Microcomputer Communications Software

The present invention relates to a communications software control implementation for controlling the transfer of data between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer.

The present invention is more particularly directed for implementation with a cash management system which permits an interfacing between the microcomputer and a mainframe computer under software control.

Prior art systems have been known which provide for hardware control of communications between microcomputers and mainframe computers in a cash management system. In addition, there are some software control approaches to such cash management systems but which, however, are limited in that such approaches do not allow accessing of a host computer together with the ability of receiving data from the host.

In view of the foregoing background, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved software communications technique for controlling the transfer of data between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer.

The present invention relates to a microcomputer software control system for controlling the transfer of data between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer.

In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a microcomputer a mainframe computer connected via telephone network to said microcomputer, and communications software control means for controlling the transfer of data between the microcomputer and the mainframe computer wherein the software control means include means for controlling the transfer of said data in an unattended mode.

In a typical environment, the present invention is intended to be utilized with a cash management system wherein a corporate customer is provided with advanced tools to simplify the determination and management of daily and longer term cash positions. The system includes a communications module with auto-dial and clock capabilities which allows a customer to predefine calls to be placed to a specified bank reporting service. Each morning, at the time specified by the customer, the system dials the reporting service in an unattended mode, completes the log-on procedures, answers all prompts of the host system, receives the data, and then log-offs. The transfer of information is under general control of software control means which thereby provides an improved communication technique.

In accordance with the foregoing summary, the present invention achieves the objective of providing an improved software communications technique for controlling the transfer of data between a mainframe computer and a microcomputer in a cash management environment.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a user terminal connected to a host system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a main menu display which appears on the screen of a monitor which forms a portion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a communications menu display which appears on the screen of the monitor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts an available functions screen display which appears on the monitor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts an unattended automatic calling screen display which appears on the monitor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts an end of day processing menu display which appears on the screen of the monitor of FIG. 1.

As described above, the present invention relates to a communications software control means in conjunction with controlling the transfer of data between a microcomputer and a host mainframe computer.

The present invention provides a software communications aspect which enables users to transfer information between a microcomputer and another connected host computer, typically a mainframe computer.

In FIG. 1, a block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In FIG. 1, the user's terminal 11 comprises a microcomputer configuration including a microcomputer 10 (typically a Victor 9000 microcomputer), a video monitor 12 (typically a Victor model) a clock 16 (typically D.C. Hayes chronograph clock), a disk storage facility 18, and high speed printer 14, all of which are interconnected between modem 20 (typically a D.C. Hayes Smartmodem at 1200 baud) by bus 22.

The user terminal 11 can be directly connected to a host mainframe computer 30 via bus 24, which could be a telephone connection in a preferred embodiment.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a communications function of the software enables a user with a terminal 11 such as illustrated in FIG. 1 to transfer information between the microcomputer 10 and any other connected host computer such as host 30. The information transferred falls into one of three categories:

The transfer of responses to prompts from the user terminal 11 to a connecter computer.

The transfer of (balance) data files from the host computer 30 to the micro 10 for posting and manipulation.

The transfer of report files from a connected computer to the micro 10 for storage, printing and/or display.

The communications function may be utilized in any or all of four modes: terminal emulation, manual, automatic or automatic unattended.

This function allows the user to place calls to another computer as if using a non-intelligent/dumb terminal. The terminal prompts the user for the telephone number to be called, whether the other computer is in full or half duplex, and if the terminal session is to be displayed on the screen, printer or both. Once the connection with the other host computer has been established, the ensuing terminal session proceeds just as if the user were on any "dumb" terminal.

This function allows the user to place calls that are partially or fully defined. Predefined call information may include as little as the phone number to be called or as much as the entire terminal session whereby the micro dials up the outer computer, passes the predefined logon information and responses to prompts and logs off. If responses to prompts after the logon have not been predefined, the micro will return the user to terminal emulation mode. Predefined manual calls do not have a time of execution associated with them but are manually initiated at the user's request.

