Abstract A method for consistently interpreting events generated by a mobile computer in response to a screen display, where events are transmitted to an application server through an unreliable communication channel is disclosed. In operation, an epoch number is associated with screen drawing information created by the application server. Screen drawing information is transmitted from the application server to the mobile computer for generation of a screen display, and an event is generated in the mobile computer in response to the screen display. A combination of the event in response to the screen display and the epoch number associated with the screen display is transmitted to the application server for processing, and the epoch number received by the application server is compared to the epoch number last transmitted to the mobile computer. To ensure consistent operation of the graphical user interface on the mobile computer, the application server only processes those events having an epoch number that matches the last epoch number transmitted. Duplicate events are ignored, and events received out of order are buffered and sequentially processed in the correct order.
A method for consistently interpreting events generated by a mobile computer in response to a screen display and transmitted to an application server through an unreliable communication channel, the method comprising the steps of associating an epoch number with screen drawing information created by the application server, transmitting screen drawing information from the application server to the mobile computer for generation of a screen display, generating an event in the mobile computer in response to the screen display, transmitting a combination of the event in response to the screen display and the epoch number associated with the screen display to the application server for processing, and comparing an epoch number received by the application server to the epoch number last transmitted to the mobile computer, and processing in the application server only those events having an epoch number that matches the last epoch number transmitted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of buffering events generated in the mobile computer in response to the screen display, and locally drawing the buffered events to the screen display of the mobile computer prior to transmission of the buffered events to the application server to provide visual feedback to a user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting a request for screen drawing information from the mobile computer to the application server.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A programmable mobile computer when suitably programmed for carrying out the method of any of the preceding claims, the computer including a processor, a memory, input/output circuitry and a screen display.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
145 words
A system for providing communication between a network and a mobile computing unit through an unreliable communication channel, the system comprising a mobile computing unit having a screen display and a transceiver for both sending events to the network and receiving data from the network, with data received from the network including screen drawing information for redrawing the screen display and an epoch number associated with the screen drawing information, and an event generation module in the mobile computing unit for transmitting a user initiated event to the network in response to the screen display of the mobile computing unit, with the event generation module transmitting a combination of the event in response to the screen display and the epoch number associated with the screen drawing information to the network for processing of events having an epoch number that matches the last epoch number transmitted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
167 words
A mobile computing system comprising a network supporting a workstation capable of running an application, and a software agent dedicated to controlling interactions between an application and a mobile computing unit, the mobile computing unit having a screen display and a transceiver for both sending events to the software agent and receiving data from the application as mediated by the software agent, with data received including screen drawing information for redrawing the screen display of the mobile unit and an epoch number associated with the screen drawing information, and an event generation module in the mobile computing unit for transmitting a user initiated event to the network in response to the screen display of the mobile computing unit, with the event generation module transmitting a combination of the event in response to the screen display and the epoch number associated with the screen drawing information to the network for processing by the software agent of events having an epoch number that matches the last epoch number transmitted.
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