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WO1999035570A1 - Applications enveloppees au moyen du langage html - Google Patents

Applications enveloppees au moyen du langage html Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999035570A1
WO1999035570A1 PCT/US1999/000060 US9900060W WO9935570A1 WO 1999035570 A1 WO1999035570 A1 WO 1999035570A1 US 9900060 W US9900060 W US 9900060W WO 9935570 A1 WO9935570 A1 WO 9935570A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
html
application
operating environment
computer
applications
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/000060
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John M. Grubbs
Original Assignee
Gateway 2000, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gateway 2000, Inc. filed Critical Gateway 2000, Inc.
Priority to AU20256/99A priority Critical patent/AU2025699A/en
Publication of WO1999035570A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999035570A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/46—Multiprogramming arrangements
    • G06F9/54—Interprogram communication
    • G06F9/541—Interprogram communication via adapters, e.g. between incompatible applications
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90—Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/95—Retrieval from the web
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F8/00—Arrangements for software engineering
    • G06F8/70—Software maintenance or management

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a hypertext-markup-language (HTML) operating environment, and more specifically to applications embedded in HTML wrappers so that they are able to run within such an environment.
  • HTML hypertext-markup-language
  • HTML hypertext-markup-language
  • HTML operating environments have been suggested as an alternative to the de facto operating environment on the computer on which it is being run.
  • an HTML operating environment would instead be used as a "web top.”
  • Microsoft Windows 97 files of data that reside on storage devices such as local hard drives, networked hard drives, etc., may be browsed using an integrated Internet Explorer application, which may also be used to view WWW pages.
  • Netscape Communicator provides similar capability.
  • Plug-ins are extensions to web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer that add functionality to and/or extend the range of data types that can be used with the web browsers.
  • Plug-ins are specifically described in Using HTML 3.2, Java 1.1 and CGI (Platinum Edition), authored by Eric Ladd and Jim O'Donnell (Que Corporation: 1996), which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • plug- ins only extend the browser; they do not operate as separate applications within the HTML operating environment. They become part of the browser. Therefore, plug-ins do not permit applications to relate to and depend on the HTML operating environment.
  • HTML operating environment may slow the acceptance of such environments as viable alternatives to the desktop as operating environments. Therefore, there is a need to afford HTML operating environments such as web browsers more control over applications.
  • the invention describes a computerized system in which one or more applications are each embedded in a hypertext- markup-language (HTML) wrapper such that each application is able to run within an HTML operating environment. Each such application thus runs dependently to the HTML operating environment.
  • HTML hypertext- markup-language
  • the HTML operating environment may format the visual display of an application as part of its own primary window.
  • the primary window for the HTML operating environment is typically its browser window.
  • the application becomes a part of the browser window.
  • the HTML operating environment may format the visual display of an application as a separate window, under the control of the HTML operating environment.
  • the HTML operating environment may resize, move, etc., the separate window.
  • the invention permits a television (TV) window to be invoked as part of an HTML window, either by user control, or by HTML control.
  • TV television
  • a sports channel site such as ESPN is aware of this capability, and while the user is surfing the site, the site may open a HTML television window, and change the television station to the sports channel.
  • a computer support site such as a Gateway 2000 support site, may also be aware of this capability, and while the user is surfing the site, the site may open an telephone telephone window, and call customer support for the user.
  • wrapping an application in an HTML wrapper as afforded by the invention renders HTML operating environments as more viable alternatives to standard desktop operating environments.
  • computers, computerized systems, applications, and computer- readable media of varying scope are described. Still other and further embodiments, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the following detailed description.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical computer in conjunction with which embodiments of the invention may be implemented;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a hypertext- markup-language (HTML) operating environment and applications having HTML wrappers, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an application having an HTML wrapper formatted as part of the primary window of an HTML operating environment, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an application having an HTML wrapper formatted as a window separate to the primary window of an HTML operating environment, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing applications having HTML wrappers formatted as both part of the primary window of an HTML operating window, and as windows separate to the primary window, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Computer 10 is coupled to monitor 12, pointing device 14, and keyboard 16.
  • Computer 10 includes a processor (preferably, an Intel Pentium processor), random-access memory (RAM) (preferably, at least thirty-two megabytes), readonly memory (ROM), and one or more storage devices, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive (into which a floppy disk can be inserted), an optical disk drive, and a tape cartridge drive.
  • RAM random-access memory
  • ROM readonly memory
  • storage devices such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive (into which a floppy disk can be inserted), an optical disk drive, and a tape cartridge drive.
  • the memory, hard drives, floppy disks, etc. are types of computer-readable media.
  • the invention is not particularly limited to any type of computer 10.
  • Computer 10 preferably is a PC-compatible computer running a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.
  • Computer 10 may be communicatively connected to the Internet, any particular manner by which the invention is not limited to, and which is not shown in FIG. 1.
  • Internet connectivity is well known within the art.
  • the computer includes a modem and corresponding communication drivers to connect to the Internet via what is known in the art as a "dial-up connection.”
  • the computer includes an Ethernet or similar hardware card to connect to a local-area network (LAN) that itself is connected to the Internet via what is known in the art as a "direct connection” (e.g., Tl line, etc.).
  • LAN local-area network
  • Computer 10 also has at least one hypertext-markup-language (HTML) operating environment running thereon, which may utilize the Internet connectivity.
  • HTTP hypertext-markup-language
  • Such operating environments are typically software and preferably include at least one of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, both of which provide an HTML operating environment, and also access to the Internet's world wide web (WWW), Usenet newsgroups, and electronic mail features.
  • WWW world wide web
  • Usenet newsgroups and electronic mail features.
  • the invention is not limited to any particular HTML operating environment, however, and the construction and use of such operating environments are well known within the art.
  • Monitor 12 permits the display of information for viewing by a user of the computer.
  • the invention is not limited to any particular monitor 12.
  • monitors include cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, as well as flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCD's).
  • Pointing device 14 permits the control of the screen pointer provided by the graphical user interface of operating systems such as versions of Microsoft Windows.
  • the invention is not limited to any particular pointing device 14.
  • Such pointing devices include mouses, touch pads, trackballs, and point sticks.
  • computer 10 is a Gateway 2000, Inc., desktop personal computer
  • monitor 12 includes a super-VGA CRT display
  • pointing device 14 is a mouse.
  • keyboard 16 permits entry of textual information into computer 10, as known within the art, and the invention is not limited to any particular type of keyboard.
  • HTML operating environment and all of applications 20 are software residing within a computer-readable medium and comprising computer- executable instructions (i.e., executable by a processor of a computer) running on a computer such as that which has been described in conjunction with FIG. 1.
  • HTML operating environment 18 may be any type of environment running an application that permits the display of HTML-formatted content.
  • HTML primarily provides formatting instructions for presenting text-based content in a common manner, such that any HTML-capable operating environment or viewer may permit viewing of an HTML file.
  • Commonly available HTML operating environments include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Active Desktop, Netscape Netcaster and Netscape Navigator, as have been described.
  • Each of applications 20 includes application code 22 embedded within HTML wrapper code 24.
  • HTML wrapper code 24 is the manner by which application code 22 interacts with HTML operating environment 18, such that each application 20 is able to run within HTML operating environment 18.
  • Each application 20 runs dependently to HTML operating environment 18.
  • each application 20 is dependent to HTML operating environment 18 in the same manner in which applications in the prior art are dependent to a desk top operating environment as found in operating systems such as versions of Microsoft Windows.
  • Application code 22 is the code that provides for the functionality of an application 20.
  • Application code 22 is conceptualized as the "core" of application 20 because it cannot provide output to the display device of a computer except via HTML wrapper code 24. Therefore, HTML wrapper code 24 is conceptualized as wrapping application code 22, in that application code 22 is embedded therein so that HTML wrapper code 24 provides the manner by which application code 22 displays output on the display device of a computer, within HTML operating environment 18.
  • HTML wrapper codes 24 The manner by which application codes 22 are wrapped by HTML wrapper codes 24 in applications 20 is that input/output routines that are otherwise developed to utilize routines available in Microsoft Windows, may instead be developed to provide input/output in HTML format, such that the output is readable in HTML operating environment 18, and that input comes through the HTML operating environment.
  • the providing of input/output in HTML format is performed by an application 20's HTML wrapper code 24.
  • the construction of code to perform input/output in HTML format is known within the art. For example, the reference Using HTML 3.2, Java 1.1 , and CGT. previously incorporated by reference, provides description as to how to construct code to perform input/output in HTML format.
  • HTML wrapper code renders application code that may otherwise utilize input/output features available in a given operating system to instead utilize HTML.
  • the application is able to be controlled by the HTML operating environment.
  • Applications thus are better integrated into the HTML operating environment, rendering HTML operating environments as more viable alternatives to the desk top operating environment.
  • the invention is not limited to how applications having HTML wrappers are controllable in an HTML operating environment.
  • the HTML operating environment can be made aware of the presence of such applications, and thus make appropriate accommodations for them in the viewing area.
  • the applications can also be invoked by the HTML operating environment itself, without the user having to perform the operation him or herself.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an application having an HTML wrapper formatted as part of the primary window of an HTML operating environment, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Window 26 is the primary window in which the HTML operating environment runs within an operating system.
  • window 26 may be the "application window," as that term is known within the art, for a browser application such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, on the desk top provided by Microsoft Windows.
  • an area 28 of the viewing space of window 26 is allocated for an application having an HTML wrapper.
  • FIG. 4 a diagram showing an application having an HTML wrapper formatted as a window separate to the primary window of an HTML operating environment, according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown.
  • Window 26 is the application window for the browser, as has been described.
  • the application is instead viewable as a separate window 30 floating on top of window 26. In visual effect, this is no different than if the application were dependent to the operating system of the computer (such as Microsoft Windows), and not the HTML operating environment.
  • window 30 is controllable by the HTML operating environment — it can be closed, moved, resized, etc., by the operating environment.
  • FIG. 5 a diagram showing applications having HTML wrappers formatted as both part of the primary window of an HTML operating window, and as windows separate to the primary window, according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown.
  • Window 26 is the application window for the browser application acting as the HTML operating environment, as has been described.
  • Such applications are known as virtual appliance applications because they mimic real- world devices external to the computer on which they run.
  • the television application corresponds to a real- world television
  • the phone application corresponds to a real-world telephone.
  • the application code of such applications provide their particular real- world device functionality.
  • floating window 32 includes the video output of a television tuner coupled to the computer on which the HTML operating environment is running.
  • a convergence computing environment in which both television and computer functionality are provided in one system.
  • Such convergence computing environments are provided by systems like the Gateway 2000, Inc., Destination system.
  • floating window 32 includes the video output of the tuner
  • area 34 includes the controls for the tuner, such that the user is able to click on controls within area 34 to change the channel tuned to in floating window 32.
  • This embodiment of the invention therefore, provides the capability of adding virtual appliances to an HTML operating environment, such as a web browser or a web top environment.
  • the user is desirably able to view a web page on the viewing area of window 26 not taken up by areas 34 and 38.
  • the user is able to watch a television application while exploring the world-wide- web of the Internet. This convergence allows for related activities, such as viewing the web page of a television show while simultaneously watching the television show.
  • floating window 36 includes the controls of the phone functionality of a modem card coupled to the computer on which the HTML operating environment is running.
  • Such an application is also common in a convergence computing environment.
  • floating window 36 includes the controls of the phone functionality, such that a user is able to dial a number, answer a ringing telephone, etc.
  • area 38 is a single button that when clicked brings up floating window 36, which is otherwise closed.
  • the user when the user wishes to use the phone functionality of the convergence computing environment, the user clicks on the button within area 38, which brings up window 36, such that the user is able to dial a phone number, etc.
  • the phone application detects that someone is calling, it automatically opens window 36, permitting the user to easily answer the ringing phone. Therefore, while a user is browsing the Internet's world wide web, the user is easily able to utilize the phone functionality afforded by the convergence computing environment because the phone application is run dependently to the HTML operating environment. The user does not have to go to a start menu, for example, and click on the necessary application; the application itself runs dependent to the HTML operating environment, so that it can be better integrated within the environment.
  • the invention permits a television (TN) window to be invoked as part of an HTML window, either by user control, or by HTML control.
  • TN television
  • a sports channel site such as ESPN is aware of this capability, and while the user is surfing the site, the site may open a HTML television window, and change the television station to the sports channel.
  • a computer support site such as a Gateway 2000 support site, may also be aware of this capability, and while the user is surfing the site, the site may open an telephone telephone window, and call customer support for the user.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des applications enveloppées au moyen du langage HTML. Dans un mode de réalisation, un système informatisé comprend une ou plusieurs applications dont chacune est intégrée à un dispositif de formation d'enveloppe HTML, de manière à permettre à chaque application de tourner à l'intérieur d'un environnement d'exploitation HTML. De cette manière, chaque application tourne à l'intérieur d'un environnement d'exploitation HTML. Cela permet d'assurer une intégration sans heurts dans un environnement d'exploitation HTML d'applications telles que les applications d'appareils virtuels.
PCT/US1999/000060 1998-01-05 1999-01-05 Applications enveloppees au moyen du langage html WO1999035570A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU20256/99A AU2025699A (en) 1998-01-05 1999-02-05 Hypertext-markup-language (html)-wrapped applications

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US259798A 1998-01-05 1998-01-05
US09/002,597 1998-01-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999035570A1 true WO1999035570A1 (fr) 1999-07-15

Family

ID=21701542

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/000060 WO1999035570A1 (fr) 1998-01-05 1999-01-05 Applications enveloppees au moyen du langage html

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2025699A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999035570A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003021431A3 (fr) * 2001-08-31 2004-08-05 Schlumberger Ca Ltd Interface utilisateur modifiable dynamiquement
US9098149B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2015-08-04 International Business Machines Corporation Group radio control

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0694834A1 (fr) * 1994-06-30 1996-01-31 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Interface utilisateur pour plusieurs fenêtres affiliées
US5680323A (en) * 1995-06-23 1997-10-21 Canon Information Systems, Inc. Multimedia player

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0694834A1 (fr) * 1994-06-30 1996-01-31 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Interface utilisateur pour plusieurs fenêtres affiliées
US5680323A (en) * 1995-06-23 1997-10-21 Canon Information Systems, Inc. Multimedia player

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
EDWARDS N ET AL: "High security Web servers and gateways", COMPUTER NETWORKS AND ISDN SYSTEMS, vol. 29, no. 8-13, 1 September 1997 (1997-09-01), pages 927-938, XP004095292 *
PALEY S M ET AL: "Adapting EcoCyc for use on the World Wide Web", GENE, vol. 172, no. 1, 12 June 1996 (1996-06-12), pages GC43-GC50, XP004042696 *
PHANOURIOU C ET AL: "Transforming command-line driven systems to Web applications", COMPUTER NETWORKS AND ISDN SYSTEMS, vol. 29, no. 8-13, 1 September 1997 (1997-09-01), pages 1497-1505, XP004095344 *

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003021431A3 (fr) * 2001-08-31 2004-08-05 Schlumberger Ca Ltd Interface utilisateur modifiable dynamiquement
GB2396280B (en) * 2001-08-31 2006-02-22 Schlumberger Holdings Dynamically modifiable user interface
US9098149B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2015-08-04 International Business Machines Corporation Group radio control
US10216385B2 (en) 2004-12-27 2019-02-26 International Business Machines Corporation Group radio control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2025699A (en) 1999-07-26

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