CA2305048A1 - Information delivery system - Google Patents
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- CA2305048A1 CA2305048A1 CA002305048A CA2305048A CA2305048A1 CA 2305048 A1 CA2305048 A1 CA 2305048A1 CA 002305048 A CA002305048 A CA 002305048A CA 2305048 A CA2305048 A CA 2305048A CA 2305048 A1 CA2305048 A1 CA 2305048A1
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 71
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 208000002925 dental caries Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002716 delivery method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
- G06F16/90—Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
- G06F16/95—Retrieval from the web
- G06F16/953—Querying, e.g. by the use of web search engines
- G06F16/9535—Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/2866—Architectures; Arrangements
- H04L67/30—Profiles
- H04L67/306—User profiles
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/50—Network services
- H04L67/56—Provisioning of proxy services
- H04L67/563—Data redirection of data network streams
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
- H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
- H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
- H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
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- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
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- Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
Abstract
An electronic information delivery system includes a network server for engaging in transactions with network users, a client server for initiating a transaction between one of the network users and the network server, and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the requested transaction. The network server includes a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network. The client server includes a transaction agent for providing the transaction request processor with the transaction request for requesting the transaction. The transaction server includes a profile database having profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the client server with electronic information over the network. The information transmitter is in communication with the profile database for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
Description
INFORMATION DELIVERY SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic data exchange system. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for transmitting electronic information to a network client in accordance with a user-profile associated with the client.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many commercial enterprises rely on advertising to promote the sale of their goods and/or services. Due to the exponential growth of the Internet and the availability of relatively inexpensive computer equipment for interfacing with the Internet, many commercial enterprises have directed their .advertising resources to Internet-based advertising as a cost effective means for reaching customers. Consequently, many commercial web sites and the web sites of several Internet search engines presently display banner advertisements for viewing by Internet subscribers. However, as the web site owner is generally not provided with any information pertaining to the viewing subscriber, conventional Internet-based banner advertising is not entirely effective at stimulating sales.
Attempts have been made to tailor network-based advertising in accordance with the characteristics of the network subscriber. For instance, Caries (US 5,515,098) teaches a message distribution system for selectively broadcasting commercial advertisements to subscribers over a cable television network. The distribution system comprises a household profile database which includes demographic data for subscribing households, a routing database which includes network routing information for each subscribing household, and a network server in communication with the profile database and the routing database which automatically transmits commf~rcial messages to the subscribing households in accordance with the associated demographic data.
Dedrick (US 5,717,923) teaches client system for dynamically customizing electronic information to end users. The client system is typically associated with a plurality of end users and comprises a profile database for storing consumer information associated with each end user, and a content adapter for receiving electronic information, for customizing the received information in accord<~nce with the consumer information, and for automatically transmitting the customized information to the end users. The client system also includes a client activity monitor for updating the consumer information in accordance with each end user's response to the customized information.
Payne (US 5,715,314) teaches a network sales system for facilitating electronic sales to network subscribers. The sales system comprises a buyer computer for initiating a purchase request, a merchant computer for receiving and satisfying the purchase request, and a payment computer for obtaining; payment for the purchase. The merchant computer includes an advertising document database of digital advertisements, each having an advertising document URI,. To initiate a transaction, the buyer computer transmits a desired advertising document URI~ to the merchant computer, and the merchant computer responds with the requested digital advertisement from the document database. The user then selects a product to purchase from the transmitted digital advertisement, and transmits to the payment computer a payment URL corresponding to the selected product. After the payment computer verifies that the user is authorized to proceed with the transaction, the payment computer transmits to the merchant computer an access message identifying the selected product. The merchant computer then causes the selected product to be delivered to the user.
Although each of the foregoing references address the need to tailor network-based advertising in accordance with the characteristics of the network subscriber, both Caries and Dedrick are limited in their value to advertisers since they transmit the user-targeted information without consideration to the dynamically-changing interests of the end user.
Although Payne is advantageous in that it transmits the user-targeted information only after receipt of a request from the end user, Payne is also limited in value to advertisers since it does not provide advertisers wish the opportunity to provide the end user with information other than that specifically requested. Accordingly, there remains a need for an electronic information delivery system which provides end users with information tailored to the recipient's present interests, while also promoting interest in future sales.
SUMMARY C>F THE 1NVENT10N
According to the present invention there is provided an electronic information delivery system and method which addresses deficiencies of the prior art.
The electronic information delivery system, according to a first aspect of the present invention, delivers electronic information to network users in accordance with each user's profile. The information deliivery system includes a network server for engaging in transactions with the network users, a client server for initiating a transaction between one of the network users and the network server, and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the requested transaction.
The network server includes a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network. The client server includes a transaction agent for providing the transaction request processor with the transaction request for requesting the transaction. The transaction server includes a profile database having profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the client server with electronic information over the network. The information transmitter is in communication with the profile database for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
The electronic information delivery method, according to a second aspect of the present invention, comprises the steps of ( 1 ) maintaining an encryption database of encryption records, each said encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, (2) receiving over a network a request from one of the network users for a transaction; (3) engaging in the transaction with the one network user;
_3_ and (4) providing the one network user with electronic information over the network, the electronic information being provided in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transaction promotion system for promoting transactions with network users. The transaction promotion system includes a network server for engaging in a transaction requested by one of the network users, and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the; requested transaction. The network server includes a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network from the one network user. The transaction server includes a profile database including profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the one network user with electronic information over the network. The information transmitter is in communication with the profile database for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile iiat:a record associated with the one network user.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the client server includes a communication processor for providing a user interface for communication with the network server. The transaction agent is configured to provide an identification key uniquely associated with the one net~,vork user, and comprises an information processor in communication with the communication processor for providing an information window distinct from the user inter:fac:e for displaying the provided electronic information. In addition, the transaction agent includes an encryption processor in communication with the communication processor for ewcrypting transaction data received from the user interface.
The client server also includes a transaction data transmitter for transmitting the encrypted transaction data to the network server.
The network server includes a decryption processor for decrypting the transmitted encrypted transaction data. The transaction server includes an encryption database of encryption records, with each encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network: users. The transaction server also includes an encryption server in communication with the encryption database for providing the decryption processor with the decryption key associated with the one network user for the decryption of the encrypted transaction data.
The network server also inc:Ludes transaction processor in communication with the decryption processor for completing the transaction in accordance with the decrypted transaction data. Also, the transaction server includes a transaction completion receiver for receiving a transaction completion signal from the transaction processor, an electronic information database, and a database filter in conununication with the electronic information database for filtering the electronic information database with the identification key so as to provide the client server with the electronic information in accordance with the network user's prof le data. fhe informa.ti.on transmitter is configured for transmitting the electronic information upon receipt of the completion signal.
The client server initiates a transaction with the network server by transmitting to the network server an identification key uniquely associated with the network user. The network server responds by requesting transaction information from the client server.
In response, the client server provides at least a portion of the requested transaction information, with the received transaction informatiern preferably being encrypted. Preferably, the client server includes a data structure which includes a portion of the requested transaction information to alleviate the necessity of the network user entering the transaction data for each transaction. Further, preferably the client server is configured to allow the network user to specify which portions of the transaction data retained in the data structure are provided to the network server.
Upon transmission of the transaction data from the client server, the network server obtains a decryption key from the transaction server which is uniquely associated with the identification key, and decrypts the received encrypted transaction information with the decryption key. The network server then performs the transaction with the decrypted transaction data.
The transaction server queries the profile database with the identification key for the profile data associated with the network user, and filters the electronic information database with the profile data. Upon receipt of the completion signal from the network server, the transaction server transmits the electronic information to the client server.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic information delivery system, according to the present invention, depicting the network server, the client server and the transaction server;
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the network server shown in Fig. l, depicting the network interface, the transaction request processor, the decryption processor and the transaction processor;
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the client server shown in Fig. l, depicting the network interface, the communication processor, and the information processor and the encryption processor 138 of the transaction agent; and Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the transaction server shown in Fig. 1, depicting the network interface, the profile database, the database filter and the information database, and the encryption server and the encryption database.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION O~F THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning to Fig. l, an electronic: information delivery system, denoted generally as 100, is shown comprising a network :;ewer 102, a client server 104 for initiating a transaction between one of the network users and the network sewer 102, and a transaction server 106 S for facilitating completion of the requested transaction. The electronic information delivery system 100 also includes a communications network 108 for facilitating communication between the network sewer 10:?, the client sewer 104 and the transaction sewer 106.
Preferably, the communications network 108 comprises a land-based network, such as the Internet or enterprise network. However, the invention is not limited for use with a land-based network, but may instead be used with a wireless network. Other network configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Further, it should be understood that the information delivery system I 00 typically includes a plurality of network servers 102 and a plurality of client sewers 104. However, for clarity, the information delivery system 100 is shown in Fig. 1 as including only a single network sewer 102 and a single client sewer 104.
The network sewer 102 is configured to engage in transactions with network users of the communications network 108. 'Typically the network sewer 102 is implemented as an Internet-accessible web site which offers goods or sewices to Internet subscribers. As shown in Fig. 2, the network sewer 102 comprises a network interface 110 for interfacing with the communications network 108, a central processing unit (CPU) 112 coupled to the network interface 110, and a non-volatile memory (DISC) 114 and a read/write memory (RAM) 116 both in communication with the CPtJ 112. The DISC 114 includes processor instructions for the CPU 112. The processor instructions establish in the RAM 116 a memory object defining a transaction requeso processor 118, a memory object defining a decryption processor 120 in communication with the decryption processor 118, and a memory object defining a transaction processor 122 in communication with the decryption processor 120.
However, it will be appreciated that the transaction request processor 118, the decryption processor 120, and the transaction processor 122 need not be implemented as memory objects, but instead may be implemented in electronic hardware, if desired.
The transaction request processor 118 is configured to receive a request from one of the client servers I 04 for a transaction with the network user of the client server 104. Also, the transaction request processor 118 is configured to provide the network user of the client server 104 with a prompt to extract from the client server 104 transaction information necessary for the transaction, Preferably, the transaction request processor 118 receives a transaction request from the client server 104 in the form of the network user's unique identification code, transmitted via P3P over HTML. This aspect of the invention will be explained in further detail below.
Preferably, the transaction information is provided to the network server 102 over a secure data channel, such as a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data channel. In addition, preferably the 1 S transaction information is provided with a digital signature or is otherwise encrypted so as to allow the network server 102 to verify the integrity of the transaction information.
Accordingly, the decryption processor 118 is configured to decrypt or verify the digital signature of the encrypted transaction information received, and the transaction processor 122 is configured to complete the transaction upon receipt from the decryption processor 118 of the decrypted/verified transaction information.
The client server 104 is configured to initiate a transaction between the network server 102 and the network user associated with the client server I 04. Typically the client server 104 is implemented as a desktop or portable computer, or hand-held communications device including a personal data assistant (PDA) or wireless telephone. As shown in Fig. 3, the client server 104 comprises a network interface I 24 for interfacing with the communications network 108, a central processing unit (C'.PU} 126 coupled to the network interface 124, a data interface 125 in communication with the CPU I26, and a non-volatile memory (DISC) 128 and a read/write memory (RAIVI) 130 both in communication with the CPU
126. The _g_ data interface 125 includes a data display device, such as a CRT or LCD
display, and a data input device, such as a keyboard, voice recognition port or hand-recognition membrane.
