US6131096A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System and method for updating a remote database in a network
Assignee: FB COMMERCIAL FINANCE Inc
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Filing: 1998-10-05
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Granted: 2000-10-10
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Expires: 2018-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A system updates a remote (server) database in a network. The network comprises a global server coupled to a local client and to a remote client. The local client includes a browser for establishing a communications link with a web server on the global server. The global server has server database memory for storing independently modifiable copies of workspace data maintained by personal information managers (PIMS) or other data stores on the local client and has PIM Downloadables for interfacing with these PIMs. The local client requests synchronization capability for a particular PIM. The global server sends a PIM Downloadable corresponding to the particular PIM to the local client, which installs and initiates execution of the PIM Downloadable. Accordingly, a user interface receives information designating a database containing the workspace data to be synchronized and information selecting a synchronization mode such as one-way replace, one-way merge or two-way synchronize. A PIM interface instructs the particular PIM to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized. A synchronization module determines update data based on the synchronization mode selected and possibly based on a comparison with the contents of the server database. A communications engine delivers the first update data to the global server, which updates the server database accordingly.
Inventors
- 👤 Mason Ng
- 👤 Sean Michael Quinlan
- 👤 Tom Ruan
- 👤 Daniel J. Mendez
- 👤 Jing Zhu
- 👤 Martin Cheng, Jr.
- 👤 Matt Williams
- 👤 Mark D. Riggins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:18
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/20; G06F16/27; G06F16/275; G06F16/273
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 60
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A computer-based method, comprising the steps of: using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; initiating execution of the downloadable; receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; using the Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A computer-based method, comprising the steps of: using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; initiating execution of the downloadable; receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; using the Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the synchronization mode is one of one-way replace, one-way merge and two-way synchronization.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of communicating with the server database to learn the server database contents associated with the workspace data to be synchronized, and comparing the server database contents and the workspace data to be synchronized.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the step of determining first update data is based on the comparison.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of determining second update data based on the comparison, and instructing the PIM to modify the workspace data to be synchronized by the second update data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of downloading the downloadable from the server database.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
104 words
A system, comprising: means for using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; means for initiating execution of the downloadable; means for receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; means for using the Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; means for using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and means for using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
104 words
A system, comprising: means for using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; means for initiating execution of the downloadable; means for receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; means for using the Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; means for using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and means for using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
105 words
A computer-readable storage medium storing program code for causing a computer to perform the steps of: using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; initiating execution of the downloadable; receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; using the Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
105 words
A computer-readable storage medium storing program code for causing a computer to perform the steps of: using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; initiating execution of the downloadable; receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; using the Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
110 words
A system, comprising: a downloadable including a user interface for receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; a PIM interface for instructing a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; a synchronization module coupled to the user interface and the PIM interface for determining first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and a communications engine coupled to the synchronization module for delivering the first update data to a server database; and a browser for receiving identification of the downloadable from a computer network, and for initiating execution of the downloadable.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
110 words
A system, comprising: a downloadable including a user interface for receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; a PIM interface for instructing a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; a synchronization module coupled to the user interface and the PIM interface for determining first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and a communications engine coupled to the synchronization module for delivering the first update data to a server database; and a browser for receiving identification of the downloadable from a computer network, and for initiating execution of the downloadable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 9, wherein the synchronization mode is one of one-way replace, one-way merge and two-way synchronization.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 9, wherein the synchronization module learns the server database contents corresponding to the workspace data to be synchronized, and compares the server database contents and the workspace data to be synchronized.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 11, wherein the synchronization module determines the first update data based on the comparison.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 12, wherein the synchronization module determines second update data based on the comparison, and instructs the PIM to modify the workspace data to be synchronized by the second update data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 9, wherein the Downloadable is downloaded from the server database.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
69 words
Program code embodied in a carrier wave for controlling a computer to perform the steps of: receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and a synchronization mode; instructing a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; determining first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and delivering the first update data to a server database.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
69 words
Program code embodied in a carrier wave for controlling a computer to perform the steps of: receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and a synchronization mode; instructing a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; determining first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and delivering the first update data to a server database.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
59 words
A computer-based method, comprising the steps of: storing workspace data and a Downloadable; establishing a communications link with a client; receiving a request for synchronization capability from a client; forwarding the Downloadable which includes the synchronization capability to the client for installation; receiving update data from the Downloadable; and updating the workspace data based on the update data received.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
59 words
A computer-based method, comprising the steps of: storing workspace data and a Downloadable; establishing a communications link with a client; receiving a request for synchronization capability from a client; forwarding the Downloadable which includes the synchronization capability to the client for installation; receiving update data from the Downloadable; and updating the workspace data based on the update data received.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the method is performed by a server coupled via a network to the client.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the workspace data is contained in a user data store.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the step of establishing a communications link with a client includes using URL technology.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the request for synchronization capability includes information identifying a particular PIM for which synchronization is desired.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 20, wherein the information includes identification of a service, and wherein the particular PIM corresponding to the service is known.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of retrieving a Downloadable corresponding to the particular PIM.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 22, wherein the Downloadable retrieved includes an interface to the particular PIM.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the Downloadable includes a user interface for enabling a user to select a synchronization mode and to designate a database containing workspace data to be synchronized.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the Downloadable includes a synchronization module for computing the update data.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the synchronization module computes the update data based on one of one-way replace, one-way merge and two-way synchronization.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
66 words
A system, comprising: means storing workspace data and a Downloadable; means for establishing a communications link with a client; means for receiving a request for synchronization capability from the client; means for forwarding a Downloadable which includes the synchronization capability to the client for installation; means for receiving update data from the Downloadable; and means for updating the workspace data based on the update data received.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
66 words
A system, comprising: means storing workspace data and a Downloadable; means for establishing a communications link with a client; means for receiving a request for synchronization capability from the client; means for forwarding a Downloadable which includes the synchronization capability to the client for installation; means for receiving update data from the Downloadable; and means for updating the workspace data based on the update data received.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
89 words
A system, comprising: memory storing workspace data and a PIM Downloadable; a web server for establishing a communications link with a client; a personal information manager (PIM) Downloadable retrieval engine coupled to the memory for receiving a request for synchronization capability from the client, and for forwarding the PIM Downloadable which includes the synchronization capability to the client for installation; and a user data store manager coupled to the memory for receiving update data from the Downloadable, and for updating the workspace data based on the update data received.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
89 words
A system, comprising: memory storing workspace data and a PIM Downloadable; a web server for establishing a communications link with a client; a personal information manager (PIM) Downloadable retrieval engine coupled to the memory for receiving a request for synchronization capability from the client, and for forwarding the PIM Downloadable which includes the synchronization capability to the client for installation; and a user data store manager coupled to the memory for receiving update data from the Downloadable, and for updating the workspace data based on the update data received.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the workspace data is contained in a user data store.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the web server establishes a communications link with a client using URL technology.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the request for synchronization capability includes information identifying a particular PIM for which synchronization is desired.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 31, wherein the information includes identification of a service, and wherein the particular PIM corresponding to the service is known.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 32, wherein the memory stores a plurality of PIM Downloadables and wherein the PIM Downloadable retrieval engine retrieves a Downloadable corresponding to the particular PIM.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 33, wherein the PIM Downloadable retrieved includes an interface to the particular PIM.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the PIM Downloadable includes a user interface for enabling a user to select a synchronization mode and to designate a database containing the workspace data to be synchronized.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 28, wherein the Downloadable includes a synchronization module for computing the update data.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 36, wherein the synchronization module computes the update data based on one of one-way replace, one-way merge and two-way synchronization.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
58 words
A computer-based method, comprising the steps of: establishing a communications link with a server storing workspace data; receiving identification of a PIM Downloadable; executing the PIM Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve PIM data; and executing the PIM Downloadable to update the workspace data stored on the server based on the retrieved PIM data.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
58 words
A computer-based method, comprising the steps of: establishing a communications link with a server storing workspace data; receiving identification of a PIM Downloadable; executing the PIM Downloadable to instruct a personal information manager (PIM) to retrieve PIM data; and executing the PIM Downloadable to update the workspace data stored on the server based on the retrieved PIM data.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of requesting synchronization capability for a particular PIM.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 39, further comprising the steps of receiving and installing the PIM Downloadable from the server.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 38, wherein the PIM Downloadable has already been installed.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 39, wherein the step of requesting synchronization capability includes information identifying a particular PIM for which synchronization is desired.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 42, wherein the information includes identification of a service, and wherein the particular PIM corresponding to the service is known.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 38, wherein the PIM Downloadable includes an interface to the PIM.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 38, wherein the PIM Downloadable includes a user interface for enabling a user to select a synchronization mode and to designate a database containing the workspace data to be synchronized.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 38, wherein the Downloadable includes a synchronization module for computing the update data.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the synchronization module computes the update data based on one of one-way replace, one-way merge and two-way synchronization.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
88 words
A system, comprising: an installed PIM interface downloadable associated with the identification for instructing a PIM to retrieve PIM data; an installed synchronization module downloadable coupled to the PIM interface for determining update data based on the PIM data retrieved, and for forwarding the update data to the server to update the workspace data; and a browser for establishing a communications link with a server storing workspace data, for receiving identification of the PIM interface downloadable and the synchronization module downloadable, and for initiating execution of the downloadables.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
88 words
A system, comprising: an installed PIM interface downloadable associated with the identification for instructing a PIM to retrieve PIM data; an installed synchronization module downloadable coupled to the PIM interface for determining update data based on the PIM data retrieved, and for forwarding the update data to the server to update the workspace data; and a browser for establishing a communications link with a server storing workspace data, for receiving identification of the PIM interface downloadable and the synchronization module downloadable, and for initiating execution of the downloadables.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
88 words
A method, comprising the steps of: using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; initiating execution of the downloadable; receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; using the Downloadable to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
88 words
A method, comprising the steps of: using a browser to receive identification of a downloadable from a computer network; initiating execution of the downloadable; receiving information designating workspace data to be synchronized and designating a synchronization mode; using the Downloadable to retrieve the workspace data to be synchronized; using the Downloadable to determine first update data based on the workspace data to be synchronized and on the synchronization mode; and using the Downloadable to deliver the first update data to a server database connected to the computer network.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-10 | 2004-04-10 | 2004-10-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-10 | 2008-04-10 | 2008-10-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-10 | 2012-04-10 | 2012-10-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |