Method and apparatus for providing calculated and solution-oriented personalized summary-reports to a user through a single user-interface

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

Field of invention The present invention relates to the field of internet navigation including various communication means and connection techniques. More specifically, the present invention collects summary information for a user from a user subscription web service, aggregates the collected data, and allows the user to reflect the user's activities in a plurality of user subscription services. It relates to methods and devices that include software to allow calculated and summarized reports to be viewed through a single interface. [0002]

Cross-reference of related applications The present invention is a patent application entitled "Method and MFP for Obtaining and Presenting WEB Summaries to Users" filed on June 1, 1999, and a partial continuation application (CIP) of reference number 09/323598. Is the CIP of the patent application, reference number 09/208740, filed December 8, 1998, entitled "Method and MFP for Providing and Maintaining a User-Interactive Portal System Scalable via Internet or other Switched-Packet-Network". , The disclosures of both patent applications mentioned above are incorporated herein by inclusion in their entirety. [0003]

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

Many companies offer a variety of subscription services that are accessible via the Internet. For example, many people now have access to the Internet to do banking, stock trading, shopping, etc. while relaxing at home. Usually, the user has access to a personalized and secure web page for the above functions through subscription. By typing in a username and password or other personal identification code, users can obtain information, initiate transactions, buy shares, and perform a myriad of other tasks. [0005]

One problem encountered by individuals who subscribe to some or many of the services mediated by the Internet is that there are always many passwords and / or login codes to use. Often, you cannot use the same password or code for all services. This is because the password or code may have already been obtained by another user. Users may be reluctant to provide their own unique code, such as a social security number, due to security issues, including security qualities that may vary from service to service. In addition, many users may voluntarily choose different passwords for different sites to have higher security, and in fact, this is also the number of passwords a user may have. To increase. [0006]

Another issue that can plague users with many password-protected subscribers is that they must register on numerous web pages in their computer cache to quickly find and access various services. It must be. For example, to book and pay for an airline passport, the user must connect to the Internet, go to his bookmark file and select the airline page. The user must then enter the username and password and follow the on-screen instructions after the page has been delivered. If a user wants to buy a ticket from a website and want to transfer funds from an online banking service, he or she must search for and select the personal bank page or personal account page and start transferring funds for the ticket. Must be. Accessing these other pages can require different usernames and different passwords, which can be very cumbersome. [0007]

The above example is just an example, but many tasks related to finding a web page, logging in with a password, etc. may be required to successfully conduct a business transaction on the web. It is generally known. [0008]

As the inventor knows, "Method and MFP for Providing and Maintaining a User-Interactive Portal System Scalable via Internet or other The service described in the patent application, reference number 09/208740, entitled "Switched-Packet-Network" allows users to store all of their password-protected pages in one place. It provides a web service that makes it much easier to browse and get information from the page. The above-mentioned service function allows the user to program a task in the system so that the requested task is executed by an agent (software) based on the user's instruction. The service remembers the user password and login information and uses that information to allow the user to navigate without having to manually log in or enter a password code to log in to the user's site and gain access to the link. Allows you to gate. [0009]

The services described above use a server to present a user-personalized application, which is displayed as an interactive home page that contains all of the sites (hyperlinks) listed by the user for easy navigation. .. The application lists the user's URL in the form of a hyperlink, the user clicks on a hyperlink to navigate to that page, and if necessary, login is automatic and transparent to the user. To do so. [0010]

The aforementioned applications also include software agents that can be programmed to perform scheduled tasks for users, including returning specific summaries and updates related to user account pages. A search function is provided, and the URL entered by the user for specific content, whether the corresponding page is cached in a form that can be presented somewhere, such as on the portal server or on the client's machine. Is configured to work with the software agent to search. [0011]

In addition to the features mentioned above, a patent application, reference number 09/523598, entitled "Method and MFP for Obtaining and Presenting WEB Summaries to Users" is for each URL that can be presented to the user as an HTML information page. To provide summary information about the updated content, provided as input by the user, or otherwise allowed to be navigated to any URL or set of URLs deemed appropriate by the service provider. Describes the software agent used in conjunction with the search function. [0012]

The services described above use known site logic to navigate to a particular "chunk" of data contained within a web page on a site. Logical scripts are prepared by knowledge workers who work for the user. Such scripts allow the collection agent to navigate directly to the portion of data that the user is interested in. [0013]

Users who subscribe to a large number of online services generally perform all of their banking, investment, travel arrangements, shopping, etc. while online with the Internet. Having all of your services on one portal provides convenience to users by not having to remember multiple passwords or physically logging on to each site. Similarly, the availability of summary data related to selected sites through a single interface allows users to significantly accelerate any decision-making process associated with their online activities. However, the summary information may not help users with some other interests. For example, obtaining accurate financial information about one's entire portfolio of banking and investment requires calculations by many users, depending on the exact nature of the desired result. Similarly, aggregating trends that reflect a user's online activity in multiple shopping services may also require significant calculations to be performed by the user. The summary data presented by the method described above is of a general nature and reflects updates, order status, etc. [0014]

Obviously, what is needed is to be able to perform complex calculations on the aggregated summary data held for the user and provide the user with an accurate data report that reflects activity across multiple user accounts. Methods and devices. Such a system allows the user to be presented with important calculated information to the user in order to obtain solution-oriented results, without the user having to analyze the summarized data himself. It will provide convenient and effective enhancements to the summarization service. [0015]

Outline of the invention In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an internet portal system is provided for collecting raw data from an internet site and presenting meta-summary information from the data to a user requesting the data, connected to the internet with a data repository. A portal system, a data collection system that runs on the portal system and collects data from multiple Internet sites, a request processor for receiving and defining user requests, multiple stored report algorithms, and raw Includes a report processor for processing data and presenting it to the user requesting the report. The request processor receives the request and matches the request to the individual algorithms of the report algorithm, and the data collection subsystem visits multiple Internet sites associated with the user, depending on the needs of the report algorithm. The raw data is extracted from the site, the report processor processes the raw data according to the report algorithm into meta-summary information defined by the report algorithm, and the portal system reports to the destination associated with the report request. Transmit meta-summary information. [0016]

In some embodiments, the portal system further includes a database of aggregated data in a data repository that stores the aggregated data retrieved periodically for a particular user, requiring a request processor. The data collection system is requested to inspect the aggregated data database for the data to be retrieved from the relevant internet site, and the required data is stored in the aggregated data database. If so, prepare a report from the aggregated data. [0017]

In various embodiments, the report processor prepares and presents the report in both text and graphics formats. In some cases, the data used in preparing the report is time-related data, and the generated report includes a presentation of data trends. Also, in some embodiments, the report can include one or more of a table, a bar graph, a pie chart, a line graph in the report generated for the user. [0018]

The report can be returned to the destination from which the request was made, or an alternative site can be associated with the request, in which case the report will be sent to that alternative site. It is possible to change the data format of the report, such as synthetic voice, email, pager message, or facsimile format for an alternative site, and the format used for the generated report was received. Determined by the nature of the report's destination identified in the request. [0019]

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for collecting raw data from an internet site and presenting meta-summary information from the data to a user requesting the data, the method being (a) connected to the internet. A step in which the report processor in the portal system receives a report request from a user, and (b) a step of matching the request to an individual of a plurality of report algorithms stored in the portal system, and (c). The data collection system operating on the portal system defines the steps of collecting raw data from multiple internet sites associated with the requesting user and (d) the raw data according to the report algorithm. It includes a step of processing the meta-summary information and (e) transmitting the meta-summary information as a report to a destination related to the report request. The portal system can further include a database of aggregated data in a data repository that stores the aggregated data retrieved on a regular basis for a particular user, said aggregated data with respect to the required data. There may be steps to inspect the database of the data collection system and then request the data collection system to retrieve the data from the relevant internet site. If the required data is stored in a database of aggregated data, a report will be prepared from the aggregated data. [0020]

In embodiments of the invention, taught in detail that enable implementation below, data can be collected and stored from sites associated with specific subscribers and specific users, allowing users to perform meta-summary reports and trends. For the first time, a portal system will be provided that can request specialized reports prepared from collected data such as reports. [0021] [0021]

Description of preferred embodiments According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a unique Internet portal is provided and configured to provide a unique service to a user who has access from an Internet-enabled device via the Internet or other network connection. Such an interface provides the user with a means for storing a large number of personal web pages, and also provides a search function and a task execution function. The details that enable the implementation of the methods and devices of the present invention will be taught below. [0022]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an Internet portal system 11 and an Internet network 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the portal system 11 operates as an ISP in addition to the original network portal, but in other embodiments, it can also be implemented as a stand-alone Internet server. In yet another embodiment, the services and devices described herein are optional, such as by search and listing services (AltaVista , Yahoo ), or hosting a web-connected server. It is also possible to be provided by the business of. [0023]

The Internet 13 shows preferred use of the present invention, but the present invention should not be considered limiting as it can be applied to other networks and network combinations. [0024]

The ISP 15 of this embodiment includes a server 31, a modem sequence 33 represented herein by a single modem, and a large storage repository 29 for storing digital data. The modem sequence is for convenience, as the connection to the server can be via another type of network link. ISP15 provides Internet access services for individual subscribers, as is common in the art. In addition to the well-known Internet access services, ISP15 aims to remember a number of web pages or destinations with any password and / or personal code associated with them, in a manner described in more detail below. It also provides its own subscription service as a portal. This unique portal service is provided by running portal software 35, which the inventor calls the Password-All suite. The software of the present invention is also referred to herein as portal software as well as the Password-All software suite. Also, for most of the description below, the devices of the invention are referred to in Password-All terms, such as Password-All server or Password-All portal. [0025]

The ISP 15 is connected to the Internet 13 as shown. Other devices connected to networks such as the Internet 13 known to exist in the art, such as IP data routers, data switches, gateway routers, etc., are not shown in the figure but are present. It is assumed that there is. Access to the ISP15 is via a connection-oriented telephone system, as is known in the art, or any other internet / web access such as cable modems, special network connections (eg T1), ISDN, etc. Through the connection. Such a connection is shown by access line 19 from Internet device 17 through modem row 33. [0026]

In a preferred embodiment, the user has access to the Internet Password-All portal service by username and password, as is well known in the art, thereby providing a personalized web page to the subscriber. Will be done. In another embodiment where the user has other personal pages that use the user's Internet account, additional passwords or codes unique to the user may be required to be granted access to Portal 31. There is sex. Such personalized portal web pages can be stored in repository 29, which can be any convenient form of mass storage device. [0027]

Three Internet servers 23, 25, and 27 are shown within Internet 13 and represent Internet servers hosted by various companies and subscribed to by users operating equipment 17. For example, the server 23 can be a bank server capable of interactive online banking transactions and account management. The server 25 can be an investment server capable of opening and managing an investment account. The server 27 can be an airline server or a travel server capable of booking flights, purchasing tickets, and the like. In this example, all three servers are secure servers that require a user ID and password for access, but the invention is not necessarily limited to secure services. [0028]

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a subscriber user operating an Internet-enabled device such as device 17 connects to Password-All portal system 11 hosted by ISP 15 and thereby accesses a personalized interactive web page. As a result, the web page then provides access to any one of several servers on the Internet 13, such as Servers 23, 25, 27, without the need to enter an additional password or code. In a preferred embodiment, the software that enables this service is referred to by the present inventor as Password-All. Password-All can be thought of as a suite of software running on its own server, and in some examples, on the user's station (client). Further interactivity provided by Portal Software 35 allows connected users to explore the pages they list for information related to keywords, text strings, etc. You can program user-defined tasks involved in accessing and interacting with one or more Internet-connected servers, such as servers 23, 25, 27, according to a predefined time schedule. The details that enable the implementation of these functions are described below. [0029]

FIG. 2 is personalized visible on a display monitor according to an embodiment of the invention provided by Password-All Portal Software 35 running on Server 31 in response to secure access by a subscriber. It is a figure which shows the portal page. Page 32 is identified by a URL in this example, but for each page a user subscription may be identified by any convenient pseudonym, preferably descriptive, as well as a username and typically encrypted password information. Present an interactive list 34 of a web page or member web page. Listed in the first column under "To" are the example destinations, LBC.com, My Bank.com, My Stocks.com, My Shopping.com, Mortgage.com, and Airline.com. These are just some of the many example destinations that exist and are therefore listed on page 33. As is known in the art, scrollbars 35 are provided to allow the user to move up or down the list to view additional lists that are listed but not directly visible from within Application 33. It is configured to scroll down for viewing. [0030]

The items listed in Listing 34 of this example can be thought of as destinations on servers 23, 25, 27, etc. in FIG. Normally, the URL associated with the item on the list will direct the user to a page stored on the server rather than the server itself. The username and password data associated with each item in Listing 34 is shown in the columns labeled "Username" and "Password" to the right of the column labeled "Destination". Each list, or at least a portion of each list, is a hyperlink that, when selected, calls a URL to its destination. In some cases, a particular service can have multiple related URLs. For example, My Bank.com can have multiple related URLs, such as for different accounts or commercial transactions, also related to a single subscriber. In this case, it is possible that there are sublists for different destinations associated with a single higher level list. Although this measure is not shown, the mechanism will be clear to engineers in the field from this teaching. [0031]

In some embodiments, one page 33 can be shared by multiple users, such as couples who share a common account and subscription. An example of this is shown herein in relation to a server labeled Mortage.com, with John Doe and Jane Doe both listed together under the column labeled Username. In another embodiment, a network of individuals, such as a network of business owners, authorized colleagues, investors, etc., shares an application. In this way, System 11 can be configured for private and business use. [0032]

After gaining access to the application 33 provided through the Internet portal server 31 in FIG. 1, the user scrolls to any of his listings 34 for the purpose of navigating to a specific destination for further dialogue. URL can be highlighted and selected. Application 33 already has each password and each username listed for each URL. However, it is not necessary for the password and username to be displayed for the user. The password and username may be transparently stored in the user profile and recalled as needed when the user makes a selection. Therefore, the user is spared the need to enter a password and username for any destination enabled by Listing 34. Of course, each list 34 is built, configured, and maintained by the subscribing user, and edits that allow the user to edit and update the list, including changing URLs, adding lists, deleting lists, and so on. A mechanism is also provided. [0033]

In another aspect of the invention, a new list of user profiles, such as a new passthrough leading to a bank page or other company page, can be added semi-automatically as follows: Generally, when a user opens a new account with a company through interaction with a web page hosted by the company, the user is required to provide some information, which is usually the user. ID, address, email account, etc., as well as usually a new username and password to access the account. In this process, the user interacts with the company's page from their browser. The Password-All plugin is provided to allow the user to activate a given signal (right-click, keystroke, etc.) after entering the necessary information for the new company, and the Password-All suite is available. Enter the new passthrough in the user's Password. All profiles reside on the Password-All portal server. [0034]

In a related way for new entries, the company hosting the Password-All portal, in agreement with other companies, makes most of the processing transparent to the user and provides login and sign-up services on the Password-All portal. Can be provided. For example, in the Password-All portal, there can be a selectable browser list of cooperating companies such as banks, security services, etc., and users with Password-All portal subscriptions and profiles can do so. It is possible to open a new account by selecting among the companies that do so, and the account is automatically added to the Password-All portal page for users and the server hosted by the cooperating companies at the same time. In general, much information from a user's profile can be used directly without being re-entered, although some dialogue may be required for different accounts. [0035]

The inventor is skeptical of providing passwords and usernames to companies hosting Password-All portal servers that perform services such as Password-All according to embodiments of the present invention. I expect it to be possible. To address this issue, in a preferred embodiment, the user does not need to provide a plaintext password to Password-All. Instead, an encrypted version of each password is provided. When the user links to his or her pass-through page in Password-All on the Password-All portal server, when the user calls the hyperlink, the encrypted password is returned to the user's system and then said. The system uses the retained encryption key or master password to call the required genuine password to connect to the selected destination. Therefore, it is not necessary to store the plaintext password in the Password-All portal server, which is vulnerable to attacks from external sources and is also vulnerable to other recognized abuses. [0036]

As a related safeguard, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the complete profile of the user is never stored on a single server, but is distributed over two or more, or preferably more, servers. Any problem with one server will minimize the overall impact on any particular user. [0037]

The Password-All described above allows the user to access a complete list of the user's normal cyberspace destinations complete with the required encrypted and stored logon data, thus allowing the user to use it. , Password-All You can easily select a destination (hyperlink) in the list, then the user's browser will call the URL for the selected destination. As an additional feature, Password-All can display banner ads and other types of ads during the navigation time between the time the hyperlink is called and the time the destination web page is displayed. [0038]

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the user / subscriber does not need to access the Password-All page to enjoy the benefits of the unique features provided. In this variant, the plug-in is provided to the subscriber's web browser. When a subscriber navigates to a web page that requires a secure login, such as the destination of his or her online banking transaction, by using a local browser, when the subscriber is presented with an input window for an ID and password. The plugin can be launched by a given user input, such as a hotkey or right-click on a mouse device. The plugin then transparently accesses the Password-All page (which can be cached on the client) and automatically accesses the data needed to log on automatically. provide. [0039]

In yet another aspect of the invention, search option 37 allows the user to search Listing 34 for a particular URL based on typed input such as a keyword. In some cases, the number of URLs stored in Listing 34 is large, making search features such as feature 37 an attractive option. Logically separate from Listing 34, a reference dialog box 51, shown below Listing 34, is provided and is configured to accept input for search option 37, as is known in the art. There is. In one embodiment, the search option 37 can present a second window in which a dialog box, such as box 51, can be arranged. [0040]

In another aspect of the invention, the search function is also configured within a window called from window 33 to search for all or selected destinations listed and results in a manner configured by the user, at least to some extent. Can be made to return. For example, a dialog box is presented, allowing the user to enter search criteria and make a selection from all of the listed destinations. The search can then access each of the selected destinations in turn, and the results can be presented to the user each time each example of the criteria is found, or the results can be listed so that they are accessed after the search. Is. [0041]

Preferably, the search function is part of the Password-All portal software available to all users and can be accessed by hyperlinks within the user's personal page. In some embodiments, the user can create a highly personalized search function, which can be stored in a form that can only be used by the user who created such a function. [0042]

In many aspects of the invention, knowledge of a particular web page and certain types of web pages is highly desirable. In many embodiments, the attributes of the destination web page are investigated by a person (facilitator) who maintains and enhances Password-All Portal Software 35, and many attributes allow the user to perform a particular task. Can be provided within the configuration module. In most cases, these qualities are transparently invoked and incorporated by the user. [0043]

In yet another aspect of the invention, the Password-All suite is structured by the user through the user's profile and in a timed manner to provide the user with regular reports. For example, reports of changes in bank account balances, stock purchases, stock prices, total ticket purchases, frequent flyer miles, etc. can be summarized and provided to users in many different ways. .. Password-All portal servers with Password-All software sites handle a wide variety of transactional traffic for users, so there is an opportunity to summarize, collect, and process statistics in many useful ways. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a report can be prepared and implemented in several different ways, including displaying it on the user's secure personal web page on the Password-All portal. is there. [0044]

In addition to being able to perform tasks as described above, user-defined destinations such as fax machines, connected computer nodes, email servers, and other Internet-connected devices over the Internet or other data packet networks. You can send the results of tasks, including reports, and hard documents such as airline tickets. All tasks can be set up and run according to a user-defined schedule, while the user can be doing something else or otherwise not involved in the scheduled task. Is. [0045]

In another embodiment of the invention, recognizing the increasing use of the Internet for financial transactions such as purchasing goods and services, it automatically tracks transactions made to various destinations. A mechanism is provided within the user's profile to allow payments on a per-transaction basis or after a session using access to the user's bank account, and all processing may be pre-programmed and permitted by the user. It is possible. [0046]

Other features or options shown as part of application 35 include the last URL option 41, update feature 43, and additional feature 45. Feature 41 allows the user to instantly navigate to the last visited URL. The update function 43 provides a means for updating the URL with respect to the content and the new address. Additional features allow users to add additional URLs to Listing 34. Similarly, feature 45 can provide a means of deleting an entry. Other ways to add an account are described above. It should be noted that the unique Password-All portal and services provided by the Password-All software suite in embodiments of the present invention are not limited to destinations that require passwords and usernames. In addition, the Password-All portal and Password-All software in many embodiments can be used to manage all of a user's bookmarks, including editing bookmarks and the like. In this aspect, bookmarks are usually presented in an indexed, grouped, or layered form. [0047]

There are editing features provided by Password-All for adding, acquiring, deleting, and managing bookmarks. For convenience, in many embodiments of the invention, bookmarks can be downloaded from a user's Password-All site and loaded onto the user's local browser. In this way, additions and improvements in bookmarks set up for the user can be used without having to go to 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 using one or more Password-All plug-ins. [0048]

From the teachings of this specification, engineers in the art have found that the functionality provided in various embodiments of the present invention is particularly applicable to Internet-enabled devices that may have limited input functionality. Will be obvious. For example, the set-top box in the WEB TV application example probably does not have a keyboard for entering an ID, password, etc. In the practice of the present invention, keyboard input is minimized or eliminated. The same comment applies to many other types of Internet devices. [0049]

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, once the subscriber-user is inside Password-All, all that is required for navigation is to be able to point-and-click. To enter the Password-All site using a limited device, such as a device that does not have a keyboard or keypad, use a smart card or built-in password, or use some other type of authentication. Can be done. [0050]

It will be clear to engineers in the art that an interactive application such as Application 33 can be provided in a form other than a WEB page without departing from the gist and scope of the present invention. For example, an application such as Application 33 can be provided as a downloadable module or program that can be set up and configured offline and run online. [0051]

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a user's dialogue with the Internet Password-All portal of FIG. The process steps illustrated by embodiments of the invention show user steps and automated software processes as examples that can be initiated and invoked during a conversation with an internet portal of the invention, such as portal 31 of FIG. It is an object. At step 53, the user connects to the Internet or another aforementioned exchange packet network via a suitable device, such as the Internet device 17 of FIG. [0052]

In step 55, the user enters a username and password, which in one embodiment may simply be the user's ISP username and password. In another embodiment, after logging on to the Internet through an ISP, a second password or code may be required to access an Internet portal, such as Portal Server 31 in Figure 1. In some cases, a special configuration with an ISP allows one password to exist for both Internet access through the ISP 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, personalized web pages contain URLs configured by all users, and there are other possibilities, but above all, they can be enhanced by search capabilities. [0053]

In step 58, the user selects a URL from his bookmarked destination, a transparent URL is called, as is known by hyperlinking technology, and the user navigates to the destination for normal user interaction purposes. .. During this operation, the Password-All portal software causes the user to log on transparently to the destination page if logon is required. [0054]

At step 60, the user calls the search engine by clicking on an option such as option 37 described above in Figure 2. At step 62, the user enters the search parameters in the provided text field, such as the text field 51 in FIG. After entering such parameters, the user initiates a search with a button, such as button 52. The search engine extracts the information in step 64. Such information can, in one option, be in the form of a URL that fits the description provided by the search parameters. A searched list of URLs can be presented in a separate generated page in step 66, which allows the user to choose which URL to navigate to. An optional search function allows the user to provide a search criteria and search for any or all possible destinations with respect to the criteria. [0055]

In another embodiment where the web page is cached in a presentable form, the information extracted in step 64 includes any page of the stored page, such as text, images, interactive content, etc. Information can be included. In this case, one displayed result page can provide the generated link to the search result containing the URL associated with the result. For example, by clicking on a text result or a graphics result, a related web page is displayed for the user, and the result is highlighted so that it looks related to the display window. [0056]

Enhanced agent for web summarization In another aspect of the invention, a software agent, referred to by the inventor as a gatherer, is configured to collect and return summary information about the URL at the request of the user or at the discretion of the company. It is unique provided by the inventor that, in embodiments of the present invention, a human knowledge worker associated with the service provides a script written in such a gatherer according to the instructions of the subscriber or company. It is implemented by the script description and language parsing method of. The details that enable such software gatherers and the performance of the gatherer's functions will be described below. [0057]

Next, referring to Figure 1, the architecture is shown in this case as an example of a portal service network hosted by ISP15. The portal software 35 in this embodiment runs on the portal server 31 set up at the ISP location. A large repository 29 is used to store subscriber information such as passwords and login names. Internet servers 23, 25, and 27 represent servers configured to provide corporate WEB pages that subscribers often use for portal servers such as subscribers who operate Internet devices 17. [0058] [0058]

The main purpose of Portal Software 35, mentioned above in connection with 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 automatically and transparently for the subscriber, while jumping the subscriber to the intended destination. Provides a login function. [0059]

Revisiting FIG. 2, a dialogue list 34 containing a user-entered hyperlink and a set of dialogue tools is displayed to the subscriber by the portal software 35 in FIG. One of the tools available to subscribers interacting with Listing 34 is Agent (Software) 39. Agent 39 can be programmed to perform several tasks, such as obtaining account information, performing simple transactions, and returning user-requested notification information about upcoming events. The search function 37 and the update function 43 can be integrated with the agent 39 as needed to assist the functionality. [0060]

In the aforementioned disclosure, Agent 39, in some embodiments, is included on the web page to which the user subscribes, such as account summaries, order tracking information, and some other information, according to user-defined parameters. He stated that some summary information can be searched and returned. This feature can be programmed by the user to work on a periodic time schedule or on demand. [0061]

The following disclosure provides enhancements 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 , In some embodiments, it can be provided as a stand-alone service separate from the portal software 35. [0062]

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a summary software agent 67 according to an embodiment of the present invention and various functions and layers of the agent. Summarizing Agent 67, hereinafter referred to as Gatherer 67, is a programmable interactive software application configured to run on a network server. The gatherer 67, in one embodiment, can be integrated with the portal software 35 of FIG. 1 and can be provided in the form of a software module separate from the agent 39 (FIG. 2). In another embodiment, the gatherer 67 can be part of the agent 39 as an enhancement of the agent, as described above. In yet another embodiment, the gatherer 67 can be provided as a parent or client side application controlled by a service separate from the portal service described above. [0063]

In an embodiment of this example, the gatherer 67 is a multi-functional software application with various submodules and interface modules that are built in and provide enhanced functionality. The gatherer 67 has a client / service interface layer 69 configured to allow input of instructions from both the client (user) and the knowledge worker or the worker associated with the service. The browser interface 77 is provided at layer 69 and is configured to provide access to application 67 from a browser running on a client's PC or other internet or 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 Gatherer 87 and receive the summary result. Interface 77 supports all existing network communication protocols known in the art and can be configured to support future protocols as well. [0064]

Layer 69 will also allow human knowledge workers to create and supply instructional scripts containing the site logic required by Gatherer 67 to locate and retrieve data from websites. It also includes its own input script writing module 79 configured in. In this case, the gatherer 67 is executed and operates on a network server such as the server 31 in FIG. However, it is not essential to carry out the present invention. [0065]

In this example, the gatherer 67 is assumed to be part of the portal software suite 35 running on the server 31 of FIG. Gatherer 67 can be provided as several dedicated agents or as a single multi-function agent without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, one gatherer-67 is scripted and programmed to execute a single user request, and additional gatherer-67 is required to make further user requests. Alternatively, one gatherer 67 can be dedicated to each individual user and configured to handle all requests from that user. [0066]

Interface layer 69 facilitates the exchange of information from both clients and knowledge workers. A client operating a web browser equipped with an appropriate plug-in can communicate and interact with Gatherer 67. For example, a user rents from apartment.com (one of the user's registered websites) for less than $ 1,000 a month located within a given area (defined by the user). You can enter a request to return a summary of pricing for your apartment. The aforementioned requests are classified as regular requests or one-time (on-demand) requests. The communicated request initiates a service operation in which the knowledge worker associated with the service sets up the gatherer 67 using module 79 to perform its function. Module 79 is typically run from a networked PC operated by a knowledge worker. [0067]

According to embodiments of the present invention, a unique scripting method facilitated by Module 79 is provided to allow Gatherer 67 to obtain the goal information requested by the user. For example, the aforementioned example of a website, apartment.com, has specific HTML (hypertext markup language) logic used to create a site and post information. Such site logic is relatively standard in many of the different sites hosted by different entities. Using this knowledge, knowledge workers create site-specific scripts or templates that Gatherer 67 should follow. Such a template contains, for example, the description and location of the appropriate fields used at apartment.com. The apartment description, location, deposit information, rental information, agent contact information, and other related fields are matched for the location and label description on the template created using Module 79. The completed template is stored in a database contained in a storage device such as repository 29 in FIG. Such templates can be reused and updated (edited) with new data. [0068]

In one embodiment, one script can include site logic for multiple web pages, and instructions and passwords or login information for specific navigation instructions are included within that logic, 1 It can be executed sequentially, such as one site at a time. Knowledge workers can do much of the scripting through automatic control, such as by Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), and a small portion of the scripting is well known in the art. Note that it can be done manually in a computer language. [0069]

Gatherer 67 also has process layer 71 configured for internal information gathering and parameter configuration. An optional portal server interface 81 is provided to allow gatherer 67 to provide updated information to the user's hyperlink list and, if necessary, to obtain data from portal server 31. It is composed. For example, the required hyperlinks can be mirrored from the user's home page to the script description template for the purpose of navigating. In embodiments where Gatherer 67 is part of a stand-alone service, rules for providing user login information can be provided at the client-side termination when a request is made. For example, an encrypted password can be provided by a client plug-in, and Gatherer 67 temporarily borrows the user's encryption key during automatic login. [0070]

A device configuration module 83 is provided to allow users to define, configure, communicate with services, and receive summary information for Internet devices. Such devices can include, but are not limited to, palmtop PCs, laptop PCs, cellular phones, WEB TVs, and the like. Normally, the user is presented with a configuration WEB page from a network server displayed in a browser window on the user's desktop PC. The page contains an interface for communicating device parameters and communication protocol types to module 83. In this way, the user can configure the preferred device for receiving the summary information. Device parameters and communication protocols specific to such devices are incorporated into the script description of the site template and used as instructions for the delivery of web summaries. [0071]

Navigation Layer 73 is provided and is configured to perform external site navigation and data collection functions for Gatherer 67. For this purpose, a communication interface / browser control module 85 is provided and is configured to function as a WEB browser that accesses a WEB site containing WEB data. Control 85 receives instructions from a scripted template created by a knowledge worker. [0072]

A parsing engine 87 is provided and is configured to parse individual websites according to templates created via the scripting module 79. The parsing engine 87 can be a Pearl engine, an IE HTML engine, or a combination of any other or known parsing engine. The template (not shown) tells Control 85 and the parsing engine 87 where to go and what fields to look for at the destination site to access the desired data. After the data field is found, the parsing engine 87 collects the current data in the appropriate fields and returns the data to services for further processing such as data transformation, data compression, and data storage. [0073]

Websites use tools that use consistent logic when setting up their site, which logic may be used by the Summarization Service to direct Control 83 and Parsing Engine 87. It is possible. The inventor provides herein with scripted logic as an example for navigating to and retrieving data from amazon .com. The hyperlinks and / or actual URLs needed for navigation are not shown, but are assumed to be included in the template script. In this example, in this case, the company name Yodlee (as known by the inventor) is used in the script for naming the object holders and object containers, which are ActiveX rules. In another embodiment, a Java® script or another object linking control can be used. An example of scripted template logic is as follows. #Site amazon.orders.x- Shows the status of orders from Amazon. [0074]

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_rows (); 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 ('orders'); $ 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 (@tables) { my @ rows = get_table_rows (); foreach my $ j (0 .. $ #rows) { select_row ($ j); my $ href = get_url_of_first_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); [0075]

The example above directs Control 85 and Parser 87 to navigate to Amazon .com and obtain data from it, specifically data that reflects the user's current order status. It is a script. Scripts can also be written to obtain virtually any type of textual information available from any site. For example, a user may want to get the New York Times headline, top ten stocks traded, a comparison list of flights from San Francisco to New York, and so on. In one embodiment, if there are many scripts on one template, the metadata can be associated with the actual scripted language and used instead for the purpose of reducing complexity. [0076]

Data processing layer 75 is provided to store, process, and present the data returned to the user according to company rules and client instructions. Database interface module 89 is provided to provide gatherer 67 with access to large repositories such as repository 29 in Figure 1 for the purpose of storing and retrieving summary data, templates, presentation instructions, etc. .. The collection agent 67 can also access data such as profile information, user account and URL information, and stored site logic via interface 89. Data read from the WEB is stored in a standard format in a database such as Repository 29 or in another connected storage device. All stored data is, of course, associated with the individual who requested the data, or at the discretion of the company, the individual whose use is made. [0077]

A summary page module 91 is provided, a web summary page is organized, and the page is provided to the user. Module 91, in some embodiments, passes a web summary to the user immediately, or module 91 stores such summarized pages for the user to access via a pull method. It is possible to send a notification to the user that a summary page is available if they can and remember it. The summary module 91 includes an HTML renderer that can format the data into HTML format for displaying web pages. This makes it possible to present an e-mail message or the like as HTML text on the user's summary page. In addition, any summary data from any site can include built-in hyperlinks to that site. This allows a user viewing an email text in HTML to click on the text to launch an appropriate email program. Other sites are linked via a summary page by default. [0078]

As mentioned above, many users access their summary data via web pages, which is not essential to the practice of the present invention. In some embodiments, the user wants the summary information to be formatted and delivered to a palmtop, or perhaps one of a variety of internet-enabled devices such as cellular phones. For this purpose, the renderer can present the summarized data in several formats specific to the alternative device. Examples of different known formats include, but are not limited to, XML, plain text, VoxML, HDML, audio, video, and the like. [0079]

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gatherer 67 is flexible and can operate according to company rules, client instructions, or a combination of those rules and the instructions. For example, if the user requests to periodically execute and present summary data about the user / subscribed web page in the form of an HTML document, Gatherer 67 will provide the requested inside information and the user. Automatically access and analyze the information provided and create instructions. Using the script description module 79, knowledge workers can use a template (on the site) that contains "where to go" and "what to get" information according to the site logic, user input, and known information. On the other hand, if the template has not already been created). [0080] [0080]

Alternatively, if the user requests a summary of data on one of his sites, such as the current interest rate and refinancing costs on his mortgage site, the service will, in its sole discretion, for comparison. Can provide additional unclaimed summaries from alternative mortgage lending sites. This type of summary is designed to enhance the user's position based on the user's profile information. In this case, updated data on the latest interest rates, stock performance, car prices, ticket discounts, etc. will be stored by the service for comparison purposes. Such summary data may also be included if the user request for the summary can be improved equally or better to the benefit of the user in some way. [0081]

In many cases, the created template can be reused unless the website changes the site logic parameters, and if any changes are made, the new logic must be accessed and the existing template must be updated. Or a new template will be created for the site. Templates include site-specific scripts obtained from the site and stored by knowledge workers. In one embodiment, the company hosting the web page automatically provides the service with site logic and any logic updates by agreement between the service and the web host. [0082]

In an alternative embodiment, Gatherer 67 can be implemented as a client application installed on the user's PC. In this embodiment, the user does not need to provide a login code or password code. The summary script is sent to the client software and the template is automatically created using the appropriate script that uses the encrypted login and password information stored locally on the user's machine. [0083]

In addition to providing web summary information, Gatherer 67 can also be used to provide automatic registration to new sites, etc., and to update old registration information to existing sites. For example, if a user wishes to join or register for a new site, the user is only required to identify the site unless there is a change in the user's relevant information. If a new password or the like is required, the gatherer 67 can present the login code and password code from the list of alternative codes provided by the user via the control module 73. In another embodiment, Gatherer 67 can access a database (not shown) that contains a wealth of password options in order to attempt different passwords until the site accepts one password. After the password or login code is accepted, the password code or login code is sent to the user and stored in the user's password list and at the network level. [0084]

It will be clear to engineers in the field that software applications such as Gatherer 67 can be implemented in many separate locations connected to the 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. Plugin extensions can also be provided to proxy servers to allow automatic login and data access to be transparent to the user as well. [0085]

In another embodiment, a plug-in that allows communication with Gatherer 67 is provided, configured to run on other network devices, and such a device initiates a request without the need for a desktop computer. And it is possible to aim to get a response. [0086]

In most embodiments, the user operating the desktop PC orders a one-time or periodic summary related to some or all of his or her subscription websites. The following is a logical flow of request / response dialogue as an example. [0087]

FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram showing an example summarization process performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 operating in user-defined mode. At step 93, the user initiates a new request for a summary (ordering a summary). For discussion, we assume that the request in step 93 involves a site for which no template has been created. At step 95, the request is received and analyzed. Perhaps a knowledge worker will do this step. The new request will be submitted to the home page of the user's portal and sent directly to Gatherer 67 or communicated to the service via email or other medium. [0088]

At step 97, the knowledge worker accesses the specific site logic associated with the request URL. For example, if the request involves multiple URLs, all site logic for those URLs will be accessed. The logic is available in a repository such as repository 29 in Figure 1 if it was acquired during user registration for a particular URL, or if it was sent by a website host immediately after registration. If the request is a completely new URL, the logic must be obtained from the site in question. However, in most cases, the logic is known thanks to multiple users accessing a common URL. Thus, reciprocal links within a logical / user-related database can be made to access logic about a site that is new to one user but not new to another. [0089]

In step 99, a knowledge worker creates a template with a script writing module 79 (Figure 4) that contains all site logic, URLs, login and password information, and user request information. As mentioned above, the template can be reused for the same request. In most cases, script writing can be largely automated, with minimal manual input being done by knowledge workers. In many cases, existing templates can exactly match new requests and be reused. In that case, steps 97, 99 and 101 are not needed. [0090]

At step 101, the template is stored and associated with the requesting user. The templates stored for summary collection can then be searched at the scheduled time. At step 103, a browser control, such as Module 85 in Figure 4, is launched to access the stored template and navigate to a specific URL for the purpose of collecting summary data. If the timekeeping function belongs to the template stored in step 101, the template can self-execute and call the browser function. In another embodiment, the knowledge worker can notify the browser control to acquire a template for the next task. In some embodiments, one template can be used by multiple controls, as described above. [0091]

In step 105, if necessary, an automatic login is performed to gain access to each specified URL. At step 107, the specified web page is navigated and the page is parsed for the requested data according to the logic on the template. If there are multiple web pages to be parsed, this step is repeated for that number of pages. Various parsing engines such as IE parser or Pearl parser can be used for this process. Only the requested data is retained in step 107. [0092]

The request can be an on-demand request requesting an immediate return, or a scheduled request on which data can be posted. At step 109, such logic is established. If the data should be presented according to a regular schedule, the parsed summary data in step 107 is stored for later use in step 111. If the summary data is not already formatted in step 113, it will be rendered as HTML and displayed in the form of a summary web page in step 115. The summary page can be posted for user access (pull) at a time convenient to the user, or can be pushed to the user as a WEB page and automatically displayed on the user's PC. It is also possible to notify the user that the summary page is available to notify the user that the order is complete. [0093]

If the summary data is from a one-time on-demand request and is needed immediately by the user, the network equipment and data delivery method (configured by the user) will be determined and the data will be stepped. Rendered at 117 in the appropriate format for delivery and display. At step 119, the summary data is delivered to the user-designated device according to the protocol. At step 121, the user receives the requested information in the proper format. [0094]

It will be clear to engineers in the art that there may be more or fewer logical steps as well as additional substeps than shown in this example. For example, step 105 may include, in other embodiments, sub-steps such as obtaining an encryption key from a user. In yet another embodiment, part of the request is rendered as HTML as in step 113, while another part of the same request data is rendered in another format and delivered via an alternative method. It would be possible to do so. There are many possibilities. [0095]

The methods and devices of the present invention can be used to present a summary to the user without user input. Such process logic is described in detail below. [0096]

FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram showing an example summarization process performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 in user-independent smart mode with minimal or no user input. At step 117, the summarization process initiated by the enterprise begins. In this case, the entity may assist the user in finding a better deal, or perhaps provide the individual with a summary from an alternative page that the user has not yet subscribed to and a link to that page. It is possible. [0097]

At step 119, access and review of the database containing user information and parameters is performed. User-specific information may be required to initiate a company-sponsored summary report. In step 121, the knowledge worker accesses the site logic specific to the target site specified for summarization. At step 123, the knowledge worker modifies an existing user template or, if necessary, creates a new template. At step 125, the template is stored in a repository, such as repository 29, and associated with the user. [0098]

As shown in Figure 5, the template either self-executes according to a timed function to call a browser control such as Control 85 (Figure 4) or is accessed by Control 85 as a result of a task notification. At step 127, the browser control begins navigation. At step 129, if necessary, automatic login is performed to gain access to the selected site. If the web page is new to the user and the user is not registered on the website, it is possible to provide services to access such site through agreement or other rules. .. For example, such an agreement can be made if the presented summary information is liked by the customer and the host of the website thinks it may get a new customer. In many other situations, no password or login information is required to obtain general information that is not personal to the client. [0099]

At step 131, all sites are parsed for summary data and at step 133 they are stored in a standard way. At step 135, the data is summarized and rendered into HTML for presentation on the summary page. In step 137, a web summary containing all of the data is made available to the user and the user is notified of the existence of the summary. [0100]

Providing certain information that is not requested by the user helps strengthen the user's organization of current commerce on the web. In addition, unbilled web summaries can provide a better opportunity than the current options in the user's profile. Of course, assisting users in this way requires the company (service) to have access to the user's profile, existing accounts, and service information on various websites on the user's list. The user may prohibit the use of the user's personal information, and if prohibited, the company-initiated summarization shall not be performed unless strictly in offer mode rather than comparison mode. become. [0101]

The method and the device can be implemented independently of the language and platform, and can be implemented in various scalable server configurations. [0102]

Presentation of a meta-summary report In another aspect of the invention, the method is provided primarily through proprietary software, the summary report can be ordered and presented to the user, and the report reflects the calculated solution-oriented results. .. This type of summary is referred to by the present inventor as a meta-summary because it is a summary that spans multiple sources. The details that make it possible to implement such a method are described below. [0103]

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a meta-summary process according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the term "meta-summary" is also used by the present inventor to distinguish the meta-summary process taught herein from the summarization process taught above herein. Meta-summary involves interpreting and computing data to report solution-oriented results derived from data retrieved from multiple network sources. [0104]

In this embodiment, portal station 151 is provided and is configured to provide web summarization and presentation services by software and hardware according to the embodiments described in the simultaneous patent applications listed above. Station 151 can be an ISP, main internet server, or other networked server or interface station. In this example, the portal station 151 is always connected to the source network, which is the Internet network represented by the Internet cloud 139 in the present embodiment. The network connection described above is provided by an internet connection line 149 from station 151 to the internet backbone 147. Internet backbone 147 represents all lines and connections, including the subnets that make up global Internet 139. [0105]

The portal station 151 is provided with a means for maintaining the portal interface 153 internally. The portal interface 153 is, in this example, a file server interface, but in other embodiments it can be replaced with a different type of network interface hardware. Interface 153 provides a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) page to a subscriber operating the illustrated network-enabled PC 163 or the like via an Internet connection such as path 161. In this case, the user who operates the PC 163 can go online by a dial-up connection or the like and communicate with the portal interface 153 via the connection path 161. Connection path 161 can be a regular telephone line, an ISDN line, or another known type of Internet connection link, including a wireless connection. Dial-up connections are shown herein simply as a more general connection method. [0106]

A data repository 157 is provided within station 151 and is configured to store aggregated data for and about users. The data repository 157 can be part of the same hardware that supports portal interface 153, or it can be an implementation of separate hardware connected by a data link. Repository 157 can be in the form of an optical storage device, or any other known implementation used to store large amounts of digital data. Repository 157 can be envisioned to support a variety of database programs that may be required to manipulate and organize internally stored data or metadata. [0107]

The data collection subsystem GSS159 is provided within station 151 and is configured as an implementation of software and hardware capable of navigating data packet networks such as the Internet 139 when instructed. GSS159 represents the automated browser control / navigation described in the co-pending patent application, reference number 09/523598. GSS159 is similar to the navigation layer 73 shown in FIG. 4 above. [0108]

Multiple networked data sources represented herein by File / Data Servers 141-145 are shown within Internet 139. Servers 141 to 145 are servers to which a user known to the portal station 151 subscribes. For example, servers 141-145 can represent a single user's collective web service for banking transactions and investments. Such options include banking, stock trading, retirement account servers, insurance servers and the like. It should be noted that servers 141 to 145 represent separate web-based services that one user subscribes to, and are not assumed to be in the same line with each other. For example, a user who operates a PC 163 or the like uses servers 141 to 145 to perform all of his / her online banking transactions, commercial transactions, and investments in this example. [0109]

In another embodiment, servers 141-145 can represent all of the online shopping services that users frequently use. All of the servers 141-145 are related in this example in terms of subject matter, but not in the same lineage with each other, as will be seen below, merely to help explain the invention. [0110]

"Method and MFP for Obtaining and Presenting WEB Summaries to In a concurrent patent application named "Users," site logic templates typically provided by knowledge workers allow, in part, to navigate the site, parse the data, and return or remember the data to the user. It is taught that it will be done. This aspect is represented herein by PC167 configured for knowledge workers (KW). Working from a station such as PC167, KW provides a site logic script for navigating to data requested by the user and stored in any or all of servers 141-145. Such a script is provided to GSS159 via datalink 165. The summary data stored in the repository 157 or the like is stored for user access. In some cases where the user requires an immediate data return, the data is sent directly to portal interface 153 and the like so that the user can access the data immediately. [0111]

According to embodiments of the present invention, a new database report engine, DBRE155, is provided to perform a formalative process on aggregated data for users. DBRE155 itself is a database utility and, in a preferred embodiment, part of the software environment of Repository 157. In another embodiment, the DBRE155 can be part of the software environment of portal interface 153. [0112]

In this embodiment, the DBRE155 acts as a first "collection agent" and, upon request, first inspects the repository 157 for the data requested by the user. User history records of all user transactions in all of the web-based services registered by the user are preferably maintained in repository 157 and accessible to DBRE155. In some cases, services such as those represented by servers 141-145 can provide a complete transaction history, which is obtained, stored in repository 157 and updated regularly. It is possible to do so. However, in some cases, such services may not keep a historical record for the user. In this case, users accessing such services through their portal interface 153 can track each transaction over normal time, providing a historical record of transactions in that service. It is kept in repository 157. [0113]

For servers 141-145, each contains some form of financial portfolio data connected to a single user. For example, server 141 can represent a banking service for which the user has a deposit account. Server 142 can represent a banking service in which the user has a checking account. Server 143 can represent an online investment company that maintains an ever-changing portfolio of investments and losses for a particular user. Server 144 can represent a bank for which a user has an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Server 145 can be a mortgage company that holds data about the user's asset portfolio. It is assumed that each site probably holds current account status information and a financial history of transactions made by a particular user. [0114]

By way of example, it is assumed that all financial data for an individual user is provided by servers 141-145, obtained from that server, aggregated within data repository 157, and updated on a regular basis. A user operating a PC 163 can access the portal interface 153 via an internet connection 161 and request specific results relating to some or all of the data across multiple servers 141-145. One example is the user-initiated command, "Calculate my current net worth." A meta-summary report of the results informs the user of his or her calculated net worth along with all financial data from all financial data sources (servers 141-145) analyzed in the process of responding to the user's query. [0115]

In this case, DBRE155 uses only the data already aggregated in repository 157. Therefore, if the aggregated and retained data is up-to-date and sufficient to meet user requirements, then GSS159 does not need to navigate specifically for the user. However, if a user's specific request, such as the request mentioned in the previous example, requires navigation to one or more of servers 141-145, the GSS159 uses the site logic provided by KW167. Then navigate to each site you need and search for the data you need. After the required data has been aggregated in repository 157, DBRE155 can analyze the aggregated data and generate accurate reports from that aggregated data based on user requirements. [0116]

Providing a proprietary engine such as DBRE155 on the user side of repository 157 saves valuable bandwidth resources required by individual site navigation and the return of data ordered by the user. Will be obvious to the technician. Additional storage space is required within repository 157 to store the complete activity history from multiple web services for the user. However, adding such resources to save bandwidth represents an intelligent embodiment in view of many techniques known in the art for compressing and archiving data. .. Below are more details on the features of DBRE155. [0117]

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing further details, components, and functions of DBRE155 of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DBRE155 is a functional interface that allows you to acquire, analyze, and prepare data for presentation to users. For this reason, the interface includes certain submodules responsible for performing certain required functions. For example, control logic module 171 is provided as part of DBRE155 to parse and verify the user's request, and the presentation format selected by the user is available and the type of data result requested by the user. It is configured to ensure that it is appropriate for. Such options are contained within option database 173, which is indicated as being connected to control module 171 with a bidirectional arrow representing bidirectional communication. [0118]

Option database 173 is part of DBRE155 or part of repository 157 and is accessible to DBRE155, as shown herein. For DBRE155, which maintains its own database, such as option database 173, if the database described above contains user history across multiple accounts, DBRE155 will have enough storage memory to hold all the required data. Resident in the machine you have. Such a machine can be a processor / server. In another embodiment, all stored data is retained in repository 157. [0119]

DBRE155 also has a runtime engine 177, which performs data analysis and data computation to configure specific data results or solutions for the user based on user requirements. Engine 177 has access to all of the mathematical tools and system knowledge needed to achieve a wide variety of objectives. As is commonly known in the technical field of configuration models, it is possible to use the knowledge base (not shown) as a source of intelligence for the engine 177. [0120]

Engine 177 performs a wide variety of mathematical functions, including statistical analysis, sums, averages, and more. In one embodiment, algebraic functions, geometric functions, and trigonometric functions are also provided to perform more complex calculations. However, in most cases, user requests are more directed towards averaging, summing, predicting probabilities, deriving percentages, and so on. For example, summing the deposit balances of multiple banks is a common task. Analyzing online spending trends across multiple online shopping services is another example of a common task. More complex reports generate ratio numbers that compare shopping trends to revenue prospects, as well as recommended measures to improve the ratio without sacrificing the goods needed. There are many possibilities. [0121]

A graphics user interface (GUI) module 181 is provided within DBRE155 and is configured to prepare data according to the requested format and display type of the request. GUI module 181 has knowledge of which presentation option was selected from option database 173 and knowledge of the parameters (hardware and software platforms) of the particular device or station receiving the report. The report does not need to be returned to the device that issued the request. In some embodiments, the user can send a metasummary report to an alternative receiver via a different medium. Of course, this assumes that the receiver and data network are known to the system. [0122]

Upon implementation of the present invention, the user initiates a request, as shown herein, as an input to a preconfigured request 169, such as from his browser interface, and an arrow labeled. Request 169 is parsed in terms of meaning within control logic module 171. If there are errors detected within the original request 169, such as missing information or selection of unavailable options, the error report will be immediately relevant, as indicated by the arrow labeled Error Report. Send back to the user. The control logic module 171 can inspect the options database 173 to determine if an unavailable option has been selected and present an alternative available option with an error report. [0123]

Module 171 confirms the request, confirms the presentation options, and then accesses the client-side resident guard (GI) 175, such as repository 157 in Figure 7, to enable the configuration of valid results. Find out if enough current data is stored internally. The data obtained from the repository 157 of FIG. 1 via the database dialogue is included in the guard 175 and passed to the engine 177 for processing. However, data is required part of is missing from the repository 155, you can call GSS159 in Figure 7 to find the required data. In this case, an error message can be sent back to the user to inform the user of the need to navigate for the required data portion. [0124]

All of the data needed to return the requested report is injected into the runtime engine 177. All of the appropriate calculations have been performed and the resulting data presented herein as raw data result 177 is passed to GUI module 181. The GUI module 181 then prepares the result data for presentation to the user, which is shown herein as an arrow labeled output. [0125]

As mentioned earlier, the report can be very simple, or it can be extremely complex with text and graphics elements. In one embodiment, it is possible to subdivide all the process steps performed on the contained data and report to the user with the final result. Presentation options can include spreadsheets, graphs, text reports, pie charts, and more. [0126]

In the example described above, the DBRE155 is a multi-function module that can be subdivided into collaborative submodules. However, subdivision is not essential to the practice of the present invention. Engineers in the field will appreciate that the same functionality can be performed using other order and distributed paths of modules. For example, DBRE155 (Figure 7) can interface directly with GSS159 (Figure 7) rather than being enhanced to collect from aggregated data. In this case, GSS159 first inspects repository 157 and then determines if navigation is needed. In another embodiment, navigation may be required by default to ensure that all aggregated data is up to date. There are many possibilities. [0127]

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram showing the logical user steps and system steps from the start to the completion of the meta-summary report according to the embodiment of the present invention. At step 183, the user initiates a metasummary report request, such as from PC163 in Figure 7, using a browser / portal interface. The request can be to sum up all of your interest income from all of your interest-bearing accounts over the course of a year and return the monthly average. In a preferred embodiment, such a request can be made in "natural language" as understood by the portal software. [0128]

At step 185, the control logic creates the original request and confirms the feasibility of the request. This step includes parsing the request, checking the presentation options, checking the presentation delivery parameters (software, hardware, media), and so on. After the request is approved for processing, in step 187, the data gatherer accesses the database, such as in repository 157 (Figure 7), for the required data. Such gatherers, referred to by the present inventor as bots, can be part of DBRE155, as shown in FIG. 8, or part of GSS159 in FIG. [0129]

At step 189, it is determined whether sufficient data is aggregated and available to complete the request. If the verdict is "yes", then in step 191 the required data is extracted from the database (DB). In step 193, the extracted data is processed according to a tool that fulfills the user's request, which results in a resolution-oriented result. A textual record of the process is also transferred to the user when requested. This may allow the user to consider some steps taken to reach a solution-oriented result. [0130]

At step 193, raw result data is prepared according to user-requested presentation options, such as GUI module 181 in Figure 8. Presentation options can consist of simple textual results that appear on the user's portal home page. In one embodiment, a separate web page can be constructed that displays different versions of the same result, such as a time chart, a text paragraph explaining the chart, a table that reflects the result values, and so on. The meta-summary dealing with the average interest rate described in the example above can be presented in various ways. For example, you can list the results for each account and individual results, then sum the results over a particular time interval, and then present the average value over a small amount of time. As long as the appropriate software container is supported at both ends of the dialogue, there is no limit to the possibility of presentation. In most cases, a browser interface that supports full dialogue is used. At step 197, the prepared GUI data is sent to the requesting user, such as the user operating PC163 in FIG. 7, over an internet connection, such as connection 161. Note that again, many devices can configure the interface with the DBRE155 in Figure 8 and receive the resulting data. The success of configuring various devices for a system depends on the networks and data interfaces provided. [0131]

If it is determined in step 189 that there is not enough data, or if it is determined that the appropriate type of data that completes the request already exists in aggregate, then the request is made in step 199, in Figure 7. Handed over to a GSS like the GSS 159. In one embodiment, collection is the sole responsibility of GSS159, as described above. In step 201, the site logic template is obtained from a PC operating KW, such as PC167 in FIG. If the required navigation template is the same template that was previously used, such a template can be obtained from the attached data storage device. [0132]

In step 203, a GSS, such as GSS159 in FIG. 8, navigates to the required website and extracts the data from that site in order to complete the storage of the aggregated data for the requesting user. At step 205, the data is aggregated and placed in the database allocated for the data, such as in repository 157. Steps 191 to 197 are repeated after all the required data has been aggregated in step 205. [0133]

It will be apparent to engineers in the art that the process steps described above represent a process that is mostly automated or fully automated. Further, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, it is possible to add other subroutines such as adding a user notification step if the data is insufficient in step 189. [0134]

It will also be apparent to engineers in the art that process routines such as the routines described herein can be modified according to alternative operating environments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, if the user is interfaced from a wireless device, such as through a data center network interface, additional steps may be required to transform the data into a format understood on different networks. .. There are many diverse applications. [0135]

FIG. 10 is a representative diagram of an actual screenshot 207 of MetaSummary Report 209 displayed in a user's browser interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a more general embodiment of the invention, the user interfaces with a portal server or the like by using a common browser interface, many brands of such interfaces are known in the art. It is easily available. This particular example uses a Microsoft browser application known as Internet Explorer (IE). However, the system of the present invention works with any software interface capable of navigating the data packet network. [0136]

Summary Report 209 consists of a separate bank list, investment list, and account list complete with the names of the institutions. A summary of individually reported information for both bank and equity accounts can be found below the list for each group. Report 209 is a slightly simplified example of many graphics possibilities and presentation methods. Depending on the complexity of the requirements, the meta-summary report can include virtually any type of presentation medium. Some examples are Gantt charts (Gant) Chart), time graphs, pie charts, flow charts, text summaries, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the summarized report can include an interactive option for viewing the same data differently or for calculating further results from the presented results. The user has many options when interface with the system of the invention through a fully functional browser application installed on a powerful PC. Interfaces through other devices such as personal digital assistants, cellular phones, etc. clearly limit the presentation options, but it is possible to use such devices as interfaces and may be preferred in some situations. Such situations can be business meetings, interviews and other situations where the user needs access to some summary data but does not have access to his or her personal computer station. In addition, such data can be pre-ordered and sent to locations other than their own personal computer. Using the appropriate interface to the telephone network, such information can be faxed to the meeting place, emailed to the email address of the other party, etc., if sent by the user. .. There are many diverse applications, many of which have already been mentioned. [0137]

The method and apparatus of the present invention can be carried out through a private person on the Internet, a business that conducts business on a WAN connected to the Internet, a business that conducts business via a private WAN, and the like. There are many customizable situations. The broadest scope of the invention, as taught herein above, should be acknowledged. 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 which shows the Internet portal system and the network by embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2]

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a personalized portal homepage application that can be viewed on a display monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 3]

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

It is a block diagram which shows the summary software agent by embodiment of this invention, and the function of the agent. [Fig. 5]

It is a logical flow diagram which shows the summarization process as an example performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 which operates in a user-defined mode. [Fig. 6]

It is a logical flow diagram which shows an example summarizing process performed by the software agent of FIG. 4 in a user-independent smart mode with minimal user input. [Fig. 7]

It is a schematic diagram which shows the meta summarization process by embodiment of this invention. [Fig. 8]

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components and functions of the database report engine of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 9]

It is a process flow diagram which shows the logical user step and system step from the start to the completion of the meta summary report by embodiment of this invention. [Fig. 10]

It is a representative figure of the actual screenshot of the meta-summary report displayed on the user's browser interface according to the embodiment of the present invention.