This function allows the user to ("manually") initiate calls, at any time, that are predefined and set to execute at a specific date and time. If the user initiates a call in automatic mode the system will, after completion, ask if this satisfies today's call requirement and reschedules the call appropriately.

This function allows the user to place the micro in a wait mode, check the clock, and place predefined calls at the appropriate time. Because these calls are executed without an operator present, any reports or files resulting from the call are automatically stored on disk to avoid printer malfunctions or can be routed to the printer and/or CRT screen as well. When unattended calls have been successfully completed, the terminal automatically reschedules them for the next day excluding weekends and holidays. Unattended automatic calls that are not successfully completed are automatically rescheduled for twenty minutes later.

For the present invention to initiate calls in any mode other than terminal emulation, the user creates the call definition. The call definition is comprised of two items, a dial list and a log file, which are created for each call. The dial list contains "macro" information about the call to be placed such as characteristics of the other computer, time for the call to be placed, and options for returned data; i.e., screen, printer, disk. The log file contains the actual instructions to complete the call; i.e., telephone number, logon responses, and/or responses to prompts of the other computer, and log off.

Reports stored on a hard disk as a result of the communication function may be displayed and/or printed at the user's request. These saved report files may be printed singly, by group of files, or all saved report files.

In addition to reports generated via the communications function, communications itself provides several reports for monitoring and information purposes.

This report provides the user with a list of each call defined in the dial list by number and description, the time it is to be executed if there is one, and if the call results in a disk file. Report viewing on the monitor or on the printer is available.

This report provides the user with a list of each defined call and the last successful completion date and time, the number of lines of data received from the other computer and the amount of time the micro was connected to the other computer.

This report provides the user with a list of calls that were attempted but unsuccessfully completed, the time and date of each call and the number of lines received, if any. Also included is a description of the error to the best that it can be determined by the system.

The call history file contains a listing of completed calls, the date and time, number of lines received and the connect time. This file may be reported in total or screened based on the call number, call time, call date, number of lines received or the connect time.

The communications help prints/displays online information about using the communications module. Included in this information is a suggested procedure for setting up call definitions, a brief description of each item in the dial list, special characters that may be required, and conversion tables that may be needed to define special characters in the log file.

In addition to the points listed above, the communications module in one preferred embodiment operates under the CP/M operating system. The communications software source code can also operate under the MS-DOS operating system. A computer print-out illustrating a preferred software source code for controlling the operation of the user terminal 11 of FIG. 1 is attached herewith as Appendix A.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a microcomputer based cash management system has been briefly described which can provide a customer with advanced tools to simplify the determination and management of daily and longer term cash positions.

The communications module of FIG. 1 with auto-dial and clock capabilities allows a customer to predefine those calls to be placed to specified bank reporting services. Each morning, at the time specified by the customer, the present invention can dial the reporting service, complete the log-on procedures, answer all prompts of the host system, receive the data and then log-off. This procedure is then repeated for as many banks as specified by the customer.

Information from such financial reporting services is received in a data file format. Information from other reporting services is received in a report format. The information that is received in a file format is subsequently posted from the data file into work sheets which are used for the creation of the daily reports. For information not transferred in data file format, a data entry routine allows a user to enter other types of account information, store that information in a data base, and also post to the work sheets.

In order to further described the features of the present invention a sequence of activities occurring when placing a call in an unattended mode will be described.

The description of this unattended mode of operation will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5. The general sequence of events will be described first in general terms followed by a description of the unattended mode of operation. It is assumed that an operator is arriving at his office and will utilize the user terminal 11 depicted in FIG. 1.

Upon arrival--Many calls, perhaps all, have been set up in Unattended Mode and may occur before an operator arrives in the morning. He checks to be sure Unattended calls were completed successfully. He checks the status column on the Unattended calling screen. If there is a problem, he checks the Daily Trouble Log for details. If necessary, he places the call in Automatic Mode or reschedules the call for tomorrow.

Retrieving Information--The operator uses menu item 28 (Communications Data/Reports) to display or print information obtained via system calls.

Additional Calls--The operator places any additional calls by using Manual or Terminal Emulation Mode.

Account Data Entry--The operator uses the Account Data Entry module to enter information not received in file format and obtained via system calls.

Systems Worksheets--The operator indicates that the account balance information should be posted to the system worksheets.

Reports--The operator prints or displays the Call Audit and Call History Reports in order to determine exactly which calls have recently been made to whom, and when.

End of Day Processing--As depicted in FIG. 6, the operator uses menu items 65 (Reset communications files) and 66 (Reset history files) to delete old files at the end of the day. The operator uses menu item 61 (File backup) to back up the system.

Before Leaving--The operator puts the system into Unattended Mode so that calls will be placed automatically on the next morning.

The Communications System provides the capability to automatically dial the phone number of another computer system; log-on to that system; respond to prompts issued by the host system; request and receive information; display on screen, print or save in a disk file the received information; and log-off the host system. A call made automatically is controlled by that call's dial list and log file.

Dial List--The dial list controls: time and date of Unattended call placement (if any); disposition of the received information (display on screen, print or save in a disk file); technical parameters of the telecommunications link between the present system and the host computer system (duplex, modem setting and host's log-off).

Log File--The log file controls the exact sequence of responses sent to the most computer system in the course of logging on, receiving information, and logging off. The log file also contains the phone number of the host system.

An operator may use the system as if it were a simple teletype terminal or he may utilize the automatic calling capability it offers. Automatic calls can be initiated at any time by the operator or they can be initiated by the system at a predetermined time and date.

Terminal Emulation Mode--If an operator elects to place a call in Terminal Emulation Mode, he is prompted for the phone number he wishes to dial, the rate of data transmission (300 or 1200 baud), and the duplex mode (full or half). He is then asked whether he wishes the received information to be displayed on the screen or printed. The phone number is then dialed. From that point forward, interaction with the host computer system occurs exactly as if he were using a simple teletype terminal. He must enter a response to each prompt issued by the host system. No dial list or log file is required for calls made in Terminal Emulation Mode.

Manual Mode or Automatic Mode--A call made in Manual Mode or Automatic Mode requires a dial list and a log file. If the operator elects to place a call in Manual or Automatic Mode, the call can be place entirely automatically; the phone number is dialed, the log-on and subsequent prompts are answered, the information is received, and the log-off is completed.

The only difference between calls made in Manual versus Automatic Mode is that calls with scheduled call times (for Unattended Mode calls) are classified as Automatic Mode calls, whereas calls without scheduled call times (for Unattended Mode calls) are classified as Manual Mode calls.

Unattended Mode--If the operator selects Unattended Mode, the system will automatically place the calls scheduled at the specified times. The operator initially schedules a call to take place in Unattended Mode by entering a time and date in the CALL TIME section of the dial list for that call. Thereafter, the call will be automatically made on each business day.

At the specified time, the call will be automatically placed if the system is in Unattended Mode at that moment. If the system is not in Unattended Mode at the scheduled call time, the call will be made when the system is next put into Unattended Mode.

Screen Display--A row of ten illuminated boxes appears at the bottom of the video monitor of FIG. 1 as a call is being made in any of the four modes. These ten boxes correspond to special effects during call placement.

If F1 is ON, all information received by the system during the call is displayed on the video monitor as it is received. If F1 is OFF, received information is not displayed.

If F2 is ON, all information received by the system during the call is printed as it is received. If F2 is OFF, received information is not printed.

If F3 is ON, all characters entered on the keyboard are printed. In addition, turning on F3 turns on F2. Thus, by pressing function key 3, on operator can generate a complete printed record of any call made in Terminal Emulation Mode. This feature is quite useful in the call definition process. If F3 is OFF, keyboard input is not printed.

If F4 is ON, all information received by the system during the call is saved in a disk file. If F4 is OFF, received information is not saved in a disk file. If an operator wants to save the received call information in a disk file but the dial list for this call does not specify that the information is to be so saved, the operator simply presses F4. After the call has been completed, a prompt will ask the operator what file what file name he wishes to give the new file. He enters any file name he wishes to give the new file, then enters any file name of up to eight characters, enters a dot, then enters a three-character suffix. An example of a valid file name would be: MORGAN.BAL. When he wishes to retrieve the filed call information, he first goes into MS-DOS, the operating system of the microcomputer, by entering 19 on the main menu. At the A>prompt, he enters type MORGAN.BAL to get a screen display of the file. If he wishes to print the file, he enters copy MORGAN.BAL PRN.

If F5 is ON, all information sent from the modem to the host computer system is displayed on the screen. This may be useful when testing a new call. If FS is OFF, the output from the modem is not displayed on the screen.

If F6 is ON and the operator presses the backspace key, a backspace is sent to the host computer system. Thus, if he is using Terminal Emulation Mode and he enters a character accidentally, he simply presses F6 and the backspace to delete the mis-entered character. If F6 is OFF when he presses the backspace key, no backspace is sent.

When he presses the F7 key, the log-off word (specified in the dial list) is sent to the host immediately and the phone line is disconnected. If the system is in Terminal Emulation Mode, pressing F7 sends LOG before disconnecting the line. Thus, F7 terminates the call by logging off and hanging up. If the system is receiving information at the time F7 is pressed, the log-off will occur after the information is completely received.

When the operator presses F8, a list of the function keys along with a brief description of their effects is displayed on the screen.

When the operator presses F9, a break signal is sent to the host system. The break signal acts to interrupt processing for some host systems.

When the operator presses F10, the system immediately stops referencing the log file for the particular call in progress. The system remains connected to the host system, however, and reverts to Terminal Emulation Mode to await the operator's keyboard-entered responses.

To turn ON the effect associated with a given function key, the operator presses that function key. The illuminated box paired with that key is darkened. To turn OFF the effect associated with a given function key, the operator presses that function key and the box paired with that key is lit. Each press of a function key will switch the effect from OFF to ON or from ON to OFF.

The dial list for the call being made may turn ON one or more of the function key effects. If so, the illuminated boxes associated with those functions will be dark. The operator may still alter those call characteristics controlled by the function keys at the time the call is actually placed by simply pressing the appropriate function key to go from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON.

At some points in the call placement process, the system does not immiediately acknowledge that the operator has pressed a function key. Thus, if he presses a function key while the phone number is actually being dialed, for example, the appropriate change in the screen display will not occur until the dialing process is completed. If he presses a function key while the system is otherwise engaged, he simply waits a few seconds and the request will soon be acknowledged.

When an operator places calls using the Unattended Mode, the terminal depicted in FIG. 1 automatically performs all tasks associated with those calls. The system waits until the time the operator has specified for each call placement, then establishes a telephone link with the host computer system, executes the log-on sequence, receives the desired information and logs off the host system.

The operator creates a dial list and llog file for each call he wishes to place in Unattended Mode, and uses the dial list to specify the date and time at which he wishes a call to be placed.

If the system is in Unattended Mode at the time a given call placement is scheduled, the call is placed immediately. If the system is not in Unattended Mode at the time a given call placement is scheduled, the call will be placed as soon as the system is put into Unattended Mode.

If an error terminates a call made in Unattended Mode, the error message is placed in the Daily Trouble Log, and the call is re-scheduled to take place 20 minutes later. If the problem is unlikely to be resolved by retrying the call, however, the call will not be rescheduled.

Thus, if a call is placed in Unattended Mode at 6:00 a.m., for example, and that call is unsuccessful, it is rescheduled for 6:20 a.m. If the 6:20 call is also unsuccessful, the call is rescheduled for 6:40. This rescheduling process goes on until the call is successfully completed.

If an operator wishes to terminate the rescheduling process, he may use either of two methods:

Place the call in Automatic Mode. After the call has been completed (successfully or not), a prompt appears on the monitor. Does this call satisfy today's call requirement (Y,N)? Enter Y to cause the call to be scheduled for tomorrow.

Modify the call's dial list. Set NEXT CALL DATE to tomorrow's date.

FIG. 2 depicts a main menu utilized for operating in an Unattended attended Mode. FIG. 3 depicts a communications menu utilized for operating in an Unattended Mode. The initial steps are as follows:

Step 1--Enter 1 (Communications) to indicate that the operator wishes to use the Communications module. Please enter number 1 and hit the RETURN key (RET).

The Communications menu appears as depicted in FIG. 3.

Step 2--Enter 21 (Place a call) to indicate that the operator wishes to place a call. Please enter number 21 (RET).

The Available Functions screen appears as depicted in FIG. 4.

Step 3--Indicate which function the operator wishes to perform. If the operator wishes to put the system in Unattended Mode, enter U. If the operator wishes to return to the Communications menu, enter Q.

What function do you want to perform? U (RET) (Unattended or Q (RET) (Quit).

U--(Unattended Automatic Calling)--If the operator enters U, the Unattended Automatic Calling screen appears as depicted in FIG. 5. For instructions, go on to Step 4. Q (Quit)--If the operator enters Q, the Communications menu appears.

Step 4--The Unattended Automatic Calling screen displays the calls to be placed in the order in which those calls will be placed. A maximum of five calls are displayed. If the operator wishes the system to place the calls according to the schedule displayed, he simply leaves the machine alone. For instructions, go on to Step 5. If the operator wishes to interrupt the automatic calling process, he presses the return key.

To stop the automatic calling, press the RETURN key (RET).

The Available Functions screen appears. For instructions, go back to Step 3.

Step 5--When the next scheduled call time arrives, the Unattended Automatic Calling screen disappears. A message is displayed briefly:

Setting up instructions for selected call.

Transferring to communications processor.

After a few seconds, the system dials the host system's telephone number. A message displays the call description and phone number.

If the call description is BAMTRAC DATAFILE SF, for example, and the phone number is 9-123-4567, then the message displayed is:

Calling BAMTRAC DATAFILE SF

Dialing 91234567.

If the host system answers the call, a message appears:

Host Sytem has answered. For instructions, go on to Step 6.

If the host system does not answer the call, the system re-dials twice before giving up. After the third unsuccessful attempt, a message appears:

Call has been completed. Updating the proper files.

TO INTERRUPT UNATTENDED CALLING, PRESS RETURN BETWEEN NOW AND THE TIME DISPLAYED ON THE UNATTENDED AUTOMATIC CALLING SCREEN.

Have an error. Updating the trouble log.

Have an error. Rescheduling the call.

The Unattended Automatic Calling screen appears. For instructions, go back to Step 4.

Step 6--The dialogue between the terminal and the host computer system is carried out according to the instructions contained in the dial list and log file.

When the call ends and the telephone link is broken, a message appears:

Call has been completed. Updating proper file.

If an error terminated the call (if, for example, the host hung up unexpectedly), a message appears:

TO INTERRUPT UNATTENDED CALLING PRESS "RETURN" BETWEEN NOW AND THE TIME DISPLAY ON THE "UNATTENDED AUTOMATIC CALLING" SCREEN.

Have an error. Updating the trouble log.

Have an error. Rescheduling the call.

After a few seconds, the Unattended Automatic Calling screen appears. For instructions, go back to Step 4.

If the normal log-off terminated the call, a message appears:

TO INTERRUPT UNATTENDED CALLING PRESS "RETURN" BETWEEN NOW AND THE TIME DISPLAY ON THE "UNATTENDED AUTOMATIC CALLING" SCREEN.

Normal completion. Updating the daily history file.

After a few seconds, the Unattended Automatic Calling screen appears. For instructions, go back to Step 4. ##SPC1## ##SPC2## ##SPC3## ##SPC4## ##SPC5## ##SPC6## ##SPC7## ##SPC8## ##SPC9## ##SPC10## ##SPC11## ##SPC12## ##SPC13## ##SPC14## ##SPC15## ##SPC16## ##SPC17## ##SPC18## ##SPC19## ##SPC20## ##SPC21## ##SPC22## ##SPC23## ##SPC24## ##SPC25##