Dynamic software control interface and method

• US 20030169289A1
• Filed: 03/08/2002
• Published: 09/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC (Alphabet Inc.), Nearmedia Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Hunter, James M., Holt, Duane Anthony, Krull, Randy C.
• Application Number:
  US10/093,674
• Publication Number:
  US 20030169289A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/735
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/38 for implementing user interfaces

Abstract

A software interface that is installable on a processor for interfacing with an electrically or electronically controllable device. The software comprises means for receiving input from a user remotely via a network and a means for translating the network communicated user input into at least one of a control signal and a configuration signal. The software interface further comprises means for communicating a control signal to control software. Such control software, which is already known in the art, is configured in controlling relation to at least one of an electrically or electronically controllable device through a hardware interface. Further, means are included for translating a configuration signal into a user interface application between the control software and an indicator displayable to the user; means rendering a dynamic user interface in response to changes in connected devices; and means for ensuring the reliable relay of command and configuration signals across unreliable networks susceptible to limited bandwidths and communication interruptions.

Claims

1. A software interface installable on a processor for interfacing with an electrically or electronically controllable device comprising:

a) means for receiving input from a user remotely via network;

b) means for translating the network-communicated user input into at least one of a control signal or a configuration signal;

c) means for communicating a control signal via to control software in controlling relation to at least one of an electrically or an electronically controllable device through a hardware interface; and

d) means for translating a configuration signal into a user interface application between the control software and an indicator symbol displayable to the user.

2. An information processing apparatus in a client-server environment comprising a presentation layer program to display a plurality of icons comprising the steps of:

a) continuously accessing a provider using state information to retrieve content a associated with displayed icons, wherein said state information is maintained by the provider and said state information indicates content associated with the currently displayed icons in the presentation layer which the server wishes to transmit to the client presentation layer;

b) generating at least one instruction to update the display of the icon based on content obtained from the provider in step (a);

c) receiving at least one command request via user input enabling the transmission of information to the provider that includes the unique identification of an icon associated with the user input and the type of command; and

d) transmitting said information associated with a user command request to the provider;

3. A software interface installable on a processor for interfacing with a user comprising:

a) a means for displaying at least one of a plurality of icon;

b) a means for communicating with a server program on either a timed interval or immediately when user input is detected wherein such communication is transmitted by the hypertext transfer protocol;

c) a means for displaying a new icon without user input when a communication from the server program contains information to display new icons;

d) a means for changing the content or display of an icon when information associated with that icon is received from the server program; and

e) means of transactional integrity to insure that the latest state information associated with the displayed icons from the server is not replaced by earlier information;