Method and apparatus for efficient data browsing
First Claim
1. In a computer controlled data browsing apparatus having a display, a user interface and a computer-network interface, the computer controlled data browsing apparatus being for use by a user and being capable of browsing hyperlinked data, a method for data browsing comprising the steps of:
- enabling the user to specify at least one characteristic for monitoring data requests;
monitoring data requests generated via the user interface and transmitted via the computer-network interface, said monitoring step performed such that, when a download of a data file, requested by a file request being one of the data requests, is temporarily delayed, the data file is identified as currently unavailable;
backgrounding the download of the data file identified as currently unavailable in said monitoring step, said backgrounding step occurring automatically upon the data file being identified as currently unavailable in said monitoring step, and whereby said backgrounding step enables immediate continued browsing of data already made observable by the data requests; and
making the data file available to the user via the user interface once the download of the data file is completed.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing improved efficiency in data browsing is disclosed. Automatic continuation of a data browsing session is enabled, while a download of a requested data file, that has been temporarily delayed, is handled separately in a background process. This separate background process generates additional requests for the requested data file as needed, thereby overcoming delays caused by transient network traffic and also enabling automatic downloading of data files that are undeliverable when first requested. When the download of the requested data file is successfully completed, a notification is provided and the requested data file is made observable.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. In a computer controlled data browsing apparatus having a display, a user interface and a computer-network interface, the computer controlled data browsing apparatus being for use by a user and being capable of browsing hyperlinked data, a method for data browsing comprising the steps of:
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enabling the user to specify at least one characteristic for monitoring data requests;
monitoring data requests generated via the user interface and transmitted via the computer-network interface, said monitoring step performed such that, when a download of a data file, requested by a file request being one of the data requests, is temporarily delayed, the data file is identified as currently unavailable;
backgrounding the download of the data file identified as currently unavailable in said monitoring step, said backgrounding step occurring automatically upon the data file being identified as currently unavailable in said monitoring step, and whereby said backgrounding step enables immediate continued browsing of data already made observable by the data requests; and
making the data file available to the user via the user interface once the download of the data file is completed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. In a computer controlled data browsing apparatus having a display, a user interface and a computer-network interface, the computer controlled data browsing apparatus being for use by a user and being capable of browsing hyperlinked data, a method for data browsing comprising the steps of:
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monitoring data requests generated via the user interface and transmitted via the computer-network interface, said monitoring step performed such that, when a download of a data file, requested by a file request being one of the data requests, is temporarily delayed, the data file is identified as currently unavailable;
backgrounding the download of the data file identified as currently unavailable In said monitoring step, said backgrounding step occurring automatically upon the data file being identified as currently unavailable in said monitoring step, and whereby said backgrounding step enables immediate continued browsing of data already made observable by the data requests; and
making the data file available to the user via the user interface once the download of the data file is completed, said making step including generating a new instance of the user interface in which to display the data file if needed. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. In a computer controlled data browsing apparatus having a display, a user interface and a computer-network interface, the computer controlled data browsing apparatus being for use by a user and being capable of browsing hyperlinked data, a method for data browsing comprising the steps of:
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monitoring data requests generated via the user interface and transmitted via the computer-network interface, said monitoring step performed such that, when a download of a data file, requested by a file request being one of the data requests, is temporarily delayed, the data file is identified as currently unavailable;
backgrounding the download of the data file identified as currently unavailable in said monitoring step, said backgrounding step occurring automatically upon the data file being identified as currently unavailable in said monitoring step, and whereby said backgrounding step enables immediate continued browsing of data already made observable by the data requests; and
requesting the data file in a continuing fashion when download of the data file is temporarily delayed such that additional data requests for the data file are generated as needed. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification