Associative data access method (ADAM) and its means of
Contents
1. data used by the READ routines This includes the read termination string information the time i e number of seconds the READ command should wait for input from a captured data processor before aborting and the maximum number of reads to be executed before aborting Also included is the information required to store the input received by the captured data processr Next a WRITE function is provided by the Communi cations module 26 which writes the text which is passed to the port of the captured data processor Next a WRITE READ function writes the text which is passed to a specified port of the captured data processor and posts a READ to that port and if no message is 4 604 686 9 received after a specified time an error is reported and logged If however a message is received READ TERMINATION condition is next tested If it is met a normal exit is made from the Communications module 26 Ifa READ TERMINATION is not satisfied a test is made to see if the input should be stored and if the answer is in the affirmative the message is stored If the number of reads exceeds a maximum number specified the module aborts further data retrieval As in the case of the Command Interpreter module 24 the Communi cations module 26 also functions to provide Error Han dling and logging to the Logging module 30 as evi denced by the blocks ERROR and LOG of FIG 6 The Logging module 28 is a Pascal program which performs as is already evide2. 5 BYE Please make selection The user responds for exam ple with 10 1 ADAM accordingly continues The User Interface Module 22 evaluates the answer through the entries and commands connected to that response stored in User Command Stream File of the LD 18 Using a key mnemonic MENU the User Inter face Module 22 returns to the Menu File and prints an ADAM MIS Menu on the user terminal screen it being understood that MIS stands for Management Information System 20 The screen then portrays the MIS MENU as follows ADAM MIS MENU 1 WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS 2 BYE Please make selections The user responds for example with 25 30 ADAM in turn continues processing in the following manner The User Interface Module 22 evaluates the answer through the entries and commands connected to that response stored in the I D s User Command Stream File Using the key mnemonic MENU the User Inter face Module 22 returns to the Menu File of the I D and asks the user for entries of MAN and CLASS OF COST related to the WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS 40 menu The screen then portrays the following ADAM MIS MENU 1 WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS 2 BYE Please make selection 1 MAN CLASS OF COST The user then enters a plurality of numbers for exam ple 203123 after MAN and 01 after the CLASS OF COST The screen then displays 35 4 uA ADAM 55 MIS MENU 1 WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS 2 BYE
3. ADAM The video display responds with screen displaying ADAM IS BEING INITIATED ADAM proceeds afollows The Initiation Procedure starts whereupon the Sched uler Module 20 clears the screen opens all files of the Information Directory LD 18 initiates COUNT COMMAND INTERPRETER and COMMUNICA TION variables which are sent to the User Interface Module 22 and sends a START mnemonic identifica tion of processing to be performed by a module to the User Interface Module 22 The Scheduler Module 20 loads the user s name into a global variable which is accessible to the User Interface Module 22 The name is used as a key into the Security File of the I D The User Interface Module 22 then prompts the user terminal for a password The screen displays PLEASE ENTER PASSWORD The user responds with for example EVE ADAM next does the following The password is checked against the password in the I D Security File If the password is not valid the user terminal is reprompted for the correct password If the password is valid the remaining contents of the Secu rity File are used as the first command that is passed to the Scheduler Module 20 In this example the User Interface Module 22 next prints a Primary Menu which is stored in the Menu File of the I D 18 The User terminal screen next presents a Primary Menu display such as 4 604 686 11 ADAM PRIMARY MENU 1 MIS 2 WORD PROCESSING 5 3 MAIL 4 REMOTE HOST
4. FIG 8 is a functional block diagram illustrative of the Merge and Format module shown in FIG 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The present invention is implemented in a digital computer comprising a Hewlett Packard 3000 series 44 mini computer which is structured to operate with a source programming language known as Pascal Pascal is a programming language well known to those skilled in the art of computing science and was first introduced in 197 by Niklaus Wirth The standard reference on Pascal is the text entitled Pascal User Manual And Report by Kathleen Jensen and Niklaus Wirth Springer Verlag New York Heidelberg Berlin 1975 Another reference which may be resorted to for an understanding of Pascal type programming is a text 4 604 686 3 entitled Pascal An Introduction To Methodical Pro gramming W Findlay and D A Watt Computer Science Press 1978 A program written in Pascal cannot be directly per formed by the hardware of a computer To make it executable it must be translated from Pascal into an equivalent set of machine code instructions and is ac complished by means of a compiler Thus a computer supporting Pascal codes interrelates with three pro grams i e the translator program or compiler the users Pascal text or source program and the equivalent ma chine code or object program A Pascal program more over is run in two distinct stages First the Pascal com piler is brought int
5. terminals 121 122 12 simply makes a request to the interface 10 for spe cific information which is to be presented in a predeter mined form whereupon the ADAM interface 10 knowing where the specific information resides sequen tially or parallely couples to all the required data bases while mimicking an asynchronous terminal and pro vides a dialogue to each processor and data base with out human intervention to recover the data desired Referring now to FIG 2 there is shown in block diagram form software components of a Pascal pro gram residing for example in a Hewlett Packard 3000 series 44 mini computer not shown including a plural ity of input output ports also not shown for establish ing a signal transmitting connection between at least one user terminal 12 and at least one data base 14 via its respective communications link 16 The software com ponents called modules of the Pascal program in clude a Scheduler 20 a User Interface 22 a Command Interpreter 24 a Communications module 26 a Log ging module 28 and a Merge and Format module 30 The Scheduler module 20 contains a global statement which controls the operation of the remaining modules 22 through 30 Before considering the functions of the various modules the Information Directory 18 will be first considered The Information Directory 18 comprises an indexed sequential file structure which is operable to develop a plurality of separate sets
