Communications system, central computer and method for transmitting a url

p0001The present invention relates to a communication system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for transmitting a URL to a central computer according to the preamble of claim 9, and a central computer for use in such a method according to the preamble of claim 10,<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="WO9803923A"><text>WO 98/03923</text></patcit> known.

p0002Specifically, the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="WO9803923A"><text>WO 98/03923</text></patcit> A communication system comprising a client system having an input means for inputting an identification in the form of a bar code scanner, and a transmitting means for transmitting the scanned bar code and a user identification to a central computer. The central computer associates the barcode with a corresponding stored URL from a first database and user information from a second database, and also sends the URL to the client system or sends user information to the client system if the access is restricted by, for example, a membership requirement Is.

p0003The <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="WO9809243A"><text>WO 98/09243</text></patcit> Discloses a communication system with a client system in the form of a PC or TV with a input means for inputting an identifier which corresponds to a URL. The client system transmits the identifier to a server which forwards the identifier to the software of a particular web page. The Web page either directly calls the Web page corresponding to the URL, or submits a report about that Web page that may contain comments from the users.

p0004In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method for detecting and storing URLs (<i>Uniform Resource Locator</i>) "<i>,</i> As well as related information.

p0005Data transmission over the Internet is becoming increasingly important. In this case, a central computer communicates, for example, with a mobile telephone arranged remotely, or, for example, a stationary or portable computer arranged remotely from the central computer, etc. Communication takes place using so-called internet protocols, in particular Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) The Internet Protocol (IP), short TCP / IP. For this purpose, a software which can understand and evaluate the TCP / IP protocol (socket or TCP / IP stack) is loaded, for example, on the remote computer or the mobile telephone.

p0006The fastest growing Internet service is the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and is called World Wide Web (WWW). In this case, individual documents, so-called web pages or web pages, are transmitted. HTTP is a client-server protocol. For example, the above-mentioned remote computer can be a client computer that can be connected to the World Wide Web (if required): A client web browser is loaded on the remote computer. The central computer is, for example, a host computer constantly connected to the World Wide Web, ie a so-called web host (among a large number of other web host computers).

p0007The Internet connection to the central computer is established by first connecting the remote computer to another Web host assigned to it. The server software runs on the remote computer on the remote computer. Then, the web address associated with the desired home page or Internet address on the central computer is entered. This is done in the form of a domain name or a URL (Universal Resource Locator) address. This is made up of several parts: The first part identifies the internal protocol (string "http: //"). This is followed by the optional string "www" as the name for the World Wide Web. The third part of the URL identifies the respective central computer on which the homepage is stored. The fourth part can optionally be the path to the local directory in which the home page is stored on the central computer, and the last part can be the exact file name of the home page.

p0008For example, the domain <u>http://www.abc.com</u> To a certain page, eg the company ABC. As explained, this domain can be further branched, eg to allow a user to get directly to the page for a particular product area of ​​the company - for example, by entering the URL<u>http://www.abc.com/telefone/</u> Directly to a page for the product range telephones from the company ABC. Another branch is also possible, for example with the URL<u>http://www.abc.com/telefone/mobiltelefone/</u>. This example shows how hard it is to remember this URL.

p0009A communication system, a method, as well as a central computer for accessing internet pages by means of a conversion of the telephone numbers into URLs are from the <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="WO9731491A"><text>Patent Application WO 9 731 491</text></patcit> known.

p0010The object of the invention is to provide a novel, more flexible communication system, a novel, more flexible method for transmitting a URL to a central computer, and a novel, more flexible central computer for use in such a method.

p0011The invention solves the above-mentioned and further objects by the subject matter of claims 1, 9 and 10.

p0012Advantageous refinements and refinements of the invention are given in the subclaims.

p0013The invention makes it possible, in particular, to simply register, store and manage URLs, in particular by assigning the transferred identifier to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) different from the identifier.

p0014Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the input means and / or the transmission means has a detection means which distinguishes the input of an identification from the input of a URL and, in response to the input of an identification, its transmission to a predetermined one for the reception of identifiers Specific central computer.

p0015Advantageously, the identifier is transmitted to the central computer in the form of a sequence of telephone connection options.

p0016Preferably, a further, user-specific identifier, which is input at the input means, is transmitted together with the identifier.

p0017Advantageously, the system also comprises: display means and / or memory means which are controlled by the central computer in such a way that they display or store the URL assigned to the identifier and / or the website assigned to the URL.

p0018Preferably, the display means and / or memory means are controlled by the central computer so that, together with the URL, they display or store further information associated with the URL.

p0019Advantageously, the display means and / or storage means are located, in particular more than 1 km away from the central computer, and are controlled by the latter via an Internet connection.

p0020Particularly advantageously, the display means and / or storage means are located at the moment of the identification input, in particular more than 1 m, more than 10 m, more than 100 m, or more than 1 km away from the input and / or transmission means.

p0021Preferably, the display means and / or memory means is part of a remote computer, in particular a screen of a remote computer, or part of a remote telephone.

p0022Advantageously, the display means and / or memory means are arranged close to, in particular less than 1 m, remote from the input and / or transmission means, and in particular are part of the input and / or transmission means.

p0023In a preferred embodiment, an additional identifier, which corresponds to the user identifier, must be transmitted before the display by the display means or before a storage by the storage means, and which is entered at further input means associated with the display means or storage means.

p0024According to the invention, a communication system is provided for accessing internet pages, which can be shared by a plurality of users, wherein the above identifier can be stored in a database in association with the respective user, and a means which is arranged remote from the input means is provided for later retrieving Identifier by the respective user.

p0025Advantageously, in the invention, a user transmits an identifier, which is unambiguously assigned to a URL, from a telephone, mobile telephone or PC to a device, in particular a central database. The identifier can generally be any combination of numbers and letters, more preferably a number sequence. Advantageously, the identifier is, for example, displayed in a printed medium, eg a newspaper, a magazine, a catalog, or on a business card, etc., advantageously in machine-readable form, eg in the form of a barcode or barcode. The identification can, for example, be transmitted via a visual or audiovisual medium (eg television, home page, online, offline service, etc.) or can be stored, for example, on a magnetic data carrier, eg a video cassette, a floppy disk, , And, for example, on a computer screen, a television screen, a display, etc., in particular also in the machine-readable form mentioned above. It is also possible, for example, to transmit the identifier via an audio medium, eg by radio broadcasting.

p0026The identifier can be assigned to specific data, eg the data of a text and / or an image, in particular the data of a test and / or image printed in the above-mentioned print medium.

p0027The transmission by means of a mobile telephone can, for example, be carried out with the aid of an SMS (short message service), the identifier being sent to the central database in the form of a text message, eg a number sequence, generated on the mobile telephone.

p0028Preferably, the identification is selected such that it corresponds to a telephone number, in particular to the telephone number of a telephone connection (particularly advantageously a mobile telephone connection) assigned to the input means and / or the transmission means. It is also possible that the same sequence of numbers is used both as an identifier for a URL, and as a telephone number of the operator of the website assigned to the URL (ie as a telephone number of another telephone line). Correspondingly, the same number of digits advantageously serves as a telephone number of the user to which the e-mail address belongs, in particular as a telephone number of the telephone connection assigned to the input means and / or the transmission means, as an identifier for an e-mail address.

p0029It is particularly preferred if an identical sequence of numbers is used both as an identifier for an e-mail address of a website operator, as an identifier for the URL assigned to the page, and as a telephone number of the telephone line assigned to the operator. The telephone number is particularly preferably a service number, for example a 00800, or a 0800 service number, and / or a number, under which a user can be reached worldwide (eg a 0700 number or 00800 number).

p0030The input means and / or the transmission means can, for example, be part of a telephone, in particular of a portable telephone, or, for example, also part of a computer, in particular a portable computer or a PC.

p0031Alternatively, the input means may be designed specifically and exclusively for the storage and subsequent display of identifiers. For example, the input means can be a small, in particular card-shaped, portable device (smaller than 4 cm × 1 cm (in particular 0.5 cm) × 2 cm), with a semiconductor memory in which approximately 20-30 entries are in each case less than 10, in particular 7 digits ges can be Peichert, a display, and (and later deleted) can be connected to a keyboard, with which tag numbers entered. If the device is connected to the above-mentioned input means, the identifiers are advantageously first transmitted to the first computer, and then to the central computer.

p0032The identifier can, for example, be transmitted from a telephone to the central computer, for example, by the user entering the telephone number of the telephone connection assigned to the central computer by actuating the corresponding dial keys of the telephone, then by telephone calls to the central computer by sending the corresponding telephone connection dials will be produced. The user then again enters the identifier in the form of a sequence of numbers (and / or in the form of a sequence of letters additionally assigned by the telephone selection keys, and / or in the form of a number / letter sequence), again by actuating corresponding telephone selection keys. The identification can then, for example, be transmitted to the central computer by sending the corresponding telephone connection dials. A corresponding transmission of the identifier via a conventional telephone connection, and with the aid of telephone connection dialing characters, is also possible, for example, from a computer.

p0033Alternatively, an Internet connection to the central computer can be established, firstly by entering its URL address, for the identification transfer, for example from a telephone or a computer. Data exchange between the telephone / computer and the central computer is then performed using Internet protocols, in particular according to the TCP / IP protocol.

p0034As already mentioned above, the identifier can also be transmitted to the central computer in any other way, eg by means of an SMS (short message service). For this purpose, the user, for example, enters the identifier in the form of a sequence of numbers (and / or in the form of a sequence additionally assigned by the telephone selection keys, and / or in the form of a number / letter sequence) by actuating corresponding selection keys of a telephone, as well as the telephone number of the telephone number (Or any code identifying the central computer) associated with the central computer. The identifier is then sent to a further central computer, for example, in the form of a text file (which contains the inputted sequence of numbers), particularly preferably in the form of an SMS to the computer of an SMS service provider. This transmits the identification to the central computer. For this purpose, the further central computer first establishes a connection to the central computer, for example, a telephone connection (by dialing the telephone number of the telephone port of the central computer), and then transmits the above (SMS) text file.

p0035The input of the URL address or the telephone number of the central computer or of the code identifying the central computer can advantageously be automated by providing a special key (or a special software button when implemented in software). If the button (or the software button) is pressed, the computer or the telephone automatically selects the URL address or the telephone number of the central computer, or sends a text file, in particular an SMS, via the other central computer To the central computer.

p0036It is particularly advantageous if the input means and / or the transmission means has a recognition means which distinguishes the input of an identifier from the input of an ordinary URL and / or an ordinary electronic postal address or e-mail address. The detection means is generally implemented by means of corresponding software components. Particularly advantageously, in response to the input of the identifier, their transmission is automatically caused to a predetermined central computer, which is intended to receive identifications. This can be done, for example, by establishing a telephone connection or an Internet connection to this central computer. For this purpose, the telephone number or URL address assigned to the central computer is read out from a database after the identification means has determined that an identifier has been entered.

p0037For example, the input means and / or the transmission means can be a client computer connectable to the Internet, in particular to the World Wide Web. The abovementioned functions of the input, transmission and / or detection means are then achieved by means of correspondingly cooperating software components, which are loaded on the client computer. A client computer can, for example, also function as a special telephone, in particular a mobile telephone, for example a WAP mobile phone. As explained above, a web browser is loaded as client software (or any other Internet client software) on the client computer. The browser or the client software ensures that an input field for URL addresses (and / or an input field for e-mail addresses) is displayed on a display means, eg a screen, a display, etc. For example, a mouse, keyboard, voice, or stylus control (ie, a virtual keyboard / user interface, such as the above-mentioned small computers or personal digital assistents (PDAs), in particular Palm computers, is customary ), This is displayed to the user at the input field. Subsequently, when a conventional e-mail address or a conventional URL address is entered, for example, a created e-mail is sent to the entered e-mail address, or the website belonging to the entered URL address is displayed on the display medium Internet connection.

p0038If, instead of a URL address, an identifier is entered into a URL input field, this can be ascertained by the identifier, for example, by the fact that the entered character string does not have a URL-specific component, eg the component "http: //" (and / or none Component "www", and / or no top-level domain component ".com", ".de", etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the recognition means can determine the identification by means of a code-specific component, and / or a property which is common to all identifiers. As explained above, the identifier can advantageously be a pure sequence of numbers. The recognition means can then, for example, recognize the input of an identifier, for example, by entering digits, ie, no letters, into the URL input field.

p0039Accordingly, the recognition means can determine the input of an identifier instead of an e-mail address into an e-mail address input field, for example by the fact that the inputted character string does not have an e-mail-specific component, eg the component "@" (and / Or no top-level domain component ".com", ".de", etc.). Likewise, recognition of the identifier is possible by means of a identifier-specific component, and / or a property which is to be assigned to all identifiers (only consisting of numbers, determined transverse sum, specific length, etc.).

p0040Alternatively, it is conceivable that the browser first looks at the input into the input field as a URL address and tries to access the corresponding website. If it finds that a website of this name does not exist, it instead invokes an Internet search engine (ie, a corresponding, related website), as is known in the art. The search engine then searches for the term entered in the input field. This is done by means of one or more special data fields (so-called metatags), eg a description field, a keyword field, and a title field of a website. The keyword field contains a list of important words in the website, the description field a short description of the website, and the title field the page title. (The keyword and the description field are not visible during "normal" access to the website). Advantageously, it is provided that all the particular data fields of the website, in particular the title, keyword and description field, contain the abovementioned identifier, are particularly advantageously identical with this. Alternatively, the identifier can be stored, for example, only in the keyword and / or description field. It is particularly advantageous if the identifier is stored in the special data fields of the web page whose URL is assigned to this identifier, eg in the database of the central computer. If the search engine identity between the entered identifier and title field is determined, (Or, alternatively, the URLs of Internet pages whose special data fields contain the identifier).

p0041It is also conceivable that an identifier is assigned a website whose URL contains the identifier or which is identical to the identifier up to the top-level domain name and / or other URL-specific elements 3 For example, the identifier "12345" URL "12345.com" or "12345.de" (or more precisely '' http://www.12345.com "or" http://www.12345.de ").

p0042It is particularly advantageous if URLs already used by the user, as well as the associated URLs (sent from the central computer to the input means) are stored in the input means. The detection means is advantageously designed in such a way that, when an URL is entered, it queries whether it has already been used - in the form of an identifier. If this is the case, this is reported to the central computer (eg, together with a user identification so that the statistical evaluations described below are possible in the central computer).

p0043In the central computer, a database is stored, in which each identifier is linked to an associated URL address.

p0044Accordingly, when a URL identifier is received, the central computer reads the corresponding URL address from the database. It can then prompt the display of the website belonging to the determined URL address on a display device (by establishing a corresponding Internet connection to the Internet host assigned to the URL address). Alternatively, the central computer may also retransmit the URL address to the above-mentioned input means and / or the transmission means. These then build an Internet connection to the web host belonging to the address so that the corresponding internet page can be displayed on the display means.

p0045It is particularly preferred to assign a keyword (keyword) to the "owner" of the respective identifier, or by the system administrator, and to store it in the above-mentioned database of the central computer. Alternatively, several keywords can be assigned to an identifier by the owner or system administrator. Advantageously, each keyword only exists once in the entire system (as is every identifier).

p0046Advantageously, when a keyword is received, the central computer reads the associated URL identifier from the database and / or the URL address associated with the identifier. It can then prompt the display of the website belonging to the determined URL address on the above-mentioned display means (by establishing a corresponding Internet connection to the Internet host assigned to the URL address). The central computer can particularly advantageously retransmit the URL address to the above-mentioned input means and / or the transmission means. These then establish an Internet connection to the web host belonging to the address, so that the corresponding internet page can be displayed on the display means.

p0047Advantageously, both keywords, URL identifiers and URL addresses can be entered into the above-mentioned input means, eg the browser. For example, the above-mentioned detection means ascertains whether or not a URL address has been entered in a corresponding manner as explained above. If this is not the case, it causes the input of the entered keyword or the entered URL ID to the central computer. Alternatively, the detection means can also automatically distinguish between keywords and URL identifiers. For example, each identifier and / or keyword can have a feature-specific, keyword-specific, and / or keyword-specific property (for example, the identifiers can consist of only digits, and the keywords can consist only of letters, the identifiers Can all have a certain length, etc.). When transmitting to the central computer, an identifier is then advantageously identified as an identifier, and a keyword is marked as a keyword (eg by means of a corresponding, transmitted identifier bit). Alternatively, the user can explicitly identify an identifier, a keyword as a keyword, and / or a URL as a URL address for each entry. If an identifier and / or a keyword is entered, the transfer is made to the central computer as explained above (together with the above-mentioned tag bit).

p0048Preferably, immediately or a predetermined period of time after the reception of the URL identifier by the central computer, data are transmitted to the display means in order, for example, to acknowledge receipt of the URL identifier and / or to provide an information or advertising text to the display means send. (Eg, first name, last name, company, mailbox, address, telephone number, mobile telephone number, telefax, etc.), which are assigned to a user identification , E-mail address, URL address, a (foreign) user). In other words, a user can enter the URL identifier of the (foreign) user at his input means and send it to the central computer, whereupon he transmits the "electronic calling card" of the (foreign) user to the display means. Alternatively, only certain data elements of the above-mentioned business card field are transmitted, in particular the e-mail address assigned to the identifier, and / or URL address.

p0049Alternatively, the input means can also communicate with the central station, in particular via a web page running on the further computer, particularly advantageously with the aid of a (prefabricated) software component which has been downloaded from the central computer and integrated into the website. This sokware component provides for the display of an input field at the input means, in particular the PC or telephone, of the user. Via the input field, the user can enter an identification, as well as make a selection whether he wants to display the "electronic business card" or e-mail address, or URL assigned to this identifier. The identifier is then transferred from the further computer to the central computer, as indicated above, as well as control data indicating whether the "electronic business card", e-mail address or URL address assigned to the identifier is to be displayed.

p0050As mentioned above, data can be transmitted from the central computer to the display means (eg, an advertising message) only after a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time duration may last, for example, more than 10 minutes, in particular more than 1 hour. Preferably, further additional data are transmitted (for example, a further advertising message) after a further predetermined time period. Advantageously, the data transmission is performed automatically under the control of the central computer.

p0051In this case, for example, display means are used which are arranged close to, in particular less than 10 m, particularly preferably less than 1 m, remote from the input and / or transmission means (for example, the display means can be a control unit via the input and / or transmission means , This assigned screen) - especially when the above-mentioned "electronic business card" and / or advertising messages are transmitted.

p0052Particularly preferably, the determined URL (or the associated website) is transmitted to a display device which removes, in particular more than 1 m, more than 10 m, more than 100 m, or more than 1 km away from the input and / or transmission means Is arranged. In the case of a mobile input means, eg a portable telephone, the term "remote" refers to the location of the input means at the moment of the identification input.

