Mainframe Resource Relationship Visualization via Graph Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mainframe environments, users face difficulties in understanding complex resource relationships due to the lack of graphical illustrations, making it cumbersome to examine and manage resource dependencies in text-based systems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for visualizing system resource relationships by generating a text file in graph description language, transferring it to a personal computer, and using graph visualization software to display graphical representations of resource relationships across multiple sub-systems and database tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users examine database tables to understand resource relationships, then they can obtain complete relationship information, but the task becomes cumbersome and time-consuming in text-based mainframe environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource relationship informationVSAvoidtime to examine relationships

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a graphical copy/representation of the database table information. Instead of directly examining the text-based database tables, users interact with a graphical user interface that copies and visualizes the relationship data, making it easier to comprehend while preserving the complete relationship information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the two-dimensional text-based database table information into a multi-dimensional graphical representation. By adding visual dimensions (spatial arrangement, graphical icons, visual connections), the system enables users to comprehend complex relationships more efficiently without losing information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If graphical illustrations of resource relationships are implemented, then user-friendliness and comprehension improve, but the system complexity increases in mainframe environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of examining relationshipsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary layer between the mainframe database and the user. This mediator translates complex database table structures into intuitive graphical representations, improving ease of operation while isolating the mainframe system's complexity from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/text-based interaction with database tables with a graphical visualisation system. By substituting text examination with graphical display, the system improves usability while managing complexity through automated graphical generation rather than manual text processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8819082B2Method for visualizing resource relationships stored in SQL tables within a mainframe environment

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 CA TECH INC

AI summary

A system and method is provided for visualizing system resource relationships in a mainframe environment. The resource relationships may be presented in a single, logically constructed diagram/graph regardless of the number of sub-systems or database tables in the mainframe environment.