System and method for providing advertising and content in a distributed internet access environment

PRIORITY CLAIM

0001Benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) is claimed based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/765,267, entitled, “System and Method for Providing Advertising and Content in a Distributed Internet Access Environment,” filed on Feb. 4, 2006, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0002The present application is related to the following co-pending U.S. patent applications filed on even date herewith incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: Ser. No. 11/______ (WAYPORT.000003US2), entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PERSISTENT ADVERTISING WITH THIRD PARTY CONTENT IN A DISTRIBUTED INTERNET ACCESS ENVIRONMENT”

BACKGROUND

00031. Technical Field

0004The present invention generally relates to the field of network access providers and in particular to the field of providing distributed network access via gateways. Still more specifically, the present invention relates to the field of providing content during network access via gateway(s) of an network access provider.

00052. Description of the Related Art

0006Several Internet service providers (ISPs) provide services at public venues such as hotels, airports, and restaurants. Where the ISP is accessible via wireless access, the area at which the access signal is detectable is called a “hot-spot”. ISPs may also provide distributed access in metropolitan area networks (MANs) or other venues. Enabling access at these venues/locations is typically implemented using an access system that includes a wired or wireless access point and a gateway.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example configuration of a gateway access system utilized to provide a personal computing device (PCD) <b>105</b> of a user with access to a background network, such as the Internet <b>150</b>, via an access point in a public venue/location. As shown, the gateway access system <b>100</b> comprises network distribution unit (NDU) <b>110</b>, which represents the wired or wireless access point of the ISP at the location. PCD <b>105</b> is shown in wireless connection with NDU <b>110</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, but can be coupled through a wired connection in alternative embodiments. Gateway access system <b>100</b> of the ISP also comprises access control gateway <b>120</b>, which controls whether a user is allowed to connect to the Internet <b>150</b>. Access control gateway <b>120</b> controls the connection to the Internet <b>150</b> through a firewall <b>130</b>, which blocks internet access until certain conditions are met. For example, internet access may be blocked until: (a) the user provides appropriate authorization parameters (login ID, password, and/or other login credentials); and/or (b) the user pays for the access (assuming the access is not free); and/or (c) the user otherwise agrees to terms of use. Firewall <b>130</b> executes on gateway web server <b>140</b>, and provides the mechanism that completes the conditional blocking/unblocking of access to the Internet <b>150</b>. The gateway <b>120</b>, gateway web server <b>140</b> and firewall <b>130</b> may be proximal to the venue/location of the NDU <b>110</b> and/or PCD <b>105</b>, or remotely located.

0008Personal computing device (PCD) <b>105</b> is a user device, utilized to access the access point (NDU <b>110</b>) and ultimately the Internet <b>150</b>. PCD <b>105</b> may be a laptop or other internet-ready device, such as a handheld computer, or “Wi-Fi” (Wireless Fidelity) phone, a Wi-Fi enabled game device, or other similar system. PCD <b>105</b> is configured with a wired or wireless network interface card and a web browser that displays web pages via standard hypertext transfer protocol (http) and/or secure http (https), for example. PCD <b>105</b> thus connects to NDU <b>110</b> via wired or wireless connection.

0009After establishing the communication with the PCD <b>105</b> (via NDU <b>110</b> and access control gateway <b>120</b>), the gateway web server <b>140</b> directs the PCD <b>105</b> to a “connection” page hosted on the gateway web server <b>140</b> to complete an initial connection process. This process typically occurs when a web browser is opened on the PCD <b>105</b> and before the PCD <b>105</b> is allowed to browse third party web pages on the Internet. The connection page presents user connection options, prompts for payment, terms of use, and other features, which are displayed within the web browser of the PCD <b>105</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, there may be several gateway pages <b>215</b> (numbered “pages 1-L”) that are displayed to the user on the ISP's web server <b>140</b> during the initial connection process. With these pages <b>215</b>, the user of PCD <b>105</b> is able to accepting the terms and/or input payment information (e.g. credit card number), user information and/or other requested information. After the user completes interacting with the gateway pages <b>215</b> (and enters the requested information), the firewall blocking the access to the Internet <b>150</b> is removed, and the user may then utilize PCD <b>105</b> to browse third party web pages <b>225</b> via the Internet <b>150</b>.

0010In conventional implementations of these gateway access systems, several network service providers (or gateway providers) provide some form of advertising content to the user during the credential/login process. The advertising may be provided within the connection page(s), on one or more of the gateway pages <b>215</b>, or during the period after completing the initial connection process but prior to displaying the content of the first third-party web page <b>225</b> requested by the user.

0011The current state of the art in providing advertising by the service provider (SP) is to gather information on the customer during the initial connection process and to optionally provide advertising, specialized content, or other items of interest to the customer via the gateway pages 1-L (<b>215</b>), which are displayed during the initial connection process. With these conventional gateway access systems, however, after the initial connection process, the ISP “relinquishes control” of the PCD <b>105</b> and the SP has no further way of presenting advertising or other content to the user without interrupting a session with a message window placed on top of screen currently displayed on the PCD <b>105</b> (e.g. a time expired warning message).

0012One method has been proposed to enable delivery of further “advertising” content to the user following the initial connection process. In this method, the SP relays information about the user or the PCD (e.g., location) to other partners that provide web services on the Internet. Then, if the user happens to visit the website(s) of one of the partners, the partner's web site(s) is able to recognize the user of some characteristic of the user or PCD and display specific, targeted information to the user while the user is browsing the partner's site. This targeted advertising is based solely on known information about that user or user's PCD, which are collected during the connection process, and requires the user browse to the partner's web site.

0013An obvious limitation of this method is that information (e.g., advertising content) can only be displayed to the user if the user happens to browse to that particular partner's website(s). Given the millions of websites that are on the Internet, the likelihood of any user of the gateway access system actually visiting even one of the partner's web site(s) is relatively small. Thus, as is made clear by the above descriptions, the state of the art in providing SP-directed/influenced content to users who utilize the existing gateway access systems is severely limited. The existing gateway systems have no practical way of offering advertising while the user is browsing the Internet following the initial connection process.

OVERVIEW OF EMBODIMENTS

0014Disclosed are a method, system, and computer program product that enable persistent display of advertising and other service provider content during access via a gateway access system to third party content on a separate network. A connection is established between a personal computing device (PCD) and the gateway access system. When a gateway server of the gateway access system detects a request from the PCD to access and display third party content from a third party content provider on the background network, the gateway server proxies the third party content and dynamically displays the third party content along with a second content on the display of the PCD. The second content (also referred to as Service Provider (SP) content) is content provided by a service provider of the gateway access system, and the second content is provided in a persistent fashion on the display of the PCD.

0015In one embodiment, the process for dynamically displaying the third party content along with persistent second content includes dividing the display area into at least two non-overlapping areas, which includes a first area and at least a second area. The first area that provides the best orientation of the first content on the display is determined, and the third party content is oriented/placed within the first area. The second content is then displayed within the second area on the display.

0016In yet another embodiment, when the first content is retrieved from the third party content provider, the first content is held at the gateway server as proxied content. The gateway server then selects the appropriate second content from a database of second content. The orientation of the second content, relative to the proxied content, on the display enables the entire display to be utilized. Further, both the proxied content and the second content are simultaneously forwarded to the PCD for display so that the PCD simultaneously displays both contents as a single retrieved content provided in response to the request. Also, in one embodiment, if an adjustment of the view of the first content occurs at the PCD, such as a scrolling down or up or a scroll sideways, the location of the second content is re-positioned, relative to the new view, to provide minimum interference with the viewing of the first content on the display.

0017In an alternative embodiment, rather than provide the second content in a separate location on the display, the second content is merged into the first content to generate a single resulting content view, which is then displayed as a single resulting content on the display of the PCD.

0018Establishing a connection between the PCD and gateway access system is completed via an initial connection process. During the initial connection process, the gateway server generates a prompt on the PCD for selection, by the user, of a first option to enable access to and display of requested third party content without the second content. When the first option is selected, requested third party content is displayed without concurrent display of the second content. The first option may require payment of a fee (or a higher fee), and if so, the fee is received prior to enabling the access to and display of third party content without the second content being concurrently displayed. Accordingly, with this embodiment, displaying the third party content with the second content (i.e., the proxied access option) is a default, standard option.

0019In a related embodiment, if during the PCD access session (with second content concurrently displayed), an attempt is detected (at the PCD) to minimize, hide, or close the second content on the display, a message is generated on the PCD display prompting for selection of the first option to enable access to and display of requested third party content without second content. The appropriate fee is then collected when the first option is selected. In another related embodiment, different levels of options may be selected ranging from no concurrent display of second content to persistent display of second content, each level having an associated fee. Additionally, one embodiment enables intermittent persistence of the second content, where the second content is displayed for only a pre-set period of time during the display of the first content and is hidden for the remaining period of time.

0020In one embodiment, the network includes the Internet connected to the gateway server, and the first content is a web page provided by a web site accessible via the Internet. Also, in one embodiment, the second content is an advertisement provided by the service provider or a business partner of the service provider. In the latter embodiment, the partner may be charged a fee for the posting of the partner's advertisement with the third party web page. The amount of the fee may be based on actual usage of the advertisement during accesses by PCDs to the gateway access system.

0021The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0022The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an access system that enables public access to the Internet (or background network) via a Service Provider (SP) gateway, according to the prior art;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates independent access of a personal computing device (PCD) to gateway pages and Internet pages, respectively, using the access system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, according to the prior art;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram representation of an ISP server within which various features of the present invention may advantageously be implemented, according to one embodiment;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a gateway access system that controls public access to an Internet-connected third party web server via a Service Provider gateway, according to one embodiment of the invention;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example initial connection page of a gateway access system with selectable options for enabling proxying of requested web page and addition/removal of SP content, according to one embodiment of the invention;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates example web pages displayed within a PCD's web browser with SP content frame oriented along vertical and horizontal edges of the third party web page, according to embodiments of the invention;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an example re-constituted third party web page which includes embedded SP content, according to one embodiment of the invention;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a block diagram showing the gateway access system configured to enable addition of advertising and other secondary content to the display of a third party web page retrieved directly from the third party web server (or web site), according to one embodiment of the invention;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a flow chart illustrating the process of adding SP content to a third-party web page that is retrieved via the gateway access system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flow chart illustrating the process of determining the orientation of the third-party web page's content relative to SP content on a proxy web page provided by the gateway web server, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a flow chart illustrating the method of enabling user selection of a direct access or proxied web access experience when viewing a third-party web page via an ISP gateway, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

0034The described embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system, and computer program product for providing advertising and/or other content in a distributed internet access environment. The advertising and/or other content is provided during access to a third party web site via a gateway Service Provider (SP) portal. The SP configures the gateway web server to act as a web proxy server, which proxies the third party web pages that are requested on a user's personal computing device (PCD), which is connected to the Internet via the gateway access system. The gateway web server adds advertising or other content/items of interest to these web pages (SP content), and the web pages are then presented on the PCD's display with the added content displayed in a persistent manner. The embodiments provide a novel method of offering these advertising and other services in a persistent fashion after the customer's initial connection experience.

0035In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, specific exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

0036Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). Where a later figure utilizes the element in a different context or with different functionality, the element is provided a different leading numeral, representative of the figure number (e.g, <b>4</b><i>xx </i>for <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> and <b>5</b><i>xx </i>for <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional) on the invention.

0037It is further understood that the use of specific parameter names are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the embodiments. The embodiments may thus be implemented with different nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe the above parameters, without limitation. Within the description, Service Provider (SP) content refers to any type of content, whether advertisements, links to advertisements, links to other web pages, general information, data, and the like that is provided within the SP frame and displayed in a persistent fashion on the PCD's web browser along with the third party web page. In one embodiment, the SP content is described as being stored in a database associated with the gateway web server. Also, as utilized herein, the term “frame” (e.g., SP content frame) may refer, in various embodiments, to a structure within which visible content (e.g., text, graphic, multimedia) may be displayed within a web browser window and/or on a display screen of a computing device. The term “frame” may include a standard web frame, an inline frame (iframe), a window, or similar component, and may be generated by a process such as an application or an operating system within a data processing system.

0038Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, there is depicted a block diagram representation of a data processing system (and connected network) that may be utilized as the gateway web server (or gateway server, for short), in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As described in greater detail below, gateway server <b>300</b> controls the gateways <b>420</b> and provides and/or controls the content that may be displayed on and/or access by the PCDs <b>405</b> connected to the gateways <b>420</b>. Gateway server <b>300</b> may also be referred to SP server, as the gateway server is assumed to be owned or controlled by the service provider, in one embodiment.

0039As shown, gateway server <b>300</b> comprises at least one processor or central processing unit (CPU) <b>310</b> connected to system memory <b>315</b> via system interconnect/bus <b>305</b>. Also connected to system bus <b>305</b> is I/O controller <b>320</b>, which provides connectivity and control for input devices, of which pointing device (or mouse) <b>321</b> and keyboard <b>323</b> are illustrated, and output devices, of which display <b>325</b> is illustrated. Additionally, a multimedia drive <b>327</b> (e.g., CDRW or DVD drive) and USB (universal serial bus) hub <b>329</b> are illustrated, coupled to I/O controller. Multimedia drive <b>327</b> and USB hub <b>327</b> may operate as both input and output (storage) mechanisms. Gateway server <b>300</b> also comprises storage <b>352</b>, within which data/instructions/code utilized to provide the gateway web pages and/or advertising or other SP content (as described below) may be stored.

0040Gateway server <b>300</b> is also illustrated with a network interface device (NID) <b>360</b>, with which gateway server <b>300</b> connects to an access network (<b>365</b>) of gateways <b>420</b> and to the Internet <b>450</b>. Gateways <b>420</b> provide physical access points for connection (wired or wireless) to PCDs <b>405</b>. Gateway server <b>300</b> connects with other third party servers <b>455</b> over the Internet <b>450</b>, and the Internet <b>450</b> is also made accessible to the PCDs <b>405</b> via the ISP gateways <b>420</b>.

0041In the described embodiments, Internet <b>450</b> is a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that utilize the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols to communicate with one another. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a basic illustration of an ISP server, and thus the hardware utilized in actual implementation may vary. Thus, the depicted example is not meant to imply architectural limitations with respect to the present invention.

0042Notably, in addition to the above described hardware components of gateway server <b>300</b>, various features of the invention are completed via software code stored within memory <b>315</b> or other storage (e.g., storage <b>352</b>) and executed by CPU <b>310</b>. Thus, illustrated within memory <b>315</b> are a number of software components, including operating system (OS) <b>330</b> (e.g., Microsoft Windows®, a trademark of Microsoft Corp, or GNU®/Linux®, registered trademarks of the Free Software Foundation and The Linux Mark Institute), gateway applications <b>335</b>, firewall <b>337</b>, gateway web pages <b>340</b>, and Proxied WebPage Presentation (PWP) utility <b>345</b>. In actual implementation, PWP utility <b>345</b>, server controlled gateway applications <b>335</b> and ISP web pages <b>340</b> may be combined as a single application collectively providing the various functions of each individual software component when the corresponding code is executed by the CPU <b>310</b>. For simplicity, PWP utility <b>345</b> is illustrated and described as a stand alone or separate software component, which provides specific functions, as described below.

0043CPU <b>310</b> executes PWP utility <b>345</b> as well as OS <b>330</b>, which supports the user interface features of PWP utility <b>345</b>. In the illustrative embodiment, PWP utility <b>345</b> generates/provides several graphical user interfaces (GUI) to enable user interaction with, or manipulation of, advertising or other SP-supplied content provided to a PCD <b>405</b> via the gateway(s) <b>420</b>. Among the software code/instructions provided by PWP utility <b>345</b>, and which are specific to the invention, are: (a) code for prompting for and enabling user selection of whether to display advertising and other SP content along with third party web pages; (b) code for generating and displaying a proxy (re-creation) of a third party web page that is re-oriented within the PCD's browser; and (c) code for enabling the concurrent, (and non-overlapping) persistent display of advertising or other SP-supplied content along with the third party web page on the PCD's browser. For simplicity of the description, the collective body of code that enables these various features is referred to herein as PWP utility <b>345</b>. According to the illustrative embodiment, when CPU <b>310</b> executes PWP utility <b>345</b>, ISP server <b>300</b> initiates a series of functional processes that enable the above functional features as well as additional PAC features/functionality, which are described below within the description of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-11</figref>.

