U.S. patent application number 10/364533 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-26 for methods and systems for generating interactive information formatted for a device.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAP Aktiengesellschaft. Invention is credited to Ebert, Peter Steffen.
Application Number | 20030120753 10/364533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23602430 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030120753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ebert, Peter Steffen |
June 26, 2003 |
Methods and systems for generating interactive information
formatted for a device
Abstract
A smart molecule system that may be embedded in a physical
device in order to integrate information from external information
sources in the physical device. The smart molecule system obtains
information from external sources by connecting to a smart molecule
service in a computer system through a URL to Number Transformation
Algorithm (UNT) number. The UNT performs bi-directional
transformation between the UNT number and a corresponding URL,
thereby enabling physical devices with smart molecule to obtain
information from the Web without using alphanumeric characters.
Upon creating the UNT number and assigning it to an information
source, a service provider distributes the UNT number to the smart
molecule in order for the smart molecule to access the information
stored therein.
Inventors: |
Ebert, Peter Steffen; (Menlo
Park, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER
LLP
1300 I STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
SAP Aktiengesellschaft
|
Family ID: |
23602430 |
Appl. No.: |
10/364533 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10364533 |
Feb 12, 2003 |
|
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|
09405136 |
Sep 24, 1999 |
|
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6539423 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 61/301 20130101;
H04L 61/30 20130101; H04L 67/02 20130101; H04L 67/55 20220501; H04L
12/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/219 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A system embedded in a physical device, the system retrieving
information from external information sources through a computer
and integrating the external information with the physical device,
the system comprises: a. a central processor for controlling
processing operations and connecting the system to the computer,
the computer having a software application for defining a service
component and assigning the service component to information on at
least one external information source, the service component
retrieving the information from the external information source,
upon receiving the information the software application formatting
the information in a predetermined format and transmitting the
information to the system after the system subscribes to the
service component; b. a memory for storing information transmitted
from the software application; and c. a software component for
processing information stored in the memory in order to activate a
physical attribute of the physical device in response to the
occurrence of a predetermined event, the software component further
instructing the software application to perform predefined tasks
upon the occurrence of the predetermined event and interaction with
a physical attribute of the physical device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system subscribes to the
service component by entering and submitting a UNT number that is
linked to a URL of a web site.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein a UNT algorithm performs a
bi-directional transformation between the UNT number and a Uniform
Resource Locator (URL) and the UNT number may be used to obtain
information from the Web.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a first set of digits in the UNT
number define the domain name, a second set of digits in the UNT
number define a service parameter and a third set of digits in the
UNT number define a protocol or additional features.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first set of digits is
registered as an Internet domain name.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second set of digits is
assigned to an information source and the service component uses
the second set of digits as a parameter in the Internet domain
name.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second set of digits is a
default service parameter.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the computer distributes the UNT
number to the system after the UNT number is created.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the UNT number format is the same
as the telephone number format used in the United States.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the UNT number format is
language independent and eliminates the need for an alphanumeric
keypad in order to obtain information from the Web.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the UNT number registration
complies with the Domain Name System standard.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the UNT number may be extended
with an extension.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein standard internetworking
protocols are used to connect the system to the computer.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the computer is connected of a
computer network.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer is connected to a
plurality of databases.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the computer is connected to
the Internet.
17. A software component in a system that is embedded in a physical
device, the system retrieving information from external information
sources through a computer and integrating the external information
with the physical device, the software component comprises: a. a
set of properties for defining the software component's
characteristics; b. at least one interface to other software
components and systems; c. a set of methods for processing
information; and d. means for connecting to a service component in
the computer, accessing information transmitted to a memory in the
system from an external information source through the service
component, processing information transmitted from the external
information source, activating physical attributes of the physical
device in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event and
performing predefined functions on the computer in response to an
external interaction with the one or more physical attributes of
the physical device.
18. The software component of claim 17, wherein the set of
properties include a type identifier for identifying the types of
information the system processes and a unique global identifier for
identifying the system.
19. The software component of claim 18, wherein the unique global
identifier is fixed to the system to which it is originally
assigned.
20. The software component of claim 19, wherein the set of methods
include a self-description method for returning three-dimensional
description, properties and methods of the system to the service
component.
21. The software component of claim 20, wherein a service provider
invokes the self-description method that contains the unique global
identifier to be able to respond to a specific system in a uniquely
tailored way.
22. The software component of claim 21, wherein the
self-description method makes development of a computer environment
with multiple systems easier.
23. The software component of claim 22, wherein the software
component is a JAVA.TM. applet.
24. The software component of claim 23, wherein the software
component is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL).
25. The software component of claim 24, wherein the software
component is an executable.