6. variables and return to the Scheduler allowing routing to the appropriate mod ule This is evidenced by the block of FIG 5 entitled APPLICATION COMMAND STREAM Addition ally the processing of errors is performed by the Com mand Interpreter module 24 which are logged into the log file by calling the Logging module 28 as evidenced by the functional blocks ERROR and LOG of FIG 5 The Communications module 26 comprises a Pascal program which executes elementary commands to han dle communications with the multiple data processors 14 14 14 of FIG 1 where the data requested by a user terminal 12 resides The Communications mod ule 26 makes the ADAM interface 10 appear as if it were the user terminal 12 itself accessing the data pro cessors It controls and initiates input and output to the data processors 141 etc by emulating an asynchronous terminal to the data processors however the dialogue with the data processors will be controlled by elemen tary commands stored in the Application Command Stream file in the Information Directory 18 Communications with the data processors 14 14 to be accessed is preferably in a TTY mode which im plies no special character or screen addressing type characters need be interpreted thus simplifying com munications requirements since data can be dealt with on a line basis rather than on a screen image basis The 20 25 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 8 Communica
7. ND MODUL FUNCTIONS e E m READ ENVIRON 7 LOGGING MODULE FUNCTIONS WRITE FIC MERGE FORMAT MODULE FUNCTIONS CONSOLIDATE OUTPUT TYPE 4 604 686 1 ASSOCIATIVE DATA ACCESS METHOD ADAM AND ITS MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION REFERENCED MATERIAL Reference is made to an attached computer program listing disclosed in microfiche form Included are 2 microfiche containing a total of 179 frames BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to data re trieval from data processors and more particularly to the integration of data from data processors in a distrib uted processing environment In the present state of the art of data processors there is no known single machine which is able to take care of ali data processing needs For example a payroll may be run on one machine personnel requirements located on another and manufacturing and control inventory located on still another thereby yielding an abundance of information which is distributed in different ma chines and in different formats In order to make a busi ness decision or update and cross reference information it becomes necessary to integrate this information in a usable form If one stays within a particular vendor s product line the problem of data integration is allevi ated somewhat since the same vendor normally will utilize the same type of data communications protoco
8. Please make selection 1 60 MAN 203123 CLASS OF COST 01 ADAM now operates to retrieve BUDGET vs AC TUALS data from the remote processors HP and IBM in the following manner The User Interface Module 22 evaluates a mnemonic PARMREAD i c read parameters As a result it reads the terminal input for MAN and CLASS OF COST and 65 12 stores these values in a PARAMETER table It then looks to User Command Stream File of the I D 18 for instructions describing the flow of processing that needs to be followed to emulate and access the HP processor for the data sought Control is returned to the Scheduler Module 20 which calls a COUNTER procedure which resets a program counter The Scheduler Module 20 returns control to the User Interface Module 22 which reads the next record in the User Command Stream File This record indicates a Command Interpreter command so control is returned to the Scheduler The Scheduler Module 20 using a MODULE ROUTING procedure calls the Command Interpreter Module 24 The PROCESS mnemonic causes a HPWIPBUDGET process to be executed to access the HP data processor Instructions for the HPWIPBUDGET process are stored in the Application Command Stream File of the ILD Next alternating mnemonics direct the flow of processing through different modules but always through the MODULE ROUTING procedure in the Scheduler Module 20 The Test Condition file in the I D is also called at appropriate times to check the progre
9. United States Patent 4 Reiter et al 54 ASSOCIATIVE DATA ACCESS METHOD ADAM AND ITS MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION Bernadette G Reiter Longmont John W Castor Pine J Carter Blume Aurora Roy A Schewe Boulder Leonard D Shepley Littleton al of Colo 75 Inventors 73 Assignee Martin Marietta Corporation Bethesda Md 21 Appl No 574 438 22 Filed Jan 27 1984 51 Int Ei ee 06 15 16 132 US Cl en recte n cec 364 200 58 Field of Search 364 200 MS File 300 56 References Cited U S PATENT DOCUMENTS 4 001 783 1 1977 Monahan et al 364 200 Primary Examiner Raulfe B Zache Attorney Agent or Firm Gay Chin James B Eisel 57 ABSTRACT An input output driver program residing in digital 121 USER TERM s 4 604 686 Aug 5 1986 11 Patent Number 4 Date of Patent FIG 2 computer apparatus responsive to Pascal type of soft ware and which operates to emulate an asychronous terminal as opposed to bisynchronous devices having defined protocols in a distributed processing environ ment The computer thus programmed is adapted to communicate with any data processor supporting exter nal communications with other apparatus and operates as an intelligent interface between one or more user terminals and one or more data processors of different vendor types A user at a user terminal communicates a specific request to
10. d user terminal a Command Interpreter module which causes said other modules to perform specific tasks via the Scheduler module a Communications module which emulates asynchronous terminal communications between each of said data processors and said interface and a Merge Format module which operates to tempo rarily store the data retrieved from said data processors via the Communications module consolidate the data retrieved in a common format and output the data to said user terminal via said User Interface module 25 The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said modules additionally comprise an Error Handling function which operates to translate any communications error into a user format 26 The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said modules additionally comprise a Logging module for recording the status of the program s execution as it progresses 27 The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said files are located in an Information Directory and comprise 1 a first file termed a Security File which contains the user name password the next module to be executed by said Scheduler module and the first command to be executed by said next module 2 a second file termed a Menu File which contains a plurality of screen images for a plurality of menus for said user terminal and wherein each menu is indicative of the type of data which can be ob tained at said us terminal 3 a third file termed a User Command Stream File which contains the sequ
