Software for seamless interconnectivity between active program modules on integrated arrangement of CD drive, data server, and PC hard disk drive

• US 6,536,039 B2
• Filed: 12/24/1998
• Issued: 03/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Avaya Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Avaya Technology Corporation Miami Lakes FLA US
• Inventors: Sanford, Jesse Lon
• Primary Examiner(s): Dam, Tuan Q.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAVIS, JOHN Q
• Application Number:
  US09/220,411
• Publication Number:
  US 20020073414A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,545 Days
• Field of Search: 717/111, 717/173, 717/162, 717/163, 709/331
• US Class Current: 717/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57

Abstract

The software program provides a unique arrangement and integration of CD drive, data server, and PC hard disk drive technologies. The program provides open-ended, flexible, and timely updating of software programs and content for users at a remote site because the user can download individual updated program modules as needed from a designated information site through a data server to a PC hard disk drive during a program run. Therefore, the user is not required to download the updated program, await the next release of a CD containing the updated program, or use the updated program directly on a designated information site. In addition to the program modules on the CD, the user can use downloaded updated program modules from either the current or a previous program run. The updated program modules are either replacements for those on the CD or additional program modules to the entire program.

The program includes linking software, such that each of the program modules on both the CD and the PC hard disk drive contains an identical yet independent software interface that allows interconnecting to all other program modules. Because the user may also download updated program modules from the designated information site to the PC hard disk drive as needed during a program run, the present invention provides seamless interactivity between program modules on the CD, downloaded program modules on the PC hard disk drive, and replacement or additional program modules at the designated information site.

Claims

1. A method of operating a software program on a computer having a CD drive, a PC hard disk drive, and access to a data server, wherein the software program is stored as a plurality of preprogrammed modules on a CD;

the method comprising the steps of;

a. periodically linking to a designated information site through the data server;

b. downloading a module from the designated information site through the data server to the PC hard disk drive forming either a replacement or an additional module on the PC hard disk drive; and

c. concurrently running the software program using the preprogrammed modules on the CD which have not been replaced, the downloaded replacement modules on the PC hard disk drive, and the downloaded additional modules on the PC hard disk drive while downloading the replacement and additional modules from the designated information, site through the data server to the PC hard disk drive.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the CD is preprogrammed with runtime executables and further wherein the step of running the software program comprises using the runtime executables.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the CD is preprogrammed with library files and further wherein the step of running the software program comprises using the library files.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the CD is preprogrammed with PDF files and further wherein the step of running the software program comprises using the PDF files.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the CD is preprogrammed with a call-up browser functionality and further wherein the step of periodically linking comprises using the call-up browser functionality.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the CD is preprogrammed with program modules and further wherein the step of running the software program comprises using the program modules.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the CD is preprogrammed with runtime executables, library files, PDF files, a call-up browser functionality, and program modules and further wherein the step of running the software program comprises at least one of:

a. runtime executables;

b. library files;

c. PDF files;

d. a call-up browser functionality; and

e. program modules.

8. An apparatus for automatically providing seamless interconnectivity between active program modules on each of a CD and a PC hard disk drive comprising:

a. a PC having a CD drive, a hard disk drive, and means for connecting to a data server from the PC;

b. a CD having a plurality of preprogrammed modules, which is operatively placed is into the CD drive of the PC;

c. means for downloading replacement and additional modules from a designated information site through the data server to the PC hard disk drive; and

d. means for concurrently running a software program using the preprogrammed modules on the CD which have not been replaced, the downloaded replacement modules on the PC hard disk drive and the downloaded additional modules on the PC hard disk drive while downloading the replacement and additional modules from the designated information site through the data server to the PC hard disk drive.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the modules on the CD which have not been replaced, downloaded replacement modules on the PC hard disk drive, and downloaded additional modules on the PC hard disk drive comprise:

a. runtime executables used to start up the program;

b. library files used in conjunction with the runtime executables;

c. PDF files used in conjunction with the runtime executables and library files;

d. a call-up browser functionality used in conjunction with the runtime executables, library files, and PDF files; and

e. program modules used in conjunction with runtime executables, library files, PDF files, and a call-up browser functionality.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the runtime executables comprise executables for running CBT based programs.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the library files comprise program files for audio and graphics.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the PDF files comprise files for user perusal.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the call-up browser functionality comprises a functionality for linking to a designated information site through a data server.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the program modules comprise modules each containing an identical yet independent software interface that allow interconnecting to all other program modules.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the program modules further comprise:

a. a jumpFile Authorware function contained in each program module for interconnecting to any other program module employed by choosing a new program module;

b. a jumpFile link contained in each program module also for interconnecting to any other program module activated by clicking the link; and

c. a functionality for using predesignated keystrokes, such as ALT tab, contained in each module also for interconnecting to an adjacent program module.

16. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the program modules further comprise:

a. a jumpFile Authorware function contained in each program module for interconnecting to any other program module employed by choosing a new program module;

b. a jumpFile link contained in each program module also for interconnecting to any other program module activated by clicking the link;

c. a functionality for using predesignated keystrokes, such as ALT tab, contained in each module also for interconnecting to an adjacent program module; and

d. modules each containing an identical yet independent software interface that