US5862330A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Technique for obtaining and exchanging information on wolrd wide web
Assignee: Alcatel Lucent SAS
•
Filing: 1996-07-16
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Granted: 1999-01-19
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Expires: 2016-07-16
Abstract
Abstract Computer users may utilize different web browsers to access a server system on the World Wide Web (WWW) to create or join a collaborative browsing session. The users or collaborators in a session are connected by one or more controllers in the server system. When a collaborator creates or joins a session, mobile code is transmitted from the system to the collaborator's computer to create a surrogate thereon, which monitors the collaborator's interaction with a web browser on the computer. The controllers communicate with all the surrogates of the collaborators to coordinate the collaborative browsing effort. When one of the surrogates detects a change by a collaborator of a uniform resource locator (URL), the new URL is communicated through the controllers to the surrogates of all other collaborators in the session. As such, the collaborators are able to move from one URL to another to browse information in a synchronous manner. In addition, the collaborators can interactively communicate with one another in real time through the respective surrogates during the session.
Inventors
- 👤 Vinod Anupam
- 👤 Narain H. Gehani
- 👤 Kenneth R. Rodemann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:43
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/10; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/90; G06F16/95; G06F16/954; G06F2216/00; G06F2216/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A server system for communicating with at least one device comprising a browser for receiving information from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: an interface for receiving from said device a request for admission thereof to a session in which said browser receives said information; a processor responsive to said request for providing program code to said device to create a surrogate therein, said surrogate acquiring data from said browser; and at least one controller for receiving said data from said surrogate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A server system for communicating with at least one device comprising a browser for receiving information from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: an interface for receiving from said device a request for admission thereof to a session in which said browser receives said information; a processor responsive to said request for providing program code to said device to create a surrogate therein, said surrogate acquiring data from said browser; and at least one controller for receiving said data from said surrogate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said data is representative of an address of said source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said source comprises a web server on a World Wide Web (WWW).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said program code is devised pursuant to a mobile programming language.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 4 wherein said mobile programming language comprises a JAVA language.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said program code is in the form of a JAVA applet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one controller comprises a plurality of controllers, said controllers being connected in a hierarchy to facilitate communications among said controllers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said session is a new session.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said session is an on-going session.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
97 words
A server system for admitting a plurality of devices each having a respective browser to a session in which said devices each receive substantially same information through the respective browser from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: a processor for providing program code to each device to create a surrogate therein after the device is admitted to said session; and at least one controller for receiving data from a selected one of the surrogates in said devices, said controller transmitting said data to surrogates other than the selected surrogate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
97 words
A server system for admitting a plurality of devices each having a respective browser to a session in which said devices each receive substantially same information through the respective browser from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: a processor for providing program code to each device to create a surrogate therein after the device is admitted to said session; and at least one controller for receiving data from a selected one of the surrogates in said devices, said controller transmitting said data to surrogates other than the selected surrogate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 10 wherein said controller includes means for selecting said selected surrogate in accordance with a predetermined priority scheme.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 10 wherein said data comprises an address identifying said resource.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 10 wherein said data comprises said information.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 10 wherein said data is representative of communications between said devices.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said communications include textual communications.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said communications include audio communications.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said communications include video communications.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for conducting a session in which a plurality of devices each receive substantially same information through a respective browser from at least one source on a communications network, comprising the steps of: providing program code to each device to create a surrogate therein; connecting the surrogates in said devices using at least one controller, said surrogates interfacing the respective browsers in said devices with said controller; and conveying data from a selected one of the surrogates to other surrogates through said controller.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for conducting a session in which a plurality of devices each receive substantially same information through a respective browser from at least one source on a communications network, comprising the steps of: providing program code to each device to create a surrogate therein; connecting the surrogates in said devices using at least one controller, said surrogates interfacing the respective browsers in said devices with said controller; and conveying data from a selected one of the surrogates to other surrogates through said controller.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 18 wherein at least one of said respective browsers is different from the other browsers.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said program code is devised pursuant to a mobile programming language.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said communications network comprises WWW.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said data is representative of an address of said source.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 22 wherein said source comprises a web site on WWW.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 23 wherein said address comprises a uniform resource locator (URL).
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said data comprises said information.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 18 wherein said data is representative of communications between said devices.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said communications include textual communications.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said communications include audio communications.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said communications include video communications.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the processor includes the interface and the at least one controller.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 10 wherein the processor includes the at least one controller.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
86 words
A server system for communicating with at least one device comprising a browser for receiving information from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: p1 means for receiving from said device a request for admission thereof to a session in which said browser receives said information; means responsive to said request for providing program code to said device to create a surrogate therein, said surrogate acquiring data from said browser; and means for receiving said data from said surrogate.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
86 words
A server system for communicating with at least one device comprising a browser for receiving information from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: p1 means for receiving from said device a request for admission thereof to a session in which said browser receives said information; means responsive to said request for providing program code to said device to create a surrogate therein, said surrogate acquiring data from said browser; and means for receiving said data from said surrogate.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
93 words
A server system for admitting a plurality of devices each having a respective browser to a session in which said devices each receive substantially same information through the respective browser from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: means for providing program code to each device to create a surrogate therein after the device is admitted to said session; and means for receiving data from a selected one of the surrogates in said devices, said controller transmitting said data to surrogates other than the selected surrogate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
93 words
A server system for admitting a plurality of devices each having a respective browser to a session in which said devices each receive substantially same information through the respective browser from at least one source, other than said server system, on a communications network, comprising: means for providing program code to each device to create a surrogate therein after the device is admitted to said session; and means for receiving data from a selected one of the surrogates in said devices, said controller transmitting said data to surrogates other than the selected surrogate.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
110 words
A server apparatus for use in a system including at least a first device and a second device, the first device having a first browser for receiving information from at least one source, the second device having a second, different browser for receiving information from the at least one source, the server apparatus comprising: a processor for providing program code to at least the first device to create a surrogate therein; and a controller for receiving data acquired by the surrogate from the first browser, the controller, in response to the data, causing the second device to receive through the second, different browser substantially same information as the first device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
110 words
A server apparatus for use in a system including at least a first device and a second device, the first device having a first browser for receiving information from at least one source, the second device having a second, different browser for receiving information from the at least one source, the server apparatus comprising: a processor for providing program code to at least the first device to create a surrogate therein; and a controller for receiving data acquired by the surrogate from the first browser, the controller, in response to the data, causing the second device to receive through the second, different browser substantially same information as the first device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the processor also provides program code to the second device to create a second surrogate therein.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the processor includes the controller.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for serving at least a first device and a second device, the first device having a first browser for receiving information from at least one source, the second device having a second, different browser for receiving information from the at least one source, the method comprising the steps of: providing program code to at least the first device to create a surrogate therein; receiving data acquired by the surrogate from the first browser; and in response to the data, causing the second device to receive through the second, different browser substantially same information as the first device.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for serving at least a first device and a second device, the first device having a first browser for receiving information from at least one source, the second device having a second, different browser for receiving information from the at least one source, the method comprising the steps of: providing program code to at least the first device to create a surrogate therein; receiving data acquired by the surrogate from the first browser; and in response to the data, causing the second device to receive through the second, different browser substantially same information as the first device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 37 wherein the providing step includes the step of providing program code to the second device to create a second surrogate therein.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device comprising: an interface for receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus, and data concerning selected information browsed by the at least one device; and a browser responsive to the program code for creating a surrogate in the apparatus, the surrogate, in response to the data, causing the browser to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device comprising: an interface for receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus, and data concerning selected information browsed by the at least one device; and a browser responsive to the program code for creating a surrogate in the apparatus, the surrogate, in response to the data, causing the browser to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for use in an apparatus having a browser for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus; receiving data concerning selected information browsed by the at least one device; in response to the program code, creating a surrogate in the apparatus; and in response to the data, causing, by the surrogate, the browser to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for use in an apparatus having a browser for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus; receiving data concerning selected information browsed by the at least one device; in response to the program code, creating a surrogate in the apparatus; and in response to the data, causing, by the surrogate, the browser to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device comprising: an interface for receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus; and a browser responsive to the program code for creating a surrogate in the apparatus, the surrogate transmitting data concerning selected information browsed by the browser, thereby causing the at least one device to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device comprising: an interface for receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus; and a browser responsive to the program code for creating a surrogate in the apparatus, the surrogate transmitting data concerning selected information browsed by the browser, thereby causing the at least one device to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the surrogate transmits the data to the at least one device.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the surrogate transmits the data to the at least one device through a server.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the substantially same selected information received by the at least one device is a function of the data.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for use in an apparatus having a browser for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus; in response to the program code, creating a surrogate in the apparatus; transmitting data concerning selected information browsed by the browser, thereby causing the at least one device to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
70 words
A method for use in an apparatus having a browser for browsing information collaboratively with at least one device, the method comprising the steps of: receiving program code from a source external to the apparatus; in response to the program code, creating a surrogate in the apparatus; transmitting data concerning selected information browsed by the browser, thereby causing the at least one device to receive substantially the same selected information.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the data is transmitted to the at least one device.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the data is transmitted to the at least one device through a server.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the substantially same selected information received by the at least one device is a function of the data.
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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) | 2002-01-18 | 2002-07-20 | 2003-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-18 | 2006-07-20 | 2007-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-18 | 2010-07-20 | 2011-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |