System for reducing quantity of data transmitted to a user unit by transmitting only an identifier which points to pre-stored information in the user unit

A method for obtaining simplified dialogue between a central computer unit and at least one user unit of a plurality of user units in a computer system arrangement, wherein the user units each include a display means and a memory means and can be connected to the central computer unit, wherein the user units are of different types, and wherein the central computer unit includes a central memory means in which there is stored a software part, referred to as a dialogue part, intended for data processing requested by a said user unit, wherein information relating to text and/or pictures, depending on the user unit type and depending on a chosen type of information display, for presentation on the respective display means is prestored in the memory means of each user unit;

• wherein the prestored information is different for the different user unit types, wherein the information transmitted in a dialogue session from the central computer unit to a said user unit includes an identifier which corresponds to a particular message to be transmitted and which identifier is the same for all user units to which that particular message is to be sent irrespective of their type and the chosen type of information display, wherein the identifier points out, in the said user unit's memory means, a respective presentation object which corresponds to the message, and wherein the respective presentation object presents the message on the said user unit's display means in the respective manner for the said user unit, characterised in that a first local call including the identifier is made in the central computer unit, the purpose of said call being to cause the message to be presented on a display means;
• in that the first local call is converted to a non-local call in the central computer unit;
• in that the non-local call is converted to a second local call by a said user unit;
• in that a picture interpreter in the said user unit identifies a corresponding presentation object in the said user unit's memory means by means of the identifier included in the second local call;
• in that the presentation object may include a pre-defined program operation which presents the message either as a picture which consists solely of text or as a picture which includes both text and graphics, or as a message which includes a graphic picture and sound illustration, in accordance with the type of user unit concerned;
• in that the picture is presented on a display means belonging to the said user unit;
• in that a user of the said user unit gives one or more reply data;
• in that reply data is transmitted from the said user unit to the central computer unit, which receives this data;
• and in that the central computer converts reply data to a format which can be interpreted as a reply to the first local call.