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`U800'182281632
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Payne
`
`[10) Patent No.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,822,816 32
`Oct. 26, 2010
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA
`MANAGEMENT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`J. David Payne. Broken Arrow. UK (US)
`
`[73) Assignee: Macrosolve. Inc.. Tulsa, OK (US)
`
`( "' ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the term oi'tbis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.(I. 154(b) by 613 days.
`
`(21) Appl.No.: 101643516
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 19, 2003
`
`[65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 200410034684 Al
`
`Feb. 19. 2004
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`5.405.213 Bl
`
`6.12002 Boothby
`
`((..‘ontinucd)
`FOREIGN PA'l‘IiN'I‘1')()(.‘UM].£N‘1‘S
`
`W0
`
`WO 01184433 A
`
`11-2001
`
`OTHER PUBLJCATIONS
`
`Petsas. et al.. “WAP—Based personalised health care services“: Pro-
`ceedings of the 23rd Annual International Conference of the IEEE
`Engineering in Medicine and Biologyr Society. 200i Conference
`Proceedings. (EMBS) Instanbttl. Turkey. Oct. 2528. 2001. Annual
`International Conference ol‘thc IEEE Engineering in M. vol. I 014.
`Conf. 23. Oct. 25. 2001 pp. 3536-3539.
`
`[Continued]
`
`
`I’rt‘mmj‘ Iii-airliner Kliauh Q Dinh
`Assistant Exmniner Nghi V Tran
`(74)A1t0rm.{t-'. Agent. or Firm—Pellets. Snider. Blankenship.
`Bailey 81. 'l‘ippens. RC.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 601404.491. filed on Aug.
`19. 2002.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(51}
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06F 15/1 73
`7091206: 7091203: 7091224
`(52) U.S. (11.
`[58) Field of(.‘lassification Search
`”1091203,
`7091223. 224
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56}
`
`References Cited
`
`U .S. PA'l'liNT DOCUMENTS
`
`5.666.553 A
`5.684.990 A
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`
`
`70513
`3109124?
`
`A method for the management ofdata collected from a remote
`computing device including the steps of: creating a question—
`naire; transmitting the questionnaire to a remote computer:
`executing the questionnaire in the remote computer to prompt
`a user for responses to questions of the questiomtaire; trans-
`mitting the responses to a sever via a network: making the
`responses available on the Web. Prclembly. computers used in
`connection with the inventive method are loosely networked
`in that network connections between computers are not
`always available and. when a connection is not available. data
`is stored at a node of the network and transmitted at the
`
`earliest time when a comiection is available. In one preferred
`embodiment. the inventive method is used to collect survey
`data and to make the responses to the surveyr available to a
`client in virtually real time over the Internet.
`
`14 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`RPX-1001
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`6.421.? 1'?
`6.826.540
`2.3 10.3 50
`200 l.-"00563 74
`200130007303
`2002301029131
`200 2.-"01436 10
`200250160773
`2003:“0093405
`2003;013:3010
`200 3:“0 1 98934
`
`B1
`131*
`Bl’“
`Al“
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`Al‘k
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`8.9002
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`52003
`752003
`1032003
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`709-019
`.. TGSIIO
`370.466
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`T05! l 2
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`
`
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`707”
`. T05fl0
`
`US 7,822,816 BZ
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Klobaetal.
`Piantec et al.
`Shae eta].
`Joao
`Brooklcr et a].
`Singh elal.
`thyer
`Gresham et a]
`Mayer ............
`Barns-Slavin
`Sendowski et al.
`
`2004301 17244 Al *
`290459210472 Al *
`2005;0009455 Al *
`
`652004 Scott
`[032004 Lew et aL
`132005 Rosseta].
`
`TGSIIZ
`705x10
`45552.01
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Giirardol. M.. et 3L. “Efficient Representation and Streaming of
`KM], Content Over the Internet Medium". Multimedia and Expo.
