JP2003520361A - Personalized access to website - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) SUMMARY The present invention provides a method and system for accessing a personalized website. A user has a set of credentials to access a plurality of restricted websites. The present invention provides an improved technique for group access to websites. Since multiple related users can access a series of websites simultaneously, each related user can be presented with the same content at the same time. The present invention provides techniques for globalization and integration of personalized information. The personal data server obtains information for the user on behalf of the user from one or more websites having the information and presents it to the user in a convenient format. The present invention provides a method and system for automatic intelligent structured data entry.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to web access used in a network environment, generalization and integration of personalized information, and a structure used in the world wide web (including wireless applications). It also relates to automated data entry and automatic form processing.

BACKGROUND ART I One aspect of the popular Internet is access to world websites, especially web client devices or software to access information provided by web servers (also called "websites"). There is access by. Some websites provide or service only a group of users (web client operators) with restricted access or provide information that the registered user may personally own. In one example, a user registers with a website, identifies himself when connecting to the website, and identifies the user prior to the website granting the user access to information or services. To authenticate. In another example, the user first identifies himself and then personalizes (p.
Websites are supposed to authenticate prior to providing personalized information. In yet another example, some websites allow unrestricted access to public information, but allow restricted access to restricted information.

With the relatively large number of such websites, the management and maintenance of information related to these websites, including access parameters and authentication information (information such as passwords), has become a problem. ing. For example, as a user, include information that is relevant to a website, including authentication information (such as user name, password, digital certificate, or hardware address) that may vary from website to website. It must be maintained (whether offline or online).

Regarding such a problem, software that records and stores authentication information for different websites is used, or the information is recorded in a “cookie (data object)” that is recorded and stored by the web client. There have been various attempts to maintain the above. These conventional solutions have some problems. First, it is difficult to use the same website from physically different web client devices, and multiple users can access one website using the same physical web client device. If so, it is difficult to distinguish the plurality of users.

Therefore, as a user, authentication information (user name,
It would be helpful if there was a technique that could maintain and manage information such as passwords) and still be able to access these different websites using a set of authentication information.

Another problem is that it is inconvenient to re-enter or update information of a plurality of websites, especially when the number of websites becomes relatively large. In this regard, attempts have conventionally been made to automatically exchange information with websites requesting the information by using software for recording and managing authentication or demographic information. These methods also have the problem that different websites can not only request similar information in completely different formats, but often do so. Also, as one user, it is possible to select different websites and profiles to be used from a plurality of profiles to make the information obtained from the website personal or prevent the personal information from spreading. desirable.

Yet another problem is that one user may cause the other user to temporarily access one user's registered account at the selected website. Utilizing conventionally known authentication techniques such as usernames and passwords, one user cannot guarantee a constraint on temporary access by the other user. Most servers may allow another user to change the associated password and thus deny future access to one user. This issue is limited to one user's restricted access to the other, in order to limit the other user's ability to make banking and commercial transactions using one user's account. This is where one user wants to admit.

[0008] Also, the problem that each website often asks for an e-mail address from the user in order to send a public notice to the user or, in some cases, to send a "waste basket" mail. There is also. Such a method is annoying for the user when the user is registered in a plurality of websites. Therefore, it is desirable for the user to be able to separate the email from the website in order to control the email from the website.
For example, a user might even want to be able to treat email that wasn't sent automatically (thus, which he might really be interested in) separately.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved techniques for accessing personal websites. According to one aspect of the present invention, a user maintains and manages a set of profiles to be used for a selected website. As a result, the user can present only the desired information to the selected website. In another aspect of the invention, accessing multiple websites includes:
It allows users to maintain a set of credentials along with website bookmark information so they can be accessed from another location. In another aspect of the present invention, one user is the other user (not limited to one user, but may be a plurality of users).
Allows temporary access to multiple websites, but with the limitation of temporary access to certain information and services provided by the website. In still another aspect of the present invention, a user can handle an email from a website separately from the website.

II One aspect of the popular Internet is access to world websites, especially web client devices or software to access information provided by web servers (also referred to as "websites"). .. Individual users utilize web client software to request information from websites and receive the information in response to such requests. Each website provides information in various forms, including text, other media, and links, which is delivered to users. The user follows links, often referred to as "surfing the web", to other websites and even to other websites.

In this case, there is a problem that the individual user is surfing the web regardless of other individual users. While it is possible for multiple users to access the same website at the same time, there has traditionally been no convenient technique for easily coordinating the links that the multiple users follow to other websites. Similarly, there is currently no easy and convenient technique for grouped, interrelated users to access a series of websites simultaneously.

Therefore, improved techniques for group access to multiple websites are desired. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of related users can simultaneously access a web site (web surfing) so that each user is provided with substantially the same content at the same time. There is. In the first embodiment, one user selected from among the users who are associated with each other controls the web surfing process. In the second embodiment, a plurality of users selected from these users control the web surfing process.

III. One aspect of the popular Internet is access to world websites, especially to information provided by web servers (also referred to as “websites”) via web client devices or software. . Individual users utilize web client software to request information from websites and receive the information in response to such requests. Each website provides information in various forms, including text, other media, and links, which is delivered to users. The user follows links, often referred to as "surfing the web", to other websites and even to other websites.

Here, when an individual user has a considerable amount of personal information and stores it in a personal data storage section of a different website in a different format and with a different access method. Causes a problem. Of course, although individual users can retrieve and collect personal information from multiple websites, there is currently no simple and convenient technique for doing so. On the contrary, it seems that it takes a considerable amount of time to navigate the different data formats and access methods imposed by different websites.

Therefore, improved techniques for summarization and aggregation of personal information are desired. In an embodiment of the present invention, a personal data server, on behalf of an individual user, obtains that information from one or more websites that have personalized information for that user, and I try to present the information for the user in a convenient form. This convenient form includes techniques that allow for integration, modification, and overall finishing.

The present invention provides a technique that allows for the general finishing and integration of personal information and provides considerable new and non-obvious advantages and possibilities in view of the prior art. Although the embodiments described below exemplify information relating to electronic commerce (e-commerce), the present invention can be applied to various personal information and transactions.

IV One aspect of the popular Internet is access to world websites, especially web client devices or software (“web browsers”) to information provided by web servers (also referred to as “websites”). (Also known as
There is access by. Some websites specify structured forms for data entry, table entry of data, and other techniques, such as HTML and XML formats. This structured form for data entry is used for various data acquisition. Some examples include registering a new user, adding a product in a "shopping cart" or other electronic transaction, purchasing a product (purchasing multiple products specified in the shopping cart), and so on.

There is such a problem that inputting data in such a structured form is a pain for the user and is not interesting. Moreover, the user who is performing some operation takes time more than necessary. This is a barrier to efficient use of the website and also a barrier to efficient sales and quick ordering.

Another problem is that when a user is accessing the Internet via a small screen device or a network with limited bandwidth, such as in wireless Internet access, it may be necessary to do so manually. It is said that it is not practical to enter the data of.

In a known manner, for example in the form of “cookies” on the user's computer, or in the form of other structured data, information in a structured form that is logically local to the user's web client. There is a record. This method allows the user to use the website repeatedly without having to re-enter the same information, but there are some drawbacks. First, because the new website that requests the user to enter data cannot retrieve appropriate information from the cookie, this method cannot be applied when the request is presented to the user. Is normal. Second, this method is usually not applicable even when the user is accessing the website from multiple client devices. Third, cookies are relatively weak in security and cannot store important information such as credit card information.

Another known method is the "one-click shopping" done by the Amazon.com website, which in this case is for all users of a particular website. To automate transactions. This method allows users to use the website repeatedly without having to re-enter the same information, but the server of a particular website connects directly to the One Click Shopping Server software and database. There is a problem that it will not work if it is not done.

Therefore, there is a long-felt demand for a technique that automatically fills such information without input from the user as to which information applies to which field of the form, which is not a problem in the prior art. Of.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION I The present invention provides a method and system for accessing a personalized website. In a first aspect of the invention, a user can maintain a set of profiles for use on a selected website, as well as select from them. In a second aspect of the present invention, a user is enabled to maintain a set of credentials for access to multiple restricted websites along with website bookmark information so that they can be accessed from another location. ing. In the preferred embodiment, the user has access to a set of credentials for managing multiple restricted websites, including monitoring usage of billing services and controlling or providing automatic updates of such services. In the third aspect of the present invention,
One user grants the other user (or a group of other users) temporary access to multiple websites, which is also called temporary access to certain information and services provided by the website. It is possible to approve it with some restrictions. In the fourth aspect of the present invention, a user can handle an email from a website separately from the website.

II The present invention provides an improved technique for group access to multiple websites. In order to provide each user with substantially the same content at the same time, a plurality of users who are related to each other can simultaneously access a web site (web surfing). In the first embodiment, one user selected from among the users who are associated with each other controls the web surfing process. In a second embodiment, a plurality of users selected from these users jointly control the web surfing process. In one aspect of the present invention, group surfing can be used between a plurality of users by utilizing communication techniques such as telephone communication, voice over IP, and internet chat. In a second aspect of the invention, other applications such as e-commerce, online or other remote training, virtual display or tour, telemedicine or other remote control, consulting (as in the field of finance, advertising, marketing) are provided. You can also use group surfing by using the network function. Generally, group surfing can be used by using a function that is normally displayed in front of an actual audience.

III The present invention provides improved techniques for the overall finishing and integration of personal information. A personal data server will retrieve personal information for an individual user on behalf of that user from one or more websites that have that information and present it to that user in a convenient manner. ing. Convenient forms include techniques that allow for integration, modification, and overall finishing.

In a first aspect of the invention, personal data is also provided so that personalized information of an individual user can be retrieved on behalf of the user from one or more websites that have the information. The server maintains information for the user.
So, the personal data server is supposed to present this personal information, which is also dynamically generated so that individual users can navigate directly to one or more websites that have that information. It is presented in the form of a "jump page". In addition, the personal data server
We are now integrating and finalizing information so that you can see more comprehensive information about yourself or the websites that have personalized information of your choice without having to navigate one by one. ing. This can be used for electronic commerce, electronic banking, inter-user communication, and inter-user interest groups.

In a second aspect of the invention, the personal data server is a limited or comprehensive access to personal information by persons or organizations other than the individual for whom the information is intended.
Only (aggregate access) can be done. The personal data server collects information for the collection with the consent of the individual user and either aggregates the information or sums it up and presents it either in preparation for viewing or only summed up. It is supposed to do. This also applies to other data collections such as census data, voting data, market research, and inter-user communication.

IV The present invention provides a method and system for automatically and intelligently entering structured data. A user utilizing a web browser to access a website is aided by personalization software that identifies the format of structured data entry and assists the user in entering the data. In the preferred embodiment, the individually described operations are automatically performed on the personalization server (or other server) on behalf of the user.

In one aspect of the invention, the personalization software preferably associates each set of descriptive text with a logical field value, preferably associates each input field screen position with a logical field value, and preferably multiple logical field values. Is associated with the data value or partial data value of. Associating a logical field value for each input field allows the personalization software to enter data for these fields without asking the user to enter data, and it also works on the server. If so, it will be able to return the appropriate data to the third party website. In a preferred embodiment, data entry for these fields may be pre-stored, such as pre-stored data such as user name, address, telephone number, credit card information, demographic information, preferred login name or password. The stored personal information may be included. This first aspect of the invention includes automatic registration of a user on a new website, automatic login using a website login page,
It can be applied to applications such as filling out forms for checking out purchased items from multiple websites.

In a second aspect of the invention, personalization software includes a web page identifier.
Utilizes a "meta-bookmark" that links (like a URL) and its website working environment to a script or program fragment that the web page should execute to send the appropriate information to the personalization server. Using this meta-bookmark, the personalization software either (a) completes the transaction on the server side, or (b) saves other confidential data on the personalization server while the client side executes the transaction. Appropriate information can be sent back to the client for completion. In this way, personalization software is concerned with web pages (and inheritors), including entering data into forms, checking that data against verification pages, and verifying that the data received by the website is correct. It is possible to implement multiple measures (on the web page). This second aspect of the present invention is applicable to applications including automatic execution windows for electronic commerce such as supplying credit card information and confirming electronic commerce.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a helper application assists the personalization software in recognizing different different structured data forms, and these different structured The personalization software directs the helper application to enter data into the data form. For example, a helper application can determine the difference between a web page for new user registration, a web page for user login, and a web page for confirmation of e-commerce, and then use personalization software to allow the user to Complete these pages directly without the assistance of.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, personalization software automatically performs new user registration for web client users at multiple websites. The personalization software is collected for the user and then sent to the website in the format requested by the website. If one or more websites want personalization information that has not yet been entered by the user, the personalization software will only request that personalization information of value and send it to that website.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of web pages requested by each shopping shop are automatically processed to fill each web page with a purchasing agent, and appropriate user information provided in the web page is used. The checkout process for purchasing on multiple websites is automated with a personalization server.

The present invention enables a wide range of applications for structured data entry (enablin
g) Techniques and enabling techniques for automated or intelligent access to logically remote information requesters. The few examples described below exemplify personalized websites and electronic commerce, including various information transactions, interactions between computers that communicate with each other, and interaction with computer software.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with respect to preferred processing steps and data structures. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more general-purpose processors or specialized processors adapted to utilize the process steps and data structures described herein. What can be achieved by using a processor or other circuit configuration, and the processing steps and data structures described here are not things that require extra experimentation, and further inventions. It is easy to understand that nothing can be achieved without waiting for.

I System Elements FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for accessing a personalized website. The illustrated system 100 comprises at least one web client 110, a communication network 120, at least one website 130, and a personalization server 140.

As used herein, “client” and “server” do not necessarily mean a physical device, but mean a client-server relationship between a client and a server. The term “web client” as used herein means a combination of devices, software, etc. that play the role of the client in the Internet, the World Wide Web, or the equivalent event or extended client-server environment. . The web client 110 does not have to be an individual device, but a single device, a group of cooperating devices, parts of a device, or a combination thereof (eg, a web server acting as a user's agent). Like a device providing a service).

As used herein, the term “website” refers to the Internet, the World Wide Web, or a combination of devices, software, etc. that play the role of a server in a client-server environment equivalent to or equivalent to the Internet. The website 130 need not be an individual device, but may be a single device, a group of cooperating devices, a portion of the devices, or a combination thereof.

The web client 110 is arranged to be used by an operator or user 112 and has web client software 111 such as a web browser.
It consists of a processor that operates under the control of. In the preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 utilizes a communication protocol to
30 and may also include data 114 relating to the website 130.

In the preferred embodiment, the web client 110 comprises a general purpose computer such as a laptop or workstation. However, this Web Client 110 (with or without a laptop or workstation) (such as a "Palm Pilot" or other handheld device)
It may be equipped with a mobile calendar, a portable computer, a special computer, a mobile phone or other telephone device, an interactive voice response telephone system, a web server acting as an agent for the user, and the like. As another embodiment, the web client 110 includes some of the functions described below, or
Other devices that do everything may also be included. The work environment of the web client 110 with respect to the website 130, the type of device, the connection TIA, and the like may differ between a plurality of pairs of connection sessions between the web client 110 and the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication network 120 includes a packet-switching network such as the Internet, an intranet (with or instead of), a corporate network, an extranet, a private virtual network ( virtual private network), switchable virtual network (
virtual switched network) or the like. In another embodiment, the communication network 120 may be another communication link that allows the web client 110, the website 130, the personalization server 140, etc. to work together to perform the functions described below.

The communication network 120 includes the web client 110 and the website 1.
30, the message 151 can be exchanged between two parties of the personalization server 140. The message 151 is for the web client 110,
The format is defined according to a communication protocol that can be recognized by the website 130 and the personalization server 140. In the preferred embodiment, this communication protocol includes HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), such as SHTTP (Secure HTTP), or a variant thereof. In addition to this, regular requests such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), Gopher, or its variants
A transmission protocol may be included. Although HTTP is mainly described in the description of the present specification, a person skilled in the art can consider this specification without waiting for further invention.
Alternatively, it will be readily understood that other protocols can be used with the present invention without undue experimentation.

In the preferred embodiment, the information request message 151 includes the identifier 152 of the request page 153. The request page 153 includes a set of information that may include data in one of multiple formats, and
In some cases, multiple links 154 to other pages 153 are included. Each link 154 includes an identifier 152 for that target page 153 and information about the target page 153 (such as a title). In the embodiment where the communication protocol consists of HTTP or its variant,
Each page 153 may include text data, images (still images or moving images), audio, and program fragments (applets, applications, Javascript, etc.).

In the preferred embodiment, the website 130 operates under the control of the web server software 131 and provides information to the web client 110 in response to requests made utilizing communication protocols. It consists of a processor located in. In the preferred embodiment, this website 130 includes:
It includes software 133 adapted to communicate with web clients 110 using a communication protocol, and includes authentication or personalization data 114 (or technique) for those web clients 110 stored on web server 130. There is.

In the preferred embodiment, the personalization server 140 operates under the control of the personalization software 141 and provides information to the web client 110 in response to requests made using a communication protocol. Equipped with a processor that is arranged to. In a preferred embodiment, the website 130 includes software 133 that interacts with the web clients 110 using a communication protocol and relates to those web clients 110 stored on the web server 130. Authentication or personalization data 114 is included.

In a preferred embodiment, the personalization server 140 performs the functions described below, including administration and maintenance information 142 about the relationship between the web client 110 (or its user) and the website 130. A processor operating under the control of personalization software 141 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, personalization software 141 includes software 143 adapted to communicate with web client 110 and website 130 using a communication protocol and is also stored in personalization software 141. (Alternatively accessed by personalization software 141),
An authentication / personalization database 144 for the web client 110 and the website 130 is provided.

Interactions Between System Elements The web client software 111 is adapted to send messages 151 to the personalization server 140, which may direct the personalization server 140 to respond to and execute functions described below. Is required to. In the preferred embodiment, message 151 selects a web page, or
Choose a link to a web page, or web client software 11
This is because of the reason of one user.

The personalization software 141 is the web client software 111.
To receive the first message 151. The personalization software 141 utilizes the information in the first message 151 from the web client software 111 to navigate to the selected website and to identify and authenticate the user at the selected website. It is supposed to do. The personalization software 141 can perform these functions in any one of the following ways, or in combination.

* The personalization software 141 sends the second message 1 to the website 130.
Send 51 to request the website 130 to respond to or perform the functions described below. Using this first method, the personalization software 141 contacts the website 130 directly to identify and authenticate the user. When using this first method, the web server software 131 receives and responds to the second message 151 from the personalization software 141. After proper identification and authentication, the web server 131 uses the network 120 to send another message 151 directly to the web client 110.

* Personalization software 141 sends other information (such as parameters in HTTP message 151) to instruct web client software 111 to perform the functions described below. When using this second method, the web client software 111 (using the other information above) directly requests the appropriate information (login or registration form) from the website and responds to such appropriate information (completed). Identifies and authenticates the user (for example, by responding to a registration form). The bridge using this second method, the personalization software 141, preferably supplies the other information to the web client software 111 in an encrypted or some form of encoding, by doing so.
Prevent users from directly obtaining identification / authentication information. Security can be ensured when the message 151 is sent via the network 120 by using the password.

The functionality of website 130 does not replace the functionality performed by website 130 in response to similar requests from others, including possibly web client software 111. Therefore, as the web server 130, the web client software 111 and the personalization server 1 may be used to execute the functions described below.
There is no need to say that it must be changed to work in conjunction with 40.

After registration, the web server software 131 responds directly to the personalization server 140 (with the third message 151) or to the web client 110 according to an instruction from the personalization software 141. It may respond directly (with the fourth message 151).

User Registration with Personalization Server The personalization server 140 holds authentication and personalization information about the user at the web client 110 and stores that information in a database 144.
And can communicate (directly or indirectly) with the website 130 for that information. When a user at the web client 110 wants to register with the personalization server 140, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140 requesting a registration page 153. Then, the personalization server 140 is activated by the web client software 11
The registration page is sent to No. 1 and thus the registration page 153 is presented to the user.

Registration page 153 includes forms or applets or other structures for gathering information from the user. In this way, the personalization server 140 requests the user for authentication and personalization information. Upon receiving such information, personalization server 140 stores it in database 144 at that server. The personalization server 140 records and stores information about the user at the time of the user's first registration with the personalization server 140. Which website 130 does the user actually use? Regardless of what, it is possible to add or modify that information at another time, and also to add or modify the usage profile of the website 130.

In the preferred embodiment, the authentication / personalization information about the user includes a user name and a password. This user name and password authentication method is known in the field of computer security. In another embodiment, the personalization server 140 may utilize other authentication methods in addition to or instead of the username and password authentication method. Other authentication methods include software identification methods such as digital certificates and other digital encryption methods, hardware identification methods such as processor identification information, "smart" cards, digital or analog telephone subscriber line identification information. It is conceivable to use any of the above-mentioned communication link authentication methods, or any conventionally known identification or authentication method, or a combination thereof.

New Website Registration The personalization server 140 is adapted to store in its database 144 information about users at the web client 110. Preferably, this information records one or more profiles that the user can select, which allows the user to select a profile for communication, identification and personalization with the selected website 130. be able to.

A user at the web client 110 registers on the new website 130 (
If desired, the web client 110 contacts the website 130 in one of two ways.

* A user of the web client 110 uses the web client software 111 to directly contact the website 130. Using this method, a user at website 110 submits to personalization server 140 an identifier 152 (eg, URL) for registration page 153 at website 130. The user can then use another command to the web client 110, fill a dialog box provided by the personalization server 140, or execute the applet. With this information, the personalization software 141 registers using the profile selected by the user at the web client 110.

* A user at the web client 110 identifies the work environment (eg, URL) of the website 130 to the personalization server 140. The personalization server 140 then contacts the website 130 on behalf of the user as if the user used the web client software 111 to contact the website 130. When using this second method, the personalization software 141 is
The registration page 153 at 30 is recognized and registration is performed using the profile selected by the user at the web client 110.

In a preferred embodiment, personalization software 141 uses well-known pattern matching methods, neural networks, genetic algorithms, or otherwise to match the requested form of data fields with the available profile data fields. The registration form 131 is automatically completed using a suitable automation method such as the above-mentioned technique or a combination thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the user at the web client 110 specifies some, all, or none of the information fields in the profile selected to be confidential. The personalization server 140 is also adapted to maintain information about the website 130, record the information in the database 144, and communicate with the website 130 in response to the information.

By the way, the user at the web client 110 may have to fill the profile by adding other information. In that case, the personalization server 140 is adapted to fill the registration form when the user is so instructed. The personalization server 140 also updates its database 144 when the user is so instructed. Depending on the choice of service management, the personalization server 140 may update some or all of the user-selected profiles or a group of profiles.

If the user at the web client 110 wants to register with the new website 130, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the authentication server 140 with the identifier 152 of the authentication page 153 at the website 130. The web client software 111 then requests the personalization server 140 to register the user with the website 130. In response to this request, personalization server 140 sends a message 150 identifying registration page 153 to website 130. The personalization server 140 uses the profile information about the user at the web client 110 in its database 144 to respond to the website 130 with the information requested by the website 130 for personalization.

Then, the personalization server 140 generates authentication information (for example, a password) and stores the authentication information in the database 144 in association with the user in the web client 110. In the case of a website 130 that sends an email message or other message back to the web client 110 with the site selection password, the personalization server 140 intercepts the message and stores the site selection password in its database 144. save.

As part of the authentication process at the new website, the link or form 154 identified by the personalization server 140 to the website 130 causes the page 153 at the personalization server 140, not at the web client 110. Be pointed back to. Moreover, the personalization server 140 optionally (either at the user's direction or otherwise) generates a unique email address for the website 130 to identify the user at the web client 110. That way, the unique email address is given to the website 130 instead of the normal email address to which the user receives email.

Since the personalization server 140 holds the necessary identification / authentication information about the user, the personalization server 140 is the personalization server 140.
Upon receiving such a request from 0, the user at the website 130 can be automatically authenticated.

Website Selection (Login to Website) Website 130 already registered by the user at web client 110
If you want to identify yourself (authenticate yourself) to the personalization server 140 from the web client software 111 to the personalization server 14
Message 151 is sent with identifier 152 of selection page 153 at zero. The selection page 153 preferably includes information about each website 130 (and the services offered therein) with which the user is registered. As another embodiment, this selection page 153 includes another selection page 153.
Links may be included, or there may be hierarchical or other formats.

The personalization server 140 provides or dynamically generates the selection page 153 in response to information about the user in the database 144 and in response to information about the website 130 in the database 144. In the first preferred embodiment, the selection page 153 is the personalization server 1
40, or stored and updated when selected by the user, or dynamically generated at the instruction of the user. Preferably, this selection page 153 preferably includes an identifier (such as a name) for each registered website 130, as well as possibly other information below.

* Information about the use of the website 130, such as recent usage, frequency of use, or the latest page 153 requested from the website 130, * is the website 130 paid, or is the user of the website 130 Information about the commercial aspects of the website 130, such as whether your registration is about to expire (or has expired and is being updated) * Provided by the website 130 and integrated by the personalization server 140 Usage or other information that will be given.

The user can select one or more websites 130 identified on the selection page 153 as the connection destination. In response, the personalization server 140 connects to each selected website 130 and reauthenticates the user to the selected website 130. In the preferred embodiment, the personal server 140 sends identification / authentication information (password or the like) in a secret form. Therefore, secondary users with limited access may not have unlimited access to the website 130 or services.

In another embodiment, the personalization server 140 sends the identification / authentication information (password, etc.) in an encrypted form to the applet or plug-in in the web client 110. The web client 110 is the website 130.
Asks for an applet or plugin with password to automatically authenticate the user separately.

In a preferred embodiment, personalization server 140 maintains information about bookmarks, “favorites”, viewed pages, or other websites 130 in database 144 associated with that user. This allows the user to send a collection of bookmarks to secondary users (described below) that have restricted access from the restricted website 130. Web client 1
10 can use this information to display the pages obtained on the website 130 without having to actually re-register with the website 130. This allows the user to access the restricted website 130 from any web client 110 regardless of whether the web client 110 has the appropriate bookmarks stored.
You can access the bookmark information of.

Upon authentication at the selected website 130 using the selected website, or before, the web client software 111 can communicate directly with the website software 131 to request and receive regular use. Thus, the user can retain a set of credentials for accessing multiple restricted websites.

In a preferred embodiment, a user can use a set of credentials to set up multiple websites, such as cost-based service monitoring and automatic update control of the service. For example, a user may order personalization server 140 to perform the following services (personalization server 140 responds to the order):

* Automatic notification of website 130 requiring periodic registration update * Automatic update of registration at website 130 requiring periodic registration update * Website 130 requiring periodic registration update, user must continue Automatic deregistration from the website 130 that was determined to be none.

Utilization by Secondary User The primary user may use the same web client 110 as the primary user, or may use another web client 110, to the personalization server 140. It is also possible to request access to the website 130 registered by the user. The personalization server 140 records information about these secondary users in the database 144, including the extent of authorized access. The range of access permitted to secondary users is limited by at least the following methods.

* Restricted to selected website 130 or selected class of website 130 * Restricted to selected service or selected class of service * Is it a one-time cut or is it periodic? In any case, only the selected time and / or date, or a combination thereof * The selected amount of resources or services only * The selected number of secondary users only * Only the read operations by secondary users Limit

If one of the secondary users wants to use the selected website 130,
The secondary user requests the personalization server 140 to identify (authenticate) the website 130 as the primary user. In this way, the website 130 is made to believe that the secondary user is an actual registered user. In response to this request and in response to the database 144, the personalization server 140 uses the same information as the primary user to identify (authenticate) the secondary user to the website 130. Authentication information and other account information (passwords, etc.) are kept secret from secondary users.

The personalization server 140 responds to the database 144 by requesting that the personalization server 140 accept all requests by the secondary user for information, thereby allowing the secondary user to access the website 130. Request to mediate access. This allows the personalization server 140 to perform one or more of the following, or a combination thereof.

* Prevent website 130 from sending cookies to secondary users * Disable secondary users from changing information about primary user's account on website 130 * Secondary users, eg read-only Restrict access or restricted access

Utilization of E-mail As described above, the personalization server 140 generates a new e-mail address of the primary user when initially identifying and authenticating the primary user to the new website 130. Therefore, the personalization server 140 restricts the secondary user from accessing the e-mail received by the e-mail address in the personalization server 140, or restricts only partial access. be able to. (In the preferred embodiment, the secondary user is prohibited from accessing the primary user's email.)

The personalization server 140 uses a web-based access (web-based access) to an email addressed to the email address received from the website 130.
access). As part of the access by this web browser, the user at the web client 110 can access the personalization server 140.
Can be requested to perform the following services.

* Forward selected emails to selected target email addresses * Delete or ignore selected emails from any of the website-specific email addresses (as a result, certain websites Selected emails from or associated services will be deleted or ignored) * Selected emails addressed to any one website dedicated email address using web client software 111 Or * allow the user of the web client software 111 to respond to selected emails.

System Operation FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a method of utilizing a system for accessing a personalized website. Method 200 is performed by system 100, which comprises web client 110, communication network 120, web server 130, and personalization server 140. In the following description, the steps are sequentially described as being performed serially,
In a preferred embodiment, these steps may be performed concurrently or in parallel in response to more than one web client 110 and / or more than one website 130, depending on system configuration requirements. May be performed in different order or a combination thereof.

At flow point 210, the primary user at web client 110 is ready to register with personalization server 140. At step 221, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. This message 152 includes a request to register the primary user. At step 212, the personalization server 140 generates and ships a registration page 153 to the web client 110. The registration page 153 may be a standard form or it may be personalized in response to the user or web client 110.

At step 213, the user sends the authentication / personalization information to the web client software 11 in response to the registration page 153. In step 214, the web client software 111 sends the user's authentication / personalization information to the personalization server 140. In step 215, the personalization server 140 makes the database 14
The authentication / personalization information of the user is stored in 4.

At flow point 220, the primary user at web client 110 is ready to register new website 130 with personalization server 140. In step 221, message 151 is sent from web client software 111 to personalization server 140. This message 151 includes a request to register a new website 130 and a website 130, such as an identifier 152, useful for registering on a registration page 153 on the website 130.
Information is included.

In step 222, the personalization server 140 generates and sends a message 151 requesting to register the primary user on the website 130. In the preferred embodiment, this message 151 requests the registration page 153 from the website 130. In step 223, the website 130 is the personalization server 140.
The registration page 153 is generated and sent to. The nature of this activity by website 130 varies widely, but is still within the scope of the invention.

In step 224, the personalization server 140 sends the website 13
Reply to 0. Individually, the personalization server 140 matches the registration request from the website 130 with the profile information included in the database 144 and supplies the website 130 with the user authentication / personalization information. In the preferred embodiment, the personalization server 140 is the web client 110.
Requires authentication from the user by sending a message 151 (such as an HTML or XML page) corresponding to. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the personalization server 140 generates a new email address for the user at the personalization server 140, which new email address is unique to both the user and the website 130. In step 225, the website 130 stores the user's authentication and personalization information in the database 134.

Some websites 130 send the user additional authentication information, such as a username and password, along with the initial email message 151 to the user. The personalization server 140 receives this first e-mail message 151, parses it, and if it contains other authentication information (such as a user name and password), associates that authentication information with that user and stores it in the database. Save to 144. Some websites 130 send cookies or other data to the user along with other authentication information. The personalization server 140 records and stores this data (the information related to the “cookie” may be any information) in the personalization server 140.

In the preferred embodiment, personalization server 140 determines whether website 130 has sent a cookie to web client 110. If so, the personalization server 140 sends the software assistant 115 to the web client 110 for use by the web client 110 when using the website 130. The software assistant 115 assists the web client software 111 and the parsing server 140 by ensuring that the personal server 140 can use the information contained in the cookie. In the preferred embodiment, this software assistant 115 includes:
It consists of a web browser plug-in, a program fragment (such as an applet or javascript code), or other application that works with the web client software 111.

At flow point 230, the primary user at the web client 110 is ready to identify himself to the website 130 and authenticate using the personalization server 140. In step 231, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. This message 151 contains a request to identify and authenticate the user at the website 130. In step 232, personalization server 140 creates registration page 153. The registration page 153 allows the user to select one or more websites that identify the website 130 to which the user is registered (or bookmarked) and that identify and authenticate himself. ing.

In step 233, the user selects one or more websites 130 to be self-identified and authenticated. The web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140 indicating the web site 130 of the web client software 111. At step 234, the personalization server 140 to the website 130.
An authentication message is sent to. Then, the personalization server 140 directly or indirectly (using the web client 110) sends the user authentication / personalization information to the website 130. At step 235, the website 130 authenticates the user and the web client software 111 permits the user access to restricted information or services.

At flow point 240, the primary user at web client 110 is ready to access the email at the personalization server 140 addressed to the primary user. In step 241, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. This message 151 comprises a request to access an email on the personalization server 140. In step 242, personalization server 140 causes web client 11
A message 151 is generated and sent in response to 0. In the preferred embodiment, this message 151 indicates to which email address the email is being received and further generalizes the email (by presenting headers or subject lines). ).

In step 243, the user accesses the e-mail in the personalization server 140 using the well-known e-mail method accessible by a web browser. With this well-known web-browser accessible email method, the user may delete the email address of one or more selected websites 130 from the personalization server 140, or select one or more email addresses. The email of the selected website 130 can be directed to be forwarded to the selected target email address (possibly elsewhere).

At flow point 250, a primary user at web client 110 is making a secondary user accessible to one or more selected websites 130. In step 251, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. This message 151 comprises a request to allow a secondary user access to one or more websites 130. In step 252, the personalization server 140 creates a selection page 153 and sends the page 153 to the web client 110. The selection page 153 shows a list of websites 130 that the primary user can access, and also shows a list of types of access restrictions that the primary user should have the personalization server 140 perform.

In step 253, the web client software 111 selects page 1
53 is presented to the user. The user then has one or more websites 130
And a related restriction on the information or services at the website 130, a set of secondary users with restricted access is identified. At step 254, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140 with the selection made by the primary user. The personalization server 140 receives this message 151 and stores the relevant information in its database 144.

At flow point 260, a secondary user of web client 110 is enabled to access one or more websites 130 using personalization server 140. In step 261, the ware 111 of the web client sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140, as in step 231. This message 151 includes a request to identify and authenticate the secondary user at the website 130. In step 262, the personalization server 140 sends the database 14
In response to 4, the degree of access permitted to the secondary user is determined. For example, a secondary user may access the website 130 independently by separately registering with the personalization server 140, or may be authorized to be accessed by a primary user (either alone or another). .

In response to the degree of access permitted, personalization server 140 generates registration page 153, similar to step 232. This registration page 153
Is allowed to be accessed by the secondary user (either by one or another) or independently, or allows the secondary user to select one or more websites to access. The websites 130 that are allowed by the user (identification / authentication or directly accessed by bookmark) are identified. In step 233, the secondary user selects one or more websites 130 to identify and authenticate themselves. The web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140 informing it of its website 130.

At step 234, the personalization server 140 sends the web server 130
Provide primary user authentication / personalization information to the web site (even if the web site 130 is actually the secondary user), but either directly to the web site 130 or the web client. This is performed using the software 111. Whether to do this directly or indirectly in authenticating and personalizing the secondary user may be done according to a parameter chosen by the primary user. In step 235, the website 130 authenticates the secondary user (in response to the primary user's authentication / personalization information) and the web client software 111.