Method for evaluating displayed data on a computer

The invention relates to a data transmission method for transmission of data sets between at least one server and a client, wherein a display data set is provided, which is held on the server and is accessible to the client via an at least temporarily to the server established connection, the display data set by the server will automatically be called up via the at least temporarily established connection is transmitted to the client and displayed from the client.

In the present case, by the term "server" means any establishment meant that is able to hold a plurality of records and to provide other services, namely the "clients", available. The data transfer between the server and the clients is not limited to one-way data transmission from the server to the clients, but may be bidirectional, so that data is transmitted from the client to the server, which may not last required already to control can.

Such servers and clients can be such. B. Internet server and connected to the Internet computers, such as PCs (personal computers), PDAs (personal digital assistants) and mobile phones with Internet interface. However, the data transmission method described here is not limited to the area of ​​servers and clients on the internet. Rather, the data transmission method described here applies to all areas where servers can be provided, holding a plurality of data sets in order to provide these clients with a basically arbitrary geartetes network available can. Other examples are the broadcasting (radio and television) and the transfer in mobile networks and the transmission in LANs (Local Area Networks), optionally configured as an intranet, called.

Merely for ease of understanding and for example concrete, frequent reference will now be made to those servers and clients that are part of the Internet or connected to each other via the Internet. When provided on the Internet servers that principle can provide each client with web interface available held by them records, data transfer is based on international standards, such as the TCP / IP protocol (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Held on the server records according to a certain code and are, for example, HTML files (Hypertext Markup Language). In the transmission of an HTML data set from a server to a client on the client system executes an interpretation of HTML commands, so that it typically results in a corresponding display on a monitor of the client. In addition, various scripting languages ​​are known, which can be an optionally animated display on the client achieve.

To display held on a web server records an appropriate display program, a so-called browser is required. This browser is implement able to interpret the transmitted to the client from the server and records in a corresponding display. In addition, the browser allows the transmission of data from the client to a server. This is on one hand to navigate the Internet required, not least in order to even be able to access certain records of a server, on the other hand, for in this way to the server. B. can be transmitted such data that are necessary for a purchase on the Internet. If the user visits a client with his client z. B. a drive, to an Internet server online store, it is ultimately not only necessary, transfer the corresponding offer pages from the server and to display, but also information on desired products and further information as address and shipping information, and payment information to transfer from the client to the server.

In known from the prior art Intemet-Browsem case to be data transfer from a client to a server one hand over the requested Web page. This is z. B. when entering address data of the case in order to obtain the delivery of an order to this address. In addition, allow conventional Intemet browser entering Intemetadressen, either as IP number or the corresponding domain name, in a window of the Intemet browser to open the appropriate, desired by the user side. It is essential in the recent Internet browsers that only such a type of data entry and data transfer to a server is possible, which is offered and authorized by the visited website. That is, the user possibly has no way determined by him or a third desired data transfer, if such a website is called to the source code does not have access to it so not according to his wishes for possible can alter data transmission to a server.

The method described in the patent US 2002/0147776 for example, has called weaknesses; in a client server system, the user of the client can enter data and transmitted, after which he has loaded the website in its entirety.

Assuming it is the object of the invention to provide such a data transmission method by which when displaying a held on a server data set can be performed on a client that is independent of the data Data transfer.

Based on the data transmission method described above, the previously derived and task is solved in that at least partially overlapping in time automatically with the taking place of the client display of the display data set based on a different from the display data set query data set from the client to the user of the client a prompt was made to enter response data.

Invention is therefore essential that automatically awarded to the user of the client about the client such a prompt that is based on a query data set, which is different from the display data set. Regardless of whether the display data set ever permits entry and transfer of data to a server, so it can be determined by the question record exactly what can be input for response data in the client.

Transferred to a Intemet browser means that the present invention based on the query data set prompt does not occur in the actual browser window in which the requested web page is displayed, but in a different window, whose form and content is determined by the query data set , Due to the fact that based on the query data set windows are at least displayed overlapping in time with the prompt and the actual browser window, it is z. B. possible to get answers to such questions, relating to the currently displayed Web page relate. Specifically, this means that any Internet site with the data transmission method according to the invention are shown by third parties, the contents of which can not be influenced and changed, and yet can be entered on these Internet sites information.

According to an embodiment of the invention provides that the input request, entered by the user response data is automatically transmitted to a feedback server. Here, the feedback server is independent of the display data set determined.

Pictured an Internet browser so can the server on which is to be displayed Web page, and the feedback server to which the transfer of the response data, different from each other. As an example of such a method is here for the time being only a market research study called, in the information relating to the assessment of a Web page can be transmitted to the feedback server of a market research firm in this way.

As previously executed, a key aspect of the invention is that the taking place of the client display of the display data set and the prompt for input of response data overlap in time at least to a degree. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, that the taking place of the client display of the display data set and takes place on the basis of the query data set prompt from the client to the user of the client for input of response data are synchronous.

transferred again to an Intemet browser that would mean that in time simultaneously a prompt occurs for display of any Web page in the actual browser window in a separate window, z. B. the actual browser window. After the input of response data can then automatically create a new website in the actual browser window are called, to which, based on the same or a new query data set again automatically published in a prompt for input of response data in a separate window.

Essential to the invention is also that the query data set is different from the display data set. It is particularly intended that the query data set for the operator of the data transmission method of the invention is available, so that the operator of the data transmission method according to the invention can set and change query data set corresponding to the desired command prompt. For this, the query data set can be kept on the client according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. According to another preferred development of the invention however, it is also possible for the query data set online, namely at the start or during the data transmission method via an at least temporarily established connection from a query data server to transmit to the client.

To continue the metaphor of Intemet browser, so the z. B. an inventively modified Internet browser, namely Intemet browser with return channel may be provided, running on a PC. The query data set itself is kept to a query data server, and in the activation of the corresponding query data set by the browser with return channel, connected to the corresponding query data set Internet site is one part automatically opened and on the other hand automatically associated with the query data set prompt in the browser with backchannel displayed. The Return Channel function of the browser is then that the input to the prompt response data are automatically transferred to a specific question by the record feedback server.

It can be provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that is used as a query data server to the feedback server. It should be noted, however, that in principle different in each case and also a plurality of query data server and feedback server may be used.

The inputted response data can always be entered as operated by the user client in other institutions and transmitted by this institution to the feedback server. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, that the input of the response data via the client and the automatic transmission of the response data to the feedback server likewise about the client, preferably namely online, takes place. Although an online transmission is not required, the input response data can, in principle first be stored on the client. An online transmission to the feedback server is however advantageous in that the response data is readily in this manner for evaluation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention is further provided that a, preferably common, display device is used for the display of the display data set for the prompt based on the query data set and for the input of the response data. When using a PC, the display device will typically be a PC-embedded or connected to the PC monitor. For the input of the response data In addition, an input device is required. This will be with the use of a PC typically a keyboard and / or a pointing device like a mouse. In principle, however, other input methods, such as voice input via a microphone, are conceivable.

Further up has already been indicated, that transferred in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, time sequentially a plurality of display records from the server or from one or more other servers to the client and can be viewed by the client, in each case at least partially overlapping in time with the taking place from the client display the respective display data set based on a different from the display data set each query data set automatically each prompt for input of response data is issued from the client to the user of the client, with the subsequently entered by the users of each response data automatically to the feedback Server are transmitted.

The various display data sets may be provided on the same or on different servers. They are in any case always different from the question records. In addition, the query data server and the feedback server, which as stated above, may be combined in a shared server, different from the servers from which the display data sets are transmitted to the client.

Finally, a preferred embodiment of the invention is, in particular, that a predetermined set of rules is provided in the top of each to be displayed display data set and thus the corresponding server on which the display data set is maintained, and the associated respective query data set are defined for the command prompt. Further, the order of the displayed display data sets can be defined in the rules.

If a predetermined order of the displayed display data sets provided, the corresponding display data sets are displayed one after another with a change may be provided automatically to the next display data set. In this context, can basically be provided the opportunity to go to any of the measures provided for in accordance with the rules display records. This may mean in particular that a change to the previous display data set, any already displayed display data set and / or a change is required to any not yet displayed display data set. The rule here is that the regulatory framework is maintained on the client either or, preferably online, transmitted at the beginning or during the data transfer process via an at least temporarily established connection of the query data server to the client.

To finally here to stay in the image of the Internet browser, so it could be provided that the held to a query data server on the Internet rules is enabled by the already mentioned modified browser with return channel and then successively automatically each an internet site in the actual browser window and underlying in a z. B. window displays an appropriate prompt. On the input of response data toward or to a separate confirmation through the response data is then automatically transmitted to the feedback server or at least for the time being stored on the client, and then automatically switch to a next Web page with a corresponding command prompt in a separate window , To change from already entered response data can also be provided that can be jumped back to Internet sites already displayed.

With respect to the mentioned browser with return channel may be provided, moreover, that this is a genuine client program, ie a program that runs under the operating system of the client and is executed on the client itself. To always can use a current version of this client program be provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, that each time you start the client program a query on a provided on the Internet predetermined server is made whether the current version of the client program yet is currently on. If the version to date, a current program on the Internet is transmitted to the client and only then started.

However, the invention is not limited to that - the data transfer process is controlled by a program run on the client - in the image of an Internet browser. Rather, it is also possible to provide a centrally running on a server controller for the inventive method and to transmit the client to only the corresponding display data. The client would thus only a terminal function to what would in particular allow the use of low data transmission rates and by technically uncomplicated devices z. B. with little memory and less processor power. In this case, the rules would not be transferred to the client, but the server on which runs the process.

The process according to the invention can be carried out without interruption. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the possibility can be provided to carry out the process with at least one interruption. For this purpose is preferably provided in particular that the conduct of the procedure is automatically logged, so that the current status is available at all times, and an interrupted process can be resumed at any time. Here preferably logging success on a different server from the client. In this way, an interrupted process can be recorded on again in the right place when the process of another client will be continued as long as there is this from another client from accessing the server on which the logging is done. In this context, it may also be advantageous in other to transmit the response data directly online to the feedback server and not to collect only on the client.

Finally, the invention provides in a preferred embodiment that the process as a first step has an automatic password request when it was launched. That is, until a query data set indicated by the client when the password request has been positive. In this way it can be ensured that the process only by predetermined users is used, so that detected response data really is from these predetermined and not by any users.

In particular, there are a variety of ways, and further developing data transmission method of the invention. Reference is made to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In the drawings<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>schematically shows the interconnected via the Internet devices used for a data transmission method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>schematically the sequence of the data transmission method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention the example of a Intemet browser.</dd></dl>

In the following, a data transmission method according to a preferred embodiment of the Erfmdung explains the interconnected in the Internet 1, and having on the Internet 1 devices is feasible. Here, a query data server 2, and a feedback server 3 are provided, which provide all the components necessary for the data transfer method according to the presently described preferred embodiment of the invention. In which on the Internet 1 for an in principle any client 4, in this case a PC accessible query data server 2, an executable program on the client 4 is held, over which runs the data transmission method and is controlled. Furthermore, a plurality of candidate data sets and a set of rules are available in the query data server 2, which specifies which Internet sites are along with what question records, displayed one after another in a predetermined order on the executable on the client 4 program, a browser with return channel. Trained as a client PC 4 here has as input devices a keyboard 5 and a mouse 6, while a monitor 7 is provided as an output device.

The implementation of the data transmission method according to the presently described preferred embodiment of the invention is as follows: The user of the client 4 initiates the data transmission method, for example, in that it opens a held on the query data server 2 website via a conventional browser and on. this page marked "market research survey" button is pressed. Then is automatically detected that a data transmission method is to be started, must be used for the mentioned browser with return channel. It is thus automatically checked whether there is a return channel on the client 4, this modified browser. If it does not exist, it is automatically loaded from the query data server 2 via the Internet 1 to the client. 4 Given a current version of the modified browser is on the query data server 2 always saved with return channel. If the browser is a return channel already in the client 4 is present, it is automatically checked whether the version of the existing browser corresponds to a return channel of the current, stored on the query data server 2 version, and possibly the current version of the query data server 2 is on the client 4 automatically transferred via the Internet. 1

After launching the browser with return channel is determined by the held on the query data server 2 rules, one hand in a window of the browser with return channel automatically opens a held on a computer connected to the Internet 1 Server 8 Web page, ie an on the first server 8 held display data set displayed. On the other hand at the same time to a holding on the query data server 2 query data set, used to automatically display at the same time the Internet site a command prompt.

