Showing papers on "Upload published in 1999"

Digital information library and delivery system with logic for generating files targeting a playback device

Abstract: A computer network based digital information library system employing authentication and encryption protocols for the secure transfer of digital information library programs to a client computer system and a mobile digital information playback device removably connectable to the client computer system. The present invention is a computer network based library and information delivery system for accessing and obtaining selected digital information files. The library and information delivery system comprises: 1) a library server having a plurality of digital information files; 2) a client computer system coupled to the library server over a network; and 3) a mobile device removably connectable to the client computer system, the client computer system including logic for requesting a download of a selected one or more of the digital information files from the library server, the client computer system further including logic for downloading the selected one or more of the digital information files to the mobile device.

Method and system for downloading updates for software installation

Abstract: A method and system for downloading software update data for installing a revised software product on a client computer minimizes the amount of update data to be transmitted over the network by downloading only those files needed to put the client computer in the state for installing the product. In the beginning of the downloading process, the client computer obtains from a setup server an initial setup package that includes a setup program and a list of files required for installing the software product. The setup program running on the client computer then determines whether some current or earlier versions of those files required for installation already exist on the client computer, and compiles a request list of files needed for updating the client computer. The client computer sends the request list to a download server, which maintains a collection of update files and patches. In response to the request list, the download server downloads updating files to the client. Depending of the availability of the requested files or other factors, the downloaded files may or may not be exactly those requested. Using the downloaded files, the setup program updates the existing files to provide the set of installation files on the client computer. The desired revised software product is then installed on the client computer.

Method of and system for enabling the access of consumer product related information and the purchase of consumer products at points of consumer presence on the world wide web (www) at which consumer product information request (cpir) enabling servlet tags are embedded within html-encoded documents

Abstract: Method of and system for delivering consumer product related information to consumers over the Internet. The system and method involves creating an UPN-encoded Consumer Product Information (CPIR) enabling Applet for each consumer product registered within a manufacturer-managed UPN/URL database management system. Each CPIR-enabling Applet is encapsulated within an executable file and then stored in the UPN/URL database management system. Each CPIR-enabling Applet is searchable and downloadable by, for example, (1) retailers purchasing products from an electronic-commerce enabled product catalog, (2) advertisers desiring to link consumer product information to Web-based product advertisements, or (3) anyone having a legitimate purpose of disseminating such information within the stream of electronic commerce. After downloading and extraction from its encapsulating file, the CPIR-enabling Applet is embedded within an HTML-encoded document associated with, for example, an EC-enabled store, on-line auction site, product advertisement, Internet search engine or directory, and the like. Upon encountering such an Applet-encoded HTML document on the WWW, the consumer need only perform a single mouse-clicking operation to automatically execute the underlying CPIR-enabling Applet (on either the client or server side of the network), causing a UPN-directed search to be performed against the manufacturer-defined UPN/URL Database, and the results thereof displayed in an independent Java GUI, without disturbing the consumer's point of presence on the WWW. Preferably, the CPIR-enabling Applets are realized using Java™ technology, although it is understood that alternative technologies can be used to practice the system and methods of the present invention.

System and method for using a workspace data manager to access, manipulate and synchronize network data

Abstract: A system includes a communication module for downloading workspace data (135) from a remote site, an application program interface coupled to the communications module for communicating with a workspace data manager (160) to enable manipulation of the downloaded workspace data and thereby create manipulated data, and a general synchronization module (130) coupled to the communications module for synchronizing the manipulated data with the workspace data (135) stored at the remote site. An instantiator requests the workspace data manager to provide an interface for enabling manipulation of the downloaded workspace data. The workspace data manager may create another instance of the interface or may provide access to its only interface to enable manipulation of the data. A data reader may translate the downloaded workspace data from the format used by the remote site to the format used by the workspace data manager. Upon logout, a de-instantiator synchronizes the data with the global server and deletes workspace data. The system handles the situation where the data stored at the remote site has not changed therefore includes the downloaded data, and the situation the data stored at the remote site has been modified and therefore is different than the downloaded data.

Early warning detection and notification network for environmental conditions

Abstract: An early warning detection and notification network for monitoring environmental conditions comprising a plurality of remotely located environmental sensors having a communications uplink to one or more earth orbiting satellites or other wireless transmission means, a downlink interface to a database server having one or more data tables holding environmental data and a communications interface between the database server and the Internet wherein the sensors periodically upload environmental condition data to the satellite, the satellite downloads the condition data to the database server, the communications interface provides access to the condition data through the Internet. End-users access the system through the Internet and retrieve real-time data on various environmental conditions based on a database query. The query results may be grouped by the geographic region, the type of environmental data or a combination of both. End-users may also employ preset trigger levels for certain environmental conditions. When the trigger levels are exceeded, the end-user is notified by email, pager, automated voice response or the like.

Hierarchical data storage management

Abstract: A system and method for managing the storage of files within an HSM system incorporate an architecture and methodology that facilitate the storage and retrieval of large image files as part of an overall image processing workflow. In particular, the system and method may find ready application in a workflow that involves the processing of groups of images associated with particular customers, projects, or transactions, and may act as a storage server for a client application that implements the workflow. The system and method may be useful, for example, in handling the storage of images uploaded from scanned photographic film, or digital images submitted to a photo-processing shop by amateur or professional photographers. In this case, the client application can be a photo-processing application that could provide for various media formats, sizes, and quantities of image reproductions for a consumer. As another example, the system and method may be useful in handling the storage of medical diagnostic images associated with a particular medical patient or study. In this case, the client application could be a picture archival communication system (PACS) that manages the archival of imagery for viewing by physicians. Further, the system and method may be useful in handling the storage of images associated with particular printing jobs, e.g., for publishers, advertising customers, and the like. In this case, the client application could be a digital prepress workflow application.

System and method for automatically controlling or configuring a device, such as an RFID reader

Abstract: The system and method for automatically controlling or configuring, a device, such as an RFID Reader, reads a master control tag to upload sets of instructions from the tag to memory resident in the reader. Thereafter, the reader may read a control tag to select one or more sets of instructions stored in memory. The reader may thus be readily programmed without the need for physically connecting the reader to a computer, and without employing expensive key pads and display screens.

Computer-based medical image distribution system and method

Abstract: This invention relates to an object-oriented system and method for easily and rapidly distributing medical images from existing picture and report storage systems to a plurality of heterogeneous client workstations. The system includes one or more interface engines, for providing image objects with uniform structure regardless of the type of existing system on which they are stored, and image server middleware, for managing the distribution of image objects. The system also includes a security object server, for authorizing user access to the image distribution system and to particular objects, a personalization object server, for providing user interface preferences and client workstation capabilities, and a web server, for downloading initial access pages and user interface components. The system implements a method for medical image distribution according to which image data stored in existing picture storage systems is first converted into uniformly structured image objects before being composed for downloading to client workstations for user viewing. The system and method of this invention are easily extensible both for added function and for added performance. The system and method of this invention are preferably implemented according to CORBA standards.

Universal application server for providing applications on a variety of client devices in a client/server network

Abstract: In a three tier client-server architecture, an universal application (UAP) server providing a middle or second tier between a third tier of application servers and a first tier of client devices to provide the controlled delivery of computer based application programs running on a set of application servers to a number of users using a wide variety of client devices without requiring the installation of software on, or changes to the application servers or application programs. The UAP server or application broker comprises a status manager engine, a session manager engine, a data store, a data store engine, a web server, and multiple instantiations of protocol engines design for a given application type and multiple instantiations of display engines for downloading to and operating on client devices. The UAP server provides: (1) means to support standard graphics based computer applications connected to clients of varying capability via a network of varying bandwidth and latency by automatically varying the type and number of graphic requests and their networking encoding to provide near optimum performance while maintaining the correct visual representation, (2) automatic construction of user worktops based on user data contained in a datastore, (3) loading balancing of application servers upon application launch and (4) resumable connections to client devices.

System and method for quick downloading of electronic files

Abstract: A system for transferring a delta file from a first computer to a second computer includes a delta builder on the first computer, a download manager, and a restorer on the second computer. The first computer has a first version of a file and a second version of the file, and the second computer has the first version of the file. The delta builder generates the delta file from the first and second versions on the first computer. The download manager transfers the delta file from the first computer to the second computer. The restorer generates the second version from the first version on the second computer and the transferred delta file.

Method, device and system for playing a video file in response to selecting a web page link

Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying at a user interface device a richly-detailed video or TV file upon selecting a link to a web page corresponding to the file. After the video or TV file has played, the web page is displayed, inserting a television or video experience into a web surfing experience. The video or TV file is downloaded to the user interface device during an otherwise idle time when bandwidth for downloading is available. Clicking the link to the web page may send a specialized URI from the device to a service center that signals the device to play the video or TV file and retrieve the web page, allowing the service center to manage display of the video or TV files. This has particular utility for links that are banner advertisements and provide video or TV advertisements upon clicking the banner to access a web page.

Secure computer system and method of providing secure access to a computer system including a stand alone switch operable to inhibit data corruption on a storage device

Abstract: A computer system includes hardware for selectively disabling alteration of data residing on a mass storage device which is subject to remote access. In one embodiment, a hard disk drive is operated in a conventional manner including both read and write modes when the system is being operated in a non-secure mode of operation, such as when remote access is not allowed. In a secure mode of operation, a locally operated switch is used to disable writing to the hard disk drive to maintain data integrity on the drive. The system may also include first and second electrically isolated buses and corresponding processors. In this configuration, the hard disk drive may be selectively connected to the first bus and processor for the storage of data, or to the second bus and processor when in a secure mode to provide for read-only remote access to the information stored on the hard drive. A write-only hard drive may also be included for storage of confidential information provided by remote users so that other remote users cannot access that information. In a master/slave processor configuration, all system programming is resident in an isolated portion of the system inaccessible to remote users. The slave processor receives instructions only from the master processor so that the operation of the slave processor cannot be compromised by viruses uploaded by remote users.

Network media streaming

Abstract: A method for real-time broadcasting from a transmitting computer to one or more client computers over a network, including providing at the transmitting computer a data stream having a given data rate, and dividing the stream into a sequence of slices, each slice having a predetermined data size associated therewith. The slices are encoded in a corresponding sequence of files, each file having a respective index, and the sequence is uploaded to a server at an upload rate generally equal to the data rate of the stream, such that the one or more client computers can download the sequence over the network from the server at a download rate generally equal to the data rate.

System and method for transmission of application software to an embedded vehicle computer

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an engine or machine at a remote unit from a central office, which may be a fixed location, contemplates a transmit/receive interface connected to the computer or microprocessor of the engine or machine controller. This interface is integrated with a communications module that is configured to establish communications with a World Wide Web server on the Internet. A similar system is established at the location of the central office connected to a computer controlled by a fleet owner/operator, for example. The fleet owner can upload machine control data or machine control application software to an intermediate digital file storage maintained by the Web server via the Internet. This data or application software can be accessed and downloaded at any time by the remote operator without any direct interface or communication with the central office. The remote machine controller includes a data entry device that allows the remote operator to issue commands to the Web server to upload or download information, input password or security information for access to the data in intermediate file storage, or leave messages for the central office. The transmit/receive interface at the remote unit includes means for receiving the downloaded information, determining whether the information is application data or application software, and updating the machine controller accordingly. In this manner, either specific data can be downloaded to modify the performance of the controlled machine, or entirely new application software or modified application software can be downloaded directly to the machine controller.

System and method for the distribution of code and data

Abstract: A system and method for distributing software applications and data to many thousands of clients over a network. The applications are called “channels”, the server is called the “transmitter”, and the client is called the “tuner”. The use of channels is based on subscription. The end-user needs to subscribe to channel before it can be executed. When the end-user subscribes to a channel the associated code and data is downloaded to the local hard-disk, and once downloaded the channel can be executed many times without requiring further network access. Channels can be updated automatically at regular intervals by the tuner, and as a result the end-user is no longer required to manually install software updates, instead these software and data updates are automatically downloaded and installed in the background. This method of automatic downloading of updates achieves for the client the same result as the broadcast distribution of software over a connection based network, but wherein the client initiates each update request without requiring any special broadcast networking infra structure.

Network computer system and method for executing data synchronization process thereof

Abstract: The network computer (“NC”) stores a replica list in a local storage by an initial downloading of a synchronization list in a server computer as well as resource replicas that are necessary for mobile operation of the NC. When the NC returns to an on-line state to the server, the replication between the resource replicas in the NC and the server resources is performed with reference to the synchronization list and the replica list in the local storage. Even if a synchronous object in the server synchronization list has been modified during the mobile operation of the network computer, the NC can determine the modification in the replication process. This results in a reliable and flexible network computer system.

Method and system for monitoring and dynamically reporting a status of a remote server

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention periodically collect system activity information associated with a remote server and store the information into a parameter file. The parameter file is downloaded from the remote server to a managing server where information in the parameter file is used to update a database entry. In this manner, system activity information on each remote server is collected and available from a central resource, such as the managing server. When the managing server receives a performance request from a user node, information related to selections in the request are extracted from one or more database entries. This information is used and analyzed to dynamically create an output, which provides the status of the remote server. Typically, the output (preferably a graphical output file) is then transmitted to the user node.

Targeted advertising over global computer networks

Abstract: A method and system for presenting targeted advertising during an Internet-based connection, such as a web-based data backup session in which data is communicated from a user computer to a remote storage area for archival via the Internet. According to the invention, the user computer is communicatively coupled to the server via a computer network and an asset profile for the computer is generated. The asset profile identifies the software applications that are currently loaded on the computer and the current hardware configuration for the computer including a processor type and connected hardware devices. In addition, the asset profile contains usage information such as a frequency of use for the various software applications. As a function of the uploaded asset profile, advertisements are selected from an advertisement database and are communicated to the computer for display to the user. Because of the detailed asset information, targeted advertising information having a high correlation to the user's computing behavior can be selected and displayed.

Digital rights management system

Abstract: A secure content delivery system (10) which is particularly useful for network distribution of electronic books (105) includes a reader (115) capable of storing encrypted text files downloaded from a content server such as a publisher's server (100). The system (10) includes software processes operating over the network to execute purchase, authentication and downloading aspects of a transaction.

Electronic greeting card with a custom audio mix

Abstract: A method for creating an electronic greeting card with a custom audio mix over a computer network includes the steps of selecting a pre-recorded song from a song database; downloading the pre-recorded song from the song database, via a server computer, to a client computer over the computer network; recording a vocal track on the client computer while simultaneously playing back the pre-recorded song on the client computer; mixing the vocal track with the pre-recorded song, thereby creating a custom audio mix; saving the custom audio mix on the server computer; assembling the audio mix into an electronic greeting card format; and delivering the electronic greeting card to a recipient via the computer network.

System and method for enhanced data access efficiency using an electronic book over data networks

Abstract: An electronic book (e-book) system is disclosed for advancing distribution of electronic reading materials using an electronic book (e-book) server at different locations over different data networks. Such an electronic book system may comprise a private network; a central server connected to the private network, which stores a collection of electronic documents; an e-book server which stores an electronic document selected from the central server converted in an e-book format for later downloading to a remote e-book terminal, via a public network; and a host computer connected to the private network, which selects the electronic document from the central server, and uses a print function of an operating system to transfer the selected electronic document from the central server for storage in an e-book format at the e-book server for later downloading to a remote e-book terminal, via the public network.

Method, data structure, and computer program product for identifying a network resource

Abstract: Techniques are presented for allowing clients and servers in a computer network executing the WebDAV protocol to identify a specific version of a specific resource a specific version using a resource tag. The resource can be identified even though it has been changed at a server or at an off line local cache of a client that is disconnected from the network and then later re connected to the network for uploading. Also, a resource UID is presented that will not change despite changes to the URL or the resource tag of the resource. Each resource UID of each resource can be cached locally at a client and can be stored at network server in an index. The index allows the resource to be identified uniquely across a collection in a database at a server, across a database at the server, across the entire server, or across all servers in the network.

Method and apparatus for remotely booting a client computer from a network by emulating remote boot chips

Abstract: A method and apparatus for booting a client computer connected to a network without a boot ROM and without an operating system is provided. Instructions from a BIOS ROM are executed to load a boot code loader from a nonvolatile, read/write memory, such as a diskette or hard disk. The boot code loader executes to load a control program from the diskette, and the control program executes to load a set of programs and/or device drivers from the diskette without loading an operating system. The set of programs and/or device drivers communicate with a network server to retrieve a boot program from the network server, and the boot program executes to complete the boot process of the client, such as downloading an operating system from the server.

Recoverable software installation process and apparatus for a computer system

Abstract: A software installation process for use in the manufacture of a prescribed computer system includes the steps of providing at least one processor, at least one memory, and an interface for connecting the computer system to a network server. The at least one memory includes a master boot record, a utility partition and a primary partition. The utility partition includes manufacturing code particular to a manufacturing sequence in the manufacture of the computer system. The primary partition further includes file allocation tables and a root directory. Upon booting of the computer system, the manufacturing code is executed by the at least one processor, wherein the manufacturing sequence includes at least a downloading of software from the network server to the primary partition. The manufacturing code further includes instructions for clearing the file allocation tables and the root directory of the primary partition upon the occurrence of an interruption in the downloading of software from the network server and instructions for enabling the software download to be restarted without reformatting and repartitioning of the at least one memory.

Remote control of an electronic device through downloading of a control interface of the electronic device in a mobile station

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a number of controllable electronic devices and a mobile station for communication with one of the controllable electronic devices through a short-range wireless communication link, when in-range with the one controllable electronic device. The mobile station includes a display screen and a browser. The mobile station and the one controllable electronic device form a client-server pair. Through the short-range wireless communication link, the client requests the server to download a control interface stored at the server. Upon downloading, a browser is used to navigate through control menu pages included in the control interface, and to post control parameter settings to the server. In the server, a program runs to interpret received control parameter settings, to invoke a control action in accordance with the received control parameter settings, and to instruct the client what to do next.

System and method of merging static data in web pages

Abstract: A system and method for merging static data and dynamic data downloaded to a browser from a network site of a network, preferably being a website on the Internet. The system includes at least one server in communication with the network, and the server hosts one or more network sites that include static data and dynamic data. The system further includes at least one user computer in communication with the network with a browser on the user computer that selectively interacts with network sites and selectively downloads the static data and dynamic data from the interacted network site. The user computer stores the static data and dynamic data in a local data store and recognizes the static data and dynamic data, preferably through marking with pointers, and upon refreshing of the downloaded data being requested, the user computer downloads dynamic data from the network site. The system provides a method including the steps of downloading static and dynamic data to the user computer from an interacted network site, recognizing the static data and dynamic data, storing the static data and dynamic data in a local data store of the user computer, requesting the refreshing of all downloaded data on the user computer from the network site, and downloading the dynamic data from the network site.

Reducing transfer delay using Java class file splitting and prefetching

Abstract: The proliferation of the Internet is fueling the development of mobile computing environments in which mobile code is executed on remote sites. In such environments, the end user must often wait while the mobile program is transferred from the server to the client where it executes. This downloading can create significant delays, hurting the interactive experience of users.We propose Java class file splitting and class file prefetching optimizations in order to reduce transfer delay. Class file splitting moves the infrequently used part of a class file into a corresponding cold class file to reduce the number of bytes transferred. Java class file prefetching is used to overlap program transfer delays with program execution. Our splitting and prefetching compiler optimizations do not require any change to the Java Virtual Machine, and thus can be used with existing Java implementations. Class file splitting reduces the startup time for Java programs by 10% on average, and class file splitting used with prefetching reduces the overall transfer delay encountered during a mobile program's execution by 25% to 30% on average.

Method and system for processing events related to a first type of browser from a second type of browser

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of a plug-in on a client computer; and if the plug-in is not present, downloading the plug-in to the client computer; loading the plug-in into a browser running on the client computer and processing events generated on the client computer using the code contained in the plug-in.

System and method for warehousing and retrieving data

Abstract: A system and method for preparing and integrating operational data received from nodes on a network prior to loading the data onto a data warehouse. Operational data received from nodes on a network is transformed to produce an output file of integrated data records which are audited to ensure data contained in the records has not already been loaded to the data warehouse in a previous operation. Data previously loaded onto the data warehouse is compared with current operational data to be loaded to determine whether the status of any nodes in the network has changed. The audited integrated operational data and data indicating which nodes, if any, have changed status since the previous upload of data are provided with unique identification numbers and uploaded to the data warehouse. In a preferred embodiment, the data concerns transactions occurring on, and the status of, components in customer activated terminals or transactions occurring on home banking servers. Once uploaded to the data warehouse, data may be viewed graphically by an end user querying the data warehouse.

Conferencing system having an embedded web server, and method of use thereof

Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes an embedded web server and a network interface for connecting the videoconferencing systems to a network. Computers and other devices on the network may manage and control various operations of the videoconferencing system through a conventional browser interface by accessing web pages transmitted by the embedded web server. In addition, users of network-connected computers may upload presentation files to the videoconferencing system to enable transmission of presentation slides to remote conference endpoints. The videoconferencing system may also be provided with an integrated network hub to allow connection of the videoconferencing system to one or more local computers.