EP1163600A1 - Methods and apparatus for enhancing the capabilities of personal computers - Google Patents

Methods and apparatus for enhancing the capabilities of personal computers

Info

Publication number
EP1163600A1
EP1163600A1 EP99914914A EP99914914A EP1163600A1 EP 1163600 A1 EP1163600 A1 EP 1163600A1 EP 99914914 A EP99914914 A EP 99914914A EP 99914914 A EP99914914 A EP 99914914A EP 1163600 A1 EP1163600 A1 EP 1163600A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
main frame
computer
interface
network
host
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP99914914A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1163600A4 (en
Inventor
Victor C. Hahn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1163600A1 publication Critical patent/EP1163600A1/en
Publication of EP1163600A4 publication Critical patent/EP1163600A4/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/46—Multiprogramming arrangements
    • G06F9/50—Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]
    • G06F9/5005—Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU] to service a request
    • G06F9/5027—Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU] to service a request the resource being a machine, e.g. CPUs, Servers, Terminals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F15/00—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
    • G06F15/16—Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
    • G06F15/177—Initialisation or configuration control
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
    • G06F9/455—Emulation; Interpretation; Software simulation, e.g. virtualisation or emulation of application or operating system execution engines
    • G06F9/45533—Hypervisors; Virtual machine monitors
    • G06F9/45537—Provision of facilities of other operating environments, e.g. WINE
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2209/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F9/00
    • G06F2209/50—Indexing scheme relating to G06F9/50
    • G06F2209/509—Offload
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2209/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F9/00
    • G06F2209/54—Indexing scheme relating to G06F9/54
    • G06F2209/549—Remote execution

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the capabilities and operation of personal computers (PC).
  • CPUs such as the Intel 320, 386, 486, and Pentium. Apple computers have
  • the host or main frame It is an object of this invention to program the host or main frame with a selection of software packages and operating systems compatible with conventional PCS.
  • frame also includes an emulation-like processing capability for translating PC language into host
  • PC interface operates to determine the specifics of each individual PC logging on regarding CPU
  • the interface determines the host or main frame I/O
  • the interface accepts the requested program, determines
  • the amount of memory necessary to complete the task including the amount of host or main frame
  • Fig. 1 is an illustration of the overall system
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating operation of the system
  • Fig. 1 the operating system 10 is shown with several PCS 11, 12, 13 logged on to the
  • the particular data link between the PCS and the main frame may be by way of a modem where the main frame may serve PCS in a wide area.
  • the system could be a hard wired construction.
  • Fig. 1 the connection of the main frame computer 14 to the PCS is illustrated by a large area network (LAN) 15.
  • LAN large area network
  • the modem connects the PC with the PC interface 16.
  • the PC interface 16 is programmed
  • the PC interface 16 offers a selection of programs that are compatible between
  • the PC interface 16 directs the PC I/O to the host or main frame emulation port/program
  • the emulation program in effect, makes the PC perform as a terminal to the host or main
  • the emulation program allows the PC user to access the main frame using the PC language
  • the emulation program translates the PC instructions
  • main frame language main frame language
  • main frame results main frame results into PC language for distribution.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow chart depicting the operation of the system. After start-up 20 of both the
  • main frame and any PCS, a PC and the main frame are connected by modem.
  • 21 includes all the elements of information required by the system, such as, capabilities and/or
  • the system then offers a menu 22 of programs available to the PC or may permit the PC user to
  • the menu of available programs may be offered in categories with submenus of
  • the emulation port/program 17 if the programming of the PC and the main frame is dissimilar.
  • the PC user may select to download to the PC 26, archive in the main 27, or log off 28.
  • the main frame computer has the traditional capability of
  • the main frame does not have to
  • the PC interface would control the log-on and direct the PC to the free main
  • the PC interface can have the ability to allocate the amount of main