The structure of the display of the browser with return channel is schematically from FIG. 2. There is shown that is in an upper window an internet site, namely the held on the first server 8 display data set, displayed while including in a separate window at the same time a prompt is displayed. As further seen in FIG. 2, three possible answers A, B and C are provided. In an acknowledgment of the command by clicking on an "OK" button, the input response data, so the answer A, B or C, automatically transferred to the feedback server. 3 There, the response data, as indicated schematically in FIG. 2, is automatically stored in a database and are then available for further processing or analysis.

By held on the query data server 2 rules is defined, which together with what is used for a query data set for the next step for a display data set from a next server. According to the presently described preferred embodiment of the invention is in the next step, which automatically displays 9 after having acknowledged the "OK" button, a predetermined display data set a second server with a based on an associated query data set prompt. In this case, the prompt of the prompt previously displayed different, but it can also have the same command prompt to use. will automatically By acknowledging the "OK" key, a holding in a third server 10 display data set together with a corresponding prompt appears, etc.

It must be noted that the different, sequentially displayed display data sets do not necessarily have to be present on each other different servers 8, 9, 10th Rather, can also be provided that several or all of display data sets are available on a single server. 8 It is only important that the query data server 2 and the feedback server 3 the operator of the data transfer process is accessible according to the presently described preferred embodiment of the invention so as to the rules and on the one hand the displayed display data sets and on the other hand, the concrete drafting of related can affect matter records. As a query data server or feedback server, therefore, no "foreign server" as the first server 8, the second server 9 or the third server 10 comes into consideration. However, it would in principle be possible to use such a display records for the data transmission method described herein that are retained on the query data server 2, or on the feedback server 3 itself.

To generate the rules and the question data sets, which are connected to the appropriate prompts, a special program can be provided. This can basically run on any device, as long as the data thus generated, ie the set of rules and the issue records can be transferred to the query data server 2, from where they are accessible to the client. 4

The data transfer method according to the invention may further be used in a variety of applications. Previously already mentioned is the possibility to operate by means of the data in question transfer process research. Specifically, namely z. B. an online survey on the impact and assessment of websites of different providers possible. The LCD toggles automatically various Internet sites, optionally, displays from various suppliers, and at the same time is an automatic prompt z. B. then how each website is judged. Possible response data then would for example be considered. "Very good", "good", "medium" and "no". The response data obtained in this way are then to an automatic transmission centrally, namely on the feedback server 3 before, in particular, also is advantageous that the same may be involved in the online survey, a plurality of respondents, so that an online survey can be completed in a very short time, ie within a few hours, including the evaluation of the response data.

Another application of the data transmission method of the invention is in the field of e-learning, ie learning and control of what has been learned through electronic media. About the planned return channel can be a continuous learning assessment done, and it can even be provided to carry out using the data transmission method of the invention tests or exams. Here is again a very important advantage in the direct detection of the response data centrally on the feedback server 3, so that an evaluation of the response data can be made immediately and in a simple manner. However, it eLearning includes not only the school or university level, but can also be used for employee training. Here, z. B. obtain a group leader in a convenient way a feedback from its employees with regard to their respective qualifications in the relevant field.

Finally, a major area of ​​application for the data transmission method according to the invention lies in offering a so-called "Guided Tour". It is determined by means of the code, the order in which successively predetermined web pages are displayed on basically any Internet servers. These prompts, so additional overlays and information on the one hand are given, in which non-mandatory input and detects response data. The additional window, which is basically designed for the prompt may be in the case of a guided tour only provided for this purpose, the displayed Web page to which the provider of the "Guided Tour" does not have access to comment, or supplement. Incidentally, are automatically recorded on the return channel, if and what web pages have been displayed as part of the "Guided Tour".