11. d by Merge For mat Module 32 All other procedures within ADAM are suspended and the report is written on the user terminal screen When desirable it can be printed out in text form on a printer or in graphic format on a termi nal or plotter A STATUS mnemonic next prompts the Scheduler Module 20 to display a message The Screen next displays a command HIT SPACE BAR FOR NEXT MENU OR SAY BYE The user then typically responds by entering BYE on his user terminal The User Command Stream File of the I D 18 instructs the Scheduler Module 20 to pass control to the User Interface Module 22 The User Interface Module gener ates a CLEAR mnemonic and clears the user terminal screen An EXIT mnemonic causes a NEXIT proce dure in the Scheduler Module 20 to execute The ADAM session will terminate with the logging module 28 being advised the Information Directory files are closed and END OF PROGRAM is commanded to be portrayed on the screen The screen then displays END OF PROGRAM Thus what has been shown and described is an intelli gent software interface acting as a dumb terminal re quiring no communications protocol and which is able to atomatically connect to diverse type data processors as an asynchronous terminal and extract data therefrom with the processor thinking it is a user at a terminal making the request and accordingly can access differ ent data processors such as data bases for certain infor mation c
12. d validation of the password communicated from a user terminal 12 display of a primary menu predetermined selected data type available to a particu lar terminal allowing a user to request a particular application display of an application menu subhead ings of data available to a particular terminal 12 trig gering a communications data capture process and out put menu processing As shown in FIG 4 the User Interface module functions include a SECURITY func tion which is indicative of the fact that the User Inter face module 22 accesses the Security File contained in the Information Directory 18 which contains valid passwords for each user The User Interface module 22 upon accessing the Security File validates the pass word Since the Security File in the Information Direc tory 18 also contains the name of the first command to be executed typically Display a Menu upon valida tion the MENU PROCESSING function of FIG 4 is indicative that the User Interface module 22 accesses the Menu File in the Information Directory which con tains screen images of the pertinent menus for a vali dated user terminal 12 The User Command Stream file in the Information Directory 18 contains a sequence of instructions for a given menu response The User Inter face module 22 additionally includes USER INPUT PROCESSING function shown in FIG 4 which deter mines the entry point into the Command Stream file in response to a menu selection b
13. ence of instructions to be followed when a specific menu request is made from a user terminal 4 604 686 17 18 4 a fourth file termed the Application Command upon successful comparison dictates the process by Stream File which contains a plurality of processes the next module and command associated with a which execute the instructions necessary to com plete a logical task particular comparison 5 a fifth file termed a Condition File which contains 5 6 sixth file termed a Graph File which contains the entries which compares incoming data against ex information needed for the generation of a graphic pected data compares an internally maintained output format for the integrated data retrieved counter to a value that is specified in the file and 202 10 15 20 25 30 35 45 55 65
14. er module 20 directs the flow of processing through its Module Routing procedure to the User Interface module 22 which reads the next record in the User Command Stream File of the I D 18 A MENU mnemonic causes the User Interface Module 22 to re turn to the Menu File and portray ADAM MIS OUT PUT MENU on the screen The screen then displays an Output Menu as follows ADAM MIS OUTPUT MENU 1 WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS REPORT 2 WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS HOUR LINE GRAPH 3 WIP BUDGET vs CHART ACTUALS HOUR BAR 4 604 686 13 4 WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS DOLLARS LINE GRAPH 5 WIP BUDGET vs ACTUALS DOLLARS BAR CHART 6 BYE Please make selection The user then responds with for example j Processing in ADAM then continues per the follow ing The User Interface Module evaluates the answer and looks for instructions in the User Command Stream File of the LD The Scheduler Module 20 activates Command Interpreter Module 24 whereupon a PRO CESS mnemonic calls upon the Merge Format Module 30 The Merge Format Module reformats the data re trieved from both the HP and IBM data processors by writing out a new file in a new format This includes consolidating multiple input records into one output record After successful completion of the merging procedure the Scheduler Module 20 executes a CRE ATE mnemonic The Scheduler calls XCREATE procedure and programmatically runs a program that prepares a report using data formatte
15. erate to logon and query the required number of data processors of diverse vendor s types for specific information extract and retrieve and read this information into a temporary file and thereafter reformat the received information into a consolidated output in a predetermined user form requested by the user such as terminal graphics or a print out BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the present invention is defined in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification a better understanding of the invention can be had by reference to the following description taken in conjunc tion with the accompanying drawings in which FIG 1 is a block diagram generally illustrative of a data communications system employing the subject invention FIG 2 is a block diagram illustrative of the computer software utilized to implement the subject invention in a digital computer FIG 3 is a block diagram illustrative of the functions performed by the Scheduler module shown in FIG 2 FIG 4 is a block diagram illustrative of the functions performed by the User Interface module shown in FIG 2 FIG 5 is a block diagram illustrative of the functions performed by the Command Interpreter module shown in FIG 2 FIG 6 is a block diagram illustrative of the functions performed by the Communications module shown in FIG 2 FIG 7 is a block diagram illustrative of the functions performed by the Logging module shown in FIG 2 and
