Application synchronisation
First Claim
1. A system of apparatus for synchronising a group of application programs which together provide a multi-modal user interface, the system including;
- processing means in communication with, via one or more communication links, the group of program applications, wherein each of the program applications is capable of communicating data with the processing means, wherein changes in the status and data content of the application programs are communicated to the processing means as data updates, the processing means having means to translate the received data updates into the format or formats suitable for other application programs of the group, and the processing means being configured to communicate the original or translated data updates as appropriate to the other application programs of the group so as to synchronise them.
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Abstract
The invention relates to multi-modal computer interfaces and the synchronisation of two or more application programs which have user interfaces which make up the multi-modal interface. The invention employs a synchronisation server process with blackboard style data store for posting the changes made to any one particular application program to the other application programs. Data updates pass via the synchronisation server. A map file is provided for translating data provided by one application program into the formats suited to other application programs, and vice versa. In this way, application programs are not limited by a common dialogue but are autonomous, thus providing a cohesive and highly flexible user interface.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system of apparatus for synchronising a group of application programs which together provide a multi-modal user interface, the system including;
processing means in communication with, via one or more communication links, the group of program applications, wherein each of the program applications is capable of communicating data with the processing means, wherein changes in the status and data content of the application programs are communicated to the processing means as data updates, the processing means having means to translate the received data updates into the format or formats suitable for other application programs of the group, and the processing means being configured to communicate the original or translated data updates as appropriate to the other application programs of the group so as to synchronise them. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of synchronising a group of application programs which together provide a multi-modal user interface, the method including the steps of:
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(i) monitoring an application program for application program data values, said application program forming part of the group of application programs; and
(ii) upon detecting an application program data value, transmitting said application program data value to a synchronisation manager;
(iii) translating said application program data value into one or more formats suitable for use by the other application programs of the group; and
(iv) transmitting the application program data value in original or translated form to other of the application programs of the group. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification