US5764235A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer implemented method and system for transmitting graphical images from server to client at user selectable resolution
Assignee: Rakuten Group Inc
•
Filing: 1996-03-25
•
Granted: 1998-06-09
•
Expires: 2016-03-25
Abstract
Abstract Techniques for transmitting graphical images in a network environment are described. According to the techniques, the amount of data of the graphical images that is transmitted is customized in accordance with client and/or server supplied information. The techniques enable graphical images to be transmitted more efficiently than previously possible, thus saving precious network bandwidth and reducing transmission time. The invention is particularly suitable for network (intranet or Internet) implementations wherein graphical images often need to be transferred.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. Hunt
- 👤 Edward James Neil
- 👤 Steven F. Haber
- 👤 Russell D. Wood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:59
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L47/00; H04L47/10; G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/90; G06F16/95; G06F16/957; G06F16/9577; G06F40/00; G06F40/10; G06F40/12; G06F40/149; H04L65/00; H04L65/60; H04L65/61; H04L65/612; H04L65/75; H04L65/762; H04L67/00; H04L67/01; H04L67/02; H04L67/50; H04L67/56; H04L67/565; H04L67/5651; H04L69/00; H04L69/04; H04L69/24; H04L69/30; H04L69/32; H04L69/322; H04L69/329
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 100
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A computer-implemented method for transmitting a graphical image from a server machine to a client machine, said method comprising: (a) receiving, at the server machine, a request for a graphical image from a client machine; (b) negotiating between the server machine and the client machine to determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphical image requested; and (c) transmitting the graphical image to the extent of the quality-size tradeoff from the server machine to the client machine.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A computer-implemented method for transmitting a graphical image from a server machine to a client machine, said method comprising: (a) receiving, at the server machine, a request for a graphical image from a client machine; (b) negotiating between the server machine and the client machine to determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphical image requested; and (c) transmitting the graphical image to the extent of the quality-size tradeoff from the server machine to the client machine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the client machine and the server machine are coupled together through a network.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, in which step (b) comprises negotiating the quality-size tradeoff between resolution and file size.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the quality-size tradeoff is determined in accordance with a user selected printing quality and a maximum image size the first computer is willing to transmit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the quality-size tradeoff is selectable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 5, wherein the quality-size tradeoff comprises determining one of a plurality of combinations of printing format and user selected printing quality.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises: (d) obtaining server control information, and wherein said negotiating (b) uses the server control information to determine the quality-size tradeoff.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein said method further comprises (e) controlling the server machine to send a capabilities query to the client machine.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 8, wherein step (e) is performed before step (d).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 8, wherein the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein the server control information comprises data transmission speed information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 7, wherein the server control information comprises data compression information.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises: (d) obtaining image control information, and wherein said negotiating (b) uses the image control information to determine the quality-size tradeoff.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, wherein the image control information includes one or more of intended use, user preference, transmission performance, author's preference, output device resolution, client machine equipment and server machine load, and wherein said method further comprises: (d) subsequently receiving and processing, at the server machine, an upgrade request for additional data for the graphical image.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 14, wherein the image control information comprises a display format.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 16, wherein the image control information further comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 17, wherein the image control information further comprises a printing format.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 14, wherein the image control information comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 14, wherein the image control information comprises an intended use as a measure of size.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 20, wherein the intended use comprises a printing format.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 21, wherein the image control information further comprises a user selected printing resolution as a measure of quality.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
97 words
A computer readable media containing program instructions for transmitting a graphical image from a server machine to a client machine, said computer readable media comprising: first computer readable code devices for receiving, at the server machine, a request for a graphical image from a client machine; second computer readable code devices for negotiating between the server machine and the client machine to determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphical image requested; and third computer readable code devices for transmitting the graphical image to the extent of the quality-size tradeoff from the server machine to the client machine.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
97 words
A computer readable media containing program instructions for transmitting a graphical image from a server machine to a client machine, said computer readable media comprising: first computer readable code devices for receiving, at the server machine, a request for a graphical image from a client machine; second computer readable code devices for negotiating between the server machine and the client machine to determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphical image requested; and third computer readable code devices for transmitting the graphical image to the extent of the quality-size tradeoff from the server machine to the client machine.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
67 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 23, wherein said computer readable media further comprises: fourth computer readable code devices for obtaining image control information; and fifth computer readable code devices for thereafter receiving and processing an upgrade request for additional data for the graphical image, and wherein said second computer readable code devices operate to negotiate the quality-size tradeoff based on the image control information.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 23, in which the second computer readable code devices determine the quality-size tradeoff between resolution and file size.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
46 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 23, wherein the computer readable media further comprises: fourth computer readable code devices for obtaining image control information; and wherein said second computer readable code devices operate to negotiate the quality-size tradeoff based on the image control information.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 26, wherein the image control information comprises a display format.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 27, wherein the image control information further comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 28, wherein the image control information further comprises a printing format.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 26, wherein the image control information comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 26, wherein the image control information comprises an intended use as a measure of size.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 31, wherein the intended use comprises a printing format.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 32, wherein the image control information further comprises a user selected printing resolution as a measure of quality.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
42 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 23, wherein the second computer readable code devices operate to determine the quality-size tradeoff in accordance with a user selected printing quality and a maximum image size the server machine is willing to transmit.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 28, wherein the quality-size tradeoff is selectable.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
29 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 35, wherein the quality-size tradeoff comprises determining one of a plurality of combinations of printing format and user selected printing quality.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
47 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 23, wherein: wherein the computer readable media further comprises: fourth computer readable code devices for obtaining server control information; and wherein said second computer readable code devices operate to negotiate the quality-size tradeoff based on the server control information.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 37, wherein said computer readable media further comprises: fifth computer readable media for controlling the client machine to send a capabilities query to the server machine.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 38, wherein fifth computer readable media controls the client machine to send the capabilities query to the server machine before the fourth computer readable code obtains the server control information.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 38, wherein the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 37, wherein the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 37, wherein the server control information comprises data transmission speed information.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
A computer readable media as recited in claim 37, wherein the server control information comprises data compression information.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for transmitting a graphic image from a first computer to a second computer, comprising the steps of: (a) storing a file in the first computer in sections which represent different selectable levels of quality of the graphic image respectively; (b) negotiating between the first computer and the second computer to determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphic image; (c) controlling the second computer to send a request to the first computer for transmission of the graphic image; and (d) controlling the first computer to transmit a section of the file which represents a level of quality of the graphic image determined by said quality-size tradeoff in step (b) to the second computer.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for transmitting a graphic image from a first computer to a second computer, comprising the steps of: (a) storing a file in the first computer in sections which represent different selectable levels of quality of the graphic image respectively; (b) negotiating between the first computer and the second computer to determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphic image; (c) controlling the second computer to send a request to the first computer for transmission of the graphic image; and (d) controlling the first computer to transmit a section of the file which represents a level of quality of the graphic image determined by said quality-size tradeoff in step (b) to the second computer.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 44, in which: step (a) comprises storing the file such that a plurality of said selectable levels of quality correspond to printing formats; and step (c) comprises controlling the second computer to send said request as including a level of quality which corresponds to a printing format selected by a user.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method as in claim 44, in which step (a) comprises storing the file such that a section which represents a lowest level of quality includes a first segment, and each section which represents a level of quality that is higher than the lowest level includes the first segment and at least one additional segment which is additive to the first segment.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
68 words
A method as in claim 44, in which: step (c) comprises controlling the second computer to send said request as further including a format for the graphic image; and step (d) comprises the substeps of: (d1) controlling the first computer to convert said section of the file into said format; and (d2) controlling the first computer to transmit said converted section of the file to the second computer.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as in claim 44, in which step (a) comprises storing the file such that one of said selectable levels of quality corresponds to a display format, and at least one other of said selectable levels of quality corresponds to a printing format.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 48, in which step (c) comprises controlling the second computer to send said request as including a selected level of quality which corresponds to one of said display and printing formats.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 48, in which: step (a) comprises storing the file such that a plurality of said selectable levels of quality correspond to printing formats; and step (c) comprises controlling the second computer to send said request as including a level of quality which corresponds to a printing format selected by a user.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 44, in which the selectable levels of quality correspond to user selectable levels of resolution respectively.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as in claim 44, in which step (b) comprises the substeps of: (b1) controlling the second computer to send image control information to the first computer; and (b2) using the image control information to determine the quality-size tradeoff.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 52, in which the image control information comprises a display format.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 53, in which the image control information further comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 54, in which the image control information further comprises a printing format.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 52, in which the image control information comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 52, in which the image control information comprises an intended use as a measure of size.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 57, in which the intended use comprises a printing format.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 58, in which the image control information further comprises a user selected printing resolution as a measure of quality.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 44, in which the quality-size tradeoff is determined in accordance with a user selected printing quality and a maximum image size the first computer is willing to transmit.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 44, in which the quality-size tradeoff is selectable.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 61, in which the quality-size tradeoff comprises determining one of a plurality of combinations of printing format and user selected printing quality.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as in claim 44, in which step (b) comprises the substeps of: (b1) controlling the first computer to send server control information to the first computer; and (b2) using the server control information to determine the quality-size tradeoff.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 63, in which step (b) further comprises the substep of: (b3) controlling the second computer to send a capabilities query to the first computer.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 64, in which step (b3) is performed before step (b1).
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 64, in which the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 63, in which the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 63, in which the server control information comprises data transmission speed information.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 63, in which the server control information comprises data compression information.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
100 words
A computer system, comprising: a first computer which stores a file in sections that represent different selectable levels of quality of a graphic image respectively; and a second computer; in which, the first and second computers are configured to negotiate and determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphic image; the second computer is configured to send a request to the first computer for transmission of the graphic image; and the first computer is configured to transmit a section of the file which represents a level of quality of the graphic image determined by said quality-size tradeoff to the second computer.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
100 words
A computer system, comprising: a first computer which stores a file in sections that represent different selectable levels of quality of a graphic image respectively; and a second computer; in which, the first and second computers are configured to negotiate and determine a quality-size tradeoff for the graphic image; the second computer is configured to send a request to the first computer for transmission of the graphic image; and the first computer is configured to transmit a section of the file which represents a level of quality of the graphic image determined by said quality-size tradeoff to the second computer.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
54 words
A system as in claim 70, in which: the first computer stores the file such that a plurality of said selectable levels of quality correspond to printing formats; and the second computer is configured to send said request as including a level of quality which corresponds to a printing format selected by a user.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system as in claim 70, in which the first computer stores the file such that a section which represents a lowest level of quality includes a first segment, and each section which represents a level of quality that is higher than the lowest level includes the first segment and at least one additional segment which is additive to the first segment.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
59 words
A system as in claim 70, in which: the second computer is configured to send said request as further including a format for the graphic image; the first computer is configured to convert said section of the file into said format; and the first computer is configured to send said converted section of the file to the second computer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
60 words
A system as in claim 70, in which: the second computer comprises a display and a printer; and the first computer stores the file such that one of said selectable levels of quality corresponds to a display format for the display, and at least one other of said selectable levels of quality corresponds to a printing format for the printer.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as in claim 74, in which the second computer is configured to send said request as including a selected level of quality as corresponding to one of said display and printing formats.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system as in claim 74, in which: the first computer stores the file such that a plurality of said selectable levels of quality correspond to printing formats for the printer; and the second computer is configured to send said request as including a level of quality which corresponds to a printing format selected by a user.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as in claim 70, in which: the first computer is a sever; and the second computer is a user terminal for requesting services from the server.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 70, in which the selectable levels of quality correspond to user selectable levels of resolution respectively.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as in claim 70, in which: the second computer is configured to send image control information to the first computer; and the first and second computers are configured to use the image control information to determine the quality-size tradeoff.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as in claim 79, in which the image control information comprises a display format.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 80, in which the image control information further comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 81, in which the image control information further comprises a printing format.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as in claim 79, in which the image control information comprises a user selected printing quality.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 79, in which the image control information comprises an intended use as a measure of size.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as in claim 84, in which the intended use comprises a printing format.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as in claim 85, in which the image control information further comprises a user selected printing resolution as a measure of quality.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system as in claim 70, in which the first and second computers are configured to determine the quality-size tradeoff in accordance with a user selected printing quality and a maximum image size the first computer is willing to transmit.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as in claim 79, in which the quality-size tradeoff is selectable.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as in claim 88, in which the quality-size tradeoff comprises determining one of a plurality of combinations of printing format and user selected printing quality.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system as in claim 70, in which: the first computer is configured to send server control information to the first computer; and the first and second computers are configured to use the server control information to determine the quality-size tradeoff.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as in claim 90, in which the second computer is configured to send a capabilities query to the first computer.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as in claim 91, in which the first computer is configured to send the server control information to the second computer in response to the capabilities query.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 91, in which the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as in claim 90, in which the server control information comprises a plurality of predetermined quality-size tradeoffs.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as in claim 90, in which the server control information comprises data transmission speed information.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as in claim 90, in which the server control information comprises data compression information.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-06-08 | 2001-12-08 | 2002-06-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-08 | 2005-12-08 | 2006-06-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-08 | 2009-12-08 | 2010-06-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |