Server-side web summary generation and presentation

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

(Field of invention) The present invention is in the field of Internet navigation, including various means of communication and connection technologies, more specifically, collecting summary information from a user's website or a website of choice by a company, either push or pull technology. With respect to methods and devices, including software, for presenting that information to the user as HTML using. [0002]

(Cross-reference to related literature) The present invention is accessible via the Internet or other Switched-Packet-Network, filed December 8, 1998, "Method and MFP for Providing and Maintaining a User-Interactive Portal System Scalable via Internet or other Switched-Packet-Network. A Partial Continuation Application (CIP) to Patent Application No. 09/208740 entitled "Methods and Devices for Providing and Maintaining User Interactive Portal Systems", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is incorporated. [0003]

(Background of invention) The information network, known as the World Wide Web (WWW), is a well-known subset of the Internet, which is arguably the most perfect source of publicly accessible and available information. Anyone with a suitable internet device, such as a personal computer with a standard internet connection, is a server connected to the internet for the purpose of collecting information and initiating transactions with such servers and hosts of pages. You can access (reach online) an information page (called a web page) stored in and navigate to that information page. [0004]

Many companies offer a variety of subscription services that are accessible via the Internet. For example, many people have recently been doing banking, stock trading, shopping, etc. from the comfort of their own home via Internet access. By subscribing, users generally have access to secure, personalized web pages for such features. By typing a username and password or other personal identification code, users can obtain information, initiate transactions, buy shares, and accomplish a myriad of other tasks. [0005]

A problem that arises for individuals who have some or more subscriptions to services mediated by the Internet is that many passwords and / or login codes are always used. The same password or code may not be available for all services, as other users may already be using the password or code. Users may not want to use a code that is unique to the user, such as a Social Insurance Number, because of security issues, including security qualities that may vary from service to service. In addition, users are free to choose different passwords for different sites for added security, which in fact increases the number of passwords they may have. [0006]

Another problem that can annoy subscribers with many passwords is that many web pages must be bookmarked in the computer's cache so that various services can be quickly found and accessed. Is. For example, to book and pay for a flight trip, the user connects to the Internet, goes to his bookmarks file, and selects one airline page. Then, once the page is delivered, the user enters the user's name and password and follows the on-screen instructions. If a user purchases a ticket from a web page and wants to transfer expenses from an online banking service, the user must find and select the page of their personal bank or account and start transferring expenses for the ticket. Accessing other pages can be very difficult, as you may need different usernames and different passwords. [0007]

This above example is just an example, but much of the work involved in finding a web page, logging in with a password, etc. may be required to successfully trade on the web. It is generally known. [0008]

The service described in the relevant cases that the inventor knows and is listed in the cross-reference to the relevant literature section is that the user stores all of his password protected pages in one place. By making it possible, we will provide a web service that makes it very easy to browse and collect information from those pages. The above service features allow the user to program some tasks in the system so that the requested task is performed by an agent (software) based on the user's instructions. This service stores the user's password and login information and uses this information to log in to the user's site, i.e. the user does not have to manually log in or enter a password code to access the link. , It is possible to navigate. [0009]

The services mentioned above use a server to present a user-specific application that can be viewed as an interactive home page that contains all of the sites (hyperlinks) that you have listed for ease of navigation. .. The application lists the user's URL in the form of a hyperlink that allows the user to click on the hyperlink to navigate to the page and, if necessary, automatically log in without the user's knowledge. [0010]

The applications described above also include software agents that can be programmed to perform scheduled tasks on behalf of the user, including the return of specific summaries and the refreshing of user account pages. If you have a search function and such a page is cached in a form that can be presented somewhere, such as on a portal server or client machine, the user enters for specific content in cooperation with a software agent. It is configured to search for URLs. [0011]

In addition to the features mentioned above, it is desirable that the software agent, along with the search function, be able to navigate to any URL or group of URLs given as input by the user or deemed appropriate by the service provider. The purpose is to provide summary information about the updated content of the URL, which can be presented to the user as an HTML information page. [0012]

Obviously what is needed is requested by individually navigating to the URL provided by the user or a known URL and logging in to each URL with the appropriate password information (if required). It is a method and device that can return the summary information to the user in the form of a human- and machine-readable HTML document. Such a system should provide an effective summarization service, i.e., the user calls a hyperlink on his or her own portal home page to be able to present important information to the user. There is no need. [0013]

(Outline of the invention) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an Internet portal comprising a server connected to the Internet and portal software including a summary software agent running on the server. The portal maintains a subscriber-specific list of Internet destinations, and its summary software agent accesses Internet destinations, searches for information according to pre-programmed criteria, and delivers the searched information to subscribers. Summarize for. [0014]

In one embodiment, the portal further comprises a configuration and start interface for subscribers to set up and initiate a summary search, which is stored on a server connected to the interface and is individually retrieved as a template. It can be configured for each client. Summary information may be stored and later downloaded at the request of the subscriber, or the information may be pushed immediately to the client. In some additional embodiments, each internet site automatically logs in to the subscriber according to the data stored about the subscriber in the portal. [0015]

A system for providing a method for implementing the present invention in some embodiments further described below, for the first time, a system that allows a subscriber to quickly access multiple websites without a lengthy login procedure. It is a system that can also summarize and download the data of the result of the summary search. [0016]

(Explanation of preferred embodiment) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a unique Internet portal is provided, and is configured to provide a unique service to a user who has accessed from a device having an Internet function via the Internet or another network connection. There is. Such an interface provides the user with a way to store many personalized web pages, as well as search capabilities and the ability to perform certain tasks. The feasible details of the methods and devices of the present invention are taught below. [0017]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an Internet portal system 11 and an Internet network 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the portal system 11 operates as an ISP in addition to the unique network portal, but in other embodiments, it can be implemented as a stand-alone Internet server. In yet another embodiment, the services and devices described herein are companies that act as search and listing services (AltaVista , Yahoo ), etc., or as hosts for servers connected to the web. It can also be provided by. [0018]

The Internet 13 represents the preferred use of the present invention, but should not be considered in a limited way, as the present invention should be applicable to other networks and network combinations. [0019]

The ISP 15 of this embodiment includes a server 31, a modem bank 33 representing a single modem here, and a large storage repository 29 for storing digital data. Modem banks are for convenience because they allow you to connect to the server from other types of network links. ISP15, which is common in the art, provides Internet access services for each individual subscriber. In addition to the well-known Internet access services, ISP15 is a unique subscription as an internet portal for storing more web pages or destinations with any password and / or personalized code associated with those pages. The service is provided in a more detailed way in the following parts. This unique portal service is provided by running portal software 35, which the inventor has named the Password-All suit. The software of the present invention is referred to herein both as portal software and as a password all software suit. Further, in many of the following descriptions, the device of the present invention is referred to by Password-All terms such as Password-All Server or Password-All Portal. [0020]

ISP15 is connected to Internet 13 as shown. Other equipment known in the art, such as IP data routers, data switches, gateway routers, that resides and is connected to networks such as the Internet 13, is not illustrated here, but exists. It can be assumed that there is. Access to ISP15 is through connection-oriented telephone systems known in the art, or through any other Internet / WEB access connection such as cable modems, special network connections (eg T1), ISDN. Such a connection is illustrated as going from an internet device 17 through an access line 19 through a modem 33. [0021] [0021]

In a preferred embodiment, when the user accesses the Internet Password All Portal Service with a username and password well known in the art, a personalized web page is provided to the subscriber. In other embodiments where the user has other individuals who use their Internet account, access to Portal 31 requires an additional password or code that is unique to the user. Such personalized portal web pages can be stored in a repository 29, which can be in any convenient form of mass storage. [0022]

The three Internet servers 23, 25 and 27 are shown on Internet 13 and represent Internet servers that act as hosts by various companies and are subscribed to by the user's operating equipment 17. For example, the server 23 can be a bank server, which can perform interactive online banking and account management. The server 25 can be an investment server and can create and manage investment accounts. The server 27 can be an airline company or a travel server, and can book flights, purchase tickets, and so on. In this example, all three servers are secure servers that require a user ID and password to access, but the invention is not necessarily limited to just secure services. [0023]

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a subscriber user using a device having an Internet function such as a device 17 connects to a password all portal system 11 in which the ISP 15 functions as a host, thereby accessing an interactive WEB page dedicated to an individual. This will in turn allow you to access any one of several servers on the Internet 13, such as Servers 23, 25 and 27, without having to enter additional passwords or codes. In a preferred embodiment, the inventor names the software capable of this service Password All. Password All is a unique server and, in some cases, can be thought of as a software suit that also runs on a user terminal (client). The additional interactivity provided by Portal Software 35 is to search the pages listed by the connected user for information related to keywords, text columns, etc., and according to a predefined time schedule, Server 23, Allows you to program user-defined tasks, including accessing and interacting with one or more servers connected to the Internet, such as 25 and 27. The viable details of these functions are taught in the following parts. [0024]

FIG. 2 is a personalized portal provided by password-all-portal software 35 running on server 31 in response to secure access from a subscriber and visible on a display monitor screen according to an embodiment of the invention. This is an example of the page. Page 32 presents an interactive list 34 of web pages to which the user is subscribed or a member, identified by a URL in this example, but with a pseudonym for each page and generally It can be identified by any convenient pen name, preferably a descriptive pen name, along with the encrypted password information. Listed in the first column below Addresses are the example addresses, LBC.com, My Bank.com, My Bank.com, My Stocks.com, My Shopping.com, Mortgage.com and Airline.com. These are just some of the many exemplary destinations that can be presented and listed, such as on page 33. Scrollbars 35 are provided to allow you to see additional lists that are listed within application 33 but are not immediately visible so that users can browse as is known in the art. It is possible to scroll up or down the list to enable. [0025]

The items listed in Listing 34 of this example can be thought of as destinations such as servers 23, 25, and 27 in Figure 1. In general, the URLs associated with the items in this list will cause the user to reach the page stored on the server rather than reaching the server itself. The username and password data associated with each item in Listing 34 is illustrated in the respective fields named Username and Password to the right of the column named Destination. Each list, or at least part of each list, is a hyperlink that, when selected, calls a URL to that destination. In some examples, a particular service may have multiple related URLs. For example, My Bank.com may have multiple URLs associated with various accounts or transactions associated with a single subscriber. In this case, there may be sublists for various destinations associated with a single higher level list. Although this expedient is not shown, this teaching will reveal the mechanism to those skilled in the art. [0026]

In some embodiments, one page 33 can be shared by multiple users, such as husbands and wives, who share a common account and subscription. This example is illustrated herein for a server named Mortgage.com, where John and Jane Doe are both listed under the column named Username. In other embodiments, one network of individual people, perhaps business owners, authorized colleagues, investors, etc., can share one application. In this way, the system 11 can be configured for personal use as well as for business use. [0027]

After accessing application 33, which is functioning through the Internet portal server 31 in FIG. 1, the user either scrolls or highlights his or her list 34 for the purpose of navigating to a specific destination for further interaction. You can select the URL. Application 33 already has its own password and username for each URL. However, it is not always necessary to display the password and username to the user. These can be stored in the user profile unnoticed and recalled as needed by the user's choice. Therefore, the user does not have to enter the password and username for every destination available in Listing 34. Of course, each list 34 is built, configured and maintained by the subscribed user, and is also provided with editing capabilities, so that the user can add or remove a list of URLs to change, including functional changes, etc. Can be edited and updated. [0028]

In another aspect of the invention, a new list of user profiles, such as a new passthrough to a bank page or other company page, can be added semi-automatically as follows: When a user opens a new account with a company by interacting with a web page that acts as a host, the user usually has certain information, including a user ID, address, email account, etc., as well as usually with that account. You will be asked to provide a new username and password to access. In this process, the user interacts with the company's page from their browser. It has a password all plugin, which allows the user to activate a given signal (by right click, keystroke, etc.) after entering the required information for the new company, and then the password all suit is for the user. You will have to enter the new passthrough in the password. Password All profiles on the portal server. [0029]

In the new input-related method, the company that hosts the password-all-portal will provide login and sign-up services in the password-all-portal by agreement with other companies so that most of the functions will not be noticed by the user. be able to. For example, the Password All Portal may have a selectable list of partners such as banks, security services, etc., and users who subscribe to the Password All Portal and have a profile can choose from such partners and make a new one. You can open an account, and at the same time, this account will be automatically added to the user's password all portal page and the server hosted by the partner. Different accounts may require some interaction, but primarily most of the information from the user's profile can be used directly without re-entering. [0030]

The inventor states that a large number of potential users will provide passwords and usernames to companies that act as hosts for password-all portal servers that perform services such as password-all according to embodiments of the present invention. I expect that I may be worried. To address this issue, in a preferred embodiment, the user does not necessarily have to provide a plaintext password to the password all. Instead, an encrypted version of each password is provided. When a user links to their password all passthrough page on the password all portal server and the user calls a hyperlink, the encrypted password is returned to the user's system and then the retained encryption key or master. Recall the real and required password to connect to the destination selected by password. Therefore, it is not always necessary to store plaintext passwords on password-all-portal servers that are vulnerable to attacks from external sources or otherwise recognized misuse. [0031]

In terms of the safety measures involved, in one preferred embodiment of the invention, the user's complete profile is never stored on a single server, but is distributed across two or more, preferably more servers. This will minimize the overall impact on any particular user if any problem occurs on any one server. [0032]

As mentioned above, Password All allows the user to complete the required logon data and access a complete list of the user's normal cyberspace destinations stored in encrypted form. , The user can simply select a destination (hyperlink) in the password all list, after which the user browser calls the URL of the selected destination. With the added feature, Password All can display banner ads and other types of ads during the navigation time between when the hyperlink is called and the destination web page is presented. [0033]

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the user / subscriber does not need to access the password all page to take advantage of each of the unique features provided. In this variant, the plug-in is provided to the subscriber's web browser. When a subscriber uses a local browser to navigate to a web page that requires a secure login, such as their online banking destination, the plugin is presented when the subscriber is presented with an ID and password entry window. Can be triggered by a given user input, such as a hotkey or right-clicking on a mouse device. The plugin then goes unnoticed (which can be cached on the client) by accessing the password all page, automatically accessing the data needed to log on and providing the required data. [0034]

In yet another aspect of the invention, search option 37 allows the user to search Listing 34 for a particular URL based on a type input such as a keyword. In some cases, the number of URLs stored in Listing 34 can be increased to the point where search features such as feature 37 are useful. In the lower part of Listing 34, there is a Condition Dialog Box 51 illustrated to be logically distinct from Listing 34, which accepts the input of search option 37 as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the search option 37 can form a second window in which a dialog box such as box 51 can be placed. [0035]

In another aspect of the invention, the search function can further be configured in a window called from window 33, thereby searching at least all or selected of the listed destinations and returning results. To some extent, it can be done in a way that the user configures. For example, you can present a dialog box that allows the user to enter search criteria and select from all of the listed destinations. The search then accesses each of the selected destinations, the results of which can be presented to the user as each example of the condition is found, or the results can be listed in a way that is accessed after the search. .. [0036]

The search function is part of the password-all-portal software available to all users and is preferably accessible via hyperlinks on the user's personal page. In some embodiments, the user can create a highly personalized search function that can be stored in a way that is only available to the user who created such the function. [0037]

In many aspects of the invention it is highly desirable to know a particular web page and a particular type of web page. In many embodiments, the characteristics of the destination web page are studied by each individual (maintenance holder) who retains and extends Password All Portal Software 35, and many characteristics are for the user to accomplish a particular task. Can be provided in the configuration module. Often, these features are called and incorporated unnoticed by the user. [0038]

In yet another aspect of the invention, the password all suit is configured to be configured by the user according to the user's profile and to provide the user with reports on a regular basis in a timed manner. For example, fluctuation reports such as bank account balances, stock purchases, stock prices, total airfare purchases, frequent flyer miles, etc. can be summarized and provided to users in many different ways. Password-all portal servers with password-all software handle a wide variety of transactional traffic to users, so they have the opportunity to summarize and collect, as well as to process statistics in many useful ways. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, such reports can be provided and implemented in several different ways, including displaying on a secure personal web page of a password all portal user. [0039]

In addition to the ability to perform the tasks described above, the results of tasks, including reports, hard documents such as flight tickets, via the Internet or other data packet networks, fax machines, connected computer nodes, email servers and other It can be sent to a destination specified by the user, such as being connected to the Internet. All tasks can be set up and run according to a user-defined schedule, while the user does something else or is not involved in the scheduled task. [0040]

Other embodiments of the invention have been made to various destinations within the user's profile, recognizing the increasing use of the Internet for monetary transactions such as the purchase of goods and services. It provides the ability to automatically locate transactions and grant payments either on a transaction-by-transaction basis or after a period of time by using access to the user's bank account, all of which It can be pre-programmed and allowed by the user. [0041]

Other features or options illustrated as part of Application 35 include the latest URL option 41, update feature 43, and additional feature 45. Feature 41 allows the user to immediately navigate to the most recently accessed URL. The update function 43 provides a means to update the URL for the content and the new address. Additional features allow users to add additional URLs to Listing 34. Similarly, feature 45 can also provide a means of deleting input items. Other ways to add an account are mentioned above. It should be noted that the services provided by the Password All Portal and by the Password All Software Suit that are unique in the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to destinations that require a password and username. In many embodiments, the password all portal and software can also be used to manage all of a user's bookmarks, including editing bookmarks and the like. In this aspect, bookmarks are generally presented in an indexed, grouped and layered manner. [0042]

Password All provides an editing function for adding, retrieving, deleting or managing bookmarks. In many embodiments of the invention, bookmarks can be conveniently downloaded from the user's password all-site and loaded onto the same user's local browser. In this way, the addition and improvement of bookmarks set for the user can be handled without accessing the password all. In addition, bookmarks can be uploaded from the user's local PC to the user's home page on the password all site by using one or more password all plugins. [0043]

By the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will be able to provide the functionality provided in the various embodiments of this specification to devices with internet functionality, in particular where input functionality may be restricted. It will be clear. For example, the set-top box of a WEB TV application may not have a keyboard for entering IDs and passwords. When practicing the present invention, keyboard input is minimized or eliminated. The same supplementary description applies to many other types of Internet devices. [0044]

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, once the subscribed user has access to the password all, all navigation requires only a point-and-click function. To access the password all-suit using a restricted device such as a device without a keyboard or keypad, a smart card or password-embedded one or some other type of authentication can be used. [0045]

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that interactive applications such as Application 33 can be provided in forms other than web pages without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, an application, such as Application 33, can be set up and configured offline and provided as a downloadable module or program that can be run online. [0046]

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a user interacting with the Internet password all portal of FIG. The following process steps illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention are exemplary user steps and automated software processes that can be initiated and called during a conversation with an internet portal of the invention, such as portal 31 of FIG. Is intended to illustrate. In step 53, the user connects to the Internet or other previously described exchange packet network via a compatible device, such as the Internet device 17 in FIG. [0047]

At step 55, the user enters a username and password, which in one embodiment could simply be the username and password of his ISP. In other embodiments, a second password or code may be required to access an internet portal, such as portal server 31 in FIG. 1, after being logged on to the internet by an ISP. In some cases, there are special arrangements with your ISP that require only one password for both your ISP's Internet access and password all. In step 57, a personal web page such as page 32 of FIG. 2 is displayed via the Internet portal server 31. At the very least, a personalized web page will include all user-configured URLs, among which the search function can be used to extend the functionality. [0048]

In step 58, the user selects a URL, at least from the destinations he has bookmarked, and, as is known by hyperlinking technology, the unnoticed URL is called, and the user is for the purpose of normal user interaction. You will navigate to that destination. During this operation, the password-all-portal software, if necessary, logs the user to the destination page unnoticed. [0049]

In step 60, the user invokes a search engine by clicking on an option, such as option 37, described in Figure 2. In step 62, the user enters the search parameters in the provided text fields, such as the text field 51 in FIG. After entering such parameters, the user initiates the search with a button such as button 52. At step 64, the search engine extracts the information. With one option, such information can be in the form of a URL that matches the description provided by the search parameters. At step 66, the searched list of URLs can be presented on other generated pages, and the user can choose which URL to navigate to accordingly. The optional search feature allows the user to provide search criteria and search for any or all of the destinations that may meet those criteria. [0050]

In other embodiments, the web page is cached in a presentable form, and the information extracted in step 64 contains any information contained in any of the stored pages, such as text, images, interactive content, etc. Can include. In this case, one displayed result page can provide a generated link containing the URL associated with the result to search for the result. In some cases, by clicking on a text or graphic result, the associated web page will be highlighted to the user and viewed in the display window. [0051]

Agent with extended functionality for WEB summary In another aspect of the invention, a software agent, which the inventor has named gatherer, is configured to collect and return summary information about URLs at the request of the user or at the discretion of the company. This is achieved by the unique script description and linguistic parsing provided by the inventor in the embodiments of the present invention, in which the knowledge worker related to the service describes the script written according to the instructions of the subscriber or the company. Provide to Gazara. Such software gatherers and their features describe the available details in the following sections. [0052]

Next, with reference to FIG. 1, in this case, an exemplary architecture representing a portal service network in which ISP15 acts as a host is illustrated. The portal software 35 of this embodiment is executed on the portal server 31 set up at the location of the ISP. The large-capacity repository 29 is used to store subscriber information such as passwords and login names. Internet servers 23, 25, and 27 are configured to, for example, make a portal service that operates an Internet device 17 function a WEB page of a company that a subscriber often uses. [0053]

The main purpose of Portal Software 35, both described above in Figure 2, is to provide an interactive application that lists all of the subscriber's websites in the form of hyperlinks. When a user calls a hyperlink from their personal list, Software 35 uses the subscriber's personal information to provide a login function that automatically and unnoticed the subscriber, while at the same time hitting the subscriber. Jump to the destination. [0054]

Looking back at Figure 2, the portal software 35 in Figure 1 presents the subscriber with an interactive list 34 containing the hyperlinks entered by the user and a set of interactive tools. One of the tools available to subscribers interacting with Listing 34 is Agent (Software) 39. Agent 39 can be programmed to perform certain tasks such as retrieving account information, performing simple transactions, and returning notification information requested by the user for an upcoming event. The search function 37 and the update function 43 can be incorporated into the agent 39 if necessary in order to support functionality. [0055]

In some embodiments, this agent 39 contains certain summary information, such as account summary, order tracking information, and other specific information with user-defined parameters, contained in the web page to which the user subscribes. The disclosure above states that the search and return of the item can be performed. This feature can be programmed by the user to operate on a regular time schedule or on demand. [0056]

In the following disclosure, the function is extended to Agent 39. Such enhancements described in detail below can be incorporated into Agent 39 of Portal Software 35 (Figures 1 and 2) and provided as a separate agent or gatherer running with Portal Software 35, or how many. In this embodiment, it can also be provided as stand-alone software separate from the portal software 35. [0057]

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a summary software agent 67 and its various functions and layers according to an embodiment of the present invention. Summarization Agent 67, hereafter referred to as Gazara 67, is a programmable, interactive software application configured to run on a network server. In one embodiment, the gatherer 67 can be integrated into the portal software 35 of FIG. 1 and provided in the form of a separate software module of agent 39 (FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the gatherer 67 can be part of the agent 39 as an extension of the agent's functionality as described above. In yet another embodiment, the gatherer 67 can also be provided as a parent-side or client-side application controlled by a service separate from the portal service described above. [0058] [0058]

In this exemplary embodiment, the gatherer 67 is a multi-functional software application having various submodules and interface modules incorporated therein to provide extended functionality. The gatherer 67 has a client / service interface layer 69 configured to allow instruction input from both the client (user) and the knowledge worker related to the service. A browser interface 77 is provided at layer 69 and is configured to access application 67 from a browser running on a client's PC or other internet device or other network device. Interface 77 facilitates two-way communication with the user's browser application (not shown) for the purpose of allowing the user to enter a summary request into the gatherer 67 and receive the summary result. Interface 77 can support all existing network communication protocols known in the art and can be configured to support future protocols as well. [0059]

Layer 69 is also configured to allow human knowledge workers to create and provide instructional scripts containing the site logic required by Gazara 67 to find and retrieve data from websites. It is provided with a unique input script description module 79. In this case, the gatherer 67 executes and operates on a network server such as the server 31 in FIG. However, this is not required to practice the present invention. [0060]

In this example, Gazara 67 is part of the portal software suit 35 running on server 31 in FIG. Gazara 67 can be provided as several dedicated agents or one multi-function agent without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, one gatherer 67 can be scripted and programmed to execute a single user request, along with additional gatherers 67 requested to make additional user requests. Alternatively, one gatherer 67 can be dedicated to each individual user and configured to handle all requests from that user. [0061]

Interface layer 69 facilitates the exchange of information from both clients and knowledge workers. A client running a web browser using an appropriate plug-in can communicate and interact with Gazara 67. For example, users should return a price summary from apartments.com (one of the user-registered websites) for all rental apartments under $ 1000 per month located in a given area (user-defined). Enter the request in. The requests mentioned here are categorized as either regular or temporary (on-demand) requests. The communicated request initiates service operation, and the knowledge worker associated with the service uses module 79 to set up Gatherer 67 to perform its function. Module 79 is typically run from a networked PC operated by knowledge workers. [0062]

According to one embodiment of the present invention, module 79 provides a unique scripting method that is facilitated by the gatherer 67 to obtain information about the goals requested by the user. For example, the above example of the website apartments.com has specific HTML (hyper-text-markup-language) logic used to generate the site and post information. Such site logic is a relatively standard menu for most of the various sites where different entities serve as hosts. Using this knowledge, knowledge workers create site-specific scripts or templates that Gazara 67 follows. Such templates include descriptions and locations of the appropriate fields used, for example at apartments.com. The apartment description, location, deposit information, rent information, broker contact information and other relevant fields are matched for the location and display description on the template generated using Module 79. The completed template is stored in a database included in the storage function such as the repository 29 in Fig. 1 in some cases. Such templates can be reused and updated (edited) with new data. [0063]

In one embodiment, one script contains site logic for multiple web pages, including instructions for specific navigation instructions, passwords and login information, such as one site at a time. Can be executed sequentially. Knowledgeable workers can do most of the scripting with automatic control such as OLE (object linking and embedding), and the small parts of the scripting are mostly in the appropriate computer language known in the art. It can be done manually using. [0064]

The gatherer 67 has a process layer 71 configured for collecting inside information and configuring parameters. An optional portal server interface 81 is provided, and the gatherer 67 can provide updated information to the hyperlink user list and retrieve data from the portal server 31 if necessary. For example, the required hyperlink can be reflected in the script description template for navigation purposes from the user's home page. In one embodiment where Gatherer 67 is part of a stand-alone service, rules for providing user login information can be provided on the client side when requested. For example, an encrypted password can be provided by a client plug-in, and Gazara 67 can temporarily borrow a user's encryption key when an automatic login occurs. [0065]

The device configuration module 83 is provided so that the user can define and configure the Internet device to communicate with the service and receive summary information. Such devices can include, but are not limited to, palmtop PCs, laptop PCs, cellular phones, WEB TVs, and the like. In general, the user, from a network server your browser Wynn on your desktop PC will be presented with a configuration WEB page to be displayed in the dough. This page contains interfaces for communication device parameters and communication protocol types for module 83. In this way, the user can configure a preferred device for receiving summary information. Such device-specific device parameters and communication protocols are incorporated into the script description of the site template and used as instructions for the distribution of the web summary. [0066]

A navigation layer 73 is provided to provide navigation and data collection functions for external sites for Gatherer 67. For this reason, a communication interface / browser control module 85 is provided and is configured to function as a WEB browser for accessing a WEB site containing WEB data. Control 85 receives instructions from a script description template created by knowledge workers. [0067]

A parsing engine 87 is provided, and it is configured to perform parsing of individual websites according to the template generated by the script description module 79. The parsing engine 87 can be a Pearl engine, an IE HTML engine or any other engine, or a combination of known parsing engines. This template (not shown) tells Control 85 and the Parsing Engine 87 where to go and what fields to look for in the destination site to access the desired data. Once the data fields are determined, the parsing engine 87 collects the current data in the appropriate fields and returns the data to the service for further processing such as data conversion, compression, and storage. [0068]

The website uses tools that use consistent logic when setting up the site, and this logic can be used by the summarization service to direct control 83 and the parsing engine 87. The inventor provides exemplary script logic for navigating to amazon .com herein and collecting information from it. The hyperlinks and / or actual URLs required for navigation are not shown, but can be included in the template script. In this example, the company name Yodlee (as the inventor knows) is used in the script to name the object holders and container, in this case ActiveX rules. In other embodiments, Java scripts or other object linking controls can be used. An example of the template logic of the script description is as follows. # Site amazon.order.x --shows status of orders from Amazon login (7); get ("/ exec / obidos / order-list /"); my @ tables = get_tables_containing_text ("Orders:"); my $ order_list = new Yodlee :: ObjectHolder ('orders'); $ order_list-> source ('amazon'); $ order_list-> link_info (get_link_info ()); my @href_list; my @container_list; foreach my $ table (@tables) { my @rows = get_table_row (); foreach my $ i (0 .. $ #rows) { select_row ($ i); my $ text = get_text ($ rows [$ i]); next if $ text = ~ / Orders: | Status /; my @items = get_row_items (); next unless @items> = 4; my ($ order_num, $ date, $ status); select_cell (1); $ order_num = get_cell_text (); my $ href = get_url_of_first_href (get_cell ()); select_cell (2); $ date = get_cell_text (); select_cell (3); $ status = get_cell_text (); next unless defined $ order_num and defined $ date and defined $ status; my $ order = new Yodlee :: Container ('order'); $ order-> order_number ($ order_num); $ order-> date ($ date); $ order-> status ($ status); $ order_list-> push_object ($ order); if (defined $ href) { push (@href_list, $ href); push (@container_list, $ order); foreach my $ i (0 .. $ #href_list) { get ($ href_list [$ i]); @tables = get_tables_containing_text ("Items Ordered:"); foreach my $ table (@table) { my @rows = get_table_rows (); foreach my $ j (0 .. $ #rows) { select_row ($ j); my $ href = get_url_of_href (get_row ()); next unless defined $ href; my @ child_list = get_children (get_row (),'a'); next unless defined $ child_list [0]; my $ text = get_text ($ child_list [0]); $ container_list [$ i]-> description ($ text); } } } result ($ order_list); [0069]

The above example is a script that directs Control 85 and Parsing 87 to navigate to Amazon .com and retrieve data from it, specifically the user's current order status. It is the data to be reflected. Scripts can be written to retrieve any type of textual information from virtually any site. For example, a user may want to get the New York Times headlines, the top 10 stock-forming stocks, a comparison list of flights from San Francisco to New York, and so on. In one embodiment, the metadata can be associated with an actual scripting language and used in its place for the purpose of reducing complexity when there are many scripts on one template. [0070]

A data processing layer 75 is provided to store, process, and present the data returned to the user in accordance with corporate rules and client guidelines. A database interface module 89 is provided to allow Gatherer 67 to access large repositories such as the repository 29 in Figure 1, which stores and retrieves summary data, templates, presentation instructions, etc. I am aiming. The gatherer agent 67 can also access data such as profile information, user account and URL information, and stored site logic through interface 89. Data scanned from the web is stored in a standard format in a database such as Repository 29 or other connected storage functions. Of course, all stored data is for those who are associated with the requesting individual or available at the discretion of the company. [0071]

A summary page module 91 is provided, and a WEB summary page is organized and provided to users. In some embodiments, module 91 can immediately push a web summary to the user, or module 91 can store such a summary page for the user to access by pull method, in this case. You can send a notification to the user to let them know that the summary page is available. The summarization module 91 includes an HTML renderer capable of formatting data into HTML format for displaying web pages. In this way, e-mail messages and the like can be displayed as HTML text on the user's summary page. In addition, any summary data from any site can include embedded hyperlinks to that site. In this way, the user viewing the email text in HTML can click on it to launch the appropriate email program. By default, other sites will be linked through the summary page. [0072]

Most users will access the summary data through web pages as described above, but this is not essential for implementing the present invention. In some embodiments, the user will need summary information that is formatted and delivered for one of a variety of devices with internet capabilities, such as a palmtop or, in some cases, a cellular phone. This allows the renderer to format and present the summary data in several alternative device-specific formats. Examples of various known formats include, but are not limited to, XML, plain text, VoxML, HDML, audio, video, and more. [0073]

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the Gatherer 67 has the flexibility to operate according to corporate rules, client guidelines, or a combination of the two. For example, if a user requests to periodically execute and present summary data for a user / subscribed web page in the form of an HTML document, Gazara 67 will automatically provide the necessary internal information. It will access and analyze the information provided by the user and formulate the instructions. Using the scripting module 79, knowledge workers can use a template (that site) that contains "where to go" and "what to get" information according to site logic, user input, and known information. Provide (if not yet created for). [0074]

Alternatively, if the user optionally requests a summary on one of their site's data, such as the current interest rate, the cost of re-financing, etc. on their mortgage lending site, the service will, at its sole discretion, make a comparison. To provide an additional summary that is not required by alternative mortgage lending sites. This type of summarization should be designed to enhance the user's position based on the user's profile information. In this case, updated data about the latest interest rates, stock market conditions, car prices, plane ticket discounts, etc. should be stored by the service for comparison purposes. Such summary data may be included if the user's request for a summary may be comparable or better in some way to the benefit of the user. [0075]

In many cases, the created template can be reused unless the website changes its site logic parameters, in which case it will access the new logic and update all existing templates. You have to or you can create a new template for your site. Templates include site-specific scripts that are retrieved from the site and stored by knowledge workers. In one embodiment, a company acting as a web page host automatically provides the service with site logic and any logic updates by agreement between the service and the web host. [0076]

In one alternative, Gazara 67 can be implemented as a client application installed on the user's PC. In this embodiment, the user should not be required to provide a login or password code. The summary script can be sent to the client software, and the template can be automatically created with the appropriate script using the login and password information that is encrypted and stored locally on the user machine. .. [0077]

In addition to providing web summary information, Gazara 67 can also be used to update old registration information on existing sites, including automatic registration on new sites. For example, if a user wants to join or register for a new site, the user only needs the site's identity, unless the user's relevant information has changed. If a new password or the like is required, the Gazara 67 can provide a login or password code from the list of alternative codes provided by the user by the control module 73. In other embodiments, a database (not shown) containing a wealth of password options can be accessed by Gazara 67 until it is accepted by the site for the purpose of attempting various passwords. Once the password or login code is accepted, it can be sent to the user and stored at their password list and network level. [0078]

For those skilled in the art, it will be clear that software applications such as Gazara 67 can run in many separate locations connected by a data network. For example, multiple gatherer applications can be distributed across many separate servers linked to one or more large repositories. Client applications include, but are not limited to, web browser plug-ins for communicating with services. Extension plugins can also be provided to proxy servers, so that automatic login and data access can still go unnoticed by the user. [0079]

In another embodiment, a plug-in capable of communicating with Gatherer 67 is provided on such a device for the purpose of allowing other network devices to initiate and respond to requests without the need for a desktop computer. Can be configured to run on. [0080] [0080]

In many embodiments, a user running a desktop PC temporarily or regularly orders a summary related to some or all of his websites. The logical flow of an exemplary request / response dialogue is provided below. [0081]

FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary summarization process performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 operating in user-defined mode. In step 93, the user initiates a new request for the summary (summary order). For explanatory purposes, it is assumed that the request in step 93 involves one site and no template has been generated. In step 95, the request is received and analyzed. It is possible for knowledge workers to perform this step. New requests can be posted on the user's portal home page, sent directly to Gatherer 67, or even communicated to the service via email or other media. [0082]

In step 97, knowledge workers access the specific site logic associated with the requested URL. For example, if the request involves multiple URLs, then access all the site logic for those URLs. The logic can be obtained in a repository such as repository 29 in Fig. 1 when it is acquired when the user registers at a specific URL, or when it is sent from the host of the website shortly after registration. For a brand new URL, then the logic must be retrieved from the site. However, in many cases the logic will be known to multiple users accessing a common URL. Therefore, cross-linking of logic / user-related databases can be done to access the logic of a site that is new to a particular user but not new to another. [0083]

