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`US 20110040831Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Payne
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0040831 Al
`Feb. 17, 2011
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA
`MANAGEMENT
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/404,491, filed on Aug.
`19, 2002.
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`J. David Payne, Broken Arrow, OK
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`FELLERS SNIDER BLANKENSHIP
`BAILEY & TIPPENS
`THE KENNEDY BUILDING, 321 SOUTH BOS(cid:173)
`TON SUITE 800
`TULSA, OK 74103-3318 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`MACROSOLVE, INC., Tulsa, OK
`(US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/910,706
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 22, 2010
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 10/643,516, filed on
`Aug. 19, 2003, now Pat. No. 7,822,816.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G06F 15116
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ 709/203
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A method for the management of data collected from a remote
`computing device including the steps of: creating a question(cid:173)
`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 questionnaire; trans(cid:173)
`mitting the responses to a sever via a network; making the
`responses available on the Web. Preferably, 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 connection is available. In one preferred
`embodiment, the inventive method is used to collect survey
`data and to make the responses to the survey available to a
`client in virtually real time over the Internet.
`
`IPR2018-00043
`Ex. 3002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
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`Feb. 17, 2011 Sheet 1 of 6
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Feb. 17, 2011 Sheet 3 of 6
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`Feb. 17, 2011 Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 2011/0040831 Al
`
`Feb. 17, 2011
`
`1
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA
`MANAGEMENT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi(cid:173)
`sional Application No. 60/404,491filedAug.19, 2002, and is
`a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.
`10/643,516 filed on Aug. 19, 2003, scheduled to issue as U.S.
`Pat. No. 7,822,816 on Oct. 26, 2010, herein incorporated by
`reference in its entirety for all purposes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`1. Field of the Invention
`[0003] The present invention relates to a system of comput(cid:173)
`ing devices for the collection and management of informa(cid:173)
`tion. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the
`present invention relates to a system for collecting and man(cid:173)
`aging 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.
`[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
`[0005] Virtually all business software applications involve
`the collection of information in some form or another. Where
`information is gathered away from the convenience of a desk(cid:173)
`top, workers have traditionally entered the information 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.
`[0006] Handheld computers are well known in the art. In
`fact such computers are presently available from numerous
`manufacturers offering a vast assortment of operating sys(cid:173)
`tems and hardware configurations. While such devices come
`in a host of variations, generally handheld computers include
`an LCD display, a method for gathering manual input, stor(cid:173)
`age, and a variety of machine interfaces, i.e., an IR link, a
`USB port, a serial port, etc.
`[0007] As with their desktop, and laptop counterparts, a
`handheld computer will also include an operating system
`which provides an operator interface, file management, and
`standardized I/O, as well as facilitating the running of appli(cid:173)
`cation 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 resources.
`[0008] As with other types of computers, handheld com(cid:173)
`puters suffer from compatibility issues, especially in the
`operation of application programs. Generally speaking, soft(cid:173)
`ware programs must typically be tailored to a specific family
`of processors and to a specific operating system. Most appli(cid:173)
`cations are developed in a high level language and then com(cid:173)
`piled for a specific target processor. As different manufactur(cid:173)
`ers 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 compatible processors, if they chose different operat(cid:173)
`ing 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
`manages the file system, it is almost unfathomable that the
`operating systems of independent authors would be compat(cid:173)
`ible, unless one specifically set out to copy the other. Thus,
`
`particular applications tend to grow up around a particular
`family of devices which share an operating system and, unfor(cid:173)
`tunately, the application may not be available for non-com(cid:173)
`patible devices.
`[0009] Another issue which is common to all computers is
`the transferability of stored information, specifically, the abil(cid:173)
`ity to move files from machine-to-machine. While most hand(cid:173)
`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 software on
`the receiving device. This is especially true of information
`formatted for a particular application such as a word proces(cid:173)
`sor, spread sheet program, data base manager, or the like.
`[0010] To overcome the necessity of compiling a program
`for a particular machine, an application may be written in an
`interpreted 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 run-time 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 environment. Once the run-time package is
`installed, any application authored in the language and which
`has been compiled to i-code will run on the target device.
`Unfortunately, such languages typically lack effective opti(cid:173)
`mization and generally do not provide a broad range of sup(cid:173)
`port for hardware resources. Regardless of the language
`selected, whether compiled, interpreted, or whatever, soft(cid:173)
`ware coding requires at least a nominal degree of program(cid:173)
`ming skill to create the application program.
`[0011] Perhaps because handheld computers are not as
`evolved as their desktop counterparts, or because it is typi(cid:173)
`cally cumbersome to enter information, or maybe due to the
`lack of a true front-runner in operating systems, handheld
`computers have not inspired the full range of software prod(cid:173)
`ucts available for larger computers. The result has been a
`rather limited selection of retail software applications for
`handheld devices as compared with their desktop counter(cid:173)
`parts, such software is aimed primarily at organizational
`tools, e-mail, and games. However, at the other end of the
`spectrum, custom programs tailored for a specific customer,
`handheld computers are gaining momentum in replacing
`manual forms which are often filled-out in remote areas, away
`from a desktop, i.e. manufacturing inventory, quality inspec(cid:173)
`tions, delivery systems, and the like. One reason for the
`increasing movement toward the use ofhandheld computers
`for data gathering tasks is that they can be easily transported
`to the source of the data and have the information directly
`entered into them, thereby eliminating the potentially error(cid:173)
`prone step of manual data entry of information on previously
`completed paper forms. Eliminating the extra step addition(cid:173)
`ally saves unnecessary labor, and allows the data to be entered
`in a more timely fashion.
`[0012] Due to their incredible portability, handhelds are
`particularly well suited to this type of data gathering, despite
`an obvious lack of software infrastructure in this area. The
`present trend is for a 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 of the information, and the acces(cid:173)
`sibility of the information are likely worth the cost. In fact,
`while such systems may seem cost prohibitive to develop, in
`
`

`

`US 2011/0040831 Al
`
`Feb. 17, 2011
`
`2
`
`many cases the actual cost on a per-data-entry basis may
`prove to be relatively small, especially in light of the timeli(cid:173)
`ness and accuracy associated with real time data collection.
`[0013] 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
`compiled for a particular target device and transferred to
`handheld devices through a communication 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
`required, the developer must make the change on the devel(cid:173)
`opment system and re-transfer the entire program to each
`target device.
`[0014]
`In a typical data gathering application, information
`is entered into custom designed forms on the handheld com(cid:173)
`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(cid:173)
`ing systems, materials management programs, etc. Present
`day servers are well suited to the task of information man(cid:173)
`agement and generally provide broad access to and search(cid:173)
`ability to collected data.
`[0015] One problem area in such systems becomes appar(cid:173)
`ent when the data is transferred from the handheld to the
`server. While it would seem that wireless interfaces and hand(cid:173)
`helds 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 infra(cid:173)
`red ("IR") 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.
`[0016] Another method for wireless communication is via a
`wireless local area network or "WLAN." A typical example of
`a WLAN is that defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard. When
`a handheld computer is equipped with a WLAN 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,
`WLAN interfaces provide a range of several hundred feet. As
`long as a handheld is within the range of another WLAN
`equipped computer, the network connection is continuous.
`Wireless local area networks sport data rates from a few
`thousand bits per second up to at least 52 million bits per
`second, depending on the particular standard employed.
`[0017] Yet another known wireless interface for handheld
`computers is a CDPD interface, CDMA interface, GSM inter(cid:173)
`face, or similar wireless interface or modem. While there are
`some variations, these systems are often built around a cellu(cid:173)
`lar phone network and provide coverage similar to that of a
`cellular phone, typically national, or even international, cov(cid:173)
`erage. Such interfaces will experience the same gaps in ser(cid:173)
`vice as can be expected with a cell phone. While such systems
`provide an exceptionally wide area of coverage, they typi(cid:173)
`cally do so at limited bandwidth, e.g. 19.2 kbaud.
`[0018] Of course handheld devices are not limited to wire(cid:173)
`less communications. Typically such devices can be con(cid:173)
`nected to another computer through a universal serial bus
`("USB") connection, an RS-232 connection, an Ethernet con(cid:173)
`nection on a properly equipped device, or similar hardwired
`connection. While these interfaces range from moderately
`paced to the extremely fast, they are exceptionally reliable, at
`least while the connection is in place. Unfortunately, few
`
`environments are well suited to tethering a handheld to allow
`a continuous wired connection.
`[0019]
`It can be seen that perhaps the greatest drawback to
`using a handheld for data gathering as part of a larger system
`are the limitations of the data link: 1) 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 of data link avail(cid:173)
`ability. In one scheme, 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(cid:173)
`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.
`[0020] Alternatively, entered data can be stored locally on
`the handheld and transmitted in a batch process when a link is
`established. The advantage of this system is that it is tolerant
`of gaps in the communication 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.
`[0021] The issue of bandwidth may be problematic on sev(cid:173)
`eral fronts. If programs are updated periodically, the entire
`program must be sent and the time to reload may be objec(cid:173)
`tionable. In the opposite direction, iflarge 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.
`[0022]
`It is thus 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.
`[0023]
`It is a further object of the present invention to
`provide an operating system for a handheld computer
`wherein programming changes will only necessitate incre(cid:173)
`mental transfers of program instructions.
`[0024]
`It is still a further object of the present invention to
`provide an operating system for a handheld computer
`wherein files may be transferred among devices without a
`translation or conversion.
`[0025]
`It is yet a further object of the present invention to
`provide an operating system for a handheld computer
`wherein programming steps and data are tokenized to reduce
`the load on a communication channel of finite bandwidth.
`[0026]
`It is yet a further object of the present invention to
`provide a system of networked computers in which modifi(cid:173)
`cations 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
`
`[0027] The present invention provides a system and method
`for the management of information which solves the prob(cid:173)
`lems and alleviates the needs discussed above. In its broadest
`sense, the present invention is a method designed to accom(cid:173)
`plish the following:
`[0028]
`!)Allow any computer(s) (desktops, laptops, hand(cid:173)
`helds, portables, etc.) to be used to capture information;
`[0029] 2) Transfer the information to a data center (via file
`transfer methods such as a network, to include, but not nec(cid:173)
`essarily, Internet based) in a form that the data center can
`recognize;
`
`

`

`US 2011/0040831 Al
`
`Feb. 17, 2011
`
`3
`
`3) Allow another computer( s) to access the informa(cid:173)
`[ 003 OJ
`tion and download it from the data center in a format that can
`be readily used regardless of the format in which the original
`information was gathered.
`In a preferred embodiment, a server is loosely net(cid:173)
`[0031]
`worked to a plurality of computers (handheld, laptop, or
`desktop). Each computer is equipped with an operating sys(cid:173)
`tem which allows common programming to execute on any
`device, regardless of hardware differences or native operating
`system differences among the plurality of devices.
`[0032] With regard to the present invention, the term
`"loosely networked" is used to describe a networked com(cid:173)
`puter system wherein devices on the network are tolerant of
`intermittent network connections and, in fact, tolerant of the
`type of network connection available. In particular, if any
`communication connection is available between devices
`wishing to communicate, network transmissions occur nor(cid:173)
`mally, in real time. If a network connection is unavailable at
`that moment, the information is temporarily stored in the
`device and later transmitted when the connection is restored.
`Unless otherwise specified, hereinafter the terms "network"
`or "networked" refer to loosely networked devices.
`[0033] Thus, the operating system may be thought of as
`device indifferent and communication channel indifferent. In
`the preferred embodiment, any computer can execute any
`program developed for the inventive system and will commu(cid:173)
`nicate with other members of the system through any com(cid:173)
`munication method the device can find available.
`[0034] The operating system provided in each computer
`device allows the use of a common instruction set in any such
`device, regardless of compatibility issues between the
`devices, wherein "instruction set" is used herein to mean the
`commands, tokens, etc., that are recognized by the operating
`system as valid instructions. Unlike conventional computer
`programs, the operating system employed in the inventive
`system allows incremental changes to the program without
`the need to reload the entire program. Additionally, a pro(cid:173)
`gramming change made at a central office will automatically
`propagate
`to
`loosely networked computers dispersed
`throughout the field.
`In one aspect of the invention, branching logic
`[0035]
`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 manner 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 some of the information which is
`responsive to the designed questionnaire may be collected
`automatically rather than entered manually, e.g., time and
`date, position information if the device includes a GPS
`receiver, etc.
`In another aspect of the present invention, the pro(cid:173)
`[0036]
`gram and user responses are coded in such a fashion as to
`substantially reduce the bandwidth requirements of the net(cid:173)
`work connection. Since many of the networking options for
`handheld devices provide limited bandwidth, best use may be
`made of the available throughput by coding, or tokenizing,
`program information and responses.
`
`In practice, a program is created by entering a series
`[0037]
`of prompts and providing direction for how the system is to
`respond to particular responses. This process of data gather(cid:173)
`ing may then be performed by a person having no program(cid:173)
`ming skill whatsoever. The program may then be sent to all, or
`selected, computer devices on the network. Those devices
`having a connection may immediately be updated. Those
`devices in which a network connection is temporarily not
`available will be updated when the connection is next
`restored.
`[0038] The user of the computer device is then prompted
`for specific input. As the user enters data, if the network
`connection is available, the information is immediately sent
`to the server. If the network connection is unavailable, the
`information is stored locally in the handheld device and sent
`upon restoration of the network connection. At the server, the
`information is typically processed upon receipt such that
`users of the data have real time, or virtually real time, infor(cid:173)
`mation available.
`In another aspect of the invention, the inventive
`[0039]
`system may be provided to end users according to an appli(cid:173)
`cation service provider ("ASP") business method. ASPs are
`an emerging trend in the computer software industry. Tradi(cid:173)
`tionally, a company seeking a software solution would either
`acquire a preprogrammed 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 purchased and, invariably, represents a large capi(cid:173)
`tal expense to the company. Once purchased, modifications,
`evolutional 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
`[0040]
`pay-as-you-go basis. An ASP typically provides custom, or
`semi-custom software to companies. Each user is billed for
`the time it uses the software. The advantages to the end user
`are obvious. There is no crippling up-front expense, modifi(cid:173)
`cations and upgrades are the responsibility of the ASP, if the
`software does not perform satisfactorily the customer simply
`walks away and never incurs large expenses. On the ASP side,
`the software vendor enjoys recurring income and the ability to
`adapt the same software model to numerous customers.
`While differing slightly from the traditional ASP model, the
`present invention is particularly well suited to a per-transac(cid:173)
`tion billing model.
`[0041] With regard to the current system, an ASP can pro(cid:173)
`vide a web site which allows users to build an application on
`line, possibly without incurring any expense. Once the cus(cid:173)
`tomer 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 connection to the ASP or, more likely, find an
`Internet connection and report the data to the ASP via the
`Internet connection. Once received at the ASP, the data can be
`processed and is available for viewing or use by the client
`virtually instantly via the Internet. Thus, data entered at any
`location may be viewed by the client in real time, worldwide.
`[0042] Further objects, features, and advantages of the
`present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art
`upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon read(cid:173)
`ing the following description of the preferred embodiments.
`
`

`

`US 2011/0040831 Al
`
`Feb. 17, 2011
`
`4
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0043] FIG. 1 provides a diagram of the inventive system.
`[0044] FIG. 2 provides a diagram of the inventive system as
`used for form creation.
`[0045] FIG. 3 provides a diagram of the inventive system as
`used for information collection and review.
`[0046] FIG. 4 depicts a sequence of tasks for collecting data
`through the use of prior art systems.
`[0047] FIG. 5 depicts the tasks of FIG. 4 utilizing the inven(cid:173)
`tive system.
`[0048] FIG. 6 is a work flow diagram of an embodiment
`utilizing the inventive system.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0049] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it
`is important to understand that the invention is not limited in
`its application to the details of the construction illustrated and
`the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other
`embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety
`of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and
`terminology employed herein is for the purpose of descrip(cid:173)
`tion and not of limitation.
`[0050] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like refer(cid:173)
`ence numerals indicate the same parts throughout 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(cid:173)
`ing handhelds 28-32 to server 24; and a computer 22 con(cid:173)
`nected to the Internet for providing administration of the
`system and for reviewing data collected by the system.
`[0051] 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 connec(cid:173)
`tion through a conventional telephone line to connect hand(cid:173)
`held 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 tum, is con(cid:173)
`nected to server 24 via the Internet. Connection 38 could be a
`wireless modem, i.e., a CDPD interface, a CDMA interface,
`a GSM interface, an analog cellular modem, or the like, which
`either establishes a direct connection with server 24 or estab(cid:173)
`lishes an Internet connection to reach server 24 via the Inter(cid:173)
`net. Other options would include a wireless LAN connection,
`a direct RS-232 connection, 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 con(cid:173)
`nectable to server 24 in a loosely networked fashion.
`It should be noted that handheld computers 28-32
`[0052]
`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 ("OIS") which overlays its native operating system.
`Once equipped with the OIS, a remote device can be pro-
`
`grammed according to methods described hereinafter. Any
`program developed under the inventive system will run on
`any handheld computer equipped with the OIS and files on
`one such handheld will transfer freely to any other handheld
`or any computer connected to the inventive system.
`[0053] As noted above, with regard to the present invention,
`the term "loosely networked" is used to describe a networked
`computer system wherein devices on the network are tolerant
`ofintermittent network connections. In particular, if any com(cid:173)
`munication connection is available between devices wishing
`to communicate, network transmissions occur normally, in
`real time. If a network connection is unavailable, the infor(cid:173)
`mation is temporarily stored in the device and later transmit(cid:173)
`ted when the connection is restored. Unless otherwise speci(cid:173)
`fied, hereinafter the terms "network" or "networked" refer to
`loosely networked devices.
`It should also be noted that the inventive system is
`[0054]
`indifferent as to the particular type of communication channel
`used for connections 34-36. Thus, by way of example 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 CDPD interface. The particular link selected
`will be the first available link.
`[0055] The inventive system may be thought of as taking on
`two distinct modes ofoperation. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the
`system provides an administrative function. From any com(cid:173)
`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, management, and vali(cid:173)
`dation; user setup, and management of system security.
`In terms of the present invention, handheld comput(cid:173)
`[0056]
`ers are favored for their portability and their usefulness in
`gathering data from the field, whether the field is a stockroom
`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(cid:173)
`top.
`[0057] According to the preferred arrangement, data may
`be gathered by prompting the user via the handheld 28 with a
`series of questions or statements, each of which calls for a
`response. This series of questions or statements will have
`been constructed on computer 22 and reduced to tokenized
`form for transmission to the handheld 28. For purposes of the
`instant disclosure, the series of questions/statements will col(cid:173)
`lectively be referred to as a questionnaire. As will be dis(cid:173)
`cussed in greater detail below, the questionnaire is actually
`designed to include internal branching logic which is imple(cid:173)
`mented by the OIS. Hence, with regard to the present inven(cid:173)
`t