16. he steps of consolidating the data received from said diverse type processors and reformatting the data into a common format following said consolidating step and f reporting said data thus integrated to said user terminal in a user friendly form 2 The method of claim 1 and further including the steps of g loading said interface with menu information re lating to the types of data selectively available to said user terminal h displaying said menu information and i entering menu related requests at said user termi nal and wherein said reporting step f comprises the step of reporting data retrieved in accordance with said menu request 3 The method of claim 2 wherein said step h of displaying comprises the step of displaying said menu information on a user terminal screen 4 The method of claim 3 and wherein said step f of reporting said data comprises displaying the reformat ted data on said user terminal screen 5 The method of claim 3 and wherein said step f of reporting said data comprises the step of printing out said reformatted data in a predetermined copy form 6 The method of claim 2 wherein said intelligent interface comprises a file driven program residing in digital computer apparatus and wherein said informa tion for coupling to and retrieving data from said data processors as well as said menu information is located in a plurality of data files said program further executing a plurality of
17. ich collectively make up the Information Directory The following is intended to provide an overview of the operation of the ADAM interface 10 and the man ner in which it interacts with a user having access to a user terminal 12 and two different data processors 141 and 142 for example respectively comprising a Hewl ett Packard HP located in one city and an IBM data processor IBM located in another city First of all the user who for example may be a financial controller identifies global information requirements such as over head dollars work in progress contracts outstanding and contracts scheduled He also defines specific infor mation within these areas such as department number badge number labor rate etc The user financial controller further provides his information requirements to an information manager who has the background and knowledge of where the data resides what its format is and now to access the data This information manager in response to the fi nancial controller s needs then enters all of the follow ing information into the six files of the Information Directory 18 He enters among other things a user dialogue menu for the user s customized terms that will be used later by the user to access his information from 0 20 25 40 45 50 65 10 the plurality of data processors where the data resides The information manager will also load the communica tions information such as
18. instructional sets in response to said infor mation loaded into said files 7 The method of claim 6 wherein said plurality of instructional sets comprise a plurality of Pascal type modules controlled by said files 8 The method of claim 7 wherein one of said modules termed a Scheduler module executes all other of said modules 9 The method of claim 8 wherein said other modules include at least a User Interface module which controls all inputs and outputs to and from said user terminal a Command Interpreter module which causes said other modules to perform specific tasks via the Scheduler module a Communications module which emulates asynchnous terminal communications between each of said data processors and said interface and a Merge Format module which operates to temporarily store the data retrieved from said data processors via the Com 4 604 686 15 munications module consolidate the data retrieved in a common format and output the data to said user termi nal via said User Interface module 10 The method of claim 9 and wherein said modules additionally include an Error Handling function which Operates to translate any communications error into a user format 11 The method of claim 9 wherein said modules additionally include a Logging module for recording the status of the program s execution as it progresses 12 The method of claim 6 wherein said information loaded into said data files includes i user informatio
19. local area network LAN access commands or autodial modem controlling com mands Logon information user identification on the remote data processors and the passwords are also en tered together with all information to retrieve remote data such as information on how to invoke for example RAMIS how to access commands through RAMIS what is expected back as valid data how long should it take to get the data back from the remote processor format of data returning to the ADAM interface 10 etc Reformatting information is also entered which enables the data retrieved to be displayed to the user in a prede termined fashion Additionally information on how to access different types of terminals is also entered by the information manager such as how to format data for audio stations different vendor s terminals different vendor s graphics terminals etc Once all this inform aion has been loaded into the files of the Information Directory of ADAM 10 the user is in a position to retrieve specific data contained in diverse types of data processors 14 14 remotely located not only from the user terminal but from each other The following dialogue is intended to illustrate the interaction between a user at a user terminal 12 and the operations taking place with the ADAM interface 10 hereinafter referred to simply as ADAM during a data retrieval session The user logs on to the ADAM interface through his user terminal by entering
20. ls data base managers and query languages A serious and distinct problem exists however when one crosses outside a vendor s boundaries In such instances one must normally emulate a bisynchronous batch protocol communications system developed by IBM for exam ple which requires human intervention coordination and integration of that information upon receipt Ac cordingly where there are incompatible protocols data base managers and query languages each differing in capability and syntax the problem of data integration from diverse sources comprises a very primitive and time consuming process It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide an improvement in data communications in a distributive processing environment It is another object of the invention to overcome communications protocol limitations in integrating data from a plurality of different data sources It is still another object of the invention to provide for the integration of data residing on different processors for the purpose of management information capabilities It is a further object of the invention to provide an intelligent interface between a user terminal and a plu rality of different types of data sources It is still a further object of the invention to provide an interface between at least one user terminal and a plurality of data bases with the interface functioning to provide a dialogue with the data sources rather than the user
