WO2002076046A2

WO2002076046A2 - System for and method of temporarily storing data for later forwarding

Info

Publication number: WO2002076046A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/009113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Hickey
Original assignee: Orchid Systems Inc
Current assignee: Orchid Systems Inc
Priority date: 2001-03-17
Filing date: 2002-03-18
Publication date: 2002-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2003-09-17
Also published as: WO2002076046A3

Abstract

A system for and method of temporarily storing data in a wireless device for later forwarding to a host computer. An application executing on the wireless client device employs local queues and monitoring functions to ensure a transparent transfer of client data to, and responses from, the host computer.

Description

System for and Method of Temporarily Storing Data for Later Forwarding

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the temporary storage for later forwarding of data. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a wireless client device in exchanging data between the client device and a host computer, through the use of local queues and seamless, automatic forwarding of the data over an intermittent wireless connection.

Background of the Invention Wireless devices have brought a number of conveniences to business and personal functions. For example, a shipping business may use wireless tracking devices to more accurately schedule its deliveries, or an individual may use a cell phone to remotely send e-mail messages. Unfortunately, the usefulness of these devices relies on the presence of network coverage when data is being transmitted and there are many instances where network coverage is not available. Currently, when network coverage is unavailable, users must continually check for coverage and remember to resend a message when coverage is available. This can lead to lost data if the user forgets to send the message, or allows an unacceptable time lag for time- sensitive data. For both businesses and individuals, an automatic store-and-forward system for wireless devices could reduce the amount of lost data, reduce time lags in sent data, and increase the overall convenience in using these devices. In order for a wireless client device to be useful in nearly all business applications, it is critical that it be able to transmit transaction data to a host system. Therefore, what is needed is a way to automatically store transaction data and transmit the data when coverage is regained.

The wireless market is expanding rapidly, and the market size for cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), laptop computers, and the like, is currently measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Manufacturers and users are concerned with increasing the reliability, performance, and usability of these and other wireless devices. Current data storing methods, such as batch-mode operation, may allow such errors by creating unnecessary time lags between data transmissions. Thus, what is needed is a way to increase the usability and reliability of wireless devices.

When data is transmitted to a host system from a client device via a wireless connection, the data may contain errors. For this reason, it is often critical that the host response is received in a timely fashion. For example, the shipping company employee in the field may make a delivery to an incorrect address. When the employee submits the incorrect address via a wireless tracking device, the host system returns a response indicating the error. However, if the wireless device is not within network coverage and the field employee's message is not sent, the error indication may arrive too late to remedy the error. Accordingly, what is needed is a way to get timely notification of errors.

Wireless devices are most successful when they provide convenience to the user. For example, it is most convenient for a user sending an e-mail message via a PDA to have to send the message only once, regardless of whether network coverage is available. Current data storing and forwarding systems require the user to resend a message, sometimes multiple times, once coverage is gained. This is inconvenient for the user and may lead to errors and lost data. Thus, what is needed is a way to increase the convenience of wireless devices.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a system for temporarily storing data in a wireless device for later forwarding to a host computer. A system in accordance with the present invention may be comprised of a host computer adapted to wirelessly send and receive data through a wireless connection, and a wireless client device. The client device operates one or more client applications and a store-and-forward application.

A store-and-forward application in accordance with the present invention comprises executable code which cause a processor in the the client computer to store data resulting from the execution of the one or more client applications to a transmit queue, then determine whether a present connection exists between the host computer and wireless communications device. If no present connection exists, the store-and- forward application will monitor the wireless connection between the client device and host computer until coverage is established, at which point the store-and-forward application will attempt to transmit the stored client application data to the host computer and receive a response. A timer function ensures that a response acknowledging receipt by the host computer of the client application data is received by the client device. Otherwise, the client device will automatically continue to attempt to transmit the data to the host computer, without requiring further action on the part of a user of the client device.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figure 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a system in accordance with the present invention to temporarily store data for later forwarding

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a monitor program.

Detailed Description of Certain Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a store-and- forward system 100 in accordance with the present invention. Store-and-forward system 100 includes a host system 130 and a client device 110, which further includes a store-and-forward application 150, client software 140, and a local storage device 115. Store-and-forward application 150 further includes a monitor program 155. Host system 130 and client device 110 are connected via a wireless connection 120. In some embodiments, the store-and-forward application comprises a "trainable user interface translator" application as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,627,977 and 5,889,516, which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Client device 110 may be a wireless device such as a personal digital assistant

(PDA) or a Web-enabled phone. Wireless connection 120 is, for example, a standard protocol connection (for example, HTML or HTTP), a proprietary communication protocol, or an e-mail connection. Client software 140 is, for example, a Web browser or other navigation software. Local storage device 115 is a storage file system, such as a hard disk. Host system 130 is, for example, an Internet server, an e-mail server, or other host computer.

Store-and-forward application 150 stores data submitted from client device 110 to host system 130 and is described in further detail in Figure 2. Monitor program 155 monitors wireless connection 120 and is described in further detail in Figure 3. A method of using store-and-forward system 100 to temporarily store data for later forwarding is now described with reference to Figure 2.

Step 210: Initializing client device 110

In this step, a user initializes client device 110 by logging in or activating an initialize function. The initialization function clears transmit and response queues stored in local storage device 115.

Step 220: Selecting entry form

In this step, the user, using client device 110, selects an entry screen, which contains an entry form into which the user may enter data.

Step 230: Completing and submitting entry form

In this step, the user, using client device 110, completes the entry form and submits the data for transmission to host system 130. The entered data may be an e- mail message, for example.

