data further comprises a communications header means for the storage of communications software, wherein the director header means and the communications header means both comprise at least a thirty two bit by four word data register.

A method for using a computer to facilitate communications between a first processor communicating with a computer and at least a secondary processor in communication with one or more circuit cards having predefined electronic circuitry means and in electrical communication with the first processor by a data communications bus, comprising the steps of:

• pre-loading a software means for communicating data and a predefined software routine on each secondary processor, the means for communicating data including a communications header register;
• loading a software means for directing in the first processor, the means for directing including a director header data register;
• initializing, by communication between the means for directing and the means for communicating data, the electronic circuitry means on the one or more circuit cards in communication with the communications bus;
• for each means for communicating data, maintaining a ready state to receive further communication from the means for directing;
• allowing the means for directing to transfer data with said each means for communicating data by polling each communications header register;
• and
• allowing the means for directing to test and control the electronic circuitry means on the one or more circuit cards.

A method for software controlling and communicating within an embedded system, the embedded system having a primary processing means for controlling communicating with the embedded system and at least a controllable processing means connected to at least one circuit card, the controllable processing means having a software means for communicating data and a predefined software program loaded thereon, the controllable processing means including a communications header register, the at least one circuit card having predefined electronic means for processing data and in electrical communication with the primary processing means by a communications bus, comprising the steps of:

• loading a software means for controlling in the primary processing means for controlling, the primary processing means for controlling including a controller header data register;
• for each software means for communicating data, maintaining a ready state to receive further communication from the software means for controlling;
• controlling, by the software means for controlling, the transfer of data with each software means for communicating data by polling each communications header register;
• and
• allowing the software means for controlling to test and control the electronic means for processing data on at least one circuit card.