21. minal 17 The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said reporting means vi comprises means for reporting data retrieved in accordance with said menu request 18 The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said means c for displaying comprises a user terminal screen 19 The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means vi for reporting said data comprises means for coupling the reformatted data to said user terminal screen for display 20 The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means vi for reporting said data comprises means for printing out said reformatted data in a predetermined copy form 21 The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said intelligent interface comprises a file driven program residing in digital computer apparatus and wherein said informa tion for emulating coupling to and retrieving data from said data processors as well as said menu information is located in a plurality of data files and said means ii through vi comprises a plurality of instructional sets executed in response to said information loaded into said files 22 The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said plurality of instructional sets comprise a plurality of Pascal type modules controlled by said files 23 The apparatus of claim 22 wherein one of said modules termed a Scheduler module executes al other of said modules 24 The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said other modules at least comprise a User Interface module which controls all inputs and outputs to and from sai
22. mulating and coupling to and retrieving data from each of said data processors ii means for operating said interface as an asynchro nous terminal in accordance with said information iii means for selectively coupling to and accessing said data processors for predetermined data via a respective communications link iv means for retrieving and returning said predeter mined data from said data processors to said inter face via said respective communications links v means for integrating said data retrieved from said plurality of data processors at said interface and vi means for reporting said data thus integrated to said user terminal in a user friendly form 14 The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said plurality of data processors are comprised of mutually diverse type data processors 15 The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said integrat ing means v comprises means for consolidating the data retrieved from said diverse type processors and means for reformatting the retrieved data into a com mon format 16 The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said intelligent interface further includes vii means containing menu information relating to the types of data selectively available to said user 5 20 25 30 35 40 45 30 55 65 16 terminal and said apparatus additionally com prises c means for displaying said menu information and d means for entering menu related requests at said use ter
23. n comprising the identity of the accessing user user pass words user access capabilities data categories available to a particular user and the language dialogue for a particular user ii interface information comprising the manner in which connection to said data processors can be made and including local area network access auto matic telephone dialing the particular logon informa tion to said data processors where said predetermined data resides the passwords and user identification to logon in order to access the data and processor logoff information iii data retrieval information comprising information on the structure of the data to be retrieved the query language available to access the data and the requirements to access or invoke and format a request for data and the specific query language and iv data manipulation and output format information comprising functions to be applied against the data retrieved the manner in which to format the data into report format the manner to summarize the data and the manner to format the data 13 Apparatus for integrating data in a distributed processing environment and comprising a at least one user terminal adapted to interact with a data processor b a plurality of data processors c an intelligent interface coupled between said user terminal and said plurality of data processors said intelligent interface further comprising i means containing information for e
24. now to the modules of FIG 2 the Scheduler 20 comprises a Pascal program or set of instructions which performs the functions of opening and closing the Information Directory files miscellaneous initializa tion and termination tasks provides storage for the other modules 22 through 30 through a common link age executes the other modules based on the value outputted from the Information Directory various ser vices required by other modules during execution logs information controls error conditions encountered in the Scheduler module and terminates execution of the program upon completion of a user request As shown in FIG 3 these functions can be categorized as INI TIALIZATION MODULE ROUTING SCHED ULER SERVICES LOG ERROR HANDLING and TERMINATION In the INITIALIZATION stage all the files of the Information Directory 18 are opened Initialization of storage takes place as well as any other miscellaneous initialization tasks required including the formatting of parameters of the Pascal code Following this the MODULE ROUTING function takes place whereupon the User Interface 22 the Command Inter preter 24 the Communications 26 the Merge Format 30 modules are executed based on a module parameter PARM formatted in the INITIALIZATION stage The SCHEDULER SERVICES function provides various capabilities to the other modules during execu tion A service is performed when an executing module requests the Scheduler via the nex
25. nt the functions of record ing the status of the complete program s execution as it progresses in a log file which is a key sequential access KSAM file which contains records written in chrono logical sequence by the Logging module which as shown in FIG 2 can be called by all other modules 20 through 30 The logging function is switch selectable and may be displayed when desirable As evidenced by FIG 7 functions to identify the user the time and date the module being logged and the writing of text into log file These are shown by the blocks TIME DATE FORMAT an WRITE Finally the MERGE FORMAT module 30 com prises a Pascal program executed by the Scheduler module 20 and functions in accordance with the TEMP STORE CONSOLIDATE and OUTPUT TYPE blocks to temporarily store the data retrieved from the accessed data processors 14 14 via the Communi cations module 26 consolidate the data retrieved in a common format and output the data in a predetermined manner dictated by the user terminal through the Menu file and User Command Stream file contained in the Information Directory 18 Thus ADAM 10 comprises a driver program whose executing functions and data retrieval capabilities are totally driven by the information in the Information Directory 18 and all of the information in the Informa tion Directory is logically connected to users identity through a pointer into the six various index sequential files referred to earlier wh
26. nterface to the user terminals 121 12 12 via the input output ports of 15 the mini computer containing the subject software package The Command Interpreter module 24 comprises a Pascal program which reads and expands the Applica tion Command Stream file in the Information Directory 18 causing the other modules to perform specific tasks via the Scheduler module 20 As evidenced by the block diagram of FIG 5 the Command Interpreter module 24 functions include accessing the Application Command Stream file The records accessed in the Application Command Stream file are grouped into processes Each process consists of records which collectively accomplish a task Control structures built into the com mand language at the Information Directory files 18 can cause execution of different processes providing both PERFORM and GOTO capability meaning exe cute the process and return to the calling process or execute the process and do not return to the calling process respectively as well as other necessary control structures The Command Interpreter after reading each record interprets the next module portion of the record and determines which module should perform the remaining instruction If the next module is the Command Interpreter itself it will execute the com mand and read another record If next module is not the Command Intpreter it will store next module and the remaining record in global
27. o store and activated whereupon it reads the source program checks it for errors and con verts it into a corresponding object program Secondly the object program generated from the first stage can be stored upon for example a magnetic disc It is activated in turn and reads input performs computation and writes output in exactly the manner described by the original Pascal program Accordingly all data pres ented to or taken from a computer is in the form of a text comprising a string of characters from some char acter set The data comprising data which never changes is modeled in a program as constants whereas data which changes is modeled in a program as a variable A constant is created by a declaration while an instruction which alters the value of the vari able is called an assignment statement An input in struction to read an item of data and store it in a variable so that it can be subsequently used in some computation is performed in Pascal notation by a read statement while an output instruction to get results out of the computer is performed by a write statement A com plete Pascal program is a compilation of all the neces sary definitions declarations and statements Moreover the Pascal program often includes sub programs termed functions and procedures A function is specified in terms of a function declaration and constitutes a set of instructions which takes one or more given values or absence there
28. of and returns a resultant value to be sub sequently used A procedure on the other hand is a set of instructions in the form of a statement called a cedure statement which merely commands a set of operational steps that does not itself return a value The present invention involves a well known concept of file driven programming meaning that a file controls the execution of a program A file in Pascal notation comprises sets of data read and written by programs and which are of the same predetermined type A number of different file structures are possible so that access to the specific data can be had by a series sequential access or direct access depending upon the needs of the user A file is much like an ordinary variable in that it has an identifier and is declared in a variable declaration For a more detailed understanding of Pascal program ming language one is directed to the above noted refer ence on the subject With the foregoing in mind the present invention comprises a computer program expressed for example in Pascal notation which resides in a computer adapted to operate in accordance with Pascal type instruction sets or codes under the control of a plurality of expand able files Referring now to FIG 1 the subject inven tion is depicted in block diagram form as an associative data access method ADAM interface 10 which is coupled between a plurality of user terminals 12 122 12 and a pluralit
29. of instructions called files The files of the Information Directory 18 contain the follow ing types of information a user information compris ing who the accessing user is user passwords the user access capabilities etc data categories available to a particular user the language dialogue with a particular user such as English German Spanish etc and being tailored to the user s requirements b interface forma tion comprising how to connect to the data bases such as local area network access autodial etc the particu lar logon information to the data bases where the data resides passwords and user identification to logon in order to access the data and processor logoff informa tion c data retrieval information comprising informa tion on the structure of the data to be retrieved IMS 4 604 686 5 IMA GE ORACLE sequential files etc the query language available to access the data and the require ments to access or invoke and format a data FIND request for the query language and d data manipula tion and output format information comprising alge braic equations to be applied against the data retrieved the manner in which to format data into a report format the manner to summarize the data the manner to format the data graphically and the manner to format the data in a verbal format audio output The Information Direc tory 18 is adapted to maximum flexibility in growth and easy integration into new hardwa
