Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Remote data accessing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-25
2001-04-10
Vu, Viet D. (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Remote data accessing
C709S219000, C709S225000, C709S241000, C709S241000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216158
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of networked computer. In particular, the invention relates to a system and method to control network devices using a palm sized, or otherwise reduced functionality, computer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Palm sized computers, also referred to as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), are portable devices which perform an array of personal management tasks such as calendar management and address book storage. The adoption of palm sized computers has been rapid. Some palm sized computers are able to interface with conventional computing devices, such as PCs, on an as-needed basis. For example, palm sized computers such as 3Com's Palm Platform™ computers can upload personal appointments to a PC-based calendar.
Palm sized computers generally have the following characteristics. Relative to desktop and laptop computers, palm sized computers have limited processing, display and input capabilities. As a result of these limitations, palm sized computers do not run the same applications as desktop or laptop computers. Other limitations of palm sized computers include limited battery life and lower bandwidth communications with other devices.
One big advantage of palm sized computers is their portability. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to access desktop functionality from palm sized computers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Controlling network services using palm sized computers is described. A program on the palm sized computer is used to access a registry of network services that may be available. The registry includes descriptions for various services. Each description includes at least a reference to program code that can be downloaded to the palm sized computer. Executing this program causes the palm sized computer to issue commands directly to the specific network services needed. In some cases, these network services include application services for running desktop applications that the palm sized computer could not execute.
In some embodiments, the device executing the network services and the palm sized computer are executing middleware applications for communicating with the registry. In some embodiments, this middleware includes Jini technology from Sun Microsystems. Additionally, the programs downloaded can include Java program code.
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Luo Wenjun
Lusher Elaine P.
3Com Corporation
Haynes Mark A.
Haynes & Beffel LLP
Vu Viet D.
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