State Model for Legacy Mainframe Remote Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy mainframe computer applications are difficult and costly to modify for remote access by mobile devices, as existing methods require changes to the source code or terminal emulators, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine logical elements of a legacy application, create a state model, generate a remote access program on a server, and provide application representation data to enable mobile devices to interact with legacy applications without modifying the source code or terminal emulators, using a network interface, processor, and memory to facilitate communication and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If source code modification is performed to enable mobile access, then remote accessibility is improved, but development cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal emulator as an intermediary layer between mobile devices and mainframe applications. This emulator runs on the mobile device and communicates with the mainframe through standard protocols, enabling remote access without modifying the mainframe application source code. The intermediary handles protocol translation and interface adaptation, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and development time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the terminal environment that runs on mobile devices. Instead of modifying the original mainframe application, a replicated terminal interface is implemented on the mobile platform, which mimics the behavior of traditional terminals. This copying approach enables mobile access while preserving the integrity of the legacy system, avoiding costly source code modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If source code modification is performed to enable mobile access, then remote accessibility is improved, but complexity of modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the terminal emulator as an intermediary, the patent isolates the complexity of mobile interface adaptation from the mainframe application. The emulator handles all complexity related to mobile device interfaces, communication protocols, and user interactions, while the mainframe application remains unchanged. This separation significantly reduces modification complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct components: the unchanged mainframe application, the terminal emulator running on mobile devices, and the communication network. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently, reducing the overall complexity of the integration task and enabling mobile access without complex source code modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If terminal emulator modification is performed, then mobile compatibility is improved, but development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a portable copy of the terminal environment that can run on various mobile devices without requiring modifications to the underlying mainframe system. This copied terminal interface is implemented using standard mobile development tools and platforms, reducing development costs compared to custom integration solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal emulator is designed with universal functionality to work across different mobile device platforms and mainframe systems. By implementing a multi-functional emulator that can adapt to various devices through configuration rather than code modification, the patent reduces development costs while improving mobile compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for enabling remote access to an application program via a computer network provided. Logical elements of the application program may be determined, from which a state model of the application program may be developed. A remote access program updates the state model in accordance with user input data received from a user interface program, generates control data in accordance with the updated state model and provides the same to the application program. The state model may be updated in accordance with application data received from the application program, application representation data in accordance with the updated state model are generated and provided to the user interface program for display at, e.g., a remote client computing device. The application program may be a legacy mainframe application to which remote access is provided without the need to modify the source code of the mainframe application.