30. ontained therein retrieve and integrate the information and reformat it into a composite file and display it to the user in a manner requested without human intervention While there has been shown and described what is at present considered to be a preferred embodiment of the subject invention it is to be noted that the same has been made by way of illustration and not limitation Accordingly all modifictions alterations and substitu tions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims 5 15 20 25 30 35 45 50 55 65 14 1 A method of integrating data in a distributed pro cessing environment comprising the steps of a coupling at least one user terminal to a plurality of mutually diverse type data processors through an intelligent interface b loading said interface with information for cou pling to and retrieving data from each of said data processors c operating said interface as an asynchronous termi nal thereby emulating a dumb terminal in accor dance with said information loaded therein and selectively coupling to and accessing said data processors for predetermined data via a communi cations link d retrieving and returning said predetermined data to said interface via said communications link e integrating said data retrieved from said plurality of mutually diverse type data processors at said interface comprising t
31. re and software tech nologies as they appear on the market The Information Directory 18 for example com prises six files File No 1 comprises a Security File which contains the user name password the next mod ule to be executed and the first command to be exe cuted File No 2 comprises what is termed a Menu file which contains screen images for a plurality of menus for the specific user terminals 121 122 12 and which may be respectively different with each menu being indicative of what can be obtained at each user terminal File No 3 comprises a User Command Stream File which contains the sequence of instructions to be fol lowed when a specific menu request is made from a user terminal File No 4 comprises the Application Com mand Stream File which contains the processes neces sary to complete a logical task A process comprises one or more instructions which when executed will accomplish a logical task File No 5 comprises a Condi tion File containing entries which compare incoming data against expected data compare an internally main tained counter to a value that is specified in this file and upon successful comparison it dictates further process ing by specifying the next module and command associ ated with the particular comparison And finally File No 6 comprises a Graph file which contains the infor mation needed for the generation of a predetermined graphic output for the integrated data obtained Turning
32. ss of logging on query and data retrieval When retrieval is completed the Scheduler Module 20 calls a XCOUNTER procedure which resets the program counter The Command Interpreter module 24 reads the last record in the HPWIPBUDGET process and recognizes that it should return to the User Interface module 22 The User Interface via the Scheduler mod ule 20 reads the next record in the Use Command Stream File The record indicates that the Command Interpreter module 24 should next be executed so the User Interface module 22 returns control to the Sched uler module 20 which routs control to the Command Interpreter module 24 The Command Interpreter module executes the PROCESS mnemonic and the IBMWIPBUDGET process is next executed This accesses the IBM data processor in the same manner as the HP processor but now emulating an IBM dial up terminal Instructions for IBMWIPBUDGET are also stored in Application Command Stream of the 1 D During processing of the IBMWIPBUDGET process the pertinent query files are activated and used for the data retrieval from the IBM data processor The Test Condition File is called to check the progress of logging on and data retrieval The Test Condtion File will have specific instructions for ADAM to follow Retry loop Quit etc all with appropriate error messages retrieved from the Applica tion Command Stream File of the I D After success ful completion of the IBMWIPBUDGET process the Schedul
33. t module and 15 20 25 30 35 45 50 55 65 6 command variables to perform the task The Sched uler performs the task and immediately returns control to the module that requested the service The services provided include execute a system level command open and close non Information Directory files pro grammatically execute another program display a sta tus message compare incoming data with expected data stored in the Condition File and manipulate a series of switches which control diagnostic debug messages The LOGGING INTERFACE function executes the Logging module 28 sub program based upon the current logging requirements minimum re quirements comprise an ADAM user s session begin ning and ending The ERROR HANDLING com prises each error condition being detected and an ap propriate message being displayed on the user s termi nal screen Finally the TERMINATION function closes the files performs any other miscellaneous termi nation tasks and terminates the program The Scheduler module 20 is the only module continually executing in response to the Information Directory 18 during the course of an operational phase All the other modules 22 through 30 are executed individually as sub programs of the Scheduler program The User Interface module 22 is a Pascal program responsible for all input and output to and from the user terminals 12 122 12 Its functions typically involve passwor
34. terminal Yet another object of the invention is to provide an interface between a user terminal and a plurality of different data bases exhibiting different operational characteristics and wherein the interface emulates an asynchronous terminal to selectively access the data bases in a prescribed fashion for that particular data base and thereafter integrate information retrieved there from Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an intelligent interface between a user and a plurality of 15 20 25 35 45 50 55 60 65 2 data processors wherein the interface acts as a dumb terminal requiring no communications protocols and accordingly connects to the other processors as an asychronous terminal which extracts data therefrom with the accessed processor thinking it is a user at a terminal making the request for data These and other objects are achieved in accordance with a file driven computer program which resides in a computer apparatus using indexed sequential file struc tures controlling the execution of one or more pro grams In this invention a plurality of files are loaded with information relating to interfaces utilized with different processors query languages or data base man agers as well as detailed item information as to data type location and its method of retrieval In response to a user request the files execute a plurality of programs or instruction sets called modules which op