In step 99, the knowledge worker creates a template with a scripting module 79 (Figure 4) that contains all site logic, URLs, login and password information as well as user request information. As mentioned earlier, the template can be reused for the same request. In many cases, scripting can be done almost automatically, so manual input by knowledgeable workers is minimal. In many cases, existing templates match the new requirements perfectly and can be reused. In that case, steps 97, 99 and 101 should be unnecessary. [0084]

In step 101, the template is stored and associated with the requesting user. The stored template can be retrieved at the time scheduled for the next collection of summaries. In step 103, browser control such as module 85 of FIG. 4 is activated to access the stored template for the purpose of collecting summary data and navigate to a specific URL. If the timing function is attached to the template stored in step 101, then the template itself can be executed and the browser function can be called. In another embodiment, the knowledge worker can notify the browser control to obtain a template for the next task. In some embodiments, multiple controls can be used with one template, as described above. [0085]

In step 105, if necessary, automatic login is performed to access each specified URL. In step 107, the specified web page is navigated and the web page is parsed for the requested data according to the template logic. If you need to parse multiple web pages, then this step is repeated for the number of pages. Various parsing engines can be used in this process, such as the IE parser or Pearl parser. Only the requested data is retained in step 107. [0086]

The request can be an on-demand request that needs to be returned immediately or a scheduled request that can post data. In step 109, such logic is established. If the data is presented according to a regular schedule, the parsed summary data in step 107 is stored for later use in step 111. In step 113, the summary data, if not yet formatted, is translated as HTML and presented in the form of a summary web page in step 115. The summary page can be posted for the user to access (pull) when it is convenient for the user, or can be pushed to the user as a WEB page and automatically displayed on the user's PC. You can also send a notification to the user that the summary page is available to let them know that the order has been completed. [0087]

If the summary data is a temporary on-demand request and is immediately requested by the user, then step 117 determines the network equipment (configured by the user) and the data delivery method, and the data is ready for delivery and display. Translated into the appropriate format. In step 119, the summary data is delivered to the user-specified device according to the protocol. In step 121, the user receives the requested information in an appropriate format. [0088]

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there may be more or fewer logical steps than those illustrated in this example, as well as additional substeps. For example, step 105 includes, in other embodiments, sub-steps such as obtaining an encryption key from a user. In yet another embodiment, some of the requirements can be translated into HTML similar to step 113, but at the same time certain other specific parts of the same request data can be translated into other formats by alternative methods. It should be possible to translate and deliver. There are many possibilities. [0089]

The methods and devices of the present invention can be used to present the current summary to the user without user input. Such process logic will be described in detail below. [0090]

FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary summarization process performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 in user-independent smart mode with minimal or no user input. At step 117, a summary process initiated by the enterprise begins. In this case, the entity can help the user find a better deal, or can provide the individual user with a summary from an alternative page that the user has not yet subscribed to and a link to that page. [0091]

In step 119, the database containing user information and parameters is accessed and reviewed. Certain user-specific information is required to initiate a company-provided summary report. In step 121, knowledge workers access specific site logic to the target site specified for summarization. In step 123, the knowledge worker modifies an existing user template or creates a new template if necessary. In step 125, the template is stored in a repository such as Repository 29 and associated with the user. [0092]

As mentioned in Figure 5, the template either runs on its own according to the timing function and calls browser controls such as Control 85 (Figure 4), or is accessed by Control 85 as a result of task notifications. Is. At step 127, browser control initiates navigation. In step 129, if requested, an automatic login is made to access the selected site. If the web page is new to the user and the user has not registered with the website, then by agreement or other rules the service may access such site. Such an agreement is made, for example, if the customer likes the summary information presented and the website host is likely to acquire new customers. In many other situations, neither password information nor login information is required to obtain general, non-personalized information for the client. [0093]

In step 131, all sites are parsed for summary data and stored in standard format in step 133. In step 135, the data is compiled and translated as HTML to be presented on the summary page. In step 137, a web summary containing all of that data is made available to the user and the user is notified that it is there. [0094]

Providing certain information that users do not request but that help them strengthen their organization is a common business on the web today. In addition, unsolicited web summaries may offer better opportunities than the current options for user profiles. Of course, in order to assist users in this way, the company (service) is required to have access to the user's profile, existing accounts and service information with various websites on the user's list. .. The user may ban the use of the user's personal information, in which case the enterprise-initiated summary should not be done unless strictly in compare mode but in offer mode. .. [0095]

The methods and devices can also be implemented in a language and platform independent manner and can be implemented in a variety of scalable server architectures. [0096]

The methods and devices of the present invention can be implemented by a private individual on the Internet, an entity operating on a WAN connected to the Internet, an entity operating over a premises WAN, and the like. There are many customizable situations. [0097]

The present invention taught above should ensure the widest possible range. The gist and scope of the present invention are limited only by the claims mentioned above.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is the schematic of the Internet portal system and the network by one Embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2]

FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view of a personal portal home page application that can be viewed on a display monitor screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 3]

It is a flow chart which illustrates the user interaction with the Internet portal of FIG. [Fig. 4]

It is a block diagram which illustrates the summarization software agent by one Embodiment of this invention and its function. [Fig. 5]

It is a logical flow diagram which illustrates the exemplary summarization process performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 operating in the user-defined mode. [Fig. 6]

It is a logical flow diagram which illustrates the exemplary summarization process performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 in a user-independent smart mode with minimal user input.