Web-based client-local environment for structured interaction with a form
First Claim
1. A method for providing a form that is generated locally by a local runtime environment for display within a browser program, for interaction by a user, comprising the steps of:
- (a) enabling the user to download the local runtime environment and a definition for the form over a network from a remote storage, wherein the local runtime environment is separate and distinct from an operating system in which the browser program is executed;
(b) based upon the definition that has been downloaded, within the local runtime environment, generating the form with one or more interface elements with which the user can interact;
(c) displaying the form within the browser program; and
(d) enabling the user to interact with the one or more interface elements of the form within the browser program, without requiring any interaction with a remote server, the user interaction including at least one of the following steps;
(i) making a selection within the form using an interface element;
(ii) carrying out a function by interacting with an interface element within the form;
(iii) entering data in connection with an interface element in the form; and
(iv) modifying the form.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A local runtime environment is loaded within a conventional web browser program and employed for generating a form based upon a definition that uses JavaScript or another data structure reversibly transformable into and out of JavaScript. The form can contain many pages, is generated locally, and its user interaction is handled by the local runtime environment without requiring interaction with a remote server from which the definition of the form may originally have been downloaded. The local runtime environment facilitates input and other user interaction with the form and executes any included functions. An almost unlimited variety of functions can be performed locally in connection with the form. Data that are input by a user can be saved locally or on a remote server. Optionally, an authorized user can enter a designer mode to make changes in the appearance and functionality of the form within the browser program display.
115 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for providing a form that is generated locally by a local runtime environment for display within a browser program, for interaction by a user, comprising the steps of:
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(a) enabling the user to download the local runtime environment and a definition for the form over a network from a remote storage, wherein the local runtime environment is separate and distinct from an operating system in which the browser program is executed;
(b) based upon the definition that has been downloaded, within the local runtime environment, generating the form with one or more interface elements with which the user can interact;
(c) displaying the form within the browser program; and
(d) enabling the user to interact with the one or more interface elements of the form within the browser program, without requiring any interaction with a remote server, the user interaction including at least one of the following steps;
(i) making a selection within the form using an interface element;
(ii) carrying out a function by interacting with an interface element within the form;
(iii) entering data in connection with an interface element in the form; and
(iv) modifying the form. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A client system for providing a form that is generated locally by a local runtime environment for display within a browser program, for interaction by a user of the client system, comprising:
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(a) a display;
(b) a user input device;
(c) a network interface device for coupling the system in communication with a server at a remote site, over a network;
(d) a memory for storing machine instructions, the machine instructions including instructions for executing the browser program; and
(e) a processor that is coupled to the display, the input device, the network interface, and the memory, the processor executing the machine instructions stored in the memory to carry out a plurality of functions, including;
(i) enabling a user to download a definition for the form and machine instructions over a network from a remote site, for executing the local runtime environment with the processor, wherein the local runtime environment is separate and distinct from an operating system in which the browser program is executed;
(ii) executing the local runtime environment and based upon the definition that has been downloaded, generating the form with one or more interface elements with which a user can interact;
(iii) rendering the form with the browser program on the display; and
(iv) enabling a user to interact with the one or more interface elements of the form within the browser program, without requiring any interaction with a remote server, a user interaction including at least one of;
(1) making a selection within the form using an interface element;
(2) carrying out a function by interacting with an interface element within the form;
(3) entering data in connection with an interface element in the form; and
(4) modifying the form. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification