Patent SE-0001575-L (SE)
Inventor: ERICSSON JOAKIM
IPC: G06F9/445
Filed: 2000-04-28
Abstract: A device is used to read in properties assigned to software components to be installed, e.g. descriptions, codes, states and data from local and/or removable resources. An installation storage device is used to store properties assigned to each software component to be installed. As soon as one of the stored software components is taken away from the installation storage device, another device (5) is used to remove all the storage properties assigned to the component by the installation storage device. At least one of the electronic devices includes one or more user interaction units, comprising at least one device (1) for offering the user at least part of a local and/or remote resource, or offering the user a reference (e.g. hypertext link) (11) to such a resource, said resource being assigned to at least one software component to be installed, the resource (reference) being offered with the aid of display unit (1), a resource presentation (e.g. resource overview) (3) and a user interface view (2). At least one software component in the resource presentation can be installed using a first device (11, 12) provided in the user interaction unit in order to allowing installation to be carried out using a drag-and-drop technique performed by the user. A second device provided along with or instead of the first device enables an installation of at least one software component in the resource presentation to be carried out by single or double-clicking on a mouse, or by selecting from a pop-up menu, keyboard input or voice instruction. A device (2, 5-8, 9A-9C) is provided for organizing, displaying and/or manipulating installed software components according to a common conceptual and interactive method, in the form of files or other entities, which can be nested in folders (8) in a filing system in an operating system and its user interface, e.g. Mac OS or Microsoft Windows. Also possible is a common conceptual structure with resources in a folder hierarchy having a different presentation and interfaction format, e.g. a 3D graphic presentation and interaction, or a voice generating and instruction system, where e.g. installation, deleting, updates, activation and deactivation are carried out interactively. A device is provided for saving and resetting the states of active software components in between user sessions, these active components being understood to mean components which are continually active or repeatedly activated without necessarily being driven by the user activity.  The software environment and user interface are used to handle software components, e.g. software tools, for activation by devices with a processing capacity, e.g. computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or mobile phones. The software environment and user interface are either located inside the device or in a different devices which can be connected in contact with each other. At least one of the devices can be connected in contact with local and/or remote resources comprising files on local storage media, e.g. a hard disk or CD-ROM, and data packets accessible from applications. The remote resources comprise web pages which are read via the Internet, an intranet or via another communication network. An Independent claim is also included for a computer-readable program-based product used in conjunction with this software environment.