`2000. ICME 2000. 2000 IEEE International Conference on New
`Yrok. NY. LISA‘ Jul. 30. 2000. pp‘ 67070
`Anonymous: "WAP Binary XML Content Format". Internet Docu-
`ment {Unline}. Jun. 24. 1999. pp. 1-14.
`
`434x350
`
`* cited by examiner
`
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`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 26, 2010
`
`Sheet 1 of6
`
`US 7,822,816 32
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`RPX-1001
`RPX-1001
`Page 3 of 16
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`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 26, 2010
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`Sheet 2 of6
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`US 7,822,816 32
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`
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`US. Patent
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`Oct. 26, 2010
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`Sheet 3 of6
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`US 7,822,816 B2
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`Oct. 26
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`9
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`US 1822,2316 BZ
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA
`MANAGEMENT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPUCA'I'ION
`
`This application claims the benefit of US. Provisional
`Application No. 60t404.491 filed Aug. 19. 2002.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`'lhc present invention relates to a system of computing
`devices for the collection and management of information.
`More particularly. but not by way of limitation, the present
`invention relates to a system for collecting and managing
`information including a plurality of computer devices loosely
`networked to a server and an operating system for a computer
`which provides a number of features favorable for use in the
`inventive system.
`2. Background of the invention
`Virtually all business software applications involve the
`collection of information in some form or another. Where
`
`information is gathered away from the convenience ofa desk-
`top. workers have traditionally entered the inlonnation on
`paper forms. This data is then entered into a computer in a
`second step. This extra step leads to delays and inaccuracies
`which are costly and. more importantly. unnecessary.
`Handheld computers are well known in the art. In fact such
`computers are presently available from nttmerous mann fac-
`turers offering a vast assor1rncnt of operating systems and
`hardware configurations. While such devices come in a host
`of variations. generally handheld computers include an I..C D
`display. a method for gathering manual input. storage. and a
`variety of machine interfaces. i.e.. an IR link, a USB port. a
`serial port. etc.
`As with their desktop, and laptop counterparts. a handheld
`computer will also include an operating system which pro-
`vides an operator interface. file management. and standard-
`ized llO. as well as facilitating the running of application
`programs. Thus far. handheld operating systems mimic those
`of desktop and laptop systems. despite the fact that handheld
`devices are typically used in a different manner and have
`radically different rcsources.
`As with other types of computers, handheld computers
`suffer from compatibility issues. especially in the operation
`of application programs. Generally speaking. software pro-
`grams must typically be tailored to a specific family of pro-
`cessors and to a specific operating system. Most applications
`are developed in a high level language and then compiled for
`a specific target processor. As different manufacturers select
`different processors, an application written for one family of
`processors must be recompiled to execute in a processor of a
`different family. Even when two manufacturers select com-
`patible processors. if they chose different operating systems.
`applications written for one device will probably not run
`correctly on the other device. Since the operating system
`provides access to the various hardware resources and man-
`ages the file system, it is almost unfathomable that the oper-
`ating systems of independent authors would be compatible.
`unless one specifically set out to copy the other. Thus. par-
`ticular applications tend to grow up around a particular family
`of devices which share an operating system and. unfortu-
`nately, the application may not be available for non—compat~
`ible devices.
`
`Another issue whiclt is common to all computers is the
`transferability of stored information. specifically. the ability
`
`ll]
`
`3U
`
`35
`
`2
`to move files from machine-to-machine. While most hand;
`held computers include an infrared port for communicating
`with other infrared devices. including other handhelds, files
`transferred in such a manner may not be usable by soliware on
`the receiving device. This is especially true of information
`formatted for a particular application such as a Word proces-
`sor, spread sheet program. data base manager. or the like.
`To overcome the necessity of compiling a program for a
`particular machine, an application may be written in an inter-
`preted language. or a language which can be compiled to
`produce an intermediate language (i.e., a language that falls
`somewhere between source code and object code) such as
`i-code or tokens. In such a scheme, each device is provided
`with a run—time package which can execute the compiled
`i-code or tokens, the runtime package having been written for
`that particular device, thus, only the run-time package needs
`to be modified in order to port a program to a new computing
`enviromnent. Once the run-time package is installed, any
`application authored in the language and which has been
`' compiled to i-code will rIJn on the target device. Unfortu-
`nately, such languages typically lack effective optimization
`and generally do not provide a broad range of support for
`hardware resources. Regardless of the language selected.
`whether compiled. interpreted. or whatever. software coding
`requires at least a nominal degree of programming skill to
`create the application program.
`Perhaps because handheld computers are not as evolved as
`their desktop counterparts. or because it is typically cumber—
`some to enter information. or maybe clue to the lack ofa true
`front-numer in operating systems, handheld computers have
`not inspired the full range of software products available for
`larger computers. The result has been a rather limited selec-
`tion of retail software applications for handheld devices as
`compared with their desktop counterparts. such software is
`aimed primarily at organizational tools. email, and games.
`However. at the other end of the spectrum. custom programs
`tailored for a specific customer. handheld computers are gain-
`ing momentum in replacing manual forms which are often
`filled-out in remote areas. away from a desktop. i.e. manufac-
`turing inventory. quality inspections. delivery systems. and
`the like. One reason for the increasing movement toward the
`use ofhandheld computers for data gathering ta sks is that they
`can be easily transported to the source ofthe data and have the
`information directly entered into them. thereby eliminating
`the potentially error-prone step of mantra] data entry of infor-
`mation on previously completed paper forms. Eliminating the
`extra step additionally saves unnecessary labor. and allows
`the data to be entered in a more timely fashion.
`Due to their incredible portability. handhelds are particu—
`larly well suited to this type of data gathering. despite an
`obvious lack of software infrastructure in this area. The
`present trend is fora business to commission the authoring of
`a custom program aimed at a particular need. While the cost
`of such an application is usually high. the accuracy of the
`information. the timeliness ofthe information. and the acces-
`sibility of the information are likely worth the cost. in fact.
`while such systems may seem cost prohibitive to develop. in
`many cases the actual cost on a per—data—entry basis may
`prove to be relatively small. especially in light of the timeli-
`ness and accuracy associated with real time data collection.
`To develop software for a handheld computer. a custom
`program is typically developed and tested on a larger system.
`When the developer is satisfied with the program. it is com-
`piled for a particular target device and transferred to handheld
`devices throng a conununication link. If users are using
`more than one type of device. the same program must be
`tested and compiled for each type of device. If a change is
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`US ?.822,816 BZ
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`required. the developer must make the change on the devel-
`oprnent system and re-transfer the entire program to each
`target device.
`information is
`In a typical data gathering application.
`entered into custom designed fonns on the handheld com-
`puter. Eventually. the data entered in the handheld finds its
`way to a database. which is typically located on a server
`which is accessible to those needing the information or from
`which it may be accessed by other programs such as account-
`ing systems. materials management programs. etc. Present
`day servers are well suited to the task of information man-
`agement and generally provide broad access to and search-
`ability to collected data.
`One problem area in such systems becomes apparent when
`the data is transferred from the handheld to the server. While
`it would seem that wireless interfaces and handhelds were
`
`made for each other. the marriage of the two is not without its
`own set of problems. Wireless interfaces fall into a number of
`different categories. At one extreme is the inli'ared ("I R“) port
`often found on handheld devices. The range of this type of
`interface is usually limited to a few feet and typically supports
`transfer rates of 115 kbaud. or less.
