U.S. patent application number 17/028997 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for secure and private web browsing system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is TRACEFREE CORP. Invention is credited to Scott Shaffer.
Application Number | 20210006634 17/028997 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210006634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shaffer; Scott |
January 7, 2021 |
SECURE AND PRIVATE WEB BROWSING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A method and system for providing private web browsing includes
a client module for transmitting a request to begin a browsing
session to a server and displaying video data for the browsing
session from the server. The system also includes a database that
stores a browser build in a first directory including at least one
executable browser file. The system also includes a server module
configured for creating a temporary executable directory and
copying the executable browser file to the temporary executable
directory, executing the executable browser file in the temporary
executable directory, starting the browsing session, wherein all
browsing session files are stored in the temporary executable
directory, generating video data from the browsing session and
transmitting it to the client module, and, after ending the
browsing session, deleting all files in the temporary executable
directory.
Inventors: |
Shaffer; Scott; (Wilmington,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TRACEFREE CORP |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/028997 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16109065 |
Aug 22, 2018 |
10785335 |
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17028997 |
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62548813 |
Aug 22, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; H04N 21/274 20060101 H04N021/274; G06F 16/957 20060101
G06F016/957; G06F 21/53 20060101 G06F021/53; H04L 29/06 20060101
H04L029/06; G06F 21/62 20060101 G06F021/62 |
Claims
1. A system that provides private web browsing, the system
comprising: a) a client module executing on a client computer
communicably connected to a communications network, the client
module configured for: 1) transmitting client settings and a
request to begin a browsing session to a server, over the
communications network; 2) receiving and displaying video data for
the browsing session from the server, over the communications
network; 3) detecting peripheral input for the browsing session and
transmitting said peripheral input to the server, over the
communications network; and 4) receiving a user command to end the
browsing session and transmitting said user command to the server,
over the communications network; b) a database communicably
connected to the communications network, the database configured
for storing at least one browser build in a first directory, the at
least one browser build including at least one executable browser
file; c) a server module executing on the server communicably
connected to the communications network, the server module
configured for: 1) receiving the client settings and the request to
begin the browsing session from the client module, over the
communications network; 2) creating a temporary executable
directory in the database and copying the at least one executable
browser file from the first directory to the temporary executable
directory; 3) executing the at least one executable browser file in
the temporary executable directory, thereby starting the browsing
session, wherein all browsing session files are stored in the
temporary executable directory; 4) generating video data from the
browsing session and transmitting the video data to the client
module, over the communications network; 5) receiving peripheral
input for the browsing session from the client module, over the
communications network, and inputting the peripheral input into the
browsing session; 6) receiving the command to end the browsing
session from the client module, over the communications network;
and 7) deleting all files in the temporary executable
directory.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the client settings include
favorites, login credentials and viewing preferences.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the peripheral input includes
keyboard input and mouse input.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one browser build
further includes one or more sub-directories that include resource
files and library files.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein browser session files includes a
cache of web pages.
6. A system that provides private web browsing, the system
comprising: a) a client module executing on a client computer
communicably connected to a communications network, the client
module configured for: 1) transmitting client settings and a
request to begin a browsing session to a server, over the
communications network; 2) receiving and displaying video data for
the browsing session from the server, over the communications
network; 3) detecting peripheral input for the browsing session and
transmitting said peripheral input to the server, over the
communications network; and 4) receiving a user command to end the
browsing session and transmitting said user command to the server,
over the communications network; b) a database communicably
connected to the communications network, the database configured
for storing at least one browser build in a first directory, the at
least one browser build including at least one executable browser
file; c) a server module executing on the server communicably
connected to the communications network, the server module
configured for: 1) receiving the client settings and the request to
begin the browsing session from the client module, over the
communications network; 2) creating a temporary executable
directory in the database and copying the at least one executable
browser file from the first directory to the temporary executable
directory; 3) executing the at least one executable browser file in
the temporary executable directory, thereby starting the browsing
session, wherein all browsing session files are stored in the
temporary executable directory; 4) generating video data from the
browsing session and transmitting the video data to the client
module, over the communications network; 5) receiving peripheral
input for the browsing session from the client module, over the
communications network, and inputting the peripheral input into the
browsing session; 6) receiving the command to end the browsing
session from the client module, over the communications network;
and 7) stopping the at least one executable browser file from
executing and deleting all files in the temporary executable
directory.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the client settings include
favorites, login credentials and viewing preferences.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the peripheral input includes
keyboard input and mouse input.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one browser build
further includes one or more sub-directories that include resource
files and library files.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein browser session files includes a
cache of web pages.
11. A method for providing private web browsing, the method
comprising: a) executing a client module on a client computer
communicably connected to a communications network, wherein the
client module: 1) transmits client settings and a request to begin
a browsing session to a server, over the communications network; 2)
receives and displays video data for the browsing session from the
server, over the communications network; 3) detects peripheral
input for the browsing session and transmits said peripheral input
to the server, over the communications network; and 4) receives a
user command to end the browsing session and transmits said user
command to the server, over the communications network; b) a
database communicably coupled to the communications network, the
database configured for storing at least one browser build in a
first directory, the at least one browser build including at least
one executable browser file; c) executing a server module on the
server communicably connected to the communications network, the
server module: 1) receives the client settings and the request to
begin the browsing session from the client module, over the
communications network; 2) creates a temporary executable directory
in an attached database and copies the at least one executable
browser file from the first directory to the temporary executable
directory; 3) executes the at least one executable browser file in
the temporary executable directory, thereby starting the browsing
session, wherein all browsing session files are stored in the
temporary executable directory; 4) generates video data from the
browsing session and transmits the video data to the client module,
over the communications network; 5) receives peripheral input for
the browsing session from the client module, over the
communications network, and inputs the peripheral input into the
browsing session; 6) receives the command to end the browsing
session from the client module, over the communications network;
and 7) deletes all files in the temporary executable directory.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the client settings include
favorites, login credentials and viewing preferences.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the peripheral input includes
keyboard input and mouse input.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one browser build
further includes one or more sub-directories that include resource
files and library files.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein browser session files includes
a cache of web pages.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent applications is a continuation of patent
application Ser. No. 16/109,065 filed Aug. 22, 2018 and titled
"Secure And Private Web Browsing System And Method", which claims
priority to provisional patent application filed 62/548,813 filed
Aug. 22, 2017 and titled "Method for Secure Private Browsing". The
subject matter of patent application Ser. No. 16/109,065 and
provisional patent application 62/548,813 are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The technical field relates generally to privacy and
information security and, more specifically, to processes and
systems for improving privacy and information security while
browsing the World Wide Web.
BACKGROUND
[0005] When interacting with the World Word Web, such as web
browsing, social media activities or online purchasing, it is
common practice to disclose personal information, such as names,
photographs, telephone numbers, birth dates and addresses. Public
and private entities collect and process this personal data, as
well as web browsing data itself, for any number of legitimate or
illegitimate purposes. For example, it is customary for online
retailers, merchants and marketers to collect data on users of
their sites, and to merge the collected data from multiple sources
to "data mine" or learn about the users' identities and their
private/personal information in order to target them for
advertising or other purposes. Internet surfing habits of users can
contain a wealth of information about users, which can be used to
"personalize" their experience.
[0006] The consequences for failing to protect the data collected
about users can be very serious. For example, identity theft is a
huge problem for consumers and the firms that serve them. In the
U.S. alone, seven percent of adults--about 15 million--are
victimized each year, with total losses of more than 50 billion.
U.S. firms spend another 50 billion a year on
identity-theft-prevention measures. Firms must take steps to ensure
that any personal information in their possession remains secure,
and that their employees understand these safeguards and how to
detect and prevent potential threats, as well as ensure data
privacy.
[0007] Additionally, individuals may have personal reasons for
keeping their online activities private. Today it is common for
individuals to browse the Internet for information related to very
private matters, such as diseases, mental problems, personal
relationships, religious beliefs, or unpopular political ideas.
Individuals may fear being subjected to personal attacks, political
persecution, divorce, or job loss if their online activities were
known to their community, their families or law enforcement.
Therefore, many individuals have a large stake in keeping certain
online activities private and secure.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists for improvements over the prior
art, and more particularly for more efficient methods and systems
for enhancing privacy and information security when interacting
with the World Wide Web.
SUMMARY
[0009] A system for providing private web browsing is provided.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This
Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential
features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary
intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's
scope.
[0010] In one embodiment, a system for providing private web
browsing is provided that solves the above-described problems. The
system includes a client module executing on a client computer
communicably connected to a communications network, the client
module configured for: 1) transmitting client settings and a
request to begin a browsing session to a server, over the
communications network, 2) receiving and displaying video data for
the browsing session from the server, over the communications
network, 3) detecting peripheral input for the browsing session and
transmitting said peripheral input to the server, over the
communications network, and 4) receiving a user command to end the
browsing session and transmitting said user command to the server,
over the communications network. The system also includes a
database communicably connected to the communications network, the
database configured for storing at least one browser build in a
first directory, the at least one browser build including at least
one executable browser file. The system also includes a server
module executing on the server communicably connected to a
communications network, the server module configured for: 1)
receiving the client settings and the request to begin the browsing
session from the client module, over the communications network, 2)
creating a temporary executable directory in the database and
copying the at least one executable browser file from the first
directory to the temporary executable directory, 3) executing the
at least one executable browser file in the temporary executable
directory, thereby starting the browsing session, wherein all
browsing session files are stored in the temporary executable
directory, 4) generating video data from the browsing session and
transmitting the video data to the client module, over the
communications network, 5) receiving peripheral input for the
browsing session from the client module, over the communications
network, and inputting the peripheral input into the browsing
session, 6) receiving the command to end the browsing session from
the client module, over the communications network, and 7) deleting
all files in the temporary executable directory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various example
embodiments. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of system for providing private
and secure web browsing, according to an example embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the data flow of the general
process and method for providing private and secure web browsing,
according to an example embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the control flow of the
process and method for providing private and secure web browsing,
according to an example embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing the directory structure of
the process and method for providing private and secure web
browsing according to an example embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an illustration showing the sub-process of
audio/video processing for the general process and method for
providing private and secure web browsing, according to an example
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system including a computing
device, according to an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to
refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments may be
described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations
are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or
modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the
drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by
substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed
methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not
limit the claimed subject matter. Instead, the proper scope of the
claimed subject matter is defined by the appended claims.
[0019] The claimed subject matter improves over the prior art by
providing a more efficient, automated and precise way of providing
secure and private web browsing. The example embodiments provide a
system and method and that allows a client module operating on a
client device to browse the World Wide Web by viewing an
audio/video stream of a (remotely executed) browsing session,
thereby eliminating any possibility of browsing data being kept or
stored at the client's device. The browsing session actually
executes on a remote server, which utilizes a new browser build for
each browsing session and deletes the browser build for the
browsing session (and any browsing data files) after the browsing
session is completed. This feature enhances the advantages of the
system and improves the privacy and security of the information
that passes through the system. The disclosed embodiments further
improve over the prior art by encrypting any data that passes
between the client and the server, so as to ensure that
unauthorized parties cannot view private information associated
with the browsing session.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an operating environment 100 that
supports a method and system for providing private and secure web
browsing. The web server or computing device 102 may be
communicatively coupled with a communications network 106,
according to an example embodiment. The environment 100 may
comprise any computing device 120, which may communicate with
computing device 102 via a communications network 106. Computing
device 120 may comprise a mobile device such as a cellular/mobile
telephone, smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, handheld
computer, desktop computer, wearable computer, or the like. Device
120 may also comprise other computing devices such as desktop
computers, workstations, servers, and game consoles, for example.
The computing device 120 may be connected either wirelessly or in a
wired or fiber optic form to the communications network 106.
Communications network 106 may be a packet switched network, such
as the Internet, the World Wide Web or any local area network, wide
area network, enterprise private network, cellular network, phone
network, mobile communications network, or any combination of the
above. The environment 100 shows that mobile computing device 120
is operated by a user 110. Server 102 and device 120 may each
comprise a computing device 600, described below in greater detail
with respect to FIG. 6.
[0021] Computing device 102 includes a software engine that may
deliver video, audio, applications, data, program code and other
information to networked devices, such as device 120. The software
engine of device 102 may perform other processes such as
transferring multimedia data in a stream of packets that are
interpreted and rendered by a software application as the packets
arrive. FIG. 1 further shows that device 102 includes a database or
repository 104, which may be a relational database comprising a
Structured Query Language (SQL) database stored in a SQL server.
Computing device 120 may also include its own database, either
locally or via the cloud. The database 104 may serve user or web
browsing data, as well as related information, which may be used by
device 102 and computing device 120.
