Application development interface for multi-user applications executable over communication networks
First Claim
1. A method for providing an application interface for a multi-user application executable on a distributed network system, comprising the steps of:
- providing a object definition structure for an object utilized by the multi-user application, the object definition structure comprising a plurality of functional characteristics defining the object, and an update schedule for one or more of the functional characteristics; and
automatically updating at least one of the plurality of functional characteristics in accordance with the update schedule during execution of the multi-user application on the distributed network.
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Abstract
An application interface and method for developing multi-user applications executable over a distributed network is described. An object definition structure is provided for client-based definition of objects utilized by a multi-user application. The object definition includes a plurality of characteristics associated with the object and utilized by the application to effect interaction with other clients over the distributed network. A broadcast schedule is associated with one or more of the plurality of characteristics and controls the transmission of object data from the creating client to other clients in the distributed network. During execution of the multi-user application, characteristics of the object are automatically updated periodically or upon the change of a characteristic relative to a preset threshold value, in accordance with values provided in the broadcast schedule. The object definition created by the client is used by all functions and processes within the multi-user application that utilize the object.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for providing an application interface for a multi-user application executable on a distributed network system, comprising the steps of:
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providing a object definition structure for an object utilized by the multi-user application, the object definition structure comprising a plurality of functional characteristics defining the object, and an update schedule for one or more of the functional characteristics; and
automatically updating at least one of the plurality of functional characteristics in accordance with the update schedule during execution of the multi-user application on the distributed network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for a multi-user application executable by a plurality of client computers coupled in a communication network, comprising:
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a first client providing an object definition for an object utilized by the multi-user application, the object definition having a structure comprising a plurality of functional characteristics defining the object, and an update schedule for one or more of the functional characteristics; and
a second client coupled to the first client and configured to manage data transmission between the first client and other clients coupled to the communication network and to filter object updates transmitted to the other clients, wherein the object updates of the functional characteristics of the object are automatically transmitted during execution of the multi-user application by the first client in accordance with the update schedule on the distributed network. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification