System For Distributed Task Execution

Abstract

Tasks can be done on a network of multiple computers interconnected by communication links. At each of the computers, Knowbot programs may be received and transmitted on the communication links, and may be stored and created; and execution of the tasks associated with the Knowbot programs may be advanced. Each Knowbot program includes a globally unique identifier; navigation information defining a route through the network; and information concerning a task to be done. Knowbot programs may interact with each other and with other network resources. Authenticated Knowbot service stations and Couriers may be used to protect data as well as control its application in the network environment according to stated terms and conditions.

1 - 55 . (canceled)  
   
   
       56 . A system comprising 
 an interconnection system to link together into a common operating environment many diverse and distinct systems and resources,    the interconnection system providing a medium for communication of information about one system or resource to another system or resource,    the interconnection system facilitating communication among the systems and resources using mobile programs to carry out tasks and    the interconnection system enabling the tasks to be performed distinctly from the systems and resources that participate in the interconnection system.    
   
   
       57 . A system comprising 
 an interconnection system to link together into a common operating environment many diverse and distinct systems and resources,    the interconnection system providing a medium for communication of information about one system or resource to another system or resource,    the interconnection system facilitating the performing of a task by the participating systems and resources, the performance including the use of mobile programs.    
   
   
       58 . The system of  claim 57  in which 
 the interconnection system itself carrying out a portion of each of at least some of the tasks.    
   
   
       59 . The system of  claim 56  in which the task comprises protocol and format conversion.  
   
   
       60 . The system of  claim 56  in which the tasks comprises management and resolution of type information.  
   
   
       61 . The system of  claim 56  in which the mobile programs comprise digital objects.  
   
   
       62 . The system of  claim 56  in which authentication information is provided by one system or resource to another.  
   
   
       63 . The system of  claim 56  in which terms and conditions for use are contained in the information passed from one system or resource to another.  
   
   
       64 . The system of  claim 56  in which the portion of the task performed by the interconnection system is not determined by the participating systems and resources.  
   
   
       65 . A method comprising 
 facilitating interconnection of diverse and distinct systems and resources using mobile programs and mobile program interfaces, and    enabling communication of information among systems and resources to perform tasks that require participation of distinct and diverse systems and resources.    
   
   
       66 . A method of  claim 65  also including 
 establishing an interconnection system using mobile program interconnection and interface standards comprised of heterogeneous systems and resources.    
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 65  in which the distinct and diverse systems and resources are digital objects and/or contain digital objects.  
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 65  in which the mobile programs contain authentication information.  
   
   
       69 . The method of  claim 65  also including 
 the mobile programs communicating summaries of information contained within each system or resource, and    precluding communication of the information other than the summaries to other systems or resources.    
   
   
       70 . A method comprising 
 providing access to a system or resource using a gateway in which service stations reside and in which local tasks may be performed via the use of mobile programs.    
   
   
       71 . The method of  claim 70  in which access to a system or resource is only permitted through the gateway.  
   
   
       72 . The method of  claim 70  in which mobile programs in the gateway are cloned to perform tasks in parallel.  
   
   
       73 . The method of  claim 71  in which the gateway performs a security function.  
   
   
       74 . The method of  claim 70  in which mobile programs in the gateway communicate with other gateways in the performance of a task.  
   
   
       75 . The method of  claim 74  in which the mobile programs travel to the other gateways in the performance of a task.  
   
   
       76 . A method comprising 
 managing creation of derivative works by using mobile programs to control access to at least parts of the derivative work.    
   
   
       77 . The method of  claim 76  in which the mobile programs comprise couriers.  
   
   
       78 . The method of  claim 76  in which the identity of parts of a derivative work may be determined from mobile programs that comprise the parts of the derivative work.  
   
   
       79 . A method comprising 
 creating a distributed simulation system by 
 embodying individual parts of the system in mobile programs, and  
 moving or communicating the mobile programs to integrate the parts into a whole.  
   
   
   
       80 . The method of  claim 79  in which the mobile programs perform processes that effect the operation of the distributed simulation system.