The DISC 128 includes processor instructions for the CPU 126. The processor instructions establish in the RAM 130 a mennory object defining a communication processor 132, and a memory module defining a transaction agent 134. As above, the communication processor 132 and the transaction agent 134 need not be implemented as memory objects, but instead may be implemented in electronic hardware, if desired.
The communication processor 132 is in communication with the data interface 125, and provides a user interface for communication with the network server 102 and the transaction server 106. In the preferred implementation where the communications network comprises the Internet, preferably the user interface comprises an Internet web browser. The transaction agent 134 is in communication with the communication processor 132 and assists the communication processor 132 in providing a transaction request and transaction information to the transaction request processor I 18 of the network server 102. Preferably, the transaction agent 134 is configured to provide the transaction request in the form of the network user's unique identification code, transmitted via P3P over HTML.
The transaction agent 134 comprises an information processor 136, and an encryption processor 138 in communication with the communication processor 132. The information processor 136 provides an infornnation window distinct from the user interface for displaying the electronic information provided by the transaction server 106. Preferably, the information processor includes a configuration input (not shown) for altering a configuration (such as the sire and location) of the information window. The encryption processor 138 encrypts transaction data received from the user interface for transmission to the network server 104.
The transaction server 106 is configured to authorize the transaction requested by the client server 104. As shown in Fig. 4, l:he transaction server 106 comprises a network interface 140 for interfacing with the communications network 108, a central processing unit (CPU) 142 coupled to the network interface 140, and a non-volatile memory (DISC) 144 and a read/write memory (KAM) 146 both in communication with the CPU 142. The DISC
includes a profile database 146 including profile data records associated with the network users, and an electronic information database 148 of electronic information to be transmitted to the network users, and an encryption database 150 of encryption records.
Each profile data record includea a user identification code (UID) uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users. Preferably, each UID is assigned by the transaction server 106 when the network user registers with the transaction server 106.
The registration process is described in more de~ta.il below. Each profile data record also includes a number of demographic and psychogra.phic data fields which can be used to identify the type of electronic information which it would appropriate to send to the network user.
Typically the profile data record data fields include information identifying the network user's age, sex, marital status, income level, personal interests, business interests and other lifestyle-related information.
The electronic information comprises advertising and promotional information, and a profile data field associated with the advertising/promotional information which specifies the target group for the information. As is~ well known to those skilled in the art, preferably the profile data field is based upon a calculation involving the same information specified in the profile data records.
Each encryption record includes an identification code uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, and identifies an encryption key and a corresponding decryption key uniquely both associated with the identification code. As will be explained in greater detail below, t:he decryption key is transmitted to the network server 102 for decrypting encrypted transaction information provided to the network server 102 from the client serve I 04.
The DISC 144 also includes ;processor instructions for the CPU 142. The processor instructions establish in the RAIVI 146 a memory object defining a memory object defining a database filter I 52 in communication with the information database 148, and an encryption server 154 in communication with the encryption database I50. As above, it will be appreciated that the database filter 152 and the encryption server 154 need not be implemented as memory objects, but instead may be implemented in electronic hardware, if desired.
The database filter 152 is in connnunication with the profile database 146 and the electronic information database 148. The database filter I 52 is configured to query the profile database 146 with a network user's identification code to obtain the network user's profile information.
I 5 In addition, the database filter 1 _'i2 is configured to query the electronic information database 148 with the profile information obtained from the profile database 146 to determine the appropriate advertising/promotional information to transmit to the network user.
To initiate a transaction with a network server 102, a network user first registers with the transaction server 106. Accordingly, the network user of the client server 104 first enters the Universal Resource Locator (URl_,) or network address of the transaction server 106 into the display interface to establish a communication channel with the network server 102 via theirs respective network interfaces 124, 140. Once the communication channel is established, the transaction server 106 transmits to the client server 104 via the network interface I40 an information page requesting that the network user establish an account with the transaction server 106. This information page is received by the client server 104 via the network interface 124, and is displayed. to the network user by the display interface on the data display device of the data interface 125.
If the network 'user agrees to establish an account, the network user selects the appropriate link on the information page via the data input device of the data interface 125, thereby causing the transaction server 106 to establish a secure communications channel, such as an SSL channel, with the client server 104. Once the secure communications channel is established, the transaction server 106 transmits to the client server 104, via the network interface 140, over the secure communications channel, a form page requesting demographic and psychographic profile data from the network user. In one variation, the form page also requests financial information, such as credit card numbers, for completion of financial transactions.
The form page is received by the client server 104 via the network interface 124, and is displayed to the network user on the data display device of the data interface 125. The network user network user enters the demographic and psychographic profile data into the form page with the data input device, and transmits the requested information to the transaction server 106 over the secure data channel via the network interface 124. A copy of the profile data is retained by t:he communication processor 132. In the variation, where the form page also requests sensitive information, such as financial information, preferably only the demographic and psychographic profile data is transmitted to the transaction server 106, but is retained by the communication processor 132.
Upon receipt of the profile data from the client server 104, the transaction server 106 assigns a unique UID to the network user, and then stores the profile data and the associated UID in the profile database 146. The transaction server 106 also assigns one of the encryption/decryption key pairs in the encryption database I ~0 to the network user by entering the identification code into the encryption database 150 with the appropriate encryption record. The transacti on server 106 then transmits the UID and the associated keys to the client server 104 via the network interfaces 124, 140. The encryption processor 138 of the transaction agent 1 34 then encrypts the profile data (held by the communication processor 132;) with the receive;d encryption key, and then stores the encrypted profile data in the disc 128, together with the UID and the encryption and decryption keys.