`Another method for wireless corrn'ntmication is via a wire-
`
`less local arca network or “WLAN.” A typical example of a
`WLAN is that defined by the IEEE 802.1 1 standard. When a
`handheld computer is equipped with a WIAN interface. the
`device can communicate with other computers also equipped
`with a WLAN interface. or even computers networked to a
`WLAN equipped computer by a wired network. Typically,
`WIAN interfaces provide a range of several hundred feet. As
`long as a handheld is within the range of another WLAN
`equipped computer. the network comiection is continuous.
`Wireless local area networks sport data rates from a few
`thousand bits per second up to at least 52 million hits per
`second. depending oil the particular standard employed.
`Yet another known wireless interface for handheld com—
`
`puters is a CDPD interface. CDMA interface. GSM interface.
`or similar wireless interface or modem. While there are some
`
`variations. these systems are often built around a cellular
`phone network and provide coverage similar to that of a
`cellular phone. typically national. or even intemational. cov-
`erage. Such interfaces will experience the same gaps in ser—
`vice as can be expected with a cell phone. While such systems
`provide an exceptionally wide area of coverage, they typi-
`cally do so at limited bandwidth. e.g. 19.2 kbaud.
`Of course handheld devices are not limited to wireless
`
`communications. Typically such devices can be connected to
`another computer through a universal serial bus ("USB")
`connection. an RS-232 connection. an Ethernet connection
`
`on a properly equipped device. or similar hardwired connec—
`tion. While these interfaces range from moderately paced to
`the extremely fast. they are exceptionally reliable. at
`least
`while the connection is in place. Unfortururt‘cly, few environ-
`ments are well suited to tethering a handheld to allow a
`continuous wired connection.
`It can be seen that perhaps the greatest drawback to using a
`handheld for data gathering as part ofa larger system are the
`limitations of the data link: I) it is unlikely that the data link
`will always be available: and 2) the bandwidth of most of the
`practical wireless options is restrictive. Presently there are
`two methods for dealing with the problem ofdata link avail-
`ability. In one schemc. data is transmitted as it is collected.
`The advantage of such a scheme is that the database is
`updated in real time and represents current data. The disad—
`vantages are. for all practical purposes, the scheme is limited
`to systems using a wireless interface and when the wireless
`link is not operational, generally data cannot be entered.
`
`Altematively. entered data can be stored locally on the
`handheld and transmitted in a batch process when a link is
`established. Tire advantage of this system is that it is tolerant
`ofgaps in the conmrunication link and works well with wired
`transfers of data. Unfortunately. data is not delivered in real
`time and the data base may be somewhat stale, depending on
`the length of time between the collection of data and the
`presence of the link.
`The issue of bandwidth may be problematic on several
`fronts. If programs are updated periodically. the entire pro-
`gram must be sent and the time to reload may be objection-
`able. ln the opposite direction. if large amounts of data are
`collected, it may be time consuming to send the data collected
`from the handheld to the server. particularly when performed
`in a batch fashion.
`
`It is tints an object of the present invention to provide an
`operating system for a handheld computer which will allow a
`program to execute on any handheld computer.
`It is a further object ofthe present invention to provide an
`operating system for a handheld computer wherein program-
`ming changes will only necessitate incremental transfers of
`program instructions.
`It is still a further object ofthe present invention to provide
`an operating system for a handheld computer wherein files
`may be transferred among devices without a translation or
`conversion.
`
`It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide
`an operating system for a handheld computer wherein pro-
`grarmning steps and data are tokenized to reduce the load on
`a communication channel of finite bandwidth.
`
`It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide
`a system of networked computers in which modifications to a
`computer program for a remote computer are sent in real time
`to the remote computer and are implemented immediately
`and seamlessly without the requirement of user installation.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`1t]
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`3U
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`'fhepresent invention provides a system and method for the
`management of information which solves the problems and
`alleviates the needs discussed above. In its broadest sense. the
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`6t;
`
`present invention is a method designed to accomplish the
`following:
`1) Allow any computer{s) (desktops. laptops. handhelds.
