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US6054983A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Methods for operating a universal client device permitting interoperation between any two computers

Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1997-09-30
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Granted: 2000-04-25
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Expires: 2017-09-30
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Abstract

Abstract An operating method for a computer architecture independent device generating and displaying a graphic user interface (GUI) on a client computer operatively connected to a server computer includes steps for scripting both behavior of a program responsive to operator interaction with one of the GUI objects and client-server commands unrelated to the GUI objects, storing scripts defining respective GUI objects on the server computer, storing a GUIScript defining the GUI on the server computer, handling network protocols defining communications between the server and the client computers, sending one of the scripts and the GUIScript from the server computer to the client computer, receiving one of the scripts and the GUI script on the client computer, and presenting a plurality of GUI objects to thereby form a GUI on the client computer.

Inventors

  • 👤 Adam J. Simonoff
  • 👤 Robert L. Taft
  • 👤 Brian T. McLintock
  • 👤 Larry A. Fontenot

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-07 18:57
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; G06F9/455; G06F9/45504; G06F9/45508; G06F9/45512

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim 142 words
An operating method for a computer architecture independent device generating and displaying a graphic user interface (GUI) including a plurality of GUI objects on a client computer operatively connected to a server computer, the method comprising steps for: scripting both behavior of a program responsive to operator interaction with one of said GUI objects and client-server commands unrelated to said GUI objects; storing scripts defining respective GUI objects on the server computer; storing a GUIScript defining said GUI on the server computer; handling network protocols defining communications between the server and the client computers; sending one of said scripts and said GUIScript from the server computer to the client computer; receiving one of said scripts and said GUIScript on the client computer; and presenting a plurality of GUI objects responsive to said GUIScript to thereby form said GUI on the client computer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 142 words
An operating method for a computer architecture independent device generating and displaying a graphic user interface (GUI) including a plurality of GUI objects on a client computer operatively connected to a server computer, the method comprising steps for: scripting both behavior of a program responsive to operator interaction with one of said GUI objects and client-server commands unrelated to said GUI objects; storing scripts defining respective GUI objects on the server computer; storing a GUIScript defining said GUI on the server computer; handling network protocols defining communications between the server and the client computers; sending one of said scripts and said GUIScript from the server computer to the client computer; receiving one of said scripts and said GUIScript on the client computer; and presenting a plurality of GUI objects responsive to said GUIScript to thereby form said GUI on the client computer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 163 words
An operating method for a computer system permitting interoperation between first and second computers irrespective of hardware and/or operating system differences between the first and second computers, said method comprising steps for: (a) storing a document written in hypertext markup language (HTML), said HTML document including an applet tag for invoking a Universal Client device, and computer readable first instructions for generating said Universal Client device, on a first storage device disposed within the first computer; and (b) transmitting said HTML document and said first instructions for generating said Universal Client device from the first computer to the second computer; (c) storing computer readable instructions for generating a World Wide Web browser providing a JAVA™ virtual machine on a second storage device disposed within the second computer; and (d) executing said Universal Client device on the second computer using said JAVA™ virtual machine to thereby generate predetermined graphical user interface (GUI) objects displaying GUI objects on the second computer responsive to a GUIScript.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 163 words
An operating method for a computer system permitting interoperation between first and second computers irrespective of hardware and/or operating system differences between the first and second computers, said method comprising steps for: (a) storing a document written in hypertext markup language (HTML), said HTML document including an applet tag for invoking a Universal Client device, and computer readable first instructions for generating said Universal Client device, on a first storage device disposed within the first computer; and (b) transmitting said HTML document and said first instructions for generating said Universal Client device from the first computer to the second computer; (c) storing computer readable instructions for generating a World Wide Web browser providing a JAVA™ virtual machine on a second storage device disposed within the second computer; and (d) executing said Universal Client device on the second computer using said JAVA™ virtual machine to thereby generate predetermined graphical user interface (GUI) objects displaying GUI objects on the second computer responsive to a GUIScript.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 73 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 2, wherein: said step (a) further comprises: storing said HTML document including said applet tag for invoking said Universal Client device, said first instructions for generating said Universal Client device, and a script defining said predetermined GUI objects on said first storage device disposed within the first computer; and said Universal Client device generates said predetermined GUI objects responsive to said script.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 51 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 2, further comprising a step for: (e) storing a script defining said predetermined GUI objects on said second storage device disposed within the second computer; and wherein said Universal Client device generates said predetermined GUI objects responsive to said script.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 43 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 2, wherein said method further comprises the step for: (f) modifying and replacing said predetermined GUI objects responsive to an incoming GUIScript message corresponding to changing parameters associated with said first computer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 43 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 2, wherein said method further comprises the step for: (g) selectively modifying and replacing said predetermined GUI objects responsive to an incoming datagram corresponding to changing parameters associated with said first computer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 44 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 2, wherein said method further comprises the step for: (h) selectively modifying and replacing said predetermined GUI objects responsive to an incoming character string corresponding to changing parameters associated with said first computer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 23 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 2, wherein one of said predetermined GUI objects comprises a MultiMedia presentation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 23 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 2, wherein one of said predetermined GUI objects comprises a duration timer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 106 words
An operating method for a computer system generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer corresponding to a presentation generated on a second computer irrespective of the operating system differences between said first and second computers, wherein the first computer includes a character string generator and the second computer includes a Universal Client device running on a virtual machine, said method comprising the steps for: generating a string corresponding to a desired GUI; generating said GUI using said Universal Client device responsive to a GUIScript; and executing said string on said Universal Client device running on said virtual machine to thereby modify said GUI.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 106 words
An operating method for a computer system generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer corresponding to a presentation generated on a second computer irrespective of the operating system differences between said first and second computers, wherein the first computer includes a character string generator and the second computer includes a Universal Client device running on a virtual machine, said method comprising the steps for: generating a string corresponding to a desired GUI; generating said GUI using said Universal Client device responsive to a GUIScript; and executing said string on said Universal Client device running on said virtual machine to thereby modify said GUI.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 28 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 10, further comprising a step for transferring said string from the first computer to the second computer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 20 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 11, wherein said string comprises an ASCII character string.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 18 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 11, wherein said string comprises a datagram.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 19 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 11, wherein said string comprises a GUIScript message.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 118 words
An operating method for a computer system generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer screen corresponding to a presentation generated with respect to a second computer screen irrespective of the operating system differences between the respective first and second computers, said method comprising the steps for: (a) providing a hypertext markup language (HTML) document including an applet tag corresponding to a Universal Client device; (b) initializing and executing the Universal Client device using a JAVA™ virtual machine, (c) parsing and interpreting a GUIScript associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to display the GUI; and (d) generating a script for causing the Universal Client device to modify the GUI.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 118 words
An operating method for a computer system generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer screen corresponding to a presentation generated with respect to a second computer screen irrespective of the operating system differences between the respective first and second computers, said method comprising the steps for: (a) providing a hypertext markup language (HTML) document including an applet tag corresponding to a Universal Client device; (b) initializing and executing the Universal Client device using a JAVA™ virtual machine, (c) parsing and interpreting a GUIScript associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to display the GUI; and (d) generating a script for causing the Universal Client device to modify the GUI.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 22 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 15, wherein said script is written in a GUIScript scripting language.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 21 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 15, wherein said GUI includes a plurality of GUI objects.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 22 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 17, wherein one of said GUI objects comprises a MultiMedia object.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 23 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 17, wherein one of said GUI objects comprises a performance assessment object.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 39 words
The operating method for the computer system as recited in claim 15, wherein said steps (a) and (d) are performed primarily by the first computer and wherein said steps (b) and (c) are primarily performed by the second computer.
