Abstract:
A system for and method of automating the execution of a data stream transformation project. The various embodiments described employ a trainable user interface translator application to record and manipulate data streams between a prospect&#39;s terminal emulation software and one or more prospect applications to be transformed. A remote user in communication with the prospect may observe prospect terminal screen displays, and optionally insert data, such as synchronization data into the recorded data streams. The user inserts the recorded data streams information into a targeted procedures model, which may be reviewed for approval by the prospect.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to automating the execution of a data transformation project. More specifically, the invention achieves this objective by monitoring, manipulating and recording data streams into and out of the applications from which data is to be transformed via trainable user interface translator software, and using the recorded information in the creation of a targeted procedures model.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    A data stream transformation is a method of converting the operation and organization of an existing host application to another organization and operation. Data stream transformation allows better functionality and provides new operations to the existing system. Examples include enabling web and wireless access to and adding additional data transfer interfaces to existing applications.  
           [0003]    Unfortunately, current methods for designing and deploying a data stream transformation are not performed with the highest efficiency possible. Certain operations that are required to define the data stream transformation are repeated, from scratch, during the implementation phase. For example, the current methods employed to capture screen displays and understand host application interaction are largely manual, resulting in data stream transformations that are potentially labor-intensive, costly, and error-prone. In addition, current data stream transformation processes require a highly trained user to conduct the transformation, leading to higher costs for the data stream transformation provider. What is needed is a way to automate the execution of a data stream transformation project, leading to more rapidly executed projects, lower costs, and increased customer satisfaction with the data stream transformation provider.  
           [0004]    The definition and implementation steps of a data stream transformation project are currently performed independently, resulting in increased inefficiency during the data stream transformation process. This inefficiency results in a slower data transformation delivery cycle and reduced customer satisfaction with the data stream transformation provider. What is needed is a way to dramatically reduce the time required to create the definition of a data stream transformation project and dramatically reduce the time required to then implement it.  
           [0005]    The fact that the design phase, the creation of a TPM, and the implementation of the transformation are currently executed independently results in potential inconsistencies occurring during the data stream transformation project. These inconsistencies may lead to a lower quality product and reduced customer satisfaction with the data stream transformation provider. What is needed is a way to increase consistency between the design phase of the data stream transformation project, the contents of the actual specification document, and the results of the data stream transformation itself.  
           [0006]    The current data stream transformation design and implementation processes require highly trained personnel to properly perform the necessary steps. Unfortunately, technically skilled personnel can sometimes be difficult to locate and training can be a drain on company resources, leading to reduced revenue and slower project delivery times. What is needed is a way to lower the level of technical competency required to deliver a data stream transformation project, and enable an untrained prospect to perform more of the work required to prepare the specification of the data stream transformation.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention is a system for and method of automating the execution of a data stream transformation project, the specifications of which are stored in a Transformation Project Model (“TPM”). For a description of a TPM, see a co-pending patent application assigned to the assignee of the present invention entitled “Method of and Apparatus for Remotely Preparing a Targeted Procedures Model for Transforming a Data Stream”, filed Feb. 7, 2001, respectively, and incorporated by reference into the current application. The embodiments described below share the ability to monitor, record, and manipulate data streams by means of a “monitoring software” application. The techniques employed in the in the present invention build upon “trainable user interface translator” technology as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,627,977 and 5,889,516, which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present application.  
           [0008]    In one aspect, the present invention is a system for automating the execution of a data stream transformation project, comprising an Internet host for storing the TPM, a user site having a phone and a user computer equipped with an e-mail client, Web browser and a modem, and a prospect site having a prospect phone and a prospect computer operating one or more prospect applications and monitoring software, and equipped with a prospect terminal, a data storage device, a prospect e-mail client, prospect Web browser and prospect modem. In operation, the monitoring software records data streams flowing between prospect terminal emulation software being operated by a prospect and the one or more prospect applications, and stores the recorded data streams on the data storage device for retrieval and incorporation into the TPM by a user.  
           [0009]    In another embodiment, the monitoring software communicates the recorded data streams to the user computer for displaying captured prospect terminal screens. The user may simply observe, or may insert data, such as synchronization points, into the data streams prior to their recording. The prospect may view and change or approve the TPM stored on the Internet host via the prospect Web browser.  
           [0010]    In another aspect, the present invention is a method of using the apparatus described above to automate the execution of a data stream transformation project, comprising the steps recording data streams flowing between prospect terminal emulation software and the prospect applications, and then exercising the prospect applications with both normal data and data expected cause error or exceptions in the prospect applications. The prospect may employ emulation software in exercising the prospect applications. The recorded data streams are then stored on the data storage device via the monitoring software, in order that the user may retrieve them and incorporate them into the TPM.  
           [0011]    In another embodiment, the monitoring software communicates the data streams to the user computer for display of captured prospect terminal screens. The monitoring software may accept data, such as synchronization data, from the user and insert it into the data streams before storing the data streams. The prospect may additionally view the TPM on the Internet host by means of the prospect Web browser.  
           [0012]    Capturing the existing prospect displays allows the user to rapidly design and deploy the data stream transformation project. Development of a TPM serves to maintain consistency between the design phase of the data stream transformation project, the contents of the actual specification document, and the results of the data stream transformation itself. It accomplishes these goals while reducing the level of technical competency required to deliver a data stream transformation project. That is, an untrained prospect may perform more of the work required to prepare the specification of the data stream transformation. The prospect applications&#39; data streams may be modeled without the risk of corrupting the prospect applications. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of apparatus for automating the execution of a data stream transformation project.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using the apparatus to automate the execution of a data stream transformation project. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0015]    Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0016]    The present invention is a system for and method of automating the execution of a data stream transformation project. The invention utilizes trainable user interface translator monitoring and recording software during the design phase of the data stream transformation project. This software records the interaction between the skilled user and the application to be transformed in order to: a) document this use; b) present and summarize this use in the design approval document; and c) create the actual host interaction portion of a transformation rule set. Unlike the current methods, the skilled data transformation company employee (“integrator”) operates as an “observer” of the operation rather than acting as the “operator” under the tutelage of the skilled user. In addition, the recording of the operation, its review by the integrator, and the creation of the rule set need not be performed all at once. Instead, the recording may be reviewed and converted at a later date.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 shows a system  100  for automating the execution of a data stream transformation project, which includes a TeleModeler site  105 , a prospect site  110 , and an Internet host  180 . A “TeleModeler” is a person who acquires the necessary information for and prepares a TPM  185 , which is stored at Internet host  180 . TeleModeler site  105  includes a TeleModeler computer  115 , and a phone  120 . TeleModeler computer  115  further includes a modem  117 , an e-mail client  130  and a Web browser  135 . TeleModeler computer  115  connects to prospect site  110  either using e-mail client  130  or Web browser  135  via the Internet  140 , or using modem  117  to dial directly into prospect site  110 .  
         [0018]    Again referring to FIG. 1, prospect site  110  includes host computer  145  and a prospect phone  150 . Host computer  145  further includes a prospect modem  147 , data storage device  160 , host applications  165 , prospect e-mail client  170 , a prospect Web browser  175 , and monitoring software  190 . The monitoring software  190  will communicate with TeleModeler computer  115  via Internet  140  or by modem connection between modems  120  and  150 . Alternately, monitoring software  190  will store recorded data stream data on data storage device  160 . The data file will then be transferred to TeleModeler computer  115  by any means available.  
         [0019]    In operation, the TeleModeler can communicate with a prospect in several ways. The TeleModeler can use e-mail client  130  to send messages to prospect e-mail client  170  via Internet  140 . The TeleModeler also has the option of communicating or sending messages using phone  120 . The prospect receives messages via prospect phone  150 . The TeleModeler may also use modem  117  to connect directly to host computer  145  via prospect modem  147 , which enables the TeleModeler to access components of host computer  145 , including data storage device  160  and host applications  165 .  
         [0020]    Prior to the prospect&#39;s operation of host applications  165 , the monitoring software  190  will be activated. The monitoring software  190  will then record data streams between the host applications  165  and host terminal emulation software being used by the prospect. Optionally, this data will also be passed (e.g. via the Internet  140 ) to the TeleModeler computer  115  where images of the terminal will be displayed for the TeleModeler&#39;s review. As a further option, the Telemodeler can insert “hints” into the recorded data including host synchronization points.  
         [0021]    Once the recording is complete, the TeleModeler incorporates the data stream data into a TPM  185 , which is posted on a Web site hosted by an Internet host  180 . A prospect can view TPM  185  using the prospect Web browser  175  in order to review and approve the proposed data stream transformation.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process  200  for automating the execution of a data stream transformation project, including the steps of:  
         [0023]    Step 210: Loading and Running Monitoring Software  
         [0024]    In this step, the prospect loads and runs monitoring software  190  on prospect site  110 .  
         [0025]    Step 220: Connecting to Host Computer and Running Perfect Path Data  
         [0026]    In this step, the prospect runs host applications  165  using “perfect path” data. This includes (1) loading emulation software used to access host applications  165 , (2) logging onto host computer  145 , and (3) running host applications  165  with perfect path data. “Perfect path” data is data that will cause no errors or exceptions in the execution of host applications  165 . For example, in an inventory application, the prospect enters a correct part number that causes the retrieval of a part that is known to be in stock. The prospect performs this for every business transaction that is to be transformed.  
         [0027]    Optionally, the TeleModeler marks the host synchronization points within the data stream output from host applications  165  and the data stream input to host applications  165 . This maintains the sequential nature of the data streaming into and out of host applications  165 . For example, after making a request to host applications  165 , it may be necessary to wait a certain number of milliseconds for the response (a first synchronization point), after which another request can be made Failure to maintain host synchronization points within the data streams to and from host applications  165  could result in disoperation of the data stream transformation.  
         [0028]    Step 230: Connecting to Host Computer and Running Error Path Data  
         [0029]    In this step, the prospect runs host applications  165  using error and exception data. This step includes (1) loading the emulation software used to access host applications  165 , (2) logging onto host computer  145 , and (3) running host applications  165 . Exception data is data that causes errors or exceptions in the execution of host applications  165  with error path data. As an example of using error data in an inventory application, the prospect enters a part number that contains an insufficient number of characters. As an example of using exception data, the prospect enters a part number of a part that is known to be out of stock. The prospect will perform this step for every error or exception expected to be encountered during normal business transactions.  
         [0030]    Optionally, the TeleModeler marks the host synchronization points within the data stream output from host applications  165  and the data stream input to host applications  165 . This maintains the sequential nature of the data streaming into and out of host applications  165 , as described in step  220 .  
         [0031]    Process  200  terminates after step  230 .  
         [0032]    Process  200  automatically produces data for the TPM, thereby automating the execution of a data stream transformation project.  
         [0033]    Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.