Subsequently, if the network user wishes to initiate a transaction with a network server I 02, the network user enters the Universal Resource Locator (URL) or network address of the network server 102 into the display interface to establish a communication channel with the network server 102 via the network interfaces 110, 124. Once the communication channel is established, the transaction agent 134 retrieves the UID from the disc 128 and transmits the UID to the transaction request processor 118 of the network server 102 via the network interfaces 110, 124, thereby signalling the network server 102 that the network user is a registered user. Preferably, the transaction agent 134 transmits the UID to the network server 102 as P3P over HTML. I-Iowever, other means for transmitting the UID code will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
Upon receipt of the LJID from tike client server 104 by the transaction request processor 118, preferably the network server 102 establishes a secure communications channel, such as an SSL channel, with the client se~w~er 104 via the network interfaces 110, 124.
The transaction request processor 118 transnxits to the client server 104, via the network interface 110, over the secure communications channel, a form page identifying information required for a transaction with the network server 102. Typically, a portion of the requested information is stored in encrypted form in the disc 128 as part of the profile data. This form page received by the client server l04 via the network interface 124, and is displayed to the network user over the data display device of the data interface 125 by the user interface.
Upon receipt of the form page from the network server 102, the information processor I 36 of the transaction agent 134 exaracts the profile data from the disc 128, and the encryption processor 138 decrypts the profile data with the decryption key. The information processor 136 then queries the network user, through the user interface, for confirmation on the data items which the network user agrees to enter into the form page. Typically, the information processor 136 provides a graphic element, such as a graphic box, beside each data item requested to allow the network user to identify the data items which it agrees to provide, and a graphic element such as a confirmation box to signal the information processor 136 that the data identification step is complete. Once the network user has completed the identification of allowed data items, the network user signals the information through the confirmation box, thereby causing the information processor 134 to insert the identified data items into the form page. The encryption processor 138 then encrypts the completed form page with the network user's encryption key, and then passes the encrypted information to the network interface 124 for transmission to the network server 102. As discussed above, rather than encrypting the transaction data, the encryption processor 13 8 may instead append a digital certificate to the forrr~ page, with the digital certificate being created with the network user's encryption key.
Upon receipt of the encrypted transaction data, preferably the client server 102 establishes a secure communications channel, such as an SSh channel, with the transaction server 106 via the network interfaces 110, 140. 'The transaction request processor 118 of the network server 102 then transmits the network user's UID to the transaction server 106. The database filter 152 of the transaction server 106 queries the encryption database 150 with the received UID, and transmits to the transaction request processor 118, via the network interfaces 110, 140, the decryption key corresponding to the network users' UID. The decryption processor 120 decrypts the encrypted transaction data using the decryption key received from the transaction server 106, and transmits the decrypted transaction data to the transaction processor 122 for completion oil the transaction.
Once the transaction is complete, the transaction processor 122 transmits to the network interface 140 of the transactie~n server 106 a transaction completion signal indicating successful completion of the transaction. Preferably, the transaction processor 122 also transmits a transaction completion signal to the client server 104 for providing notification to the network user that the transaction was completed successfully. Upon receipt of the transaction completion signal, t:he database filter I 52 of the transaction server 106 queries the profile database 146 with the UID of the network user for the profile data record of the network user. Alternately, in one variation, the transaction server 106 queries the profile database 146 with the UID when the network server 102 queries the transaction server 106 for the decryption key associated with the UID.
The database filter 152 then queries the information database 148 for electronic data records having profile data fields corresponding to the retrieved profile data record.
If a suitable match is found with an existing information data record in the information database 148, the transaction server 106 transmits; the electronic information in the information data record to the information processor 136 of the client server 104 via the network interfaces 124, 140.
The received electronic information is displayed to the network user via the data display device of the data interface 125, using a separate window than that generated by the communication processor 132.
The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Those of ordinary skill may envisage certain additions, deletions and/or modifications to the preferred ennbodiment which, although not specifically disclosed herein, do not depart from the spirit or scope of the invention, as defined by claims appended hereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic data exchange system. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for transmitting electronic information to a network client in accordance with a user-profile associated with the client.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many commercial enterprises rely on advertising to promote the sale of their goods and/or services. Due to the exponential growth of the Internet and the availability of relatively inexpensive computer equipment for interfacing with the Internet, many commercial enterprises have directed their .advertising resources to Internet-based advertising as a cost effective means for reaching customers. Consequently, many commercial web sites and the web sites of several Internet search engines presently display banner advertisements for viewing by Internet subscribers. However, as the web site owner is generally not provided with any information pertaining to the viewing subscriber, conventional Internet-based banner advertising is not entirely effective at stimulating sales.
Attempts have been made to tailor network-based advertising in accordance with the characteristics of the network subscriber. For instance, Caries (US 5,515,098) teaches a message distribution system for selectively broadcasting commercial advertisements to subscribers over a cable television network. The distribution system comprises a household profile database which includes demographic data for subscribing households, a routing database which includes network routing information for each subscribing household, and a network server in communication with the profile database and the routing database which automatically transmits commf~rcial messages to the subscribing households in accordance with the associated demographic data.
Dedrick (US 5,717,923) teaches client system for dynamically customizing electronic information to end users. The client system is typically associated with a plurality of end users and comprises a profile database for storing consumer information associated with each end user, and a content adapter for receiving electronic information, for customizing the received information in accord<~nce with the consumer information, and for automatically transmitting the customized information to the end users. The client system also includes a client activity monitor for updating the consumer information in accordance with each end user's response to the customized information.
Payne (US 5,715,314) teaches a network sales system for facilitating electronic sales to network subscribers. The sales system comprises a buyer computer for initiating a purchase request, a merchant computer for receiving and satisfying the purchase request, and a payment computer for obtaining; payment for the purchase. The merchant computer includes an advertising document database of digital advertisements, each having an advertising document URI,. To initiate a transaction, the buyer computer transmits a desired advertising document URI~ to the merchant computer, and the merchant computer responds with the requested digital advertisement from the document database. The user then selects a product to purchase from the transmitted digital advertisement, and transmits to the payment computer a payment URL corresponding to the selected product. After the payment computer verifies that the user is authorized to proceed with the transaction, the payment computer transmits to the merchant computer an access message identifying the selected product. The merchant computer then causes the selected product to be delivered to the user.
Although each of the foregoing references address the need to tailor network-based advertising in accordance with the characteristics of the network subscriber, both Caries and Dedrick are limited in their value to advertisers since they transmit the user-targeted information without consideration to the dynamically-changing interests of the end user.
Although Payne is advantageous in that it transmits the user-targeted information only after receipt of a request from the end user, Payne is also limited in value to advertisers since it does not provide advertisers wish the opportunity to provide the end user with information other than that specifically requested. Accordingly, there remains a need for an electronic information delivery system which provides end users with information tailored to the recipient's present interests, while also promoting interest in future sales.
SUMMARY C>F THE 1NVENT10N
According to the present invention there is provided an electronic information delivery system and method which addresses deficiencies of the prior art.
The electronic information delivery system, according to a first aspect of the present invention, delivers electronic information to network users in accordance with each user's profile. The information deliivery system includes a network server for engaging in transactions with the network users, a client server for initiating a transaction between one of the network users and the network server, and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the requested transaction.
The network server includes a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network. The client server includes a transaction agent for providing the transaction request processor with the transaction request for requesting the transaction. The transaction server includes a profile database having profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the client server with electronic information over the network. The information transmitter is in communication with the profile database for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
The electronic information delivery method, according to a second aspect of the present invention, comprises the steps of ( 1 ) maintaining an encryption database of encryption records, each said encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, (2) receiving over a network a request from one of the network users for a transaction; (3) engaging in the transaction with the one network user;
_3_ and (4) providing the one network user with electronic information over the network, the electronic information being provided in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transaction promotion system for promoting transactions with network users. The transaction promotion system includes a network server for engaging in a transaction requested by one of the network users, and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the; requested transaction. The network server includes a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network from the one network user. The transaction server includes a profile database including profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the one network user with electronic information over the network. The information transmitter is in communication with the profile database for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile iiat:a record associated with the one network user.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the client server includes a communication processor for providing a user interface for communication with the network server. The transaction agent is configured to provide an identification key uniquely associated with the one net~,vork user, and comprises an information processor in communication with the communication processor for providing an information window distinct from the user inter:fac:e for displaying the provided electronic information. In addition, the transaction agent includes an encryption processor in communication with the communication processor for ewcrypting transaction data received from the user interface.
The client server also includes a transaction data transmitter for transmitting the encrypted transaction data to the network server.
The network server includes a decryption processor for decrypting the transmitted encrypted transaction data. The transaction server includes an encryption database of encryption records, with each encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network: users. The transaction server also includes an encryption server in communication with the encryption database for providing the decryption processor with the decryption key associated with the one network user for the decryption of the encrypted transaction data.
The network server also inc:Ludes transaction processor in communication with the decryption processor for completing the transaction in accordance with the decrypted transaction data. Also, the transaction server includes a transaction completion receiver for receiving a transaction completion signal from the transaction processor, an electronic information database, and a database filter in conununication with the electronic information database for filtering the electronic information database with the identification key so as to provide the client server with the electronic information in accordance with the network user's prof le data. fhe informa.ti.on transmitter is configured for transmitting the electronic information upon receipt of the completion signal.
The client server initiates a transaction with the network server by transmitting to the network server an identification key uniquely associated with the network user. The network server responds by requesting transaction information from the client server.
In response, the client server provides at least a portion of the requested transaction information, with the received transaction informatiern preferably being encrypted. Preferably, the client server includes a data structure which includes a portion of the requested transaction information to alleviate the necessity of the network user entering the transaction data for each transaction. Further, preferably the client server is configured to allow the network user to specify which portions of the transaction data retained in the data structure are provided to the network server.
Upon transmission of the transaction data from the client server, the network server obtains a decryption key from the transaction server which is uniquely associated with the identification key, and decrypts the received encrypted transaction information with the decryption key. The network server then performs the transaction with the decrypted transaction data.
The transaction server queries the profile database with the identification key for the profile data associated with the network user, and filters the electronic information database with the profile data. Upon receipt of the completion signal from the network server, the transaction server transmits the electronic information to the client server.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic information delivery system, according to the present invention, depicting the network server, the client server and the transaction server;
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the network server shown in Fig. l, depicting the network interface, the transaction request processor, the decryption processor and the transaction processor;
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the client server shown in Fig. l, depicting the network interface, the communication processor, and the information processor and the encryption processor 138 of the transaction agent; and Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the transaction server shown in Fig. 1, depicting the network interface, the profile database, the database filter and the information database, and the encryption server and the encryption database.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION O~F THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning to Fig. l, an electronic: information delivery system, denoted generally as 100, is shown comprising a network :;ewer 102, a client server 104 for initiating a transaction between one of the network users and the network sewer 102, and a transaction server 106 S for facilitating completion of the requested transaction. The electronic information delivery system 100 also includes a communications network 108 for facilitating communication between the network sewer 10:?, the client sewer 104 and the transaction sewer 106.
Preferably, the communications network 108 comprises a land-based network, such as the Internet or enterprise network. However, the invention is not limited for use with a land-based network, but may instead be used with a wireless network. Other network configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Further, it should be understood that the information delivery system I 00 typically includes a plurality of network servers 102 and a plurality of client sewers 104. However, for clarity, the information delivery system 100 is shown in Fig. 1 as including only a single network sewer 102 and a single client sewer 104.
