Multiple user/agent window control
First Claim
1. A system for the control of a single program running at one location, said program shared by users of a network of associated terminals, each terminal having a display screen, a dedicated window at said display screen and window input event generating means, the results of running said shared program being displayed at each terminal through the use of the window thereat, comprising:
- means coupled to said network at said one location for both storing and executing said single program and for storing data associated therewith such that said single program and associated data storage are co-located and such that said storing and executing means provides a single running program shared by said users;
means including a software agent and coupled to said network for automatically permitting a window input event from one user to control said shared program such that said program is under the control of said one user; and
, means for indicating to all of said users which of said users has been granted permission to control said shared program.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system is provided to automatically control input permission when multi users and/or software agents interact with a single, shared application in a window-based computing environment, and to indicate to all users which user or software agent currently is providing input or seeking input permission. The system operates by providing each user and agent with a specialized cursor icon that is used for displaying input-permission status and for requesting and relinquishing input-permission. Cursors have three modes with distinct appearances indicating whether the corresponding user or agent has, does not have, or desires input permission. Cursors are replicated on all displays, so that all users can at all times easily see who has or desires input permission. Users interact with the input-permission system by moving and clicking their mouse. Software agents achieve the same effects by sending control requests directly to a software interface provided as part of the invention. In one embodiment, each user and agent also has an assigned Home Window, which is used for identification and to compose and display text messages.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system for the control of a single program running at one location, said program shared by users of a network of associated terminals, each terminal having a display screen, a dedicated window at said display screen and window input event generating means, the results of running said shared program being displayed at each terminal through the use of the window thereat, comprising:
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means coupled to said network at said one location for both storing and executing said single program and for storing data associated therewith such that said single program and associated data storage are co-located and such that said storing and executing means provides a single running program shared by said users; means including a software agent and coupled to said network for automatically permitting a window input event from one user to control said shared program such that said program is under the control of said one user; and
, means for indicating to all of said users which of said users has been granted permission to control said shared program. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification