0a
`US005737560A
`
`| 5
`
`,737,560
`Apr. 7, 1998
`
`United States Patent 19
`Yohanan
`
`[114] Patent Number:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`[54] GRAPHICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR
`ACCESSING INFORMATION ON A
`COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: Steven J. Yohanan, San Francisco,
`Calif.
`
`[73] Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc., Mountain View,
`Calif.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 580,742
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Dec. 29, 1995
`
`http://atom.co.jp/VOYAGER/WebTools/WebPin/WebPin-
`Maker-E.html, WebPinProject, Jan. 29, 1996, pp. 1-3.
`http://home.netscape,com/newsref/pr/newsrelease30.html,
`Netscape Press Release, Jan. 29, 1996, pp. 1-2.
`Electronic Mail Message from wollymac @aol.com, Feb. 2.
`1996, 1 page.
`
`Microsoft Windows® 95 Operating Manual (excerpt), ©
`1981-1995 Microsoft Corporation, pp. 39 and 58.
`Microsoft Windows® Press Release, PR Newswire, Aug. 24.
`1995, 3 pages.
`
`Tint, CUo oneeeessccsceenentecesonseensscessecneceneenses GO06F 3/00
`ESL)
`
`[S2] US. C1.
`aeesscsesesssssensneescssssarsesseseseenses 395/349, 395/329
`[58] Field of Searcy ou...cesses 395/349, 329
`
`Primary Examiner—RaymondJ. Bayerl
`Assistant Examiner—A. Katbab
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-—Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox,
`plic
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,021,976
`5,295,244
`
`.......ccssceeee 364/521
`6/1991 Wexelblat et ab.
`3/1994 Dev et al. oo.ceecccsssssoessccesseene 395/161
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Spitz, R.J. et al, “Calalina Marketting Corporation -Com-
`pany Report.” William Blair & Company; ILL, 15 May
`1996.
`Painter, L., “Microsoft Corporation —Company Report,”
`Merrill Lynch Capital Markels, NY, 12 Mar. 1996.
`Kiggen,J., et al, “History And Dynamicsof Internet —Indus-
`try Report,” Prudential Securities, Inc. N.Y. 8 Dec. ’95.
`http:/Avww.Whollymac.com/ , Wholly Mac Software Home
`Page, Sep. 1995, pp. 1-6.
`http:/Avww.ffg.com/gnwin2.html, Forefront: GrabNet V2.0
`for Windows 3.1, Feb. 2, 1996, pp. 1-2.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system and computer-based method for permitting a
`computer system to access a network location using a
`browser application by activating a desktop icon. The sys-
`tem comprises a first computer readable program code
`meansfor causing the computer system to display a desktop
`icon associated with a file containing a network address
`corresponding to the network location. When the desktop
`icon is activated, a second computer usable program code
`means causes the computer to launch an instance of a
`browser application or a new window for a currently execut-
`ing browser application and a third computer usable pro-
`gram code means causes the computer system to pass the
`network address to the browser application, thereby access-
`ing the network location.
`
`19 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`10 THE BROWSER
`
`USEA ENTERS
`INFORMATION FOR
`JUMPSTTE
`
`CREATE JUMPSITE FILE
`
`ASSOCIATE JUMPSITE FILE
`WITH A DESKTOP ICON
`
`ACTIVATE DESKTOP ICON
`FOR EXECUTION
`
`LAUNCH AN INSTANCE OF A
`BROWSEA PROGRAM
`
`PASS JHE JUMPSITE UAL
`
`INSTANCE
`
`1
`
`SAMSUNG 1016
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`US. Patent
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`Apr. 7, 1998
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`5,737,560
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`108
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`SECONDARY
`MEMORY
`
`
`
`STORAGE
`UNIT
`
`REMOVABLE
`STORAGE
`UNIT
`
`
` REMOVABLE
`
`
`126
`
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`ee
`
`|-------
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`PATH
`
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`US. Patent
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`Apr. 7, 1998
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`5,737,560
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`200
`
`FIG. 2
`
`
`
`
`
`(SltermeCCSCS™C~C~wLQ
`Description:(
`
`
`Location:|http. //www.service.com/PAW/thisweek/movies/
`
`
`204
`Icon Name:|/usr/people/rcu/web/movies/movies
`
`
`Enter Description. Locatign(URL) and Icon Name then click Save.
`
`
`
`[ootions] [view] [clear] [_Save_] [_tiose_] [_telo_|
`
`
`
`
`7
`5
`260
`22
`
`212
`
`movies
`
`hal lyweb
`radioDrama
`
`
` ] 7
`
`54
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 7, 1998
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`5,737,560
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`FIG. 3
`
`
`
`USER ENTERS
`
`INFORMATION FOR
`JUMPSITE
`
`
`
`
`
` 305
`
`CREATE JUMPSITE FILE
`
`
`
`302
`
`304
`
`308
`
`310
`
`312
`
`
`FASSOCIATE JUMPSITE FILE
`WITH A DESKTOP ICON
`
`
`(ACTIVATE DESKTOP ICON
`
`FOR EXECUTION
`
`
`
`
`LAUNCH AN INSTANCE OF A
`BROWSER PROGRAM
`
`
`
`
`PASS THE JUMPSITE URL
`TQ THE BROWSER
`INSTANCE
`
`FIG.
`
`4
`
`USER ENTERS URL FOR
`JUMPSITE
`
`402
` 404~
`
`(USER ENTERS DIRECTORY
`NAME
`
` USER ENTERS
`406
`DESCRIPTION OF ICON
`
`
`
`
`
`USER SAVES DATA
`
`ENTERED IN STEPS 402,
`404, AND 406
`
`408
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`5,737,560
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`<C0STuN>
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
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`Can]
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`JONVISNT
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`N02S
`INIWN900
`
`eS
`
`or
`
`dLLH|nmmm4
`ASNOGSHH
`
`WNT]
`
`205
`
`“ISHGLI
`
`Cas
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`1
`GRAPHICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR
`ACCESSING INFORMATION ON A
`COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`Thefield of the invention relates generally to accessing
`information on a network, and more particularly, to a system
`and computer-based method for providing easy access to
`sites on the World Wide Web.
`2. Related Art
`A vast array of electronic information infrastructures are
`rapidly being assembled and used by individuals,
`organizations, businesses and industry to facilitate the
`exchange of information and data across both near and far
`distances. As available computing power at a given price
`point is increasing, personal computers, workstations and
`other computing devices are finding their way onto more
`desktops, into more offices, and into more working environ-
`ments than ever before imagined. These computing devices
`are used as the links into the information infrastructure,
`allowing all forms of electronic communications and data
`exchange.
`This rise of electronic communication is a world-wide
`phenomenon,globally affecting personal lives as well as all
`facets of businesses and industry. Beit a local area network
`linking a few computers together in close proximity, or a
`wide area network providing information exchange around
`the globe, more and more businesses and individuals are
`turning to communications and data exchange via this
`electronic infrastructure. The electronic information infra-
`structure is reaching business operations from manufactur-
`ing and production to research and development, sales and
`commerce.
`
`This electronic information infrastructure has become a
`commonsource of news, information and entertainment for
`computer end-users. In this regard, consider the Internet, for
`example. The Interact is a world-wide set of interconnected
`computer networks that can be used to access a plethora of
`information in various forms.
`
`Computer end-users employ network addresses to locate
`information on the electronic information infrastructure. For
`example, on the Internet, Uniform Resource Locators
`(URLs) are used to specify sites such as servers within the
`World Wide Web (WWW;or the “web”). The web is a
`distributed hypermedia system and functions as a client-
`server based, information presentation system.
`Files on the web are also referred to as “pages,” and are
`written in HyperText Mark-up Language (HTML). Web
`pages include hyperlinks to other files. Web pages are
`typically viewed using an application program called a web
`browser (also knownasan “internet browser” or “browser”),
`such as Netscape Communications Corporation’s (Mountain
`View, Calif.) NetScape™ browser.
`Conventionally, in order to access a network location, an
`end user mustfirst open a browser application and then enter
`the URL of a desired network location. The browser con-
`nects to the web via a modem or other conventional network
`interface, thus permitting the user to read and interface with
`the accessed network location.
`
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`The following are example URL formats:
`file://wuarchive.wust1.edu/mirrors/msdos/graphics/
`gifkit.zip
`ecp://wuarchive.wust.edu/mirrors
`hitp://Awww.w3.org:80/default.html
`
`65
`
`news:alt.hypertext
`telnet://dra.com
`The first part of the URL, before the colon, specifies the
`access method. The part of the URL after the colon is
`interpreted in accordance with the access method specified
`(for example, ftp is file transfer protocol and is command
`line-based). In general, two slashes after the colon indicate
`a machine name (machine:port is also valid).
`Having to first access a web browser and then type-in a
`network location’s URL can be tedious. Some browsers
`permit the user to store frequently accessed network loca-
`tionsto facilitate accesses. This is accomplished through the
`use of what is sometimesreferred to as a bookmark. Through
`the use of a bookmark, once a browser is opened, the user
`may be able to quickly access a favorite site by selecting a
`bookmark previously designated to mark the location of that
`site.
`Increased accesses by individual users on a day-to-day
`basis demands a more efficient method for accessing net-
`worklocations.
`Whatis needed is a convenient method to access network
`locations without having to open a browser and key-in the
`desired site’s URL.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`invention is directed to a system and
`The present
`computer-based method providing users quick access to a
`network location without having to first
`launch a web
`browser or key-in the site’s URL. The system comprises a
`first computer readable program code meansfor causing the
`computer system to display a desktop icon, called a
`“jumpsite,” which is associated with a file containing a
`network address corresponding to the network location.
`When the jumpsite is activated, a second computer usable
`program code means causes the computer to launch an
`instance of a browser application or a new window for a
`currently executing browser application, and a third com-
`puter usable program code means causes the computer
`system to pass the network address to the browser
`application, thereby accessing the network location.
`According to a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention, jumpsites represent specific Internet network
`locations, addressed by their URLs. Each jumpsite is a
`hyperlink to a designated network location that the user
`frequently explores. Each jumpsite can be graphically
`manipulatedto accessits associated network location. These
`addresses are also referred to as http (or hypertext-transfer
`protocol) addresses.
`Onefeature of the present invention is that it permits a
`user to access a desired network location without having to
`first access a browser application.
`Another feature of the present invention is that it permits
`a user to store network locations in a hierarchical, browser-
`independent manner.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`The present invention will be described with reference to
`the accompanying drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example envi-
`ronment in which the present invention can operate.
`FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example window 200
`that serves as the GUI for the WebJumper tool.
`FIG.3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process followed
`in creating a jumpsite according to one embodiment ofthe
`invention.
`
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`3
`FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating in further detail the step
`304 of user entry of information for the creation of the
`jumpsite.
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a local computer
`system 500 (such as computer system 160, for example) and
`a remote computer system 501 connected by a communica-
`tion link 502.
`The preferred embodiment of the invention is described
`below with reference to these figures where like reference
`numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
`Also in the figures, the left most digit of each reference
`number corresponds to the figure in which the reference
`number is first used.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`1. Introduction and Overview of the Invention
`The present invention is directed toward a system and
`method for allowing a user to access a desired network
`location without havingto first access a browser application.
`According to the invention, a Graphical User Interface
`(GUI) icon is provided that allows the user to “jump”
`directly to the designated network location. When the user
`selects the icon (e.g.. by double-clicking on the icon), a
`browser application is automatically opened and the desig-
`nated network location is accessed.
`A.user may create more than one icon and each icon can.
`be used to designate a different network location. Thus, a
`user can have a different icon for each of his or her favorite
`or most frequently visited sites. In one embodiment of the
`present invention, the icons may have different visual rep-
`resentations. The icons can be stored on the users desktop.
`in folders, or. in fact. wherever the GUI allows icons to be
`kept.
`2. Icon
`An icon refers to an object displayed by an output monitor
`on the “desktop” (i.ec., workspace) of a computer system
`employing a GUI; the object is associated with a computer
`file available to the computer’s operating system. Standard
`file operations can each be invoked with respect to the
`associated file by performing a corresponding graphical
`manipulationof the icon. For example, a request to execute
`the program contained in a file might be invoked by double-
`clicking on the associated desktop icon. Similarly, a request
`to delete a file might be invoked by graphically moving or
`“dragging” the associated desktop icon onto the displayed
`image of a trash can or dumpster; or by cursor-clicking on
`the associated desktop icon (to “select” that icon) and then
`cursor-clicking on a pull-down menu command labeled
`“delete.” In response to such actions, the operating system of
`the local computer system performs the requested operation.
`A principal advantage of GUIs employing desktop icons
`of this nature is that the procedures corresponding to stan-
`dard file operations are generic for all relevant desktop icons
`within a particular computer system. In other words, the
`actions that invoke file operations are independent of the
`identity of the particular icon and file being operated upon.
`Consequently, a user need learn only one basic set of
`relatively intuitive actions to perform standard file opera-
`tions on the files represented by icons within the user’s
`computer system.
`Note that the set of standard file operations and the
`corresponding icon manipulations vary among different
`computer platforms and operating systems. The use of icons
`and standardfile operations by clicking and dragging icons
`is well known and is commonly employed by several well
`known GUIs, platforms and operating systems such as
`Windows, Apple, and Unix.
`
`4
`3. Environment of the Invention
`Before describing the invention in detail, it is useful to
`first describe an example environment in which the inven-
`tion can operate. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an
`example environment in which the present invention can
`operate. The environment is a computer system 100 that
`includes one or more processors, such as processor 104. The
`processor 104 is connected to a communications bus 106.
`Various software embodiments are described in terms ofthis
`example computer system. After reading this description,it
`will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how
`to implement the invention using other computer systems
`and/or computer architectures,
`Computer system 10 also includes a main memory 108,
`preferably random access memory (RAM), and can also
`include a secondary memory 110. The secondary memory
`110 can include, for example, a hard disk drive 112 and/or
`a removable storage drive 114, representing a floppy disk
`drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The
`removable storage drive 114 reads from and/or writes to a
`removable storage unit 118 in a well known manner. Remov-
`able storage unit 118 represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape,
`optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to by
`removable storage drive 114. As will be appreciated, the
`removable storage unit 118 includes a computer usable
`storage medium having stored therein computer software
`and/or data.
`In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 110 may
`include other similar meansfor allowing computer programs
`or other instructionsto be loaded into computer system 100.
`Such meanscan include, for example, a removable storage
`unit 122 and an interface 120. Examples can include a
`program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found
`in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as
`an EPROM, or PROM)and associated socket, and other
`removable storage units 122 and interfaces 120 which allow
`software and data to be transferred from the removable
`storage unit 122 to computer system 100.
`Computer system 100 can also include a communications
`interface 124. Communications interface 124 allows soft-
`ware and data to be transferred between computer system
`100 and external devices via communications path 126.
`Examples of communications interface 124 can include a
`modem, a network interface (such as an ethernet card), a
`communications port, etc. Software and data transferred via
`communications interface 124 are in the form of signals
`which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other
`signals capable of being received by communications inter-
`face 124 via communications path 126. Note that commu-
`nications interface 124 provides a means by which computer
`system 100 can interface to a network such as the Internet.
`The present
`invention is described in terms of this
`example environment. Description in these terms is pro-
`vided for convenience only. It is not
`intended that the
`invention be limited to application in this example environ-
`ment. In fact, after reading the following description,it will
`become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how
`to implement the invention in alternative environments.
`4. Software and Hardware Embodiments
`The present invention is preferably implemented using
`software running (that is, executing) in an environment
`similar to that described above with respect to FIG.1. In this
`document, the term “computer program product” is used to
`generally refer to removable storage device 118 or a hard
`disk installed in hard disk drive 112. These computer pro-
`gram products are means for providing software to computer
`system 100.
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`Computer programs (also called computer control logic)
`are stored in main memory and/or secondary memory 110.
`Computer programs can also be received via communica-
`tions interface 124. Such computer programs, when
`executed, enable the computer system 100 to perform the
`features of the present invention as discussed herein. In
`particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable
`the processor 104 to perform the features of the present
`invention. Accordingly, such computer programs represent
`controllers of the computer system 100.
`In an embodiment where the invention is implemented
`using software, the software may be stored in a computer
`program product and loaded into computer system 100 using
`removable storage drive 114, hard drive 112 or communi-
`cations interface 124. Alternatively, the computer program
`product may be downloaded to computer system 100 over
`communications path 126. The control
`logic (software),
`when executed by the processor 104, causes the processor
`104 to perform the functions of the invention as described
`herein.
`the invention is impiemented
`In another embodiment,
`primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware com-
`ponents such as application specific integrated circuits
`(ASICs). Implementation of a hardware state machine so as
`to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to
`personsskilled in the relevant art(s).
`5. WebJumper and Jumpsites
`Having thus described an example environment in which
`the invention can be implemented, a preferred embodiment
`of the invention is now described.
`In a preferred
`embodiment, a desktop icon on a local computer represents
`a web page (e.g., a file) on a website (e.g., a remote server)
`that is accessed by an http request from a local web browser.
`As will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art, a
`jumpsite can be employed to access other typesoffiles and
`network locations by other access methods without depart-
`ing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As
`stated above, according to the invention icons are provided
`which allow the user to access a designated web site, without
`having to first open a browser application and then access
`the location.
`In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
`computer-based system and method for creating the jump-
`sites. This system and method are referred to in this docu-
`ment as “WebJumper.” WebJumperis a tool that lets users
`create desktop icon that “jump” the user to designated web
`sites; these icons are called “jumpsites.” The WebJumper
`tool provides a GUI to “capture” information from the user
`regarding a designated website. That is, the GUI permits the
`user to enter information regarding the designated web site;
`this information is then stored in a file associated with the
`icon.
`
`Jumpsites can be placed on the desktop, in a directory, or
`in an icon catalog page for easy access. Further, jumpsites
`may be used with any standard browser. Thus, jumpsites
`provide a browser-independent way for users to organize
`and access network locations.
`FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example window 200
`that serves as the GUI for the WebJumper tool. Referring
`now to FIG. 2,
`the WebJumper tool comprises a main
`window section 204, a button bar section 208 and an icon
`display section 212. Main window section 204 provides a
`section for the user to enter information pertaining to the
`jumpsite being created. Button section 208 provides a series
`of “buttons” that can be activated by the user to select certain
`features. Display section 212 provides a section where
`created jumpsites can be displayed to the user.
`
`6
`Main window section 204 provides data entry locations
`permitting the user to specify a description for a new
`jumpsite icon, the network address (e.g.. URL) of the web
`site to be associated with the new jumpsite icon, andthe icon
`name.
`
`The description field 242 allows the user to enter a
`description of the jumpsite being created. This description
`can be any moniker which describes the jumpsite to the user.
`This field is optional.
`Location field 244 allowsthe user to enter the URL of the
`web site designated by the jumpsite being created. Accord-
`ing to one embodiment, location field 244 ignores any new
`line and space characters. This meansthat users can cut and
`paste a URL containing new line and space characters into
`location field 244 without needing to edit the text.
`Icon namefield 246 provides an entry for the user to enter
`a namefor the jumpsite being created. This name is the name
`under which the jumpsite is to be stored. In a preferred
`embodiment, the directory as to where the jumpsite is to be
`kept is included in icon name field 246. For the example
`illustrated in FIG. 2, the jumpsite is to be named “movies”
`andis to be kept in a directory “/usr/people/rcu/web/movies”
`on the system.
`Buttons 208 permit the user to perform tasks in connec-
`tion with creating jumpsite icons. An “Options” button 252,
`permits the user to set several preferences. Clicking the
`Options button 252 activates an options window. In the
`options window (not shown), the user can enter certain
`settings or attributes for the jumpsite being created, or can
`changecertain settings or attributes for an existing jumpsite.
`For example,
`the options settings can allow the user to
`identify or select a default web site or the default web
`browser. For example, the user can select the NetScape
`Navigator™ browser or the Mosaic browser.
`"In one embodimentof the present invention, the options
`window can also permit the user to changeor select a default
`directory for storing jumpsite icons and their corresponding
`information. One manner by whichthis can be accomplished
`is by allowing the user to type a directory path in a field
`designated Default Icon Location Label (not shown). Once
`the Default Icon Location is selected, all jumpsite icons
`created will be saved in the selected default directory unless
`the user specifies otherwise. If the user wishes a jumpsite to
`be stored in another directory, the user can specify the
`directory by, for example, including the directory name in
`the icon name when creating the jumpsite.
`In this
`embodiment, the default directory automatically appears in
`location field 244 when a new jumpsite is being created. This
`default directory acts as a “hot list” of the user’s favorite
`websites. All jumpsites maintained in this hot list are visible
`to the user when the default directory is selected.
`A “View” button 254 allows the user to view icon
`directories. Activating View button 254 enlarges display
`section 212 permitting the user to see all jumpsite icons
`stored in any directory specified by the user. This directory
`view permits the user to remove, rename, copy, organize into
`folders, and otherwise manipulate the jumpsite icons that
`they create or copy into their jumpsite directory.
`A “Save” button 256, when activated, causes information
`regarding a jumpsite icon that
`is specified in the main
`window section 204 to be saved. Thus, once a user has
`entered a description,
`location and name for the new
`jumpsite, the user activates Save button 256 to save this
`information and create the new jumpsite or modify a pre-
`viously stored jumpsite.
`In one embodiment, where a user wishes to edit a
`jumpsite, the user can select the jumpsite to be edited from
`8
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`IPR2024-00145
`Apple EX1016 Page 8
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`5,737,560
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`7
`display section 212(e.g., by single-clicking it with a point-
`ing device). This selection causes the information aboutthat
`jumpsite to be visible in main window section 204 whereit
`can be edited by the user. Changing the name causes the
`jumpsite to be copied, while changing the otherfields causes
`the jumpsite to be edited.
`A “Clear” button 258 can be used by theuser to clear the
`information in the description field 242, location field 244
`and icon namefield 246.
`A “Close” button 260 is provided for the user to easily
`close the WebJumper tool. Of course, as is the case with
`other windowing environments, the tool can be closed by
`double-clicking on the “dash” in the upper left hand corner
`of WebJumper window 200.
`A “Help” button 262 is included to provide on-line
`information concerning the operation, use and features of the
`WebJumpertool.
`WebJumper window 200 also includes a feedback line
`220 to promptthe user for input or otherwise guide the user
`when using the WebJumper tool. The feedback line blanks
`when the user depresses the Clear, Save or Options button.
`Multiple jumpsite icons can be created in a single session
`by entering information for a first
`icon in WebJumper
`window 200, saving it using Save button 256, using Clear
`button 258 to dear fields 242, 244 and 246, and then
`repeating the steps described above for creating and saving
`the first jumpsite icon.
`Note that the user can also categorize jumpsite icons by
`creating directories or icon catalog pages for different topics.
`Bycreating jumpsites by using the WebJumper tool, the user
`can drag related icons from the default directory, another
`directory, or from the WebJumper tool itself into other
`directories or icon catalog pages. Also. the icon can be stored
`fight on the user’s desktop allowing immediate access
`without having to open directories or other windows.
`Jumpsite icon created with the WebJumper tool of the
`present invention are transportable. Jumpsite icons can be
`copied by disk, attached to e-mail messages and otherwise
`transported to another system. In this manner, jumpsite icon
`attach to e-mail messages in a similar manner that document
`files, or the like, are attached to conventional Internet
`messages. If recipients have WebJumper installed on their
`computer, they can drag an icon out of the message onto the
`desktop and double-click on it to open the jumpsite. If the
`recipient of the message does not have WebJumper installed,
`a textfile appears when they double-click the icon. Thisfile
`contains the UKL information for the web site associated
`with the jumpsite icon, but does not contain the web page
`itself.
`Whena user double clicks on a jumpsite icon the desig-
`nated web site is opened in a browser application. Mother
`alternative technique for opening jumpsite iconsis to drag
`them onto the icon representing the browser application.
`Multiple web sites can be open at the same time. According
`to one embodiment, each time a jumpsite icon is double-
`clicked, a new instance of browser 510 is opened and the
`web site accessed. Therefore, multiple web sites can be open
`simultaneously on the user’s terminal.
`Existing jumpsite icons can be edited easily using the
`View button 254 in WebJumper window 200. As noted
`above. all of the jumpsite icons will be displayed in the
`directory view window which appears at the bottom of the
`WebJumper window 200. Alternatively, the user can use
`commands available in a menu which appears when a
`jumpsite icon is selected (e.g., by single-clicking on the
`icon).
`‘
`
`8
`
`6. Creating Jumpsites
`One embodiment of the invention is directed toward
`creating jumpsites. To create a jumpsite, the user utilizes the
`WebJumper tool. Creation of a jumpsite is described in
`terms of a WebJumper tool using the example WebJumper
`window 200 described above. After reading this description,
`it will become apparent how jumpsites can be created bythe
`WebJumper tool using alternative window configurations.
`As would be apparent to a person skilled in the relevantart,
`jumpsites can be created by other methods without departing
`from thespirit and scope of the present invention.
`FIG.3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process followed
`in creating a jumpsite according to one embodiment of the
`invention. Referring now to FIG. 3, in a step 302 the user
`enters desired information into WebJumper window 200.
`This information includes, at a minimum, the URL for the
`site to be accessed when jumpsite is selected.
`FIG.4 is a flow chart illustrating in further detail the step
`304 of user entry of information for the creation of the
`jumpsite. Referring now to FIG. 4, in a step 402, the user
`enters the URL for the site he or she desires to access by the
`jumpsite being created. For example, if the user wishes to
`create an icon for the Silicon Surf home page of Silicon
`Graphics, Inc., the user would enter: http://www.sgi.com.
`Using the example window 200 described above, this infor-
`mation is entered into location field 244.
`Preferably, in a step 404, the user also enters name and
`directory information for the jumpsite being created. Again,
`using the example WebJumper window 204, the user types
`a name for the icon in name field 246 of the WebJumper
`window 200. Preferably, the name includes directory infor-
`mation where the jumpsite is to be stored.
`In one
`embodiment,there is a default directory so the user does not
`have to enter directory information each time. Following the
`above example, the user can type silicon.surf as the name of
`the file for the Silicon Surfhome page.
`In a step 406, the user can add a description of the icon
`as well. This description can provide the user with a brief
`description identifying the jumpsite to a greater level of
`specificity. In the example WebJumper window 200, the
`description is entered in description field 242.
`In one embodiment, to enter a description the user clicks
`on options button 252 to display a WebJumper options
`window (not shown). The WebJumper options window
`includes an additional button called “Show Description
`Field” (also not shown). An “OK”button is also provided to
`exit the WebJumper options window. Wheneither button is
`activated, a description field then appears in the main
`WebJumper window, as described above. At this point, the
`user can type in the description of the jumpsite icon.
`Depending on the configuration of the tool, the description
`field can be set up to always appear when window 200 is
`opened, or to appear only when specifically requested via the
`options window.
`In a step 408,once all of the desired information about the
`jumpsite is entered into WebJumper window 200, the user
`can click Save button 256 and the WebJumper tool creates
`the icon and savesit in the directory specified. Prompts can
`be included for specifying a different directory in which to
`save the new jumpsite icon.
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a local computer
`system 500 (such as computer system 100, for example) and
`aremote computer system 501 connected by a communica-
`tions link 502. The information entered by the user in step
`302 is represented in FIG. 5 by block 504 labeled input/
`output (I/O) in FIG. 5.
`Once the user saves a new jumpsite icon or modifies and
`saves an existing jump site icon, the WebJumpertool, shown
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