`portables. etc.) to be used to capture information:
`2} Transfer the information to a data center (via file transfer
`methods such as a network. to include. but not necessar-
`ily. Internet based) in a form that the data center can
`recognize:
`3)Allow another contputer[s) to access the in formation and
`download it from the data center in a format that can be
`
`readily used regardless ofthe format in which the origi-
`nal information was gathered.
`In a preferred embodiment. a server is loosely networked to
`a plurality of computers (handheld, laptop. or desktop). Each
`computer is equipped with an operating system which allows
`common programming to execute on any device. regardless
`of hardware differences or native operating system differ-
`ences among the plurality of devices.
`With regard to the present invention. the temi “loosely
`networked" is used to describe a networked computer system
`wherein devices on the network are tolerant of intennjttent
`
`network connections and. in fact. tolerant of the type of net—
`work connection available. In particular. if any communica—
`tion connection is available beIWeen devices wishing to com-
`municate. network transmissions occurnormally. in real time.
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`Ifa network connection is unavailable at tltat moment, the
`information is temporarily stored in the device and later trans-
`ntitted wlten the connection is restored. Unless otherwise
`
`specified, hereinafter the terms “network" or “network “
`refer to looseiy networked devices.
`Thus, the operating system may be thought of as device
`indifferent and cotttrnuitication channel indifl'erent. in the
`
`preferred embodiment, any computer can execute arty pro-
`grant developed for the inventive system aitd will communi-
`cate with other members of the system through any commu-
`nication method the device can find available.
`
`The operating system provided in each computer device
`allows the use ofa common instruction set ilt any such device,
`regardless of compatibility issues between the devices,
`wherein “instruction set" is used herein to mean the com—
`ntands, tokens. etc.,
`that are recognised by the operating
`system as valid instructions. Unlike conventional computer
`programs, the operating system employed in the inventive
`system allows incremetttal changes to the program without
`the need to reload the entire program. Additionally. a pro-
`granmting change ntade at a central office will automatically
`propagate
`to
`loosely networked computers dispersed
`throughout the field.
`In one aspect of the invention. branching logic depending
`on the programs are created for handheld or other computer
`devices by simply entering questions and providing response
`specification. in the form of a questionnaire. for the end-user.
`Thus. no particular programming skill is required to generate
`programs for data gathering. As will be appreciated by those
`familiar with data collection. data can be collected by posing
`a series of questions. or otherwise prompting for specific
`input from the user, as in the ntanner used with paper forms.
`A number of useful subsystems. which may already be
`present in the handheld device. or easily added later. may be
`utilized so that at least soitte of the information which is
`
`responsive to the designed questionnaire may be collected
`automatically rather titan entered manually. e.g.. time and
`date. position information if the device includes a GPS
`receiver. etc.
`In anotlter aspect of the present inventiott. the program and
`user responses are coded in such a fashion as to substantially
`redttce the bandwidtlt requirements of tlte network connec—
`tion. Since many of the networking options for handheld
`devices provide limited bandwidth. best use may be made of
`the available throughput by coding, or tokeni'zing, progrant
`information and responses.
`In practice. a program is created by entering a series of
`prompts and providing direction for how the system is to
`respond to particular responses. This process of data gatherv
`ittg may tlteit be performed by a person having no program—
`ming skill wltatsoever. The program may then be seitt to all. or
`selected, computer devices on the network. 'l‘hose devices
`having a connection may inuttediately be updated. These
`devices iIt which a network connection is temporarily not
`available will be updated when the coitnectiott
`is next
`restored.
`
`The user of the computer device is then prompted for
`specific input. As the user enters data. if tlte network connec—
`tion is available. the information is immediately sent to the
`server. If the network connection is unavailable. the infontta-
`tion is stored locally in the handheld device and sent upon
`restoration oftlte network connection. At the server. the in for-
`mation is typically processed upon receipt such that users of
`the data have real time. or virtually real time. infomtation
`available.
`[11 another aspect of the invention. the inventive system
`may be provided to end users according to an application
`
`service provider (“ASP") business method. ASPs are an
`emerging trend in the contputer software industry. Tradition-
`ally. a company seeking a software solution would eitlter
`acquire a preprogramnted package which suits its needs or
`commission the programming of custom software. In many
`instances preprogrammed software is unavailable or requires
`too many compromises to be attractive. in either case, the
`software is purcltased and. invariably, represents a large capi-
`tal expense to the company. Once purchased. modifications.
`evolutionai upgrades. changing management practices. and
`the like, result in additional expenses to keep the software
`up-to-date.
`In contrast an ASP typically provides software on a pay-
`as—you—go basis. An ASP typically provides custom. or semi—
`custom software to companies. Eaclt user is bil [ed for the time
`it uses the software. The advantages to the end user are obvi-
`ous. There is no crippling tip-front expense. modifications
`attd upgrades are the responsibility oftlte ASP, if tlte software
`does not perform satisfactorily the customer simply walks
`' away and never incurs large expenses. 01] the ASP side. the
`software vendor enjoys recurring income and the ability to
`adapt the saiue software model
`to numerous customers.
`While differing slightly front the traditional ASP model. the
`present invention is particularly well suited to a per-transac-
`tion billing model.
`Witlt regard to the current system, an ASP can provide a
`web site which allows users to build an application on line.
`possibly without incurring any expense. Once the customer is
`satisfied with the program. it can automatically be deployed
`to designated computer devices within the system. When a
`user provides input, the computer device can find a direct
`network connectiott to the ASP or. more likely. find an litter-
`net connection and report the data to the ASP via the Internet
`connection. Once received at the ASP. the data can be pro-
`cessed and is available for viewing or use by the client virtu—
`ally instantiy via the Internet. Thus. data entered at any loca—
`tion may be viewed by the client itt real time. worldwide.
`Further objects, features, and advantages of the present
`invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon
`examining the accompanyi Itg drawings arid upon reading the
`following description of the preferred embodiments.
`
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`FIG. 1 provides a diagram of the inventive system.
`FIG. 2 provides a diagram of the inventive system as used
`for form creation.
`
`FIG. 3 provides a diagram of the inventive system as used
`for information collection aitd review.
`
`FIG. 4 depicts a sequence of tasks for collecting data
`through Ihe use of prior art systems.
`FIG. 5 depicts the tasks of FIG. 4 utilizing the invent ivc
`system.
`FIG. 6 is a work flow diagram ofan embodiment utilizing
`the inventive system.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`l-EMBODIMIZN'I‘S
`
`is
`it
`invention itt detail.
`Before explaining the present
`important to tutderstand that the invention is not limited in its
`application to the details of the construction illustrated and
`the steps described Itereiu. The invention is capable of other
`embodiments and ofbeing practiced orcarried out in a variety
`of ways.
`It is to be understood that the pltraseology and
`terminology employed herein is for the purpose of descrip-
`tion and not of limitation.
`
`RPX-1001
`RPX-1001
`Page 11 of 16
`Page 11 of 16
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`US 1822,2316 B2
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`Referring now to tlte drawings. wherein like reference
`numerals indicate the same parts dtroughout
`the several
`views. a diagram of the inventive system is shown in FIG. 1.
`Typically. the system for data management 10 includes: at
`least one server 24 preferably having an Internet connection
`26: a plurality of handheld computers 28-32 operated
`remotely from server 24. each handheld 28—32 including a
`network connection 34-38. respectively. for loosely network-
`ing handhelds 28-32 to server 24; and a computer 22 con-
`nected to the Internet for providing administration of the
`system and for reviewing data collected by the system.
`Server 24 is shown preferably connected to the Internet 26
`and loosely networked to handheld computers 28-32 through
`connections 34—38. respectively. As will be apparent to those
`skilled in the art. network connection 26 could instead be
`local area network or a private wide area network. Similarly.