The network sewer 102 is configured to engage in transactions with network users of the communications network 108. 'Typically the network sewer 102 is implemented as an Internet-accessible web site which offers goods or sewices to Internet subscribers. As shown in Fig. 2, the network sewer 102 comprises a network interface 110 for interfacing with the communications network 108, a central processing unit (CPU) 112 coupled to the network interface 110, and a non-volatile memory (DISC) 114 and a read/write memory (RAM) 116 both in communication with the CPtJ 112. The DISC 114 includes processor instructions for the CPU 112. The processor instructions establish in the RAM 116 a memory object defining a transaction requeso processor 118, a memory object defining a decryption processor 120 in communication with the decryption processor 118, and a memory object defining a transaction processor 122 in communication with the decryption processor 120.
However, it will be appreciated that the transaction request processor 118, the decryption processor 120, and the transaction processor 122 need not be implemented as memory objects, but instead may be implemented in electronic hardware, if desired.
The transaction request processor 118 is configured to receive a request from one of the client servers I 04 for a transaction with the network user of the client server 104. Also, the transaction request processor 118 is configured to provide the network user of the client server 104 with a prompt to extract from the client server 104 transaction information necessary for the transaction, Preferably, the transaction request processor 118 receives a transaction request from the client server 104 in the form of the network user's unique identification code, transmitted via P3P over HTML. This aspect of the invention will be explained in further detail below.
Preferably, the transaction information is provided to the network server 102 over a secure data channel, such as a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data channel. In addition, preferably the 1 S transaction information is provided with a digital signature or is otherwise encrypted so as to allow the network server 102 to verify the integrity of the transaction information.
Accordingly, the decryption processor 118 is configured to decrypt or verify the digital signature of the encrypted transaction information received, and the transaction processor 122 is configured to complete the transaction upon receipt from the decryption processor 118 of the decrypted/verified transaction information.
The client server 104 is configured to initiate a transaction between the network server 102 and the network user associated with the client server I 04. Typically the client server 104 is implemented as a desktop or portable computer, or hand-held communications device including a personal data assistant (PDA) or wireless telephone. As shown in Fig. 3, the client server 104 comprises a network interface I 24 for interfacing with the communications network 108, a central processing unit (C'.PU} 126 coupled to the network interface 124, a data interface 125 in communication with the CPU I26, and a non-volatile memory (DISC) 128 and a read/write memory (RAIVI) 130 both in communication with the CPU
126. The _g_ data interface 125 includes a data display device, such as a CRT or LCD
display, and a data input device, such as a keyboard, voice recognition port or hand-recognition membrane.
The DISC 128 includes processor instructions for the CPU 126. The processor instructions establish in the RAM 130 a mennory object defining a communication processor 132, and a memory module defining a transaction agent 134. As above, the communication processor 132 and the transaction agent 134 need not be implemented as memory objects, but instead may be implemented in electronic hardware, if desired.
The communication processor 132 is in communication with the data interface 125, and provides a user interface for communication with the network server 102 and the transaction server 106. In the preferred implementation where the communications network comprises the Internet, preferably the user interface comprises an Internet web browser. The transaction agent 134 is in communication with the communication processor 132 and assists the communication processor 132 in providing a transaction request and transaction information to the transaction request processor I 18 of the network server 102. Preferably, the transaction agent 134 is configured to provide the transaction request in the form of the network user's unique identification code, transmitted via P3P over HTML.
The transaction agent 134 comprises an information processor 136, and an encryption processor 138 in communication with the communication processor 132. The information processor 136 provides an infornnation window distinct from the user interface for displaying the electronic information provided by the transaction server 106. Preferably, the information processor includes a configuration input (not shown) for altering a configuration (such as the sire and location) of the information window. The encryption processor 138 encrypts transaction data received from the user interface for transmission to the network server 104.
The transaction server 106 is configured to authorize the transaction requested by the client server 104. As shown in Fig. 4, l:he transaction server 106 comprises a network interface 140 for interfacing with the communications network 108, a central processing unit (CPU) 142 coupled to the network interface 140, and a non-volatile memory (DISC) 144 and a read/write memory (KAM) 146 both in communication with the CPU 142. The DISC
includes a profile database 146 including profile data records associated with the network users, and an electronic information database 148 of electronic information to be transmitted to the network users, and an encryption database 150 of encryption records.
Each profile data record includea a user identification code (UID) uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users. Preferably, each UID is assigned by the transaction server 106 when the network user registers with the transaction server 106.
The registration process is described in more de~ta.il below. Each profile data record also includes a number of demographic and psychogra.phic data fields which can be used to identify the type of electronic information which it would appropriate to send to the network user.
Typically the profile data record data fields include information identifying the network user's age, sex, marital status, income level, personal interests, business interests and other lifestyle-related information.
The electronic information comprises advertising and promotional information, and a profile data field associated with the advertising/promotional information which specifies the target group for the information. As is~ well known to those skilled in the art, preferably the profile data field is based upon a calculation involving the same information specified in the profile data records.
Each encryption record includes an identification code uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, and identifies an encryption key and a corresponding decryption key uniquely both associated with the identification code. As will be explained in greater detail below, t:he decryption key is transmitted to the network server 102 for decrypting encrypted transaction information provided to the network server 102 from the client serve I 04.
The DISC 144 also includes ;processor instructions for the CPU 142. The processor instructions establish in the RAIVI 146 a memory object defining a memory object defining a database filter I 52 in communication with the information database 148, and an encryption server 154 in communication with the encryption database I50. As above, it will be appreciated that the database filter 152 and the encryption server 154 need not be implemented as memory objects, but instead may be implemented in electronic hardware, if desired.
The database filter 152 is in connnunication with the profile database 146 and the electronic information database 148. The database filter I 52 is configured to query the profile database 146 with a network user's identification code to obtain the network user's profile information.
I 5 In addition, the database filter 1 _'i2 is configured to query the electronic information database 148 with the profile information obtained from the profile database 146 to determine the appropriate advertising/promotional information to transmit to the network user.