Abstract

A fixed capability, both in hardware and software, of any PC can be temporarily enhanced by networking with a main frame (14) through a network (15) which permits any PC (13) to access the capabilities of the mainframe for limited period of time.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING THE CAPABILITIES OF
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Background of the invention
This invention relates to the capabilities and operation of personal computers (PC).
Ownership and operation of PCS has enjoyed phenomenal growth during the recent years. The
capabilities of each generation of new PCS has increased based on better and faster central
processing units (CPUs), such as the Intel 320, 386, 486, and Pentium. Apple computers have
also progressed from the lib through the Mclntosh. There are also numerous companies producing
clones under their own labels. With the explosion of the number of PCS in use, an even greater
explosion of uses, otherwise known as software, is taking place. As the capabilities of the CPUs
increase, the amount of computing power, or speed, available to run the software increases, as
well as the amount of ROM and RAM memory. This progression allows the programmers to
develop more sophisticated software that can accomplish more difficult and complex tasks. The
availability and applications of software have greatly increased over the years.
However, the ever increasing requirements of the new software quickly outpaces the
capability of the old PC hardware. In order to run the new software, the PC owner must upgrade
the old PC or invest in a more capable PC. It has been stated that the consumer usually upgrades
every 3 to 5 years.
Most PCS are purchased by the consumers as an integral whole or name brand complete
computer with fixed motherboard, CPU, RAM, and ROM elements and some software already
programmed into the computer. The normal consumer probably does not know, or care, what is
inside the computer case. The more "computer literate" consumers may upgrade the capabilities of their computer by adding after-market elements, such as faster CPUs and increased memory.
However, software that requires more capability than the hardware can deliver cannot be
successfully operated on the computer. In the normal course of events, the consumer discards the
old, less capable, computer and purchases the newer model so that the more sophisticated software
can be run. Certainly, this expensive solution economically drives the computer industry.
Summary of invention
It is an object this invention to replace the fixed or limited capability of a PC with a greater and more flexible capability.
It is an object of this invention to reduce the requirement to upgrade a PC in order to get the benefits of more sophisticated programs available to more capable computers.
It is an object of this invention to provide hardware and method whereby a PC operator
with an occasional need for a complex program, beyond the fixed capabilities of the PC or the
already loaded software, may temporarily access (log on) a more capable host computer and work
the program on the more capable host computer using the PC and a modem or conventional communication lines between the computers.
It is an object of this invention to expand the limited or fixed capabilities of the PC by
accessing a host or main frame computer to obtain unlimited processing speed, storage and
software programs.
It is an object of this invention to establish a temporary network, in the nature of a
client/server format, in which an older or less capable PC may be operatively connected to a more
capable host or main frame computer.
It is an object of this invention to program the host or main frame with a selection of software packages and operating systems compatible with conventional PCS. The host or main
frame also includes an emulation-like processing capability for translating PC language into host
or main frame language and vice versa whereby the input and the output would be in PC language
but the manipulation of the data would be in the host or main frame language.
It is also an object of this invention to provide the host or main frame with a PC interface
which interrogates and stores information concerning the location and capabilities of the PC. The
PC interface operates to determine the specifics of each individual PC logging on regarding CPU
speed, RAM, ROM, and operating system. The interface determines the host or main frame I/O
necessary to communicate with the PC. The interface accepts the requested program, determines
the amount of memory necessary to complete the task including the amount of host or main frame
memory required until the results are downloaded, the host or main frame computing time, the
total transaction time, and the fee, if any.
While the capabilities of the PC and the host are described above in terms of less capable
PC and more capable host, it is also an object of this invention to establish communication
between the PC and host irregardless of their relative capabilities. In other words, the invention
is not limited to hardware deficiencies but to lack of programming, as well.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 is an illustration of the overall system;
Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating operation of the system
Description of the preferred embodiment
In Fig. 1, the operating system 10 is shown with several PCS 11, 12, 13 logged on to the
host or main frame computer 14. The particular data link between the PCS and the main frame, may be by way of a modem where the main frame may serve PCS in a wide area. This
construction would allow PC owners or operators to log on to the system using commercial lines
without leaving their home location. Of course, the system could be a hard wired construction.
In Fig. 1 the connection of the main frame computer 14 to the PCS is illustrated by a large area network (LAN) 15.
The modem connects the PC with the PC interface 16. The PC interface 16 is programmed
to interrogate the PC electronically or by menu to determine the capability of the PC. Based on
the interrogation, the PC interface 16 offers a selection of programs that are compatible between
the particular PC and the host. For example, the extremes of the available programs for selection
could range form those instances in which the PC requires only the use of software with no
additional hardware capability through those instances where the PC is used merely as a terminal
for the host or main frame.
In those instances which require the computing power of a much greater magnitude than
the PC, the PC interface 16 directs the PC I/O to the host or main frame emulation port/program
17. The emulation program, in effect, makes the PC perform as a terminal to the host or main
frame. The emulation program allows the PC user to access the main frame using the PC language
and receive the results in the PC language. The emulation program translates the PC instructions
into main frame language and translates the main frame results into PC language for distribution.
Fig. 2 is a flow chart depicting the operation of the system. After start-up 20 of both the
main frame and any PCS, a PC and the main frame are connected by modem. Main frame log-on
21 includes all the elements of information required by the system, such as, capabilities and/or
operating parameters of the PC, the location/address of the user, billing instructions, etc.. The system then offers a menu 22 of programs available to the PC or may permit the PC user to
request 23. The menu of available programs may be offered in categories with submenus of
specific programs 24. This portion of the system is handled by the PC interface 16.
Once the specific program 25 is selected, the PC is interrogated for the information that
the main frame requires to operate the program. These interrogations and answers may go though
the emulation port/program 17, if the programming of the PC and the main frame is dissimilar.
The subsequent screen displays to the PC would depend on the selected program and the amount
of input necessary to complete the task. When the selected program is completed by the main
frame, the PC user may select to download to the PC 26, archive in the main 27, or log off 28.
Archiving of programs and results allows repeat users to store and collect information in the main
frame rather than using PC capacity.
In the context of this invention, the main frame computer has the traditional capability of
doing a multitude of tasks or calculations simultaneously. The main frame does not have to
embody a monolithic mechanism but may be composed of several separate computers which can
be network with a log-on PC in a random sequence based on the next available main frame time
slot. In such a setup, the PC interface would control the log-on and direct the PC to the free main
frame. In some instances, the PC interface can have the ability to allocate the amount of main
frame capability, in addition to the capability of the logged-on PC, necessary to accomplish the
requested program. Both the main frame and the PC would contribute capability to the end
product.
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration
and description. The network has been described with regards to a few possible applications of the invention to illustrate the operation thereof. This description is not intended to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed, however. Consequently, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings as expressed in the specification and
appended claims.