`connections 34-38 may be any one of a number of optional
`connections which ultimately connect a remote device to
`server 24. By way of example and not limitation. connection
`34 could be a simple dial up connection through a conven-
`tional telephone line to connect handheld 28 directly to server
`24. At the same time. connection 36 could be an infrared (IR)
`connection between handheld 30 and a desktop computer {not
`shown) which in turn. is connected to server 24 via the Inter-
`net. Connection 38 could be a wireless modem. i.e.. a CDPD
`interface. a C DMA interface. a GSM interface. an analog
`cellular modern. or the like. which either establishes a direct
`connection with server 24 or establishes an Internet connec—
`
`tion to reach server 24 via the Internet. Other options would
`include a wireless IAN connection, a direct Its-232 connec-
`tion. a docking station connected to a desktop computer. etc.
`It should be noted that. regardless of the type of connection.
`handhelds 28-32 are ultimately connect'ablc to server 24 in a
`loosely networked fashion.
`It should be noted that handheld computers 28—32 need not
`be the same type. or even compatible devices. As a part of the
`inventive system each remote device. preferably a handheld
`computer. is provided with an operating instruction system
`(“DIS") which overlays its native operating system. Once
`equipped with the 018. a remote device can be prograrruncd
`according to methods described hereinafter. Any program
`developed under the inventive system will rttn on any hand—
`held cotnputcr equipped with the 018 and files on one such
`handheld will transfer freely to any other handheld or any
`computer connected to the inventive system.
`As noted above. with regard to the present invention. the
`term “loosely networked" is used to describe a networked
`computer system wherein devices on tlte network are tolerant
`ofintermittent network connections. In particular. ifany comv
`munication connection is available between devices wishing
`to communicate. network transmissions occur nomially. itt
`real time. If a network connection is unavailable. the infor-
`mation is temporarily stored in the device and later transmit-
`ted when the connection is restored. Unless otherwise speci-
`fied. hereinafter the temts “network“ or “networked" refer to
`loosely networked devices.
`It should also be noted that the inventive system is indif—
`ferent as to the particular type of communication channel
`ttscd for connections 34-36. Thus, by way ofexample and not
`limitation. while connection 36 might today be an IR link to
`a desktop computer which accesses server 24 via the Internet.
`tomorrow. handheld 30 might establish a connection 36 with
`server 24 via a C DPD interface. The particular link selected
`will be the first available link.
`
`The inventive system may be thought of as taking on two
`distinct modes of operation. Iiirst. as shown in FIG. 2. the
`system provides an administrative function. From any com-
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`puter 22 connected to the Internet 26, a client can access
`server 24 to administer the inventive system. Administration
`involves tasks such as form creation. nuinagement. and vali-
`dation; user setup. and management of system security.
`In terms of the present invention. handheld computers are
`favored for their portability and their usefulness in gathering
`data from the field. whether the field is a stockrootn for a
`manufacturing facility. a production floor. a delivery site for a
`product. etc. More generally. field locations are typically
`areas where people work without the convenience of a desk-
`top.
`Aceordi ng to the preferred arrangement. data may be gath-
`ered by prompting the user via the handheld 28 with a series
`ofquestions or statements. each ofwhich calls for a response.
`This series of questions or statements will have been con-
`structed on computer 22 and reduced to tokenized form for
`transmission to the handheld 28. For purposes of the instant
`disclosure. the series of qtlestio ns!statements will collectively
`be referred to as a questionnaire. As will be discussed in
`greater detail below. the questionnaire is actually designed to
`include internal branching logic which is implemented by the
`018. Hence. with regard to the present invention. the terms
`“program" and “form“ are used interchangeably with ques-
`tionnaire.
`
`An important aspect of the invention is the ease with which
`a client can create a form and distribute the f