WO2001053911A2

WO2001053911A2 - Systems and methods for creating and managing an interactive computer-implemented site

Info

Publication number: WO2001053911A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/001929
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric H. Maciver
Original assignee: Maciver Eric H
Priority date: 2000-01-21
Filing date: 2001-01-19
Publication date: 2001-07-26
Also published as: AU2001227969A1; WO2001053911A3

Abstract

A computer-implemented system for a networked computer environment comprising storage (20) that maintains a database (21) of applications (21A) each having different computer-implemented functions and an operating system (24) for executing a launching application (23) for coupling the applications (21A) together in data communication through a common hub (30) and organizing the applications (21A) into a multi-user interactive site (31), the operating system (24) responsive to inputs for accessing and interacting with the interactive site (31).

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND MANAGING AN INTERACTIVE COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SITE

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to systems and methods for creating and managing interactive sites m a networked computer environment.

BACKGROUND ART Computers pervade modern society and affect nearly every aspect of daily life. They have a wide array of applications such as text-editing, desktop publishing and spreadsheet formation to computer networks and electronic commerce. Computer networks facilitate the exchange of a vast amount of data and files between a potentially vast number of users. Whether the computer network is the Internet or localized in a business environment, the most important concerns with computer networks are the way data is managed and the interaction between different software applications. To function well, computer networks must have not only robust data management capability but also formative data input and output competence. This is especially true with multiuser interactive websites subject to exposure from a vast number of users and interactive sites and back-end software packages having a wide array of subject- specific capability such as accounting, personnel, pricing, inventory, shipping, etc. In this vein, data communication between subject-specific computer- implemented disciplines can prove especially important. Given these and other technological and pragmatic concerns artisans continually examine m the pursuit of improving computer networks and the efficient management of data m the computer network environment, the continued advancement m computer networks, multi-user interactive sites and database management is inevitable.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The above problems and others are at least partially solved and the above purposes and others realized m a computer-implemented system for a networked computer environment that is adapted and arranged to improve data transfer m a networked computer environment and to enhance the establishment and management of interactive sites in a networked computer environment. In accordance with the invention, the system is comprised of storage that maintains a database of applications each having different computer- implemented functions and an operating system for executing a launching application for coupling the applications together m data communication through a common hub and organizing the applications into a multiuser interactive site. The operating system is preferably open, multi-tasking, and responsive to inputs for accessing and interacting with the interactive site. One or more portions of the interactive site are publicly accessible over the Internet, and each function of the site depends on object files that each defines an interactive data management component of a given one of the applications. Each application is a program having one or more executable files run by the operating system. Each object file can be replaced, modified or updated without affecting the one or more executable files. The functions each comprise one of a data management function, an accounting function, a group tasking function, a communications function, a scheduling function, an electronic commerce web site function, etc. In a networked computer environment comprising local users linked to servers over the Internet, the invention also provides a method under control of one of the local users (client) of creating and managing a web site that is publicly accessible over the Internet. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of loading an interactive site application and a program for running the interactive site application onto one of the servers from the client, and managing the interactive site application from the client. In a preferred embodiment, loading the interactive site application and the program further includes creating a parent database on the server and loading the interactive site application and the program onto the parent database from a resident database of the client. The method also includes synchronizing the resident and parent databases. In one embodiment, synchronizing may comprise periodically synchronizing the resident and parent databases by periodically establishing a link between the resident and parent databases and transferring data between the resident and parent databases. In another embodiment, synchronizing may comprise continuously synchronizing the resident and parent databases by establishing a continuous link between the resident and parent databases and continuously transferring data between the resident and parent databases. In another embodiment, a direct link can be established between the client and the parent database, with updates to the parent database occurring on a real-time basis. In this scenario, there would be no need for a resident database. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a networked computer environment; ^'■> Fig. 2 is diagram of a local user interface; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a program architecture for a networked computer environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention is concerned with open application platforms, application organization, decreasing the costs associated with establishing high quality interactive sites for a networked computer environment, increasing the functionality of interactive sites and providing a quick, easy way to establish a highly efficient interactive site at a very low cost. In terms of this disclosure, the ensuing discussion deals primarily with the Internet and the world-wide- web . However, those conversant in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods set forth m this specification may be implemented in a generalized network environment. Turning to the drawings, m which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, Fig. 1 illustrates a highly schematic diagram of a networked computer environment 10 comprising local users 11 connected together through a network 12. Users 11 each comprise personal computers that facilitate interaction with network 12. Each personal computer normally includes storage capability, processing apparatus, appropriate software applications, a monitor and input apparatus such as a keyboard, mouse, pointing device, voice response system, etc. Network 12 may comprise a generalized network, or the Internet. Access to the Internet is normally made over telephone lines such as commercial information services. To ease the ensuing discussion, one of the local users will be referred to as a parent user or client 11' .

Regarding Fig. 2, client 11' includes or is otherwise connected to resident storage 20, which houses a database 21 of applications 21A, a browser application 22 for facilitating Internet access, a launching application 23, an operating system or platform 24 ana a site program 25. Browser application 22 comprises any commercially available browser. Operating system 24 is preferably multi-tasking and open for providing substantially seamless interaction with other operating systems and application platforms. With additional attention to Fig. 3, applications 21A are each unique and have a different computer-implemented discipline or function. Each discipline may comprise an accounting discipline, a group tasking discipline, an inventory management discipline, a personnel management discipline, a communications discipline, a scheduling discipline, a data management discipline, an electronic commercial transaction discipline, etc. When applications 21A are installed, operating system 24 executes launching application 23 that installs applications 21A, couples or associates applications 21A together m data communication through a common hub 30 (shown only m Fig. 3) and organizes or formats applications 21A into a multi-user interactive site 31 that is run by program 25. After site 31 is created, it is stored as a resident copy into database 21. Operating system 24 is responsive to inputs from client 11' for accessing and interacting with site 21. During the installation process, a mam directory is created, installed and stored into database 21. The main directory is comprised of one or more subdirectories that are each dedicated to one of applications 21A. In other words, applications 21A install into and are organized by the main directory.

To provide other local users with access to site 31, client 11' is interfaced with a central database 40 housed by central storage 41. Server 35 facilitates the interface between client 11' and database 40. The interface between client 11' and central database 40 may be a facilitated by a dedicated hard-wired interconnection or a telecommunication interconnection promoted by a modem. To provide users with access to site 31, program 25 and a central copy of site 31 are stored into database 40, which is accessible by other users by way of network 12. Should network 12 comprise a local or generalized network, users may access site 31 with a generalized network application format. Should network 12 comprise the Internet, site 31 may be publicly accessible with a request, such as a HyperText Transfer Protocol request, from any user with a commercially available web browser. Because program 25 is loaded from client 11' to database 40 along with site 31, program 25 and site 31 may be loaded to any desired server, which gives client 11' tremendous flexibility in choosing which server or servers to use.

The content of disciplines provided by applications 21A vary. The disciplines implemented by site 31 may also be divided between a localized or generalized network and a centralized network such as the Internet. In this regard, site 31 may contain one or more disciplines for use only m a localized or generalized network, and one or more other disciplines for use only m a centralized or publicly accessible network such as the Internet .

As users interact with site 31, it is important that central and resident databases 40 and 21 be synchronized to ensure synchronization between the central and local copies of site 31. This is important especially when new information is introduced as a result of user interaction with central database 40 and client 11' interaction with resident database 21. In terms of central database 40, the new information is user-input data or information. In terms of resident database 21, the new information is typically updates or modifications to resident database 21 or to one or more of the applications that comprise site 31. The synchronization between central and resident databases 40 and 21 can occur at specified intervals or continuously if desired. Regarding the former, operating system 24 may be programmed to periodically connect client 11' to server 35 and synchronize the central and resident databases 40 and 21. Continuous synchronization can only occur if client 11' is continuously connected to server 35. In this instance, data updating and transfer between central and resident databases 40 and 21 occurs on a real-time basis. As an alternative, the central and resident databases 40 and 21 can be housed in storage 41, with updates between the two databases happening on a real-time basis. This can only work if client 11' is continuously connected to server 35. The format of site 31 is important m terms of the configuration of the applications 21A and especially ιr terms of the way applications 21A relate to one another. Regarding Fig. 3, four applications 21A are shown only for the purpose of illustration. More or less may be used as desired. As previously mentioned, launching application 23, when executed, couples applications 21A together m data communication through hub 30 and organizes or formats applications 21A into a multi-user interactive site 31 that is run by program 25. Hub 30 essentially comprises the main directory, and each application 21A is defined by one of the sub-directories contained m the mam directory. This organizational scheme allows data to freely transfer between applications 21A, which is particularly useful when two or more applications exploit the same data.

Applications 21A each carry out a function or discipline, and are each launched by one or more executable files run by operating system 24. Each one of the things a discipline does or allows a user to do is itself a discipline or functional component, which is defined herein as an object 45. Each object, which is a component of a given one of applications 21A, depends from or is otherwise comprised of an object file, and the thing each object file does is typically an interactive data management function or component, whether data input or data output. Each object file may itself depend from many other object files. Executable and object files are contained m one or more of the sub-directories, and the object files, as they relate their respective application 21A, are ranked hierarchically. Based on this arrangement between the applications, the executable files and the object files, objects can be directly accessed and replaced, updated or modified without affecting any one of the executable files. To illustrate this point m Fig. 3, an object 45' is shown as it would appear removed in favor of a