Step 240: Adding data from form to transmit queue

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 adds the data submitted in step 230 to the transmit queue stored on local storage device 115. The message is assigned a unique ID so that the receiving application can detect duplicate messages that might be sent, for example, if the response to a message is not received. Step 245: Connected?

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 determines if client device 110 is connected to host system 130 via wireless connection 120. If yes, process 200 proceeds to step 260; if no, process 200 proceeds to step 250.

Step 250: Displaying pending screen

In this step, a pending screen is displayed on client device 110 via client software 140. The displayed pending screen alerts the user that a connection to host system 130 has not been made.

Step 252: Starting monitor program

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 activates monitor program 155 if it is not already activated. Monitor program 155 continually monitors wireless connection 120 until a connection between client device 110 and host system 130 is made. Further details of the operation of monitor program 155 are described in process 300 of Figure 3 below.

Step 260: Transmitting data

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 transmits the data added to the transmit queue in step 240 to host system 130 via wireless connection 120.

Step 262: Setting time limit

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 sets an internal time limit. The time limit sets a restriction on the amount of time allowed for a response from host system 130 to the data transmitted in step 260. A typical time limit may be in the range of five to ten seconds, depending on the network used.

Step 265: Timer expires?

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 determines if the time limit from step 262 expires before a response is received by client device 110 from host system 130. If yes, process 200 proceeds to step 250; if no, process 200 proceeds to step 270. Step 270: Receiving and displaying response

In this step, client device 110 displays the response received from host system 130. The response may be a message confirming that an e-mail message has been sent, for example.

Step 280: Removing datafi'om transmit queue

In this step, store-and-forward software 150 removes the data stored in step 240 from the transmit queue stored on local storage device 115. Process 200 then returns to step 220.

Process 200 continues until client device 110 is turned off or disabled.

A method of operation of monitor program 155 is now described with reference to Figure 3. The operation of monitor program 155 was briefly described in step 252 of process 200. Process 300 describes the operation of monitor program 155 in greater detail.

Step 310: Starting monitor program

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 starts monitor program 155 as described in step 252 of process 200.

Step 320: Checking for coverage

In this step, monitor program 155 periodically checks for coverage. Coverage is defined as whether there is an active connection between client device 110 and host system 130 via wireless connection 120.

Step 325: Coverage available?

In this step, monitor program 155 determines if coverage is available. If no, process 300 returns to step 320; if yes, process 300 proceeds to step 340.

Step 340: Transmitting data

In this step, monitor program 155 transmits the data in transmit queue stored on local storage device 115 to host system 130 via wireless connection 120. Step 345: Setting time limit

In this step, monitor program 155 sets an internal time limit. The time limit sets a restriction on the amount of time allowed for a response from host system 130 to the data transmitted in step 340. A typical time limit may be in the range of five to ten seconds, depending on the network used.

Step 350: Timer expires before response received?

In this step, monitor program 155 determines if the time limit from step 345 expires before a response is received by client device 110 from host system 130. If yes, process 300 proceeds to step 320; if no, process 300 proceeds to step 360.

Step 360: Adding response to response queue

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 adds the response data received by client device 110 from host 130 in step 350 to the response data queue stored on local storage device 115. Notification of the response is displayed on client device 110. The response may be a message confirming that an e-mail message has been sent, for example.

Step 365: Removing data from transmit queue

In this step, store-and-forward application 150 removes the data transmitted in step 340 from the transmit queue stored on local storage device 115.

Step 370: More messages? In this step, store-and-forward application 150 determines if there are additional messages in the transmit queue stored on local storage device 115. If yes, process 300 returns to step 340; if no, process 300 ends and the execution of monitor program 155 is terminated.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

m for temporarily storing data in a wireless device for later forwarding t computer, comprising:

a host computer adapted to wirelessly send and receive data;

a wireless connection through which data is communicated to and from the host computer; and

a wireless client device further comprising a local storage device containing transmit and receive queues, and a processor executing one or more client applications and a store-and-forward application, the store-and-forward application execution causing the processor

to store data resulting from the execution of the one or more client applications to the transmit queue,

to determine whether a present connection exists between the host computer and wireless communications device,

to display, if no connection presently exists, a pending message on the wireless communications device and to monitor the . wireless connection until a present connection exists, and

to automatically forward data stored on the transmit queue to the host computer if and when a present connection exists, and then wait a predetermined amount of time for a response from the host computer, and if no response is received in the predetennined time returning to the displaying step, otherwise if a response is received in the predetermined time displaying the response and storing the response in the response queue and removing the data stored in the transmit queue.

In a system comprised of a host computer adapted to send and receive data through a wireless connection to a wireless client device, the wireless client device further comprised of a local storage device containing transmit and receive queues and a processor executing one or more client applications and a store-and-forward application, a method of using the system to temporarily store data on the wireless communications device for later forwarding to the host computer, the method comprising the steps of:

selecting at the wireless client device a data entry form provided by the one or more client applications;

completing the entry form with data for transmission to the host computer;

adding the entry form data to the transmit queue;

determining if a connection presently exists between the wireless client device and the host computer; and

if a connection presently exists, transmitting the entry form data, and

removing the entry form data from the transmit queue provided a response is received from the host computer in a predetermined amount of time, but if no response is received in the allotted time, proceeding from the prending message displaying step below; otherwise if no connection presently exists, displaying a pending message screen on the wireless client device, monitoring the wireless connection until a wireless connection is established, transmitting the entry form data, waiting a predetermined amount of time for a response from the host computer, and if a response is received in the allotted time from the host computer, adding the response to the response queue, removing the entry form data from the transmit queue, otherwise returning to the monitoring step.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: initializing the wireless client device to display all responses stored in the response queue.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: determining whether additional data is to be transmitted to the host computer from the wireless client device.