0044With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, which illustrates an example network (or gateway) access system utilized to provide a user's PCD (<b>405</b>) with access (wireless or wired), via a gateway access point, to web pages of a third party web server <b>455</b> connected to the Internet <b>450</b>. As shown, the network access system <b>400</b> comprises network distribution unit (NDU) <b>410</b>, which represents the wired or wireless access point of the ISP at the specific location. Network access system <b>400</b> of the service provider also comprises access control gateway <b>420</b>, which controls whether a user is allowed to connect to the gateway web server <b>300</b> and ultimately the Internet <b>450</b>. The access control gateway <b>420</b> controls the connection through firewall <b>430</b>, which blocks internet access until certain conditions are met. For example, internet access may be blocked until: (a) the user provides appropriate authorization parameters (login ID, password, and/or other login credentials); and/or (b) the customer pays for the access; and/or (c) the user otherwise agrees to terms of use for the access. Firewall <b>337</b> executes on gateway web server <b>300</b> and provides the mechanism that completes the conditional blocking/unblocking of access to the Internet <b>150</b>. The gateway <b>420</b>, gateway web server <b>300</b> and firewall <b>337</b> may be proximal to the venue/location of the NDU <b>410</b> and/or PCD <b>405</b> or these components/devices may be located remotely from the NDU <b>410</b>.

0045Access to the gateway <b>420</b> and ultimately the Internet <b>450</b> is completed using a customer device, personal computing device (PCD) <b>405</b>. PCD <b>405</b> may be a laptop or other internet-ready device, such as a handheld computer, or “Wi-Fi” (Wireless Fidelity) phone, a Wi-Fi enabled game device, or other similar system. PCD <b>405</b> is configured with a wired or wireless network interface card and a web browser that displays web pages via standard hypertext transfer protocol (http) and/or secure http (https), for example. PCD <b>405</b> thus connects to NDU <b>410</b> via wired or wireless connection.

0046After establishing the communication with the PCD <b>405</b> (via NDU <b>410</b> and access control gateway <b>420</b>), the gateway web server <b>300</b> directs the PCD <b>405</b> to a “connection” page hosted on the gateway web server <b>300</b> to complete an initial connection process. This process occurs when a web browser is first opened on the PCD <b>405</b> and before the PCD <b>405</b> is allowed to browse third party web pages on the Internet <b>450</b>. The connection pages present user connection options, prompts for payment, terms of use, and other features, which are displayed within the web browser of the PCD <b>405</b>.

0047During the initial connection process, the various connection pages are displayed to the user on the PCD's display. The user of PCD <b>405</b> interacts with these pages and is able to accepting the terms and/or input payment information (e.g. credit card number), user information and/or other requested information. After the user completes interacting with the connection pages (and enters the requested information), the firewall <b>337</b> blocking the access to the Internet <b>450</b> is removed, and the PCD <b>405</b> may then be utilized to browse third party web pages via the Internet <b>150</b>. According to the embodiments of the invention, the content of the third party web pages are displayed along with SP-supplied content (SP content), such as advertisements, which are displayed in a persistent manner on the PCD's display. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a path through gateway web server <b>300</b> by which a requested web page is retrieved from a third party web server and proxied at the gateway web server <b>300</b>. Also illustrated is an example transmission path for both the proxied content and SP content from gateway web server <b>300</b> to the PCD <b>405</b>. Both the proxied content and the SP content are then concurrently outputted/displayed within the PCD display <b>406</b>.

0048In one embodiment, in addition to providing connection pages for the user to complete entry of payment and other connection information during the initial connection process, the user is also provided a notification of the addition of the persistent SP content within the standard (proxied access) connection experience. That is, during the connection process, PWP utility <b>345</b> provides a notification of this feature, and PWP utility may also provide the user with the option of electing to not have the SP content added to the user's connection experience. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example “Welcome and Selections” page <b>500</b> with a corresponding welcome and selection message <b>510</b>. Welcome and Selections page <b>500</b> also includes a prompt of two selectable options, namely “Direct access” option <b>505</b> and “Proxied access” option <b>515</b>. As provided, each option has an associated fee, with Direct access option <b>505</b> having a higher fee ($9.99) than the fee ($5.00) for Proxied access option <b>515</b>. In the illustrative embodiment, each option (<b>505</b> and <b>515</b>) has an associated definition box (<b>506</b> and <b>516</b>), which explains what the particular option means. The definition boxes (<b>506</b>, <b>516</b>) are hidden until the user places a pointer over (or otherwise selects) the particular option. Thus, when the user places the pointer (or “left clicks” on) “Direct access” option <b>505</b>, the corresponding Direct access definition1 box <b>506</b> opens on the display screen <b>500</b>. Likewise, when the user places the pointer (or right clicks on) “Proxied access” option <b>515</b>, the corresponding “Proxied access” definition2 box <b>806</b> opens on the display screen <b>500</b>.

0049In one embodiment, the user may be given the option to pay an intermediate or reduced amount for limited advertisements. As shown, access via the proxied access option may be provided for a reduced/lower fee. However, in one embodiment, the lost revenue from the reduced fee is offset by the cost of the advertising charged to the advertiser. In one embodiment, the advertisers (also referred to as business partners of the SP) are charged a usage fee. With this embodiment, the gateway web server tracks and stores the number of times and/or adds the total length of time the SP content of that business partner is displayed on PCDs connected to the network access system. The SP then charges the business partner based on the usage using a pre-determined formula. Most users of PCDs at these public access points are more concerned about reducing the cost of access rather than the inconvenience of having to view a few advertisements while they are browsing the Internet. Thus, the proxied access option is likely to be widely utilized, making the implementation of this persistent SP content feature a good avenue for advertising to large numbers of users.

0050Alternatively, rather than reduce the standard fee, a higher than normal fee may be charged to users who select the direct access option. Thus, if the customer really does not wish to view advertising or other SP content during the user's access to the background network (Internet <b>450</b>), the user pays a premium to utilize the service without receiving the SP content. The user thus views the retrieved third party web pages in their normal orientation and size, as provided by the third party web server <b>455</b>.

0051Some embodiments of the invention may be implemented without providing the user with an option to not have the SP content displayed. The embodiment presented in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and described herein is thus meant solely for example and not intended to limit the use of alternative embodiments that do not implement this option-selection feature.

0052In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, when the direct access option <b>505</b> is selected, the gateway web server provides the user with direct access to the Internet. The user is then able to view third party web pages without having a persistent SP content frame (described below) displayed on the PCD display and without receiving the web page as a proxy web page that is adjusted in size make room for concurrently displaying the SP content frame. For those users who do not select the direct access option (perhaps because of the cheaper fee for the proxied access option), all subsequent download requests for web pages by that PCD to third party web sites results in the return of a proxied web page from the gateway server <b>300</b>. The PCD's web browser is modified to include a display of both an SP content frame along with the proxied web page. Examples of this latter implementation are illustrated by <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, which are described below.

0053Following the initial connection process, gateway web server <b>300</b> detects each request from the connected PCD <b>405</b> to access/retrieve a third party web page from the third party web server <b>455</b>. The request may be provided via one of several methods, including, but not limited to: (a) entry of a web address of the third party web page within the web browser of the PCD <b>405</b>; (b) clicking on a link that opens the third party web page; and (c) selecting an identifier within a favorite's list that links to the third party web page. Once the third party web page is located, PWP utility <b>345</b> of gateway web server <b>300</b> intervenes in the download of the web page, “intercepts” the download, and proxies the web page on the gateway web server <b>440</b>. PWP utility <b>345</b> configures the proxied web page to fit on a display area that is smaller than the full area of the PCD's display. PWP utility <b>345</b> assigns the remaining display area to selected SP content, which is selected from available SP content within the content storage <b>352</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>).

0054PWP utility <b>345</b> of gateway server <b>300</b> controls what SP content is provided for display within the SP content frame <b>620</b>. PWP utility <b>345</b> operates to configure the gateway web server <b>300</b> as a web proxy server that serves as a proxy for displaying web pages from third party web servers <b>455</b>. As seen in the various figures, the proxy server (gateway web server <b>300</b>) is made transparent to the PCD's normal browsing experience; however, an additional SP content frame <b>620</b> is added and displayed at predetermined locations (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) on the web browser relative to the requested third party web page, which is proxied and displayed in another window within the web browser.

0055The SP content selected for posting within SP content frame <b>620</b> may be selected based on known information about the user and/or the PCD, such as the known geographic location of the PCD (for example, by determining the location of NDU <b>410</b>), and/or user demographic information. In one embodiment, PWP utility <b>345</b> may also examine the proxied web page <b>610</b> and search for key words, which keywords then determine the type of content selected to provide within the SP content frame <b>620</b>. In yet another embodiment, PWP utility <b>345</b> applies other pattern recognition engines, and modifies the content that is displayed in the SP content frame <b>620</b> based on that information.

0056Specific content may be selected without consideration of the PCD's/user's information or the information (keywords) retrieved from the proxied web page. For example, the Service Provider may partner with other content providers to provide links or other advertising content for posting within the SP content frame. By using the gateway web server <b>300</b> as a proxy server, the SP is able to retain control over the user's access experience (e.g., what SP content is provided to the user's PCD) after the initial connection process.

0057This SP content may be “paid for” content, such as advertisements. That is, a third party advertiser (or content provider) may pay the Service Provider to provide/display the content to the user(s) of the Service Provider's gateway access system. The fees charged provide an added revenue stream for the Service Provider and may help subsidize the cost of the user's connection to the gateway access system. Thus, in one embodiment, advertising revenue to the ISP for providing the SP content to the user(s) may be used by the Service Provider to offset the price that the user would otherwise have to pay for using the access point (to access third party web pages and/or the Internet) if such user access was provided without the advertising.

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates four possible configurations of a proxied web page and SP content frame relative to each other within a web browser of PCD <b>405</b>, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As shown in each depiction of web browser <b>500</b>, proxied web page <b>610</b> is displayed within a first area of the PCD display screen. Also displayed within a remaining area of web browser <b>600</b> on the PCD display screen is SP content frame <b>620</b>, which provides SP content from gateway web server <b>440</b>.

0059Whenever the web browser <b>600</b> is open and displays a proxied web page <b>610</b> from the gateway web server <b>300</b>, the proxied web page <b>610</b> is displayed along with the SP content (such as an advertisement) within SP content frame <b>620</b>. The selected SP content is displayed in a pre-set spatial location relative to the web page content (e.g., above, below, or to the right or left of the web page content), based on the location of the SP content frame <b>620</b>. Thus, the first two web browsers <b>600</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrate that the SP content frames <b>620</b> may be oriented above (<b>620</b>) the proxied web page <b>610</b> (or display screen) or below (<b>621</b>) the proxied web page <b>610</b>, respectively. The final two web browsers <b>600</b> illustrate that the proxy frame <b>620</b> may be placed on the right (<b>622</b>) of the web page <b>610</b> or, alternatively, on the left (<b>623</b>) of the web page <b>610</b>.

0060The location of the SP content frame (<b>620</b>) relative to the proxy web page <b>610</b> may be determined by factors related to one or more of (a) the characteristics (such as display requirements) of the content being presented in the web page (e.g., wide content or long content, text or graphic), (b) the characteristics (such as display requirements) of the content to be provided within the SP content frame (e.g., text or graphic, for example), and (c) the size of the PCD's display, and others.

0061According to one embodiment, SP content frame <b>620</b> is “persistent”, in that SP content frame <b>620</b> cannot be closed, hidden, or minimized while displaying web browser <b>600</b>. However, in one embodiment, the SP content within the SP content frame (<b>620</b>) may be changed periodically, and that change of SP content may be made independent of changes to the content of the proxied web page <b>610</b>.

0062In another embodiment, the persistence of the SP content frame is intermittent. That is, the SP content frame may be displayed only part of the time the web page is displayed and may fade in/out at preset periods (every 30 seconds) and/or remain visible for a pre-set period (15 seconds) to allow the user of the PCD <b>405</b> to view the content. For example, the SP content frame may be displayed only during the initial display of the proxied web page and then removed after a pre-set time period (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed. Additionally, in another embodiment, display of the SP content frame may be tied to specific portions of the proxied web page, such that the SP content frame is displayed only when the user views that particular portions/content of the web page. When the user scrolls away from that portion of the proxied web page, the SP content frame is removed from the display.

0063In one implementation, the user may be permitted to change the location of the SP content frame (perhaps via a drag operation) to another visible portion of the web browser. The PWP utility <b>345</b> detects the change of location on the web browser of the SP content frame and re-orients the proxy web page relative to the new location of the SP content frame.

0064In yet another embodiment, PWP utility <b>345</b> may dynamically change the location of the SP content frame relative to the proxy web page based on a detected change in the proxy web page. When the proxy web page is being scrolled downwards or upwards or left or right, the PWP utility <b>345</b> detects the direction of the scroll and changes the location of the SP content frame away from the direction of the scroll. By dynamically performing this change, PWP utility <b>345</b> ensures that the SP content frame provide minimal interference with the user's experience when the user is interacting with the proxied web page.

0065Within the illustrative examples (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>), SP content frame <b>620</b> is smaller than the main proxied web page <b>610</b>. In one embodiment, gateway <b>440</b> is configured so that, as long as the SP content frame <b>620</b> is open and is displaying advertisements or SP content, the firewall rules for accessing web pages on third party web server <b>455</b> remain applicable. Upon closing, minimizing or otherwise hiding the SP content frame <b>620</b>, the gateway <b>440</b> may close the firewall, terminate the access session, and force the user to re-open the SP content frame <b>620</b> if the user wishes to continue browsing the Internet or accessing third party web pages.

0066Alternatively, in the embodiment in which the user has the option of paying additional fees for an direct access option, the user who initially selects the proxied access option with advertisement may later decide to select the direct access option or may attempt to close, minimize or hide the SP content frame <b>620</b>. When this occurs, the PWP utility <b>345</b> generates and displays a prompt requesting the user pay an additional fee to view the third party web pages without the SP content frame <b>620</b>. The user may then select whether to proceed by paying the additional fee to proceed without the SP content frame or not paying the additional fee, in which case the standard display of the proxied web page with the SP content frame continues to be presented on the web browser.

0067As an alternative method, the SP content frame <b>620</b> may be configured to periodically prompt the user to click on a link on the SPE content window <b>620</b> or to answer a question (e.g. which product feature the user likes better). Responses to the web links that are clicked or answers to questions may then be stored in storage <b>352</b> for later use. In one implementation, the users periodic response enables the user to continue accessing the Internet for free or for a reduced fee, and thus the user is motivated to keep the SP content frame <b>620</b> open and/or respond to periodic questions/prompts during the access session.

0068Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, which illustrates a re-constituted web page in which the SP content is incorporated into the content of the re-constituted web page, according to one embodiment. With a re-constituted web page, the gateway web server <b>300</b> intercepts the third party web page and adds the SP content within the web page, rather than within a separate SP content frame (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>). As shown, web browser <b>700</b> includes a new re-constituted web page <b>710</b> in which the SP content <b>720</b> is integrated as a part of re-constituted web page <b>710</b> on web browser <b>700</b>. PWP utility <b>345</b> breaks apart and “re-configures” the proxied web page to include SP content <b>720</b> and then provides the proxied web page as a re-constituted web page <b>710</b>. The reconstituted web page <b>710</b> is then provided within the displayed web browser <b>700</b>.

0069The above described embodiments of the invention may be advantageously applied to web pages retrieved from third party web sites that do not restrict either (a) the use of framed content or (b) re-displaying content (not in the original published form) without explicit permission of the site owner. However, for web sites with one or both of the above restrictions, a different embodiment of the invention is provided. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates one method for getting around the above pair of restrictions (with respect to providing framed web page content or re-displaying web page content). The method of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> utilizes a two-window display within the PCD display in which a first window displays the third party web page and a second, SP content window displays the SP content.

0070Specifically, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a network access system in which a third party web page <b>810</b> is presented on the display device (<b>806</b>) of PCD <b>405</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). The display device <b>806</b> is hereinafter referred to as PCD display <b>806</b>. As shown by <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, third party web page <b>810</b> is retrieved from third party web server <b>455</b>, which is accessed on the Internet <b>450</b> via network access system (<b>400</b>). When third party web page <b>810</b> is retrieved from third party web server <b>455</b>, gateway web server <b>300</b> forwards SP content window <b>820</b> to be concurrently displayed on PCD display <b>806</b>. In one embodiment, SP content window <b>820</b> is persistent, in that SP content window <b>620</b> cannot be closed, minimized, or hidden while third party web page <b>810</b> is being displayed. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, gateway web server <b>300</b> has an associated content database/storage <b>352</b>, which stores one or more SP content that is displayed within SP content window <b>820</b>. Thus, when third party web page <b>810</b> is retrieved, gateway web server <b>300</b> concurrently retrieves SP content from content storage <b>352</b> and forwards the SP content to be displayed within SP content window <b>820</b> along with the third party web page <b>810</b> within PCD display <b>806</b>.

0071In one embodiment, during the initial connection process, the user clicks a provided “web button” to open SP content window <b>820</b>. The operating system of the PCD generally supports the display of windows. SP content window code is loaded on the PCD and generates the SP content window <b>820</b> during the initial connection process. The code for generating SP content window <b>820</b> contains window state-sensing code <b>830</b> that is written in client-side software, such as java, java-script, active-X, or other client-side software configured to run in the PCD's web browser. This state-sensing code <b>830</b> continually runs in the background of SP content window <b>820</b>, and state sensing code <b>830</b> reports back to the web server <b>440</b> about changes to the state of the SP content window <b>820</b>. For example, the state-sensing code <b>830</b> senses whether the SP content window <b>820</b> has been minimized, closed, or hidden. Additionally, state-sensing code <b>830</b> may be configured on most PCDs to always display SP content window <b>820</b> “on-top” of PCD display <b>806</b> and to prevent re-sizing, closing or minimizing of SP content window <b>820</b>. In this manner, state sensing code <b>830</b> ensures that the SP content window <b>820</b> is always open and visible on the user's PCD.

0072As utilized herein, the term “window” (e.g., SP content window) generally refers to any structure within which the SP content may be displayed. The SP content “window”, for example, may be generated by a process such as an application (code) or an operating system executing within the PCD application.

0073In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, SP content window <b>820</b> is illustrated as a persistent window within the PCD's display. Accordingly, the SP content within SP content window <b>820</b> continues to be displayed throughout the session period (i.e., the entire time in which the PCD <b>405</b> is communicatively granted access to the background network/Internet via the network access system (<b>400</b>)), even when the PCD's web browser is closed on PCD display. In an alternate embodiment, the persistence of SP content window <b>820</b> is linked to the open status of the PCD's web browser, such that the SP content window <b>820</b> is only displayed while the PCD's web browser is open. With this alternate embodiment, the state sensing code <b>830</b> allows the SP content window <b>820</b> to be hidden while the PCD's web browser is closed.

0074Thus, as can be seen from the above description, the embodiment illustrated by <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> overcomes the restrictions on (a) the use of framed content and (b) re-displaying content (not in its original form) without explicit permission of the site owner. The embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> may further be applied to third party web site that utilizes “frame-bursting” technology, which would prevent the above methods of proxying and reconfiguring the third party web site from functioning properly.

0075<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 -11</figref> are flow charts illustrating various methods by which the above processes of displaying an SP content frame along with a third party web page are completed, according to embodiments of the invention. Although the methods illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9-11</figref> may be described with reference to components shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-8</figref>, it should be understood that this is merely for convenience and alternative components and/or configurations thereof can be employed when implementing the various methods. Key portions of the methods may be completed by PWP utility <b>345</b> executing within gateway web server <b>300</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) and controlling specific operations of/on gateway web server <b>300</b>, and the methods are thus described from the perspective of PWP utility <b>345</b> and gateway web server <b>300</b>.

0076The method of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> begins at block <b>902</b> and proceeds to block <b>904</b> with detection of a PCD at the access point. At block <b>906</b>, the PCD is provided the connection screens, which include connection information and prompts for entry of user information and/or payment method (e.g., credit card number). Notably, as provided by <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, which is described below, the connections pages may also prompt the user to elect to opt out of the proxied access option, which includes a persistent display of the SP content frame. A determination is made at block <b>908</b> whether the required information and other inputs have been received to enable access beyond the firewall to the Internet. If the information is not received, access to the Internet is denied, as provided at block <b>909</b>.

0077Assuming the required information is received, access to the Internet is granted to the PCD, as shown at block <b>910</b>. When the user enters a request for a third party web page (e.g., the user browses to or clicks on a link for third party web site), as determined at decision block <b>912</b>, the gateway web server intervenes in the web page download and proxies the web page, as shown at block <b>914</b>. The gateway web server then concurrently displays the proxied web page on the PCDs browser along with SP content in a persistent SP content frame, at shown at block <b>916</b>. The gateway web server continues to display all subsequent third party web pages as proxied web pages. The gateway web server also continues to display the SP content frame along with the proxied web pages, until the PCD is disconnected from the access point, as determined at block <b>918</b>. The process then ends at block <b>920</b>.

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an operational flow diagram generally illustrating the method for selecting the SP content to be displayed within the SP content frame (e.g., window <b>620</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) on the PCDs browser. The method begins at block <b>1002</b> and proceeds to block <b>1004</b> at which the content of the third party web page is received at the gateway web server. At block <b>1006</b>, PWP utility evaluates the content of the web page to determine the characteristics (dimension, text versus graphics, size and location of text/graphics, etc.) of the received third party web page. PWP utility then evaluates, at block <b>1008</b>, the most effective SP content (e.g., advertisements) to utilized from the collection of SP contents available (from within the storage). In one embodiment, this evaluation may involve first identifying key words within content of the third party web page and then linking those key words to specific SP content (advertisement), which may also be of interest to the user of the PCD. Additionally, in one embodiment, the SP content may be further filtered down based information about the user of the PCD or the type or the location of the PCD. For example, if the PCD is a smart phone with a small display screen, the type of SP content and placement of SP content frame may be different than when the proxied web page is displayed on a standard sized laptop display.

0079PWP utility divides up the available display area, with a first portion of the space allocated to display the proxied web page and the remaining portion assigned to the SP content frame. The SP content frame is then oriented to fill up the remaining portion of the display. As provided at block <b>1010</b>, PWP utility displays the proxy web page in an orientation relative to the display screen best suited to display the content of the proxied web page. Contemporaneously with displaying the proxied web page, the selected SP content is provided for display within the SP content frame, as shown at block <b>1012</b>. As described above, the SP content frame is persistent, while the SP content may change periodically. When a request for a new third party web page is detected, as determined at block <b>1014</b>, the method repeats the above steps (<b>1004</b>-<b>1012</b>), which determine a best orientation of the proxied web page and selects the SP content to display with the proxied web page.

0080<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an operational flow diagram generally illustrating the method for enabling user selection of whether the SP content frame remains a part of the user's “access experience”. The method begins at block <b>1102</b> and proceeds to block <b>1104</b> at which the PWP utility detects the connection process. The PWP utility generates and displays the Welcome and Selections page <b>500</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) at block <b>1106</b>. The Welcome and Selections page <b>500</b> provides options for the user to select a direct access experience (<b>505</b>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) or a proxied access experience (<b>515</b>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>), which includes a persistent display of the SP content frame. The user is prompted to select one of the two (or more) options.

0081At block <b>1108</b>, PWP utility determines whether the user selects the proxied access option <b>515</b>. When PWP utility detects that the user does not select the proxied access option <b>515</b> (i.e., the user selects the direct access option <b>505</b>), the PWP utility relinquishes control of the PCD's Internet access (browsing) experience. PWP utility informs the user of the higher fee being charged and applies the fee to the payment method at block <b>1122</b>. The user's PCD is provided direct access to the Internet and to the third party web sites, without the SP content frame being displayed, as provided at block <b>1124</b>. The process then terminates at block <b>1126</b>.

0082At block <b>1108</b>, however, when the user has selected the proxied access option <b>515</b>, the PWP utility applies the appropriate payment (for proxied access) to the user's payment method (e.g., credit card) at block <b>1110</b>. Then, the PWP utility triggers the gateway web server to proxy all third party web pages requested by the user and to provide a display of both the proxied web page and the SP content frame, as shown at block <b>1112</b>.

0083If during the subsequent user experience, PWP utility detects an attempt by the user to close, hide, or minimize the SP content frame, as determined at block <b>1114</b>, PWP utility prompts the user to pay the higher access fee for the direct access experience, as shown at block <b>1116</b>. If the user does not select that option (perhaps within a preset time after the prompt is generated) at block <b>1118</b>, PWP utility prevents the SP content frame from being closed, hidden or minimized, as shown at block <b>1120</b>. However, if PWP utility detects a response indicating the user agrees to pay the higher fee for an ad-less experience, PWP utility informs the user of the higher fee being charged and applies the fee to the payment method at block <b>1122</b>. Then, PWP utility removes the SP content frame from being displayed in the PCD's browser and forwards the PCD directly to the third party web page, as shown at block <b>1124</b>. The process then ends at block <b>1126</b>.

0084In one embodiment, information received about the PCD's location is utilized to determine what SP content to provide along with the requested third party web pages. Internet service providers or gateway service providers that provide access in public locations such as hotels, restaurants, airports, or in distributed areas around a city, may additionally provide other services to the customers based on their known geographic location or other known information about the customer. While described as SP content, it is understood that these services typically take the form of advertisements that are offered to the customer in the specific location. With the methods described herein, these advertising services may now be offered within the SP content frame, throughout the entire period in which the PCD is connected (i.e., during the entire access session), rather than in a few gateway web pages during the short period required to complete the initial connection process.

0085In the flow charts above, one or more of the methods are embodied in a computer readable medium containing computer readable code such that a series of steps are performed when the computer readable code is executed on a computing device. In some implementations, certain steps of the methods are combined, performed simultaneously or in a different order, or perhaps omitted, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the method steps are described and illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence of steps is not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. Changes may be made with regards to the sequence of steps without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Use of a particular sequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

0086As will be further appreciated, the processes in embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using any combination of software, firmware or hardware. As a preparatory step to practicing the invention in software, the programming code (whether software or firmware) will typically be stored in one or more machine readable storage mediums such as fixed (hard) drives, diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tape, semiconductor memories such as ROMs, PROMs, etc., thereby making an article of manufacture in accordance with the invention. The article of manufacture containing the programming code is used by either executing the code directly from the storage device, by copying the code from the storage device into another storage device such as a hard disk, RAM, etc., or by transmitting the code for remote execution using transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links. The methods of the invention may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage devices containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate processing hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing the invention could be one or more processing devices and storage systems containing or having network access to program(s) coded in accordance with the invention.

0087Thus, it is important that while an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is described in the context of a fully functional computer (server) system with installed (or executed) software, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the software aspects of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution.

0088While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.