Before site 31 can be used, it should be configured with information or data specific to client 11' . In this regard, site 31 incorporates a template architecture into which information must be entered for other users to access. This data can relate to products, services, inventory, personnel, pricing, finances, etc. In this regard, operating system 24 preferably includes a graphical user interface, which implements a window environment. Prior to posting site 31 on server 35 or otherwise allowing user access to site 31, client 11' may, by interacting with program 25 with an input devices such as a keyboard or mouse, access and input information into windows or modules to configure site 31. Each module deals with a particular feature of site 31 and includes fields that request answers to questions and that receive information. By navigating through and inputting information into various modules or windows, site 31 may be configured m accordance with client 11' desires. After all information has been entered, site 31 can then be stored by, for instance, simply pressing "ENTER" with a keypad, mouse or other input device. In response to the "ENTER" command, site 31 is configured and stored. This process may be repeated as necessary. Thus, this invention allows an individual to create and manage a multi-user interactive site directly through a graphical user interface-based operating system and, m the case of an Internet-based site, not over the Internet using a commercially available browser.

Each module or window is an object that is itself comprised of one or more other objects. Because each object is itself an object file, and because each object file can be easily replaced, modified or updated, even the most minute part of site 31 can be changed, modified or updated. After site 31 is modified, either through upgrading, changing or modifying one or more object files, modifications will propagate through all of the users computers as well, because any user wishing to utilize a multi-user version of site 31 must use an interface that connects to database 40. The invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments. However, those skilled m the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made m the described embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to one or more of the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled m the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof, which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled m the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:

Claims

1. A computer-implemented system for a networked computer environment comprising storage that maintains a database of applications each having different computer- implemented functions and an operating system for executing a launching application for coupling the applications together in data communication through a common hub and organizing the applications into a multiuser interactive site, the operating system responsive to inputs for accessing and interacting with the interactive

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive site is publicly accessible over the Internet.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein each function depends on object files that each defines an interactive data management component of a given one of the applications .

4. The system of claim 3, each application is a program having one or more executable files run by the operating system, wherein each object file is replaceable without affecting the one or more executable files.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the functions each comprise one of an accounting function, a group tasking function, a communications function, a scheduling function and an electronic commerce web site function.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the functions each comprise a data management function.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the functions cooperate together for effecting electronic commercial transactions .

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating system comprises a multi-tasking operating system.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating system is open.

10. A computer-implemented system for a networked computer environment comprising: storage that maintains an operating system and a database of applications having executable files run by the operating system, the programs each having different computer-implemented functions that depend on object files that each defines an interactive components of a given one of the applications; and the operating system for executing a launching application for coupling the applications together in data communication through a common hub and organizing the applications into a multi-user interactive site, the operating system responsive to inputs for accessing and interacting with the interactive site, wherein each object file is replaceable without affecting the executable files.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the interactive site is publicly accessible over the Internet.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the functions each comprise one of an accounting function, a group tasking function, a communications function, a scheduling function and an electronic commerce web site function.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the functions each comprise a data management function.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the functions cooperate together for effecting electronic commercial transactions .

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the object files are hierarchically ranked.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the operating system comprises a multi-tasking operating system.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the processing system comprises an open operating system.

18. In a networked computer environment comprising local users linked to servers over the Internet, a method under control of one of the local users of creating and managing a web site that is publicly accessible over the Internet comprising the steps of: loading an interactive site application and a program for running the interactive site application onto one of the servers from the one of the local users; and managing the interactive site application from the one of the local users.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of loading the interactive site application and the program further includes the steps of creating a parent database on the server and loading the interactive site application and the program onto the parent database from a resident database of the one of the local users.

20. The method of claim 18, further including the step of periodically synchronizing the resident and parent databases .

21. The method of claim 18, further including the step of continuously synchronizing the resident and parent databases.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of periodically synchronizing the resident and parent databases further includes the steps of periodically establishing a link between the resident and parent databases and transferring data between the resident and parent databases.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of continuously synchronizing the resident and parent databases further includes the steps of establishing a continuous link between the resident and parent databases and continuously transferring data between the resident and parent databases .

24. In a networked computer environment comprising local users linked to servers over the Internet, a method under control of one of the local user of creating and managing a web site that is publicly accessible over the Internet comprising computer-implemented steps of: establishing the one of the local users with a resident database containing an interactive site application and a program for running and managing interactive site application; configuring the interactive site application with data specific to the one of the local users; loading the interactive site application and the program onto one of the servers from the one of the local users; and managing the interactive site application from the one of the local users.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of loading the interactive site application and the program further includes the steps of creating a parent database on the server and loading the interactive site application and the program onto the parent database from the resident database.

26. The method of claim 24, further including the step of periodically synchronizing the resident and parent databases.

27. The method of claim 24, further including the step of continuously synchronizing the resident and parent databases.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of periodically synchronizing the resident and parent databases further includes the steps of periodically establishing a link between the resident and parent databases and transferring data between the resident and parent databases.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of continuously synchronizing the resident and parent databases further includes the steps of establishing a continuous link between the resident and parent databases and continuously transferring data between the resident and parent databases.