To initiate a transaction with a network server 102, a network user first registers with the transaction server 106. Accordingly, the network user of the client server 104 first enters the Universal Resource Locator (URl_,) or network address of the transaction server 106 into the display interface to establish a communication channel with the network server 102 via theirs respective network interfaces 124, 140. Once the communication channel is established, the transaction server 106 transmits to the client server 104 via the network interface I40 an information page requesting that the network user establish an account with the transaction server 106. This information page is received by the client server 104 via the network interface 124, and is displayed. to the network user by the display interface on the data display device of the data interface 125.
If the network 'user agrees to establish an account, the network user selects the appropriate link on the information page via the data input device of the data interface 125, thereby causing the transaction server 106 to establish a secure communications channel, such as an SSL channel, with the client server 104. Once the secure communications channel is established, the transaction server 106 transmits to the client server 104, via the network interface 140, over the secure communications channel, a form page requesting demographic and psychographic profile data from the network user. In one variation, the form page also requests financial information, such as credit card numbers, for completion of financial transactions.
The form page is received by the client server 104 via the network interface 124, and is displayed to the network user on the data display device of the data interface 125. The network user network user enters the demographic and psychographic profile data into the form page with the data input device, and transmits the requested information to the transaction server 106 over the secure data channel via the network interface 124. A copy of the profile data is retained by t:he communication processor 132. In the variation, where the form page also requests sensitive information, such as financial information, preferably only the demographic and psychographic profile data is transmitted to the transaction server 106, but is retained by the communication processor 132.
Upon receipt of the profile data from the client server 104, the transaction server 106 assigns a unique UID to the network user, and then stores the profile data and the associated UID in the profile database 146. The transaction server 106 also assigns one of the encryption/decryption key pairs in the encryption database I ~0 to the network user by entering the identification code into the encryption database 150 with the appropriate encryption record. The transacti on server 106 then transmits the UID and the associated keys to the client server 104 via the network interfaces 124, 140. The encryption processor 138 of the transaction agent 1 34 then encrypts the profile data (held by the communication processor 132;) with the receive;d encryption key, and then stores the encrypted profile data in the disc 128, together with the UID and the encryption and decryption keys.
Subsequently, if the network user wishes to initiate a transaction with a network server I 02, the network user enters the Universal Resource Locator (URL) or network address of the network server 102 into the display interface to establish a communication channel with the network server 102 via the network interfaces 110, 124. Once the communication channel is established, the transaction agent 134 retrieves the UID from the disc 128 and transmits the UID to the transaction request processor 118 of the network server 102 via the network interfaces 110, 124, thereby signalling the network server 102 that the network user is a registered user. Preferably, the transaction agent 134 transmits the UID to the network server 102 as P3P over HTML. I-Iowever, other means for transmitting the UID code will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
Upon receipt of the LJID from tike client server 104 by the transaction request processor 118, preferably the network server 102 establishes a secure communications channel, such as an SSL channel, with the client se~w~er 104 via the network interfaces 110, 124.
The transaction request processor 118 transnxits to the client server 104, via the network interface 110, over the secure communications channel, a form page identifying information required for a transaction with the network server 102. Typically, a portion of the requested information is stored in encrypted form in the disc 128 as part of the profile data. This form page received by the client server l04 via the network interface 124, and is displayed to the network user over the data display device of the data interface 125 by the user interface.
Upon receipt of the form page from the network server 102, the information processor I 36 of the transaction agent 134 exaracts the profile data from the disc 128, and the encryption processor 138 decrypts the profile data with the decryption key. The information processor 136 then queries the network user, through the user interface, for confirmation on the data items which the network user agrees to enter into the form page. Typically, the information processor 136 provides a graphic element, such as a graphic box, beside each data item requested to allow the network user to identify the data items which it agrees to provide, and a graphic element such as a confirmation box to signal the information processor 136 that the data identification step is complete. Once the network user has completed the identification of allowed data items, the network user signals the information through the confirmation box, thereby causing the information processor 134 to insert the identified data items into the form page. The encryption processor 138 then encrypts the completed form page with the network user's encryption key, and then passes the encrypted information to the network interface 124 for transmission to the network server 102. As discussed above, rather than encrypting the transaction data, the encryption processor 13 8 may instead append a digital certificate to the forrr~ page, with the digital certificate being created with the network user's encryption key.
Upon receipt of the encrypted transaction data, preferably the client server 102 establishes a secure communications channel, such as an SSh channel, with the transaction server 106 via the network interfaces 110, 140. 'The transaction request processor 118 of the network server 102 then transmits the network user's UID to the transaction server 106. The database filter 152 of the transaction server 106 queries the encryption database 150 with the received UID, and transmits to the transaction request processor 118, via the network interfaces 110, 140, the decryption key corresponding to the network users' UID. The decryption processor 120 decrypts the encrypted transaction data using the decryption key received from the transaction server 106, and transmits the decrypted transaction data to the transaction processor 122 for completion oil the transaction.
Once the transaction is complete, the transaction processor 122 transmits to the network interface 140 of the transactie~n server 106 a transaction completion signal indicating successful completion of the transaction. Preferably, the transaction processor 122 also transmits a transaction completion signal to the client server 104 for providing notification to the network user that the transaction was completed successfully. Upon receipt of the transaction completion signal, t:he database filter I 52 of the transaction server 106 queries the profile database 146 with the UID of the network user for the profile data record of the network user. Alternately, in one variation, the transaction server 106 queries the profile database 146 with the UID when the network server 102 queries the transaction server 106 for the decryption key associated with the UID.
The database filter 152 then queries the information database 148 for electronic data records having profile data fields corresponding to the retrieved profile data record.
If a suitable match is found with an existing information data record in the information database 148, the transaction server 106 transmits; the electronic information in the information data record to the information processor 136 of the client server 104 via the network interfaces 124, 140.
The received electronic information is displayed to the network user via the data display device of the data interface 125, using a separate window than that generated by the communication processor 132.
The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Those of ordinary skill may envisage certain additions, deletions and/or modifications to the preferred ennbodiment which, although not specifically disclosed herein, do not depart from the spirit or scope of the invention, as defined by claims appended hereto.
Claims (16)
1. An electronic information delivery system for providing electronic information to network users, comprising:
a network server for engaging in transactions with the network users, the network server including a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network;
a client server for initiating a transaction between one of the network users and the network server, the client server including a transaction agent for providing the transaction request processor with the transaction request for requesting the transaction; and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the requested transaction, the transaction server comprising a profile database including profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the client server with electronic information over the network, the information transmitter being in communication with the profile database: for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
a network server for engaging in transactions with the network users, the network server including a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network;
a client server for initiating a transaction between one of the network users and the network server, the client server including a transaction agent for providing the transaction request processor with the transaction request for requesting the transaction; and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the requested transaction, the transaction server comprising a profile database including profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the client server with electronic information over the network, the information transmitter being in communication with the profile database: for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
2. The information delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the client server includes a communication processor for providing a user interface for communication with the network server, and the transaction agent includes an information processor for providing an information window distinct from the user interface for displaying the provided electronic information.
3. The information delivery system according to claim 2, wherein the information processor includes a configuration input for altering a configuration of the information window.
4. The information delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the network server requires transaction data for completion of the requested transaction, and the client server includes a data structure including a portion of the required transaction data, and the information processor is configured for providing the network server with the data portion.
5. The information delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the client server includes a communication processor for providing a user interface for communication with the network server, the transaction agent includes an encryption processor in communication with the communication processor for encrypting transaction data received from the user interface, and the client server further includes a transaction data transmitter for transmitting the encrypted transaction data to the network server.
6. The information delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the network server includes a decryption processor for decrypting the transmitted encrypted transaction data, and the transaction server includes an encryption database of encryption records, each said encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, and an encryption server in communication with the encryption database for providing the decryption processor with the decryption key associated with the one network user for the decryption of the encrypted transaction data.
7. The information delivery system according to claim 6, wherein the network server includes a transaction processor in communication with the decryption processor for completing the transaction in accordance with the decrypted transaction data, the transaction server includes a transaction completion receiver for receiving a transaction completion signal from the transaction processor, and the information transmitter is configured for transmitting the electronic information upon receipt of the completion signal.
8. The information delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the transaction agent is configured to provide an identification key uniquely associated with the one network user, and the transaction server includes an electronic information database, and a database filter for filtering the electronic information database with the identification key for providing the electronic information.
9. A method for providing electronic information to network users, comprising the steps of:
maintaining an encryption database of encryption records, each said encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, receiving over a network a request from one of the network users for a transaction;
engaging in the transaction with the one network user; and providing the one network user with electronic information over the network, the electronic information being provided in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
maintaining an encryption database of encryption records, each said encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, receiving over a network a request from one of the network users for a transaction;
engaging in the transaction with the one network user; and providing the one network user with electronic information over the network, the electronic information being provided in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the receiving step comprises the steps of receiving from the one network user an identification key uniquely associated with the one network user, requesting transaction information from the one network user, and receiving from the one network user at least a portion of the requested transaction information, the received transaction information being encrypted in accordance with the identification key.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the engaging step comprises the steps of obtaining a decryption key uniquely associated with the identification key, decrypting the received encrypted transaction information with the decryption key, and performing the transaction with the decrypted transaction data.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the providing step comprises the steps of maintaining a profile database including profile data records associated with the network users, querying the profile database with the identification key for the profile data associated with the one network user, filtering with the profile data a database of electronic information, and transmitting the filtered electronic information upon completion of the performing step.
13. A transaction promotion system for promoting transactions with network users, comprising:
a network server for engaging in a transaction requested by one of the network users, the network server including a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network from the one network user; and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the requested transaction, the transaction server comprising a profile database including profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the one network user with electronic information over the network, the information transmitter being in communication with the profile database for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
a network server for engaging in a transaction requested by one of the network users, the network server including a transaction request processor for receiving a transaction request over a network from the one network user; and a transaction server in communication with the network server for facilitating completion of the requested transaction, the transaction server comprising a profile database including profile data records associated with the network users, and an information transmitter for providing the one network user with electronic information over the network, the information transmitter being in communication with the profile database for providing the electronic information in accordance with the profile data record associated with the one network user.
14. The transaction promotion system according to claim 13, wherein the transaction requires transaction data from the one network user for completion, the one network user provides the required transaction data in encrypted form, and the network server includes a decryption processor for decrypting the provided encrypted transaction data, and the transaction server includes an encryption database of encryption records, each said encryption record identifying a decryption key uniquely associated with a respective one of the network users, and an encryption server in communication with the encryption database for providing the decryption processor with the decryption key associated with the one network user for the decryption of the encrypted transaction data.
15. The transaction promotion system according to claim 14, wherein the network server includes a transaction processor in communication with the decryption processor for completing the transaction in accordance with the decrypted transaction data, the transaction server includes a transaction completion receiver for receiving a transaction completion signal from the transaction processor, and the information transmitter is configured for transmitting the electronic information upon receipt of the completion signal.
16. The transaction promotion system according to claim 13, wherein the one network user requests the transaction by providing an identification key uniquely associated with the one network user, and the transaction server includes an electronic information database, and a database filter for filtering the electronic information database with the identification key for providing the electronic information.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002305048A CA2305048A1 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2000-04-13 | Information delivery system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002305048A CA2305048A1 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2000-04-13 | Information delivery system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2305048A1 true CA2305048A1 (en) | 2001-10-13 |
Family
ID=4165868
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002305048A Abandoned CA2305048A1 (en) | 2000-04-13 | 2000-04-13 | Information delivery system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2305048A1 (en) |
-
2000
- 2000-04-13 CA CA002305048A patent/CA2305048A1/en not_active Abandoned
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