Claim 25
Independent Claim 77 words
A method for generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer corresponding to a presentation generated for a second computer irrespective of the operating system differences between the first and second computers, the method comprising steps for: generating a script defining the presentation being displayed on the second computer; and activating a platform-independent Universal Client device running on a JAVA™ virtual machine responsive to said script to thereby generate the GUI on the first computer.
Claim 26
Independent Claim 77 words
A method for generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer corresponding to a presentation generated for a second computer irrespective of the operating system differences between the first and second computers, the method comprising steps for: generating a script defining the presentation being displayed on the second computer; and activating a platform-independent Universal Client device running on a JAVA™ virtual machine responsive to said script to thereby generate the GUI on the first computer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 23 words
The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of transferring said script from the second computer to the first computer.
Claim 28
Independent Claim 100 words
A method for generating and subsequently modifying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer corresponding to a presentation generated on a second computer irrespective of the operating system differences between the first and second computers, the method comprising steps for: providing a script defining the presentation being displayed on the second computer; activating a platform-independent Universal Client device running on a JAVA™ virtual machine responsive to said script to thereby generate the GUI on the first computer; receiving a string generated by the second computer on the first computer; and modifying the GUI responsive to the received string.
Claim 29
Independent Claim 100 words
A method for generating and subsequently modifying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer corresponding to a presentation generated on a second computer irrespective of the operating system differences between the first and second computers, the method comprising steps for: providing a script defining the presentation being displayed on the second computer; activating a platform-independent Universal Client device running on a JAVA™ virtual machine responsive to said script to thereby generate the GUI on the first computer; receiving a string generated by the second computer on the first computer; and modifying the GUI responsive to the received string.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 14 words
The method as recited in claim 23, wherein said string comprises a GUIScript message.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 13 words
The method as recited in claim 23, wherein said string comprises a datagram.
Claim 32
Independent Claim 148 words
A method of operating a computer system generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer screen corresponding to a presentation generated with respect to a second computer screen irrespective of the operating system differences between the respective first and second computers, the method comprising steps for: (a) providing a hypertext markup language (HTML) document including an applet tag corresponding to a Universal Client device; (b) initializing and executing the Universal Client device using a JAVA™ virtual machine; (c) parsing and interpreting a GUIScript associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to display the GUI; (d) parsing and interpreting a script associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to establish a predetermined connection between the first and the second computers; and (e) generating the GUIScript for causing the Universal Client device to display the GUI.
Claim 33
Independent Claim 148 words
A method of operating a computer system generating a graphical user interface (GUI) on a first computer screen corresponding to a presentation generated with respect to a second computer screen irrespective of the operating system differences between the respective first and second computers, the method comprising steps for: (a) providing a hypertext markup language (HTML) document including an applet tag corresponding to a Universal Client device; (b) initializing and executing the Universal Client device using a JAVA™ virtual machine; (c) parsing and interpreting a GUIScript associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to display the GUI; (d) parsing and interpreting a script associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to establish a predetermined connection between the first and the second computers; and (e) generating the GUIScript for causing the Universal Client device to display the GUI.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method as recited in claim 26, wherein said predetermined connection comprises a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) connection.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 75 words
The method as recited in claim 26, wherein the second computer comprises N computers and wherein said steps (d) and (e) further comprise: (d) parsing and interpreting the script associated with the Universal Client device to thereby cause the Universal Client device to establish N predetermined connections between the first computer and the N second computers; and (e) generating N scripts for causing the Universal Client device to display N corresponding sections of the GUI.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 21 words
The method as recited in claim 28, wherein one of said N corresponding sections of the GUI comprises a MultiMedia object.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 22 words
The method as recited in claim 28, wherein one of said N corresponding sections of the GUI comprises a performance assessment object.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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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) 2003-04-25 2003-10-25 2004-04-25 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2007-04-25 2007-10-25 2008-04-25 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2011-04-25 2011-10-25 2012-04-25 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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