26. The software component of claim 25, wherein the software
component functions are increased by linking the system to a
sub-system that performs one or more predefined tasks.
27. A computer environment for allowing flexible interaction of a
plurality of systems, at least one system embedded in a physical
device comprises: a. a central processor for controlling processing
operations and connecting the system to the computer, the computer
having a software application for defining a service component and
assigning the service component to information on at least one
external information source, the service component retrieving the
information from the external information source, upon receiving
the information the software application formatting the information
in a predetermined format and transmitting the information to the
system after the system subscribes to the service component; b. a
memory for storing information transmitted from the software
application; and c. a software component for processing information
stored in the memory in order to activate a physical attribute of
the physical device in response to the occurrence of a
predetermined event, the software component further instructing the
software application to perform predefined tasks upon the
occurrence of the predetermined event and interaction with a
physical attribute of the physical device.
28. A system embedded in a physical device, the system retrieving
information from external information sources through a computer
and integrating the external information with the physical device,
the system comprising: a. a central processor for controlling
processing operations; b. a memory for storing information
retrieved from the external information source; c. a software
component for processing information stored in the memory; d. means
for assigning the external information source to a service
component in the computer through a set of numbers, connecting the
system to the service component, transmitting information from the
external information source to the memory and executing through the
software component information stored in the memory; e. means for
activating a physical attribute of the physical device in response
to the occurrence of a predetermined event during execution of the
information on the software component; and f. means for performing
one or more predefined functions on the computer in response to
activating the one or more physical attributes and in response to
external interaction with the one or more physical attributes.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein means for connecting further
comprising means for subscribing to the service component by
entering a UNT number that is linked to a URL of a web site in the
system.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein means for assigning further
comprising means for using a UNT algorithm to perform a
bi-directional transformation between the UNT number and a Uniform
Resource Locator (URL) and using the UNT number to obtain
information from the Web.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein means for using further
comprising means for: a. defining a first set of digits in the UNT
number as the domain name; b. defining a second set of digits in
the UNT number as a service parameter; and c. defining a third set
of digits in the UNT number define a protocol or additional
features.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising means for
registering the first set of digits as an Internet domain name.
33. The system of claim 32, further comprising means for assigning
the second set of digits to an information source and using the
second set of digits as a parameter in the Internet domain
name.
34. The system of claim 33, further comprising means for using the
second set of digits as a default service parameter.
35. The system of claim 34, further comprising means for
distributing the UNT number to the system after the UNT number is
created by the computer.
36. The system of claim 35, further comprising means for formatting
the UNT number in the same format as the telephone number format
used in the United States.
37. The system of claim 36, further comprising means for extending
the UNT number with an extension.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein means for connecting further
comprises means for using standard internetworking protocols to
connect the system to the computer.
39. The system of claim 38, further comprising means for connecting
the computer to a computer network.
40. The system of claim 39, further comprising means for connecting
the computer to a plurality of databases.
41. The system of claim 40, further comprising means for connecting
the computer to the Internet.
42. A method of retrieving information from external information
sources through a computer and integrating the information with a
system in a physical device, the method comprising the steps of: a.
controlling processing operations through a central processor in
the system; b. storing information retrieved from the external
information source in a memory in the system; c. processing
information stored in the memory through a software component in
the system; d. assigning the external information source to a
service component in the computer through a subset of a UNT number;
e. connecting the system to the service component; f. transmitting
information from the external information source to the memory and
executing through the software component information stored in the
memory; e. activating a physical attribute of the physical device
in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event during
execution of the information on the software component; and g.
performing one or more predefined functions on the computer in
response to the step of activating the one or more physical
attributes and in response to external interaction with the one or
more physical attributes.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of r connecting
further comprising step of subscribing to the service component by
entering the UNT number that is linked to a URL of a web site in
the system.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the step of assigning further
comprising the step of using a UNT algorithm to perform a
bidirectional transformation between the UNT number and a Uniform
Resource Locator (URL) and using the UNT number to obtain
information from the Web.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the step of using further
comprising the steps of: a. defining a first set of digits in the
UNT number as the domain name; b. defining a second set of digits
in the UNT number as a service parameter; and c. defining a third
set of digits in the UNT lumber define a protocol or additional
features.
46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of
registering the first set of digits as an Internet domain name.
47. The system of claim 46, further comprising the step of
assigning the second set of digits to an information source and
using the second set of digits as a parameter in the Internet
domain name.
48. The system of claim 47, further comprising the step of using
the second set of digits as a default service parameter.
49. The system of claim 48, further comprising the step of
distributing the UNT number to the system after the UNT number is
created by the computer.
50. The system of claim 49, further comprising the step of
formatting the UNT number in the same format as the telephone
number format used in the United States.
51. The system of claim 50, further comprising the step of
extending the UNT number with an extension.
52. The system of claim 51, wherein the step of connecting further
comprises the step of using standard internetworking protocols to
connect the system to the computer.
53. The system of claim 52, further comprising the step of
connecting the computer to a computer network.
54. The system of claim 53, further comprising the step of
connecting the computer to a plurality of databases.
55. The system of claim 54, further comprising the step of
connecting the computer to the Internet.
56. A system embedded in a physical device, the system retrieving
information from external information sources through a computer
and integrating the external information with the physical device,
the system comprises: a. a central processor for controlling
processing operations and connecting the system to the computer,
the computer having a software application for defining a service
component and assigning the service component to information on at
least one external information source, the service component
retrieving the information from the external information source,
upon receiving the information the software application formatting
the information in a predetermined format and transmitting the
information to the system after the system subscribes to the
service component; b. a memory for storing information transmitted
from the software application; and c. a software component for
periodically transmitting information stored in the memory to the
software application and/or to the service component, the software
application and or service component further processing the
transmitted information or distributing it to external sources.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a computer system and more
particularly to a smart molecule system embedded in any physical
object and assigned to one or more external information sources in
order to interact with and integrate dynamic information in the
physical object.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Advances in computer processing power and network
communications have made information from a wide variety sources
available to users on most computer systems. Computer networking
enables computer users to access information stored in distant
databases and to share information, software applications and
hardware devices with other users attached to the network. Today,
computers connected to the Internet have almost instant access to
information stored in relatively distant regions. Moreover,
computers connected to networks other than the Internet also have
access to information stored on those networks. In order to access
information on a computer network, physical media such as cables or
wireless methods must connect each computer to the network. In
addition, network computers usually have monitors or other display
devices that enables the users to access and change
information.
[0003] As information technology improves, physical devices such as
televisions, VCRs, cameras, phones, radios, clocks and compact disc
players, among others, may be adapted to include more information
and functions. At this time, some physical devices include systems
that enable them to perform one or more predefined tasks. However,
these devices cannot be easily adapted to perform other tasks. As
the size and affordability of processors in these systems continue
to decrease, more physical devices may contain systems that are
powerful enough to enable them to join a network of other physical
devices.
[0004] Jini.TM. Technology from Sun Microsystems Corporation,
provides a mechanism which enables independent systems to connect
together in order to form an impromptu network. Each system
provides interfaces and flexible services that may be used by other
systems in the Jini.TM. network. With Jini.TM. technology, it is
feasible to build a network of systems without an intermediary
"computer system" and without prior installation procedures and
hardware.
[0005] According to Jini.TM., when each system in the network is
created, it must conform to certain underlying protocol. Jini.TM.
connection architecture requires a protocol that enables each
system in the Jini.TM. network to discover a lookup service and to
join the lookup service. When a system is connected to a Jini.TM.
network, the system must first locate the lookup service. Upon
discovering the lookup service, the system then joins the network
by loading all of its interfaces into a lookup service menu. The
lookup service thereafter acts as a switchboard by connecting a
server system (system providing service to another system) to a
client system (system requesting service from another system). When
a service is requested, the server system interfaces are copied
from the lookup service menu to the requesting client system.
Thereafter, the lookup service is not involved in any of the
resulting interactions between the client and server systems. Since
each system conforms to the Jini.TM. protocol, interaction is
ensured and current installation drivers and procedures are not
utilized.
[0006] Software in these devices must be implemented in Java.TM.
programming language, which provides the underling object model
used by Jini.TM. technology. Jini.TM. also requires Java.TM. Remote
Method Invocation (RMI) technology in order to move between
Java.TM. virtual machines, software objects associated with the
lookup service, and other Jini.TM. network services and
devices.
[0007] Jini.TM. technology suffers from several drawbacks, for
example, current processors in current systems cannot be adapted to
access Jini.TM. network. Moreover, by requiring software in systems
that are compatible with Jini.TM. technology to be implemented in
the Java programming language, Jini.TM. technology introduces a
limitation unacceptable for many manufacturers. The use of
non-compatible technology may also slow down the migration by these
manufacturers from currently used programming languages to Java.TM.
programming language. Additionally, there are current standard
protocols, such as, TCP/IP/HTTP, SMTP, and FTP, which are already
widely accepted in the computer industry, and which may already be
used by manufacturers. What is needed therefore is a system using
current standard protocols that integrates information from one or
more information sources into a physical device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a smart molecule system
that may be embedded in a physical device in order to integrate
information from external information sources in the physical
device. The smart molecule system obtains information from external
sources by connecting to a smart molecule service in a computer
system through a URL to Number Transformation Algorithm (UNT)
number. The UNT performs bi-directional transformation between the
UNT number and a corresponding URL, thereby enabling physical
devices with smart molecule systems to obtain information from the
Web without using alphanumeric characters. Upon creating the UNT
number and assigning it to an information source, a service
provider distributes the UNT number to the smart molecule in order
for the smart molecule to access the information stored therein.
Alternatively, a user of a physical device with alphanumeric
characters may enter the URL in the physical device, connect to the
smart molecule service and retrieve information from a
corresponding information source through the smart molecule
service.
[0009] It is an object of this invention to connect the smart
molecule system with current computer networks in order to transmit
information from the computer networks to the smart molecule
system.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to create a UNT
number, register the UNT number with the appropriate authorities,
assign a parameter portion of the UNT number to an information
source, set up a smart molecule service to access the information
source and process the UNT number, and distribute the UNT number to
smart molecule systems.
[0011] It is another object of the invention to use the UNT number
to connect smart molecule software components in the smart molecule
system to one or more smart molecule services in order to transmit
data from the information sources to the smart molecule software
components.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to transmit
data from the external information source to the smart molecule
system by using standard networking protocols.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to process transmitted
data on the smart molecule software component in order to identify
the occurrence of a predetermined event.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to activate a physical
attribute of the physical device upon the occurrence of the
predetermined event.
[0015] It is another object of the invention for the smart molecule
software component to transmit instructions, to perform a
predefined action, to the computer network in response to an
external interaction with a physical attribute of the physical
device.
[0016] It is another object of the invention for the smart molecule
software component collect information in a smart molecule memory
and transmit the information to the computer network in response to
an external interaction with a physical attribute of the physical
device.
[0017] It is yet another object of the invention to extend the
functionality of the smart molecule system by attaching a smart
atom system that performs predefined tasks to the smart molecule
system.
[0018] It is yet still another object of the invention to extend
the functionality of the smart molecule system by creating a smart
organism, i.e., a computer environment for allowing flexible
interaction between smart molecule systems that are embedded in
multiple physical objects.
[0019] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and advantages of the invention will be
realized and attained by the system particularly pointed out in the
written description and claims hereof as well as the appended
drawings.
[0020] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described,
the present invention provides a system embedded in a physical
device, the system retrieving information from external information
sources through a computer and integrating the external information
with the physical device, the system comprises: a central processor
for controlling processing operations and connecting the system to
the computer, the computer having a software application for
defining a service component and assigning the service component to
information on at least one external information source, the
service component retrieving the information from the external
information source, upon receiving the information the software
application formatting the information in a predetermined format
and transmitting the information to the system after the system
subscribes to the service component; a memory for storing
information transmitted from the software application; and a
software component for processing information stored in the memory
in order to activate a physical attribute of the physical device in
response to the occurrence of a predetermined event, the software
component further instructing the software application to perform
predefined tasks upon the occurrence of the predetermined event and
interaction with a physical attribute of the physical device.
[0021] The invention also provides a software component in a system
that is embedded in a physical device, the system retrieving
information from external information sources through a computer
and integrating the external information with the physical device,
the software component comprises: a set of properties for defining
the software component's characteristics; at least one interface to
other software components and systems; a set of methods for
processing information; and means for connecting to a service
component in the computer, accessing information transmitted to a
memory in the system from an external information source through
the service component, processing information transmitted from the
external information source, activating physical attributes of the
physical device in response to the occurrence of a predetermined
event and performing predefined functions on the computer in
response to an external interaction with the one or more physical
attributes of the physical device.
[0022] The invention also provides a computer environment for
allowing flexible interaction of a plurality of systems, at least
one system embedded in a physical device comprises: a central
processor for controlling processing operations and connecting the
system to the computer, the computer having a software application
for defining a service component and assigning the service
component to information on at least one external information
source, the service component retrieving the information from the
external information source, upon receiving the information the
software application formatting the information in a predetermined
format and transmitting the information to the system after the
system subscribes to the service component; a memory for storing
information transmitted from the software application; and a
software component for processing information stored in the memory
in order to activate a physical attribute of the physical device in
response to the occurrence of a predetermined event, the software
component further instructing the software application to perform
predefined tasks upon the occurrence of the predetermined event and
interaction with a physical attribute of the physical device.
[0023] The invention alternatively provides a system embedded in a
physical device, the system retrieving information from external
information sources through a computer and integrating the external
information with the physical device, the system comprising: a
central processor for controlling processing operations; a memory
for storing information retrieved from the external information
source; a software component for processing information stored in
the memory; means for assigning the external information source to
a service component in the computer through a set of numbers,
connecting the system to the service component, transmitting
information from the external information source to the memory and
executing through the software component information stored in the
memory; means for activating a physical attribute of the physical
device in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event
during execution of the information on the software component; and
means for performing one or more predefined functions on the
computer in response to activating the one or more physical
attributes and in response to external interaction with the one or
more physical attributes.
[0024] The invention further provides a method of retrieving
information from external information sources through a computer
and integrating the information with a system in a physical device,
the method comprising the steps of: controlling processing
operations through a central processor in the system; storing
information retrieved from the external information source in a
memory in the system; processing information stored in the memory
through a software component in the system; assigning the external
information source to a service component in the computer through a
subset of a UNT number; connecting the system to the service
component; transmitting information from the external information
source to the memory and executing through the software component
information stored in the memory; activating a physical attribute
of the physical device in response to the occurrence of a
predetermined event during execution of the information on the
software component; and performing one or more predefined functions
on the computer in response to the step of activating the one or
more physical attributes and in response to external interaction
with the one or more physical attributes.
[0025] In yet another alternative, the invention provides a system
embedded in a physical device, the system retrieving information
from external information sources through a computer and
integrating the external information with the physical device, the
system comprises: a central processor for controlling processing
operations and connecting the system to the computer, the computer
having a software application for defining a service component and
assigning the service component to information on at least one
external information source, the service component retrieving the
information from the external information source, upon receiving
the information the software application formatting the information
in a predetermined format and transmitting the information to the
system after the system subscribes to the service component; a
memory for storing information transmitted from the software
application; and a software component for periodically transmitting
information stored in the memory to the software application and/or
to the service component, the software application and or service
component further processing the transmitted information or
distributing it to external sources.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention that together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0027] In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates the computer network in which the
inventive smart molecule system may be incorporated;
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the TCP/IP Layering Model Protocol used
during communications between components on the computer
network;
[0030] FIG. 3-A illustrates a smart molecule system that is
embedded in a stock clock and connected to the computer network of
FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3-B further illustrates the stock-clock smart molecule
system of FIG. 3-A;
[0032] FIG. 3-C illustrates a UNT number format utilized according
to the preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 3-D illustrates how the UNT number and the
corresponding URL are used in the stock-clock smart molecule system
of FIG. 3-A;
[0034] FIG. 4 further illustrates the smart molecule system
embedded in a physical device;
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a smart molecule system that is expanded
by smart atom systems;
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a smart organism comprising multiple
smart molecule systems embedded in various physical objects;
and
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates how information is process in the
computer environment depicted in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention
described below extends the functionality of the inventive smart
molecule system and methods for utilizing the system.
[0039] FIG. 1 is an example of a local area network (LAN) 100 that
is configured to transmit information to components inside and
outside of LAN 100. It comprises a server 102, four computer
systems 104-110, and peripherals, such as printers and other
devices 112, that may be shared by components on LAN 100. Computer
systems 104-110 may serve as clients for server 102 and/or as
clients and/or servers for each other and/or for other components
connected to LAN 100. Components on LAN 100 are preferably
connected together by cable media, for example copper or
fiber-optic cable, and the network typology may be a token ring
topology 114. It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that other media, for example, wireless media, such as
optical and radio frequency, may also connect LAN 100 components.
It should also be apparent that other network topologies, such as
Ethernet, may be used.
[0040] Data may be transferred between components on LAN 100 in
packets, i.e., blocks of data that are individually transmitted
over LAN 100. Routers 120, 122 create an expanded network by
connecting LAN 100 to other computer networks, such as the
Internet, other LANs or Wide Area Networks (WAN). Routers are
hardware devices that may include a conventional processor, memory,
and separate I/O interface for each network to which it connects.
Router 120, 122 may also include a packet filter which is used as
the primary part of a firewall that protects LAN 100 against
unwanted Internet traffic. In LAN 100, server 102 is a web server
for retrieving documents from the Internet. As would be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art, web server 102 may reside
inside or outside of LAN 100 Internet firewall.
[0041] In order for communications to occur between physically
connected heterogeneous networks, all components on the expanded
network and the routers that connect them must adhere to a standard
protocol. Computer networks connected to the Internet and to other
networks usually use the TCP/IP Layering Model Protocol. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, TCP/IP Layering Model comprises an
application layer or (Layer 5) 202, a transport layer or (Layer 4)
204, an Internet layer or (Layer 3) 206, a network interface layer
or (Layer 2) 208, and a physical layer or (Layer 1) 210.
Application layer protocols 202 specify how each software
application connected to the network uses the network. Transport
layer protocols 204 specify how to ensure reliable transfer among
complex protocols. Internet layer protocols 206 specify the format
of packets sent across the network as well as mechanisms used to
forward packets from a computer through one or more routers to a
final destination. Network interface layer protocols 208 specify
how to organize data into frames and how a computer transmits
frames over the network; and physical layer protocols 210
correspond to the basic network hardware. By using TCP/IP Layering
model protocols, any component connected to the network can
communicate with any other component connected directly or
indirectly to one of the attached networks.
[0042] FIG. 3-A illustrates a smart molecule system 316 that is
embedded in a clock and connected to LAN 100 according to the
preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that
smart molecule system 316 might be embedded in devices with or
without display screens and/or larger or smaller physical devices.
For example, smart molecule system 316 may be embedded in an office
wall or in a multi-part, three-dimensional sculpture of steel.
Smart molecule system 316 uses standard internetworking protocols,
such as TCP/IP, to connect to other components on LAN 100. Thus,
smart molecule system 316 may be connected to the Internet and the
World Wide Web (Web) and information available therein is
accessible to smart molecule system 316. Computer system 102 on LAN
100 to which smart molecule system 316 is connected is a smart
molecule server and smart molecule system 316 is a smart molecule
client. According to the invention, a software application in the
smart molecule server 102 defines a smart molecule service 318 and
assigns information from one or more information sources, such as
databases or Internet sites, to smart molecule service 318.
Thereafter, smart molecule system 316 subscribes to service
318.
[0043] FIG. 3-B further illustrates the stock-clock smart molecule
system of FIG. 3-A. The wireless stock clock smart molecule system
316 includes a two-line textual LCD display 320, a number pad 322
and a set button 324 to subscribe to one or more smart molecule
services 318. According to the invention illustrated in FIG. 3-A,
stock-clock smart molecule system 316 enables the user to subscribe
to a smart molecule service 318 that constantly transmits current
stock values via the Internet. To subscribe to smart molecule
service 318, a user enters a "URL To Number Transformation
Algorithm" (UNT) number into stock-clock smart molecule system
316.
[0044] UNT performs a bi-directional transformation between a
sequence of numbers and a URL. Thus, instead of requiring the user
to enter a URL in order to obtain information from the web, the
user may enter the corresponding UNT number. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the UNT number format is the same as
the telephone number format used in the United States. This format
is easy to use and remember since it is already familiar to United
States telephone users. It is also language independent and
applicable worldwide and a physical device with a smart molecule
system 316 does not require an alphanumeric keypad to retrieve
information from the web. Moreover, the UNT domain registration and
management fully complies with the Domain Name System (DNS)
standard and the UNT domain names use relatively smaller spaces
than alphanumeric domain names. By using extensions with more
digits, UNT domain names are also virtually unlimited.
[0045] FIG. 3-C illustrates the UNT number format utilized in the
preferred embodiment of the invention. Digits 1-(n-5), the X
digits, define the domain name, digits (n-4)-(n-1), the Y digits,
define a four digit service parameter, and digit n, the Z digit,
defines a protocol and/or additional features. A default service
parameter in the Y digits is defined with four zeros. Examples of
protocols defined by the Z digit include zero for "http://"
protocol and one for "https://" protocol.
[0046] FIG. 3-D illustrates how the UNT number and the
corresponding URL are used in the stock-clock smart molecule system
of FIG. 3-A. In order to set up the stock-clock smart molecule
service 318 so that stock-clock smart molecule system 316 and other
smart molecule systems can monitor stock symbols, a service
provider registers an Internet domain name, www.180012.com, with
the appropriate authorities. Then the service provider sets up
smart molecule service 318 that runs a parameterized script on web
server 102. Stock-clock smart molecule service 318 is set up to
return the current values for stock symbols. Thereafter, the
service provider assigns 3456 to a specific stock symbol and
distributes the corresponding UNT number, 1 800 123 4561 to smart
molecule systems 316. It should be noted that the service provider
may assign other service parameters to other stock symbols and
thereafter distribute the corresponding UNT number to the
stock-clock smart molecule system and/or other smart molecule
systems. This enables stock-clock smart molecule system 316 to
connect to stock-clock smart molecule service 318 and retrieve the
current stock values for the stock symbols. Thereafter, users of
service 318 enter the UNT number in smart molecule system 316 and
the UNT number is linked to http://www.188800.com/s?p=9456 URL. It
should be noted that smart molecule system 316 may connect to
multiple smart molecule services 318 through one or more smart
molecule servers 102.
[0047] It should be noted that a user of smart molecule system 316
that is embedded in a physical device with alphanumeric keypad may
enter the URL directly into the physical device. The user may then
connect to the appropriate smart molecule service 318, and retrieve
information transmitted from the associated web site through the
smart molecule service 318.
[0048] FIG. 4 further illustrates smart molecule system 316
described in FIG. 3-A. Smart molecule system 316 comprises a
central processor 402, a memory 404, a power source 406, and a
smart molecule software component 408. In the preferred embodiment
of the invention, smart molecule software component 408 is an
object-oriented executable. It should be noted that other software
applications, for example DLL or JAVA applets, may be used as the
smart molecule software component 408.
[0049] Smart molecule software component 408 comprises a set of
standard properties 410, a set of standard interfaces 412, a set of
standard methods 414, a set of specific interfaces 416, and a set
of specific methods 418. The set of standard properties 410
includes a type identifier 420 for identifying the types of
information the smart molecule system processes and a unique global
identifier 422 which is a unique address for identifying smart
molecule system 316 to the network. Global identifier 422 does not
change even if the physical device to which it is assigned is moved
to a different location and/or removed from the network. An example
of a standard interface 412 includes interfaces to network
components, software components and other smart molecule systems.
Examples of standard methods include a method for retrieving
information transmitted to the smart molecule system's memory 404
and a smart molecule self-description method 424. An example of a
specific interface 416 includes a wireless communications interface
and an example of a specific method 418 includes a method for
moving an attribute of a physical device in response to an
event.
[0050] The service provider may use smart molecule server 102 to
uniquely tailor smart molecule service 318 to a specific smart
molecule system. Smart molecule server 102 uses the unique global
identifier 422 of smart molecule system 316 to invoke the
appropriate smart molecule self-description method 424. Thereafter,
smart molecule self-description method 424 returns properties and
methods for its smart molecule system 316 and for any smart atom
systems attached to smart molecule system 316. It also returns a
three-dimensional, object-oriented, vector-based description of the
shapes for all attached smart molecule systems 316 and smart atom
systems. This makes it easier to develop a smart organism, i.e., a
computer network with multiple smart molecule systems 316, since a
system developer may only have to click on the shape of a component
to obtain information about that component.
[0051] According to the invention, after smart molecule service 318
is setup and the corresponding UNT numbers are distributed, a
software application in smart molecule server 102 accesses
information through the associated URL by using standard Internet
technology. It formats the information into a predefined format
that smart molecule client 316 `understands` and it transmits the
formatted information to the smart molecule client's memory 404.
Smart molecule software component 408 retrieves the information
from memory 404 and processes the information in order to identify
the occurrence of a predetermined event. Upon identifying the
occurrence of the predetermined event, smart molecule software
component 408 activates an attribute in the physical device.
Thereafter, if there is physical interaction with a physical
attribute in the physical device, smart molecule software component
408 determines whether a predefined task is assigned to the
physical attribute. If a predefined task is assigned to the
physical attribute with which there was interaction, smart molecule
software component 408 then sends a predefined message/event to
smart molecule server 102. Thereupon, smart molecule server 102
performs the predefined task. Smart molecule server 102 may also
transfer scripts to the smart molecule system to define the smart
molecule system's behavior in response to specific events.
[0052] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, smart molecule
software component 408 may collect information in smart molecule
memory 404 and transmit the information to smart molecule service.
Thereafter, smart molecule service 318 or another software
component in server 102 may process the information and/or
distribute it to other sources.
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a smart molecule system that is expanded
by a smart atom system. The smart atom system is a software
component or hardware component that performs one or more
predefined tasks and it may be linked into the smart molecule
system in order to increase the functions of the smart molecule
system. Thus, manufacturers of a physical devices including smart
molecule systems have greater the flexibility in customizing their
products 316. Smart Atom 1 includes a set of up and down buttons
and it displays an animated ticker text. Smart Atom 2 includes buy
and sell buttons and it displays a stock value. Smart Atom 3
includes a set of up and down buttons and it displays a graph of a
specific stock value. Smart Atom 4 displays an exception status and
it has the same functionality as Smart Atom 2. Smart Atom 5
includes a set of up and down buttons and displays the current time
and date.
[0054] To better understand the inventive system, consider the
system in depicted in FIGS. 3-A and 3-B. Smart molecule system 316
is connected to the Internet through web server 102 and smart
molecule system 316 may retrieve information from one or more
financial databases through smart molecule server 102. The service
provider registers the UNT number with the appropriate authorities
and the software application in smart molecule server 102 defines
stock-clock smart molecule service 318 and assigns information from
one or more sources to service 318. The service provider publishes
the UNT number and server 102 accesses the Internet to continuously
retrieves information from the assigned databases and/or Web pages.
The software component in smart molecule server 102 formats the
information into a predefined format. When smart molecule system
316 connects to smart molecule service 318, server 102 transmits
the information to the smart molecule memory 404 in the clock.
Smart molecule software component 408 in the clock retrieves the
information from memory 404 and processes it in order to identify
the occurrence of a predetermined event. An example of a
predetermined event is when selected stock prices reach a certain
level. Upon identifying the occurrence of the predetermined event,
smart molecule software component 408 activates an alarm in the
clock. Thereafter, when the user presses set button 324 on the
clock, smart molecule software component 408 determines whether a
predefined task is assigned to the snooze button. If a predefined
task is assigned to the snooze button, smart molecule software
component 408 sends a predefined message/event to smart molecule
server 102. An example of a predefined task is instructions to buy
or sell a certain quantity of a particular stock. Upon receiving
the message from smart molecule system 316, smart molecule server
102 executes the task through an on-line brokerage firm.
[0055] In yet another example, as stated above, smart molecule
system 316 may be embedded in a multi-part, three-dimension
sculpture located in the lobby of a global company. Smart molecule
server 102 could assign publicly available corporate information,
such as the company's stock value or worldwide revenue, to the
smart molecule sculpture. Smart molecule software component 408
could change the color of the sculpture, or move parts of the
sculpture to reflect changes in the stock or revenue value.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates a smart organism, i.e., a computer
environment in which multiple smart molecule systems are embedded
in various physical objects. The smart organism 600 comprises a
security checking smart molecule system 602, a text display smart
molecule system 604, a video conferencing smart molecule system
606, business display smart molecule systems 608-612, a smart
molecule sculpture 614, a IR-Gateway smart molecule system 616, a
large computer screen smart molecule system 618, a wireless
connected smart molecule system 620, a wireless palmtop computer
622 with a smart molecule system, a laptop computer 624 with a
smart molecule system, a personal computer 626 with a smart
molecule system, a server 628 and a network 630. Security checking
smart molecule system 602 may be used to check the identifiers of
users logging on to the computer environment and text display smart
molecule system 604 may be used to display assigned information
such as stock ticker information. Video conferencing smart molecule
system 606 may be activated by predefined interaction with one of
the other smart molecule systems. Business display smart molecule
systems 608-612 may be used to display different types of
information and the functions of each system may be expanded with a
smart atom system. Smart molecule sculpture 614 may be used to
illustrate changing information and IR-Gateway smart molecule
system 616 may be used to connect to the smart organism to wireless
components, based on physical interaction with business display
smart molecule system 612. Large computer screen 618 with smart
molecule software component 408 may be used to display business
reports that are generated on personal computer 626. Wireless
connected smart molecule system 620 may be used for displaying data
and wireless palmtop computer 622 may communicate with the computer
environment though IR-Gateway smart molecule 616. Laptop computer
624 and personal computer 626 may be connected to the environment
through standard Internet and network protocols. Server 628 and
network 630 may be used to assign the smart molecule systems to
information sources, to transmit data to the smart molecule systems
and to process messages from the smart molecule systems.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing how information is process in
the computer environment of FIG. 6. In Step 710, a user logs on to
the computer environment using security checking smart molecule
system 602. The security checking smart molecule system verifies
that the logon is correct and notifies all smart molecule systems
in the environment. In Step 720, the latest personalized ticker
news from the network is transmitted to text display smart molecule
system 604 for display. Key performance indicator information is
transmitted to smart molecule systems 608-612 for display. Customer
satisfaction information is transmitted to smart molecule sculpture
614, and the smart molecule system therein rotates the sculpture at
a rate that corresponds to the level of customer satisfaction. In
Step 730, smart molecule display system 610 waits for physical
interaction from the user. In Step 740, if there is physical
interaction, the smart molecule display system 610 sends a request
to the smart molecule system in the personal computer 626 to
display a map based on the key performance indicators report and it
sends a request to the IR Gateway smart molecule system 616 to
transmit the report to palmtop smart molecule system 622 for later
offline analysis. In Step 750, the smart molecule system on the
personal computer 626, triggers large screen smart molecule system
618 to display the requested report. In Step 760, the large screen
smart molecule system 618 waits for physical interaction from the
user. In Step 770, when the user touches a part of report in a
particular region, the smart molecule system in personal computer
626 instructs video conferencing smart molecule system 606 to
initiate a video conference with the responsible person in that
region. In Step 780 video conferencing smart molecule system 606
instructs laptop 624 to start a video-conferencing software
application. While the above illustrates limited interactions
between the smart molecule systems, these and other types of
interactions between smart molecule systems may continue until the
user logs out of the computer environment.
[0058] As illustrated in the above examples, the smart molecule
system is not dependent on traditional computer display and
interaction devices, such as monitors or printers, to transmit
information to a user. As information needs change, assignment to
various information sources may also change. This yields rapid
reaction to dynamic information.
[0059] The foregoing description has been directed to specific
embodiments of this invention. It will be apparent, however, that
other variations and modifications may be made to the described
embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their
advantages. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to
cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *
References