Log on personal computer

Abstract

The fixed capability, both in hardware and software, of any PC can be temporarily enhanced by networking with a main frame through a network which permits any PC to access the capabilities of the main frame for limited period of time.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A computer network comprising a host computer capable of being selectively connected to a multiplicity of personal computers, said host computer capable of running many applications simultaneously and having 
 (1) a personal computer interface means for interrogating said personal computers to determine an address, the CPU capability, RAM, ROM, and operating system of said personal computers, said interface means stores said interrogation, and an    (2) emulation means connected to said personal computer interface means for synchronizing the machine language of said host computer and said personal computers, whereby said personal computers provide input to said emulation means in the personal computer language to select a particular task, said host computer executing said task using host language, and communicating the results of said task to said emulation means, and said emulation means translates said host results into personal computer language and relays said results to said personal computer interface means.    
     
     
         2 . A computer network as in    claim 1    wherein said personal computer interface means presents a menu of personal computer programs available in response to said interrogation of said personal computer.  
     
     
         3 . A computer network as in    claim 1    wherein said personal computer interface means queries said personal computer to determine if said results are to be downloaded or stored in said host, said personal computer interface means returning said results to the address or assigning a storage address.  
     
     
         4 . A system for providing the capabilities of a main frame computer to a plurality of PCS comprising a main frame computer, a data link means for connection between said mainframe and said plurality of PCS, said data link means including a PC interface, said PC interface interrogating and storing information concerning the PC address, capabilities including CPU speed, RAM, ROM and operating system, whereby any one of said plurality of PCS may be connected to said main frame and provide input through said PC interface, said main frame performs the operations required of said input, and said results are returned to said PC through said PC interface.  
     
     
         5 . A system of    claim 4    wherein said main frame computer includes an emulation means for converting said PC input to main frame language and returning said results to said PC input language.  
     
     
         6 . A method for enhancing the capabilities of a plurality of PCS through networking with a main frame computer comprising the steps of 
 1) providing a main frame computer,    2) providing a network connecting at least one PC with said main frame,    3) said at least one PC logging on to the network,    4) requesting a particular program or application be accomplished by said main frame,    5) providing required input data to said main frame from said PC through said network,    6) manipulating said data by said main frame and producing a result, and    7) retrieving said result from said main frame to said PC through said network thereby enhancing the capability of said PC with the attributes of said main frame computer.    
     
     
         7 . A method of    claim 6    including the steps of providing said main frame computer with a PC interface, connecting said interface with said network, said interface creating an address for each PC logged on the network, providing said interface with the operating parameters of each PC logged on, and said interface allocating the main frame capabilities required by the logged on PC to accomplish the requested program or application.  
     
     
         8 . A method of    claim 7    further providing said main frame computer with an emulation capability, said emulation capability translating incoming PC data and requests into main frame readable data and translating main frame out going data to PC readable data.