Abstract: A software control manager for identifying, authorizing, and coordinating software controls within an operating environment is disclosed. The operating environment may reside on a computing platform. The controls provide functionality to the operating environment and are used to retrieve or gather information. The manager coordinates the information to the controls. The manager also registers the controls as the controls are placed within the operating environment. Registered controls are listed in a control list within the manager. The manager may perform a security process in registering the controls. The manager also provides information on the operating environment and other controls to controls added to the operating environment. The manager facilitates the other controls retrieving information and associating the information with existing data on the computing platform.

Abstract: An electronic interactive communication system and method is disclosed. Software controls and a control manager resides on a unit that communicates with a central location. The central location transmits information to the unit. The information, or data, may reside in a database at the central location. A number of different units receive data from the central location's transmission source to update or manipulate data already on the units. The system exchanges data from the units to the central location using a narrow bandwidth. The unit includes a transceiver and a processor. The unit also includes a display to display the data to the user after the received data has been associated with the stored data. For example, received data is overlaid on a map being displayed on the unit.

Abstract: A system and method for registering software controls within a secure operating environment is disclosed. The software controls reside within the operating environment in coordination with a control manager. The manager facilitates registration and authorization of new controls. The manager detects that new control has been placed within the operating environment. The manager reads the type of the control. The manager initiates an encode/decode sequence with the control. A key string is exchanged and modified between the manager and the control. Preferably, a random number is generated and added to the key string by the manager. The manager reads the result of the encode/decode sequence from the control. If the result is acceptable, then the manager adds the control to its control list and plumbs all of the controls within the operating environment. If the result is not acceptable, the manager ignores or shutdowns the control.

Abstract: A system and method for adapting a software control in an operating environment is disclosed. A control is placed within the operating environment and is adapted to be registered and recognized within the operating environment. A manager within the operating environment identifies the control. The manager also modifies the data structure of the control. The data structure includes data to interface within the operating environment and with other controls. Further, the control is recognizable within the operating environment.

Abstract: An electronic interactive communication system and method is disclosed. Software controls and a control manager resides on a unit that communicates with a central location. The central location transmits information to the unit. The information, or data, may reside in a database at the central location. A number of different units receive data from the central location's transmission source to update or manipulate data already on the units. The system exchanges data from the units to the central location using a narrow bandwidth. The unit includes a transceiver and a processor. The unit also includes a display to display the data to the user after the received data has been associated with the stored data. For example, received data is overlaid on a map being displayed on the unit.

Abstract: A software control manager for identifying, authorizing, and coordinating software controls within an operating environment is disclosed. The operating environment may reside on a computing platform. The controls provide functionality to the operating environment and are used to retrieve or gather information. The manager coordinates the information to the controls. The manager also registers the controls as the controls are placed within the operating environment. Registered controls are listed in a control list within the manager. The manager may perform a security process in registering the controls. The manager also provides information on the operating environment and other controls to controls added to the operating environment. The manager facilitates the other controls retrieving information and associating the information with existing data on the computing platform.

Abstract: A system and method for using a control to manipulate data is disclosed. The data is stored in a memory and is manipulated by the control in response to inputs. The control may operate within an operating environment that managers the control. The control has a support members string to list controls compatible with the control. The control also has a pointer array with pointers correlating to the listed controls within the support members string. The control also has a type string to identify itself to the operating environment. The control accesses another control by determining whether the other control has been listed in the support members string. If yes, then the control accesses the other control for additional properties and methods.