p0053The display means may, for example, be a stationary computer assigned to a particular user (or more precisely, its screen), or a telephone assigned to a specific user, in particular a picture telephone. The determination of the respective indicating means (among a plurality of possible display means) is carried out, for example, by transmitting a user-specific identification (together with the above-mentioned URL identifier). The telephone number of the computer assigned to the respective user, or, for example, the URL address, as well as further data (see below), is stored in the database of the central computer for this user-specific identification. Advantageously, each user is assigned a plurality of display means, in particular a "remote" as defined above, and a further display means arranged near the input and / or transmission means as defined above. The central computer can, for example, transmit the above-mentioned data to the above-mentioned "remote" display means (and to the "near" display means only after sending a corresponding control character entered at the input means to the central computer - , Or a website).

p0054In particular, in the case of a display means which is "removed" from the input and / or transmission means, the transmission of the URL (or the website or the data) does not take place immediately after the URL identifier is received but rather when the user actually uses the display means, In particular after having transmitted an additional identifier from there to the central computer. Advantageously, this corresponds to the above-mentioned user identification, and is entered at further input means which are assigned to the "remote" display means.

p0055Advantageously, the display means are controlled by the central computer in such a way that, together with the URL, they display further information associated with the URL, for example a content specification of the website belonging to the URL. Particularly preferably, the URL and / or the associated information are not displayed immediately, but are stored beforehand in a memory means which is assigned to the display means, eg in a memory of a computer and / or telephone. Advantageously, a plurality of URLs (and the information assigned to them, in particular Internet page contents) are stored there in the manner described above by the user. The different URLs and the associated information are preferably displayed in list or table form on the display means, in particular on a screen.

p0056By clicking on the displayed URL, an Internet connection is established automatically to the web host belonging to the address so that the corresponding website can be displayed on the display medium.

p0057Advantageously, the website contains exactly the same data as the above-mentioned data associated with the identifier, which are reproduced in a print medium, eg the entire text printed there and / or the image depicted there, or substantial parts thereof.

p0058As already explained, a database is stored in the central computer, in which each identifier is linked to an associated URL address (or e-mail address).

p0059Advantageously, a new identifier can be generated from a remote computer and / or telephone, for example by entering an arbitrary desired identifier there, after appropriate authentication of the user, and transmitting it to the central computer. This checks whether the identifier has already been assigned and / or whether it is contained in the set of permitted identifiers (eg consists only of digits, has a certain length, exceeds a certain maximum length, etc.). If the identifier is a permitted identifier and has not yet been assigned, it is assigned to a URL or e-mail address, which is also entered on the computer or telephone (and transmitted to the central computer). In other words, a corresponding link between ID and URL or e-mail address is established in the above-mentioned database of the central computer.

p0060It is also conceivable that the central computer first determines whether the identifier entered on the computer or telephone is contained in a (pre) determined subset of the set of permitted identifiers. This subset can, for example, contain easily identifiable identifiers (such as the identifiers "111111", "123456"), ie, identifiers with all the same digits, etc. In this subset, identifiers may be blocked for the above-mentioned (automatic) Distributed or auctioned separately by the operator of the central computer.

p0061Particularly preferably, a distinction is made between temporary and permanent identifiers. A temporary identifier automatically re-enables the central computer after a predetermined period of time, in particular less than two days, in particular less than one day; It can then be assigned to a new URL. The temporary identifier is generated, for example, by first entering a URL into the above-mentioned URL input field of the input means, and this is then transmitted to the central computer (eg, marked with a data field indicating that an identifier, in particular a Temporary identifier, eg by pressing a special key or software buttons). The central computer assigns a free (temporary) identifier after receiving such a URL.

p0062For example, a temporary identifier fulfills the following purpose: A user can temporarily generate an identifier for a URL, in order to transmit this (in a simple manner), for example, orally, in particular by telephone, to another user. The further user can then immediately load the associated website, whereupon the identifier can be released again automatically after the abovementioned predetermined time period.

p0063Before a user receives an access authorization to the system according to the invention, his user identification is registered in the above-mentioned central computer. Advantageously, further user-specific data associated with this user identifier are advantageously stored in the central computer: gender and / or place of residence and / or date of birth and / or occupation and / or income and / or telephone number and / or e-mail address and / Or URL address, etc., of the user. In addition, the user can register the above-mentioned keyword (or multiple keywords) associated with a tag in the central computer. In addition to direct registration by means of corresponding (direct) data inputs to the central computer, the registration can also be effected, for example, indirectly, for example with the aid of a software component which can be integrated into any website running on a further computer Further computer and the central computer in the course of which the user registration takes place. The software component can advantageously be downloaded from the central computer to any further computer. The web page, in particular the registration software component integrated into this website, is controlled by the user via the Internet from a third, remote computer.

p0064Some of the above data (and possibly additional, further data) can be stored in the central computer as a "business card field" belonging to the user ID (eg first name, last name, company, mailbox, address, telephone number, mobile telephone number, fax, Address, URL address, etc.). If a third party has access to this data, he must transfer the user identification belonging to this data to the central computer. Since transmission can also be performed indirectly, for example, by the user entering the user identification on a further internet page displayed on his computer, whereupon a special program component of the web page transmits the user identification to the central computer, and then the representation of the above mentioned business card field Data on the further website. The user identification of the abovementioned identifier is particularly advantageous.

p0065Each access of a user to an identifier (or to a URL assigned to this identifier) ​​is documented in the central computer. In other words, the central computer carries out statistics on how often and by which user and with which user identification a particular identifier has been accessed. Due to the above-mentioned additional user-specific data, the central computer can then generate further statistics, eg, which group of people (which sex / profession, etc.) often accesses a specific URL. User-selected information (eg advertising inserts) can then be sent to the input means and / or display means assigned to the user.

p0066For a more detailed explanation of the invention, several exemplary embodiments are described below. Show it:<ul><li><figref idrefs="f0001"><b>FIG</b></figref> A device according to the invention for detecting and storing URLs by means of a conventional telephone;</li><li><figref idrefs="f0002"><b>FIG</b></figref> A further device according to the invention for capturing and storing URLs by means of a conventional mobile telephone;</li><li><figref idrefs="f0003"><b>FIG</b></figref> A further inventive device for detecting and storing URLs by means of a conventional PC and an additional device;</li><li><figref idrefs="f0004"><b>FIG</b></figref> An allocation table between the call identifiers and the corresponding digit sequences in the central database; and</li><li><figref idrefs="f0005"><b>FIG</b></figref> An allocation table between the number sequences and the related information and URLs in the central database.</li></ul>

p0067<figref idrefs="f0001"><b>FIG</b></figref> Shows a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

p0068<b>Block 1</b> Symbolizes a telephone which can establish a connection with a modem (2) via a telephone line. The telephone (1) can transmit the number sequences directly to the central database (3) via the telephone connection and the modem (2) and store them there. The assignment takes place via the call identification (call ID) of the telephone (1). If, for example, the number 87654321 is transmitted by the telephone (1) with the caller's call +4989123456, this is stored in the data record for the call recognition +4989123456 and the user assigned to it (eg Müller). An example of this mapping table is in<figref idrefs="f0004"><b>FIG</b></figref> Respectively. The web server (4) connected to the database (3) now represents, in a specific area of ​​an Internet web page, accessible to the user of the telephone (1) by a password, the information assigned to the digit sequences stored by this user Is stored in the central database by means of an in<figref idrefs="f0005"><b>FIG</b></figref> Which contains the information assigned to it for each digit sequence. These assigned information preferably consist at least of the URL of the website as well as a description of this website. Thus, information about the Internet site associated with the transmitted and stored digits can be obtained from each computer (5 to 7) connected to the Internet. In this way, the user can store a URL independently of his or her place of residence worldwide by transmitting one or more ornamental sequences, for example by telephone, and can retrieve them from any computer connected to the Internet and thereby, for example, directly to the website (eg<u>http://www.abc.com</u>) Of the company assigned to the number sequence (eg 87654321) (eg ABC).

p0069A further advantage is the input of so-called WAP (wireless application protocol) domains (eg <u>http://wap.abc.com</u>), These domains are entered, for example, into WAP-enabled mobile phones for calling specific WAP pages. Since entering such domains by means of a mobile telephone terminal is quite difficult, it is advantageous to enter only a number sequence which is assigned to the WAP domain.

p0070A further area of ​​application would be when storing addresses, which are indicated, for example, on business cards. If such a sequence of digits (eg 555666) is indicated on the business card, instead of entering the address of the business card, for example, into an address management program on a PC, only that number sequence can be entered there; The PC can then connect to the database and retrieve the information stored under the number sequence (eg 555666) and store it in the address management program.

p0071<figref idrefs="f0002"><b>FIG</b></figref> Is a further embodiment of the invention.

p0072Block 8 symbolizes a mobile telephone which can establish a direct connection to a mobile gateway (9) via a mobile radio connection. The mobile telephone (8) can transmit the digit sequences directly to the central database (3) via the mobile radio connection, preferably via the transmission of an SMS (short-message service) via the mobile radio gateway (9). The content of the SMS is one or more digits. The assignment takes place via the call identification (call ID) of the mobile telephone (8). If, for example, call number 555666 is transmitted by the mobile telephone (8) with the call identification +49172123456, this is stored in the data record of call identification +49172123456 and the user assigned to it (eg Müller). An example of this mapping table is in<figref idrefs="f0004"><b>FIG</b></figref> Respectively. The web server (4) connected to the database (3) now represents, in a specific area of ​​an Internet web page, accessible to the user of the mobile telephone (8) by a password, the information assigned to the digit sequences stored by this user Is stored in the central database by means of an in<figref idrefs="f0005"><b>FIG</b></figref> Which contains the information assigned to it for each number of digits. These assigned information preferably consist at least of the URL of the website as well as a description of this website. Thus, information about the Internet web page associated with the transmitted and stored digit sequences can be retrieved from each computer (5 to 7) connected to the Internet. In this way, the user can store a URL independently of his or her place of residence worldwide by transmitting one or more number sequences, eg by telephone, and can retrieve them on any computer connected to the Internet, eg, directly to the website (eg<u>http://www.123.com</u>) Of the company assigned to the number sequence (eg 555666) (eg 123).

p0073<figref idrefs="f0003"><b>FIG</b></figref> Represents an additional embodiment of the invention.

p0074Block 10 symbolizes a device for the input and temporary storage of digit sequences, which are connected for transmission to a PC (11). The PC (11) can, for example, establish a connection with an Internet service provider (12) via a telephone line. The PC (11) can transmit the number sequences read out from the device for the input and intermediate storage of digit sequences (10) directly to the central database (3) via the telephone line and the Internet service provider (12) and store them there. The assignment is made via the user ID of the PC (11). If, for example, the number 333777 is transferred from the PC (11) with the user ID USER, this is stored in the data record of the user ID USER and the user assigned to it (eg Müller). An example of this mapping table is in<figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> Respectively. The web server (4) connected to the database (3) now represents, in a specific area of ​​an Internet webpage, which is accessible to the user of the computer (11) by a password, the information assigned to the digit sequences stored by this user Is stored in the central database via a<figref idrefs="f0005">FIG</figref> Which contains the information assigned to it for each digit sequence. These assigned information preferably consist at least of the URL of the website as well as a description of this website. Thus, information about the Internet web page associated with the transmitted and stored digit sequences can be retrieved from each computer (5 to 7) connected to the Internet. In this way, the user can store a URL independently of his or her place of residence worldwide by transmitting one or more digits, eg by telephone, and can retrieve them from any computer connected to the Internet, eg, directly to the website (eg<u>http://www.xyz.com</u>) Of the company assigned to the number sequence (eg 333777) (eg XYZ).