Claims

ClaimsI claim:
1. A computer network comprising a host computer capable of being selectively connected to a
multiplicity of personal computers, said host computer capable of running many applications
simultaneously and having
(1) a personal computer interface means for interrogating said personal computers to determine
an address, the CPU capability, RAM, ROM, and operating system of said personal computers,
said interface means stores said interrogation, and an
(2) emulation means connected to said personal computer interface means for synchronizing the
machine language of said host computer and said personal computers, whereby said personal
computers provide input to said emulation means in the personal computer language to select a
particular task, said host computer executing said task using host language, and communicating
the results of said task to said emulation means, and said emulation means translates said host
results into personal computer language and relays said results to said personal computer interface
means.
2. A computer network as in claim 1 wherein said personal computer interface means presents a menu of personal computer programs available in response to said interrogation of said personal
computer.
3. A computer network as in claim 1 wherein said personal computer interface means quires said
personal computer to determine if said results are to be downloaded or stored in said host, said personal computer interface means returning said results to the address or assigning a storage
address.
4. A system providing the capabilities of a main frame computer to a plurality of PCS comprising
a main frame computer, a data link means for connection between said mainframe and said
plurality of PCS, said data link means including a PC interface, said PC interface interrogating
and storing information concerning the PC address, capabilities including CPU speed, RAM,
ROM and operating system, whereby any one of said plurality of PCS may be connected to said
main frame and provide input through said PC interface, said main frame performs the operations
required of said input, and said results are returned to said PC through said PC interface.
5. A system of claim 4 wherein said main frame computer includes an emulation means for
converting said PC input to main frame language and returning said results to said PC input
language.
6. A method for enhancing the capabilities of a plurality of PCS through networking with a main
frame computer comprising the steps of
1) providing a main frame computer,
2) providing a network connecting at least one PC with said main frame,
3) said at least one PC logging on to the network,
4) requesting a particular program or application be accomplished by said main frame,
5) providing required input data to said main frame from said PC through said network,
6) manipulating said data by said main frame and producing a result, and
7) retrieving said results from said main frame to said PC through said network thereby enhancing
the capability of said PC with the attributes of said main frame computer.
7. A method of claim 6 including the steps of providing said main frame computer with a PC
interface, connecting said interface with said network, said interface creating an address for each PC logged on the network, providing said interface with the operating parameters of each PC
logged on, and said interface allocating the main frame capabilities requires by the logged on PC to accomplish the requested program or application.
8. A method of claim 7 further providing said main frame computer with an emulation capability,
said emulation capability translating incoming PC data and requests into main frame readable data
and translating main frame out going data to PC readable data.
EP99914914A 1999-03-17 1999-03-17 Methods and apparatus for enhancing the capabilities of personal computers Ceased EP1163600A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/005690 WO2000055747A1 (en) 1999-03-17 1999-03-17 Methods and apparatus for enhancing the capabilities of personal computers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1163600A1 true EP1163600A1 (en) 2001-12-19
EP1163600A4 EP1163600A4 (en) 2004-03-03

Family

ID=22272364

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99914914A Ceased EP1163600A4 (en) 1999-03-17 1999-03-17 Methods and apparatus for enhancing the capabilities of personal computers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1163600A4 (en)
JP (1) JP2002539560A (en)
AU (1) AU3355299A (en)
WO (1) WO2000055747A1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5442791A (en) * 1992-03-31 1995-08-15 Aggregate Computing, Inc. Integrated remote execution system for a heterogenous computer network environment

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5483647A (en) * 1992-12-17 1996-01-09 Bull Hn Information Systems Inc. System for switching between two different operating systems by invoking the server to determine physical conditions to initiate a physical connection transparent to the user
US5452460A (en) * 1993-01-27 1995-09-19 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for creating secure pseudo-terminal links
US5675771A (en) * 1993-09-28 1997-10-07 Bull Hn Information Systems Inc. Mechanism for enabling emulation system users to directly invoke a number of host system facilities for executing host procedures either synchronously or asynchronously in a secure manner through automatically created shell mechanisms

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5442791A (en) * 1992-03-31 1995-08-15 Aggregate Computing, Inc. Integrated remote execution system for a heterogenous computer network environment

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO0055747A1 *
TANENBAUM A S: "THE AMOEBA DISTRIBUTED OPERATING SYSTEM - A STATUS REPORT" COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS, ELSEVIER SCIENCE PUBLISHERS BV, AMSTERDAM, NL, vol. 14, no. 6, 1 July 1991 (1991-07-01), pages 324-335, XP000219165 ISSN: 0140-3664 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1163600A4 (en) 2004-03-03
JP2002539560A (en) 2002-11-19
AU3355299A (en) 2000-10-04
WO2000055747A1 (en) 2000-09-21

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