35. the interface of the subject invention which in turn automatically executes a series of Pascal computer programs called modules in response to a plurality of data files called an Information Directory These files contain all the information required to seek out couple to and query certain predetermined data bases for specific information in their own respective logons protocols etc retrieve the required informa tion operate on and reformat the information received in diverse forms into a consolidated file and report the information thus integrated to the user in a user friendly form 27 Claims 8 Drawing Figures l n 14 4 U S Patent Aug 5 1986 Sheet 1 f3 4 604 686 FICI 12j 122 2p USER USER TERM 2 TERM n 14 142 14 FIG2 48 SCHEDULER MODULE COMMUN ICATIONS MERGE USER COMMAND FORMAT INTERFACE INTERPRETER MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE INFORMATION DIRECTORY Rs meh LOGGING MODULE 28 TO USER 1 TO USER TO 1 TO PROC n U S Patent Aug 5 1986 Sheet20f3 4 604 686 FIC 3 SCHEDULER MODULE FUNCTIONS SCHEDULER SERVICES MODULE ROUTING INITIALIZATN TERMINAT N FICA USER INTERFACE MODULE FUNCTIONS SECURITY FIGS COMMAND INTERPRETER MODULE FUNCTIONS APPLICATION COMMAND STREAM U S Patent Aug 5 1986 Sheet3o0f3 4 604 686 FIG 6 COMMA
36. tions module 26 moreover includes input output routines which handle read write requests to a data processor port and will receive various informa tion from the Command Interpreter module 24 via the Scheduler module 20 to determine such things as what to read when to read when the read is complete and the time tolerated before read is aborted Physical con nection to a data processor 14 14 14 is shown FIG 1 accomplished by means of respective communi cation links 16 16 These communications links preferably comprise an autodial modem connection however when desirable connection may be made through a local area network LAN network In the autodial modem approach the Application Command Stream file will contain the required phone numbers and sorting sequence if busy instructions necessary to check for busy call pause and retry or abort conditions if unsuccessful after a predetermined number of retries and information to issue appropriate character to get the attention of the particular data processor once a modem not shown on the processor has answered The Communications module 26 will then issue a sequence of statements to logon or logoff of the data processor captured define the elementary commands necessary to logon to the processor in question issue the code neces sary for logon and issue the logoff statements and read the logoff acknowledgment Additionally definitions are generated as to what constit
37. utes data and what is not data and then establishes communication with the correct query packages for the particular data processor captured This entails defining commands in the Infor mation Director 18 and the sequence of events which are scheduled to comeback in the event of successful involution of the accessed data and includes the soft ware necessary to communicate with the appropriate data ports and the command sequence to initiate selec tion of data from the accessed data processor The Communications module 26 acts first of all as shown in FIG 6 to establish the prescribed input out put environment between itself and a particular data processor 14 etc This is shown in FIG 6 by the block entitled 1 ENVIRON Data is stored in the Informa tion Directory 18 which describes the communication environment which each data processor 141 14 will use whereupon the Communications module 26 uses the data to modify the ADAM interface 10 so that it can communicate properly with a particular data processor 14 and to condition the input and ouput data This data includes the file name the parity and baud rate used the terminal type the end of record character and a flag so that the program will know whether to append a car riage return character to the end of a transmission string Also the Communication module 26 functions to generate the read environment indicated by the block READ ENVIRON of FIG 6 to maintain and store the
38. y of diverse type data processors 0 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 4 such as data bases 141 143 14 each having different characteristics such as protocols logons data base man agers and query languages which sits on top of the data base managers Coupling between the various data bases 141 142 14 is made by way of respective bi directional communications links 16 16 16 which may comprise for example modems Modems are well known devices for coupling data processors via telephone lines The ADAM interface 10 as will be shown operates as an asynchronous terminal and ap pears to the various data bases 141 142 14 as one of the user terminals 121 122 12 to access the data bases for specific information The ADAM interface 10 contains instructions which are contained in a plurality of files called an Information Directory 18 FIG 2 which are read and executed by a number of programs which emulate the required dia logues of the respective processors and data bases so that the data needed can be retrieved integrated for matted and outputted in the form of graphs charts and or reports specifically geared to the needs of the user terminal making the request for information to the interface Thus each of the data bases 141 142 14 is made to believe that it is in communication with a user but in reality it is in communication with the ADAM interface 10 A user at one of the
39. y the user at his user terminal 12 12 The Command Stream file will be directly accessed using that response from the user terminal as a key and entries will be serially processed from that point each triggering one of a given set of instructions such as display another menu pass con trol to another module process capture communica tions data or exit After reading a record the User Interface module 22 will interpret the next module portion of the record If the next module is the User Interface itself it will execute the command and read another record from the appropriate file the command executed may have instructed the User Interface to bring up a menu in which case the current file will 4 604 686 7 have changed from the User Command Stream File to the Menu File If next module is not the User Inter face it will store next module and the remaining record in global variables and return to the Scheduler allowing routing to the appropriate module The User Interface module 22 also includes a LOG function which accesses the Logging module 30 at the appropri ate times The ERROR HANDLING function com prises each error condition being detected and an ap propriate message being displayed on the user s termi nal screen The interaction of the MENU PROCESS ING and USER INPUT PROCESSING functions provides the user with input output capability as well as providing a graphics and report i
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