[0022] Device 102, and computing device 120 may each include
program logic comprising computer source code, scripting language
code or interpreted language code that perform various functions of
the disclosed embodiments. In one embodiment, the aforementioned
program logic may comprise program module 607 in FIG. 6. It should
be noted that although FIG. 1 shows only one computing device 120,
and one web server 102, the system of the disclosed embodiments
supports any number of servers, and computing devices connected via
network 106. Also note that although server 102 is shown as a
single and independent entity, in one embodiment, server 102 and
its functionality can be realized in a centralized fashion in one
computer system or in a distributed fashion wherein different
elements are spread across several interconnected computer
systems.
[0023] The database 104 may include a user record for each user
110. A user record may include: identifying information for the
user (name, address, phone number, zip code, etc.), a handle for
the user, a unique identifier, a password or other authentication
key for the user, information pertaining to permissions attributed
to the user, information pertaining to previous web browser
sessions, etc. A user record may further include additional data,
such as payment information, subscription information, electronic
payment data (such as credit card date), etc.
[0024] The database 104 may further include a directory structure
that is utilized during the process for providing private and
secure web browsing. In one embodiment, the database 104 includes a
non-executable directory in which is stored a web browser build. A
non-executable directory is a storage area in a file system,
wherein the operation system (OS) that regulates that file system
does not consider that storage area as one that holds executable
program files. A web browser build or browser build is a set of
files, folders and directories that include all elements necessary
to properly execute a web browser program so as to properly
function. A browser build includes at least one or more
sub-directories, at least one executable browser file, resource
files and library files. Additionally, a browser build may also
include library files related to the OS, registry details for the
OS and related permissions, browser plug-ins (i.e., Flash,
Shockwave, a PDF viewer, etc.), and web apps. A web app is a
client-server computer program which the client runs in the web
browser itself. Common web applications include webmail, online
retail sales, online auctions, wilds, instant messaging services
and many other functions. Web apps can be downloaded, installed and
executed in the browser itself, such as games downloaded from the
Chrome Web Store and run in the browser itself. Resource files are
typically any non-executable data file used by an application, such
as image, audio, and video files. Library files are precompiled
routines that a program can use. The routines, sometimes called
modules, may be stored in object format. An executable file is a
type of computer file that runs a computer program when it is
opened.
[0025] Generally, environment 100 may be used when user 110
attempts to browse or utilize the Internet or the World Wide Web
securely and privately. The user 110 uses his device 120 to open a
connection to the web server 102 and initiate a web browsing
session. FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the control flow of the
general process 300 for providing secure and private web browsing,
according to an example embodiment. Process 300 describes the steps
that begin to occur when the user 110 interfaces with server 102 to
engage in secure and private web browsing. The process 300 is
described with reference to FIG. 2, which shows the general data
flow 200 of the process 300 for providing secure and private web
browsing.
[0026] Prior to the beginning of the process 300, it is assumed
that the user 110 has downloaded and installed a client computer
program (i.e., a client module) on his device 120. It is also
assumed that the database 104 includes at least one non-executable
directory in which is stored a web browser build, as described
above.
[0027] Process 300 starts in earnest with step 302 wherein a user
110 activate the client module on his client device 120. Next, in
step 304, the client module sends a request 202 to the server 102
to initiate a browsing session. The request 202 may be embedded in
an HTTP request. Also, in step 304, the client module may send
client settings 204 to the server 102, wherein the client settings
may include favorites (such as frequently visited web sites), login
credentials (for one or more web sites) and viewing preferences
(such as text size). In step 306, the web server module on the
server 102 receives the request 202 and client settings 204.
[0028] Next, in step 308, the web server module on the server 102
creates a temporary executable directory in the database 104 and
copies the at least one executable browser file 412 from the
non-executable directory to the temporary executable directory. The
web server module on the server 102 may also copy all other web
browser build files (such as resource files 414 and library files
416) from the non-executable directory to the temporary executable
directory. The web server module on the server 102 may also enter
operating system (OS) registry settings (necessary for running the
web browser module) into the OS registry, which will be removed
once the browsing session ends. Also, in step 308, the web server
module on the server 102 may complete the install of the web
browser build.
[0029] Then, in step 310, the web server module on the server 102
executes the at least one executable browser file in the temporary
executable directory, thereby starting the browsing session,
wherein all browsing session files are stored in the temporary
executable directory. Browser session files may include a cache of
web pages. Browser session files may also include cookies,
temporary plug-ins (such as Flash), temporary databases, temporary
scripts, temporary web site local storage, video cache files, image
cache files and user preferences, such as passwords, zoom view
selections and other viewing preferences.
[0030] In step 312, the web server module on the server 102
generates audio/video data 206 from the browsing session and sends
the audio/video data 206 to the client module on client device 120.
In step 314 the client module on client device 120 receives the
audio/video data 206 from the browsing session and displays it on,
and/or plays it in, the client device 120.
[0031] In step 316, the client module on client device 120 detects
peripheral input/output data 208 (such as mouse input data,
keyboard input data, touchscreen input data, etc.) and transmits it
to the web server module on the server 102. In step 318, web server
module on the server 102 receives the peripheral input/output data
208 and enters the data 208 into the browsing session.
[0032] In step 320, the client module on client device 120
determines whether the user 110 has entered a command to end the
current browsing session. The user 110 may interact with the client
module via mouse, keyboard or audio input to enter a command to end
the current browsing session. If the client module determines that
the user 110 has entered such as command, then control flows to
step 322. Otherwise, if the client module determines that the user
110 has not entered such as command, then control flows back to
step 312.
[0033] In step 322, the client module on client device 120 detects
the command to end the browsing session and transmits a request 210
to end the browsing session to the web server module on the server
102. In step 324, web server module on the server 102 receives the
receives the command and proceeds to end the browsing session by
stopping the at least one executable browser file from executing.
In step 324, the web server module on the server 102 deletes all
files in the temporary executable directory 420 including the
executable browser file 412. Also, in step 324, the web server
module on the server 102 uninstalls the browser build, such as
removing OS registry settings necessary for running the web browser
module from the OS registry.
[0034] In one embodiment, any data sent from the client module on
client device 120 to the server 102 is encrypted. Also, in another
embodiment, any data send from the server 102 to the client module
on client device 120 is encrypted.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing the directory structure
400 of the process and method for providing private and secure web
browsing according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a
non-executable directory 410 stored on database 104. A
non-executable directory is a storage area in a file system,
wherein the OS that regulates that file system does not consider
that storage area as one that holds executable program files. FIG.
4 also shows a temporary executable directory 420 that is stored on
database 420. An executable directory is a storage area in a file
system, wherein the OS that regulates that file system considers
that storage area as one that holds executable program files. An
example would be the "C://Program Files" directory in the Microsoft
Windows 10 OS, which is considered a storage area that holds
executable program files. FIG. 4 shows that the non-executable
directory 410 includes a web browser build that comprises at least
one executable browser file 412, at least one resource file 414 and
at least one library file 416. The browser build may also include
other files, which are defined in greater detail above. FIG. 4 also
shows that the executable browser file 412 is copied from the
non-executable directory 410 to the temporary executable directory
420.
[0036] FIG. 5 is an illustration showing the sub-process 500 of
audio/video processing for the general process and method for
providing private and secure web browsing, according to an example
embodiment. FIG. 5 shows that the web server 102 includes a web
browser module 510 that performs the well-known functions of a web
browser, including fetching information resources from the World
Wide Web and displaying them on a user's device. The functionality
of storing favorites, cookies, or any other data after a restart
may be removed from the web browser module 510. The web browser
module 510 may not have the capability of writing data to the
server 120 or database 104 to install plugins and or add to the
server operating system (OS) registry. Plugins may be integrated
from the browser build associated with the web browser module
510.
[0037] The data and information fetched from a web site is
designated as web site data 520, which may include, for example,
text, HTML code, audio data, video data, etc. The web browser
module 510 holds only the address (such as the IP address) of the
web site being browsed, and not the address of the client module
operating on the client device 120.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows that the web server 102 also includes an
audio/video generation module 510 that takes the web site data 520
and converts it to an audio/video stream 530. The stream 530 may be
compressed using an audio and/or video coding format and may be
assembled in a bitstream from the streaming server 102 to the
streaming client 120 using a transport protocol. The stream 530 may
also be encrypted. FIG. 5 shows that the web server 102 also
includes a transmit/receive module 514 that transmits the
audio/video stream 530 to the client module on the client device
120. The transmit/receive module 514 may also receive peripheral
input/output data 208 from the client module on the client device
120. The transmit/receive module 514 may encrypt the audio/video
stream 530 before transmitting it to the client module on the
client device 120.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system including an example
computing device 600 and other computing devices. Consistent with
the embodiments described herein, the aforementioned actions
performed by server 102 and device 120 may be implemented in a
computing device, such as the computing device 600 of FIG. 6. Any
suitable combination of hardware, software, or firmware may be used
to implement the computing device 600. The aforementioned system,
device, and processors are examples and other systems, devices, and
processors may comprise the aforementioned computing device.
Furthermore, computing device 600 may comprise an operating
environment for system 100 and process 300, as described above.
Process 300 may operate in other environments and are not limited
to computing device 600.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 6, a system consistent with an
embodiment may include a plurality of computing devices, such as
computing device 600. In a basic configuration, computing device
600 may include at least one processing unit 602 and a system
memory 604. Depending on the configuration and type of computing
device, system memory 604 may comprise, but is not limited to,
volatile (e.g. random-access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g.
read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination or
memory. System memory 604 may include operating system 605, and one
or more programming modules 606. Operating system 605, for example,
may be suitable for controlling computing device 600's operation.
In one embodiment, programming modules 606 may include, for
example, a program module 607 for executing the actions of server
102 and device 120. Furthermore, embodiments may be practiced in
conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or
any other application program and is not limited to any particular
application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in
FIG. 6 by those components within a dashed line 620.
[0041] Computing device 600 may have additional features or
functionality. For example, computing device 600 may also include
additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable)
such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such
additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 6 by a removable storage
609 and a non-removable storage 610. Computer storage media may
include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media
implemented in any method or technology for storage of information,
such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program
modules, or other data. System memory 604, removable storage 609,
and non-removable storage 610 are all computer storage media
examples (i.e. memory storage.) Computer storage media may include,
but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only
memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,
digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store
information, and which can be accessed by computing device 600. Any
such computer storage media may be part of device 600. Computing
device 600 may also have input device(s) 612 such as a keyboard, a
mouse, a pen, a sound input device, a camera, a touch input device,
etc. Output device(s) 614 such as a display, speakers, a printer,
etc. may also be included. Computing device 600 may also include a
vibration device capable of initiating a vibration in the device on
command, such as a mechanical vibrator or a vibrating alert motor.
The aforementioned devices are only examples, and other devices may
be added or substituted.
[0042] Computing device 600 may also contain a network connection
device 615 that may allow device 600 to communicate with other
computing devices 618, such as over a network in a distributed
computing environment, for example, an intranet or the Internet.
Device 615 may be a wired or wireless network interface controller,
a network interface card, a network interface device, a network
adapter or a LAN adapter. Device 615 allows for a communication
connection 616 for communicating with other computing devices 618.
Communication connection 616 is one example of communication media.
Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" may describe a signal that has one or more
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media may include wired media such as a wired network
or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,
radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The term
computer readable media as used herein may include both computer
storage media and communication media.
[0043] As stated above, a number of program modules and data files
may be stored in system memory 604, including operating system 605.
While executing on processing unit 602, programming modules 606
(e.g. program module 607) may perform processes including, for
example, one or more of the stages of the process 300 as described
above. The aforementioned processes are examples, and processing
unit 602 may perform other processes. Other programming modules
that may be used in accordance with embodiments herein may include
electronic mail and contacts applications, word processing
applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications,
slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aided
application programs, etc.
[0044] Generally, consistent with embodiments herein, program
modules may include routines, programs, components, data
structures, and other types of structures that may perform
particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data
types. Moreover, embodiments herein may be practiced with other
computer system configurations, including hand-held devices,
multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the
like. Embodiments herein may also be practiced in distributed
computing environments where tasks are performed by remote
processing devices that are linked through a communications
network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules
may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0045] Furthermore, embodiments herein may be practiced in an
electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements,
packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a
circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip (such as a
System on Chip) containing electronic elements or microprocessors.
Embodiments herein may also be practiced using other technologies
capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND,
OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical,
fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments herein
may be practiced within a general-purpose computer or in any other
circuits or systems.
[0046] Embodiments herein, for example, are described above with
reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of
methods, systems, and computer program products according to said
embodiments. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out
of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks
shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially
concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse
order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0047] While certain embodiments have been described, other
embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments herein
have been described as being associated with data stored in memory
and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from
other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage
devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or a CD-ROM, or other forms
of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be
modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or
inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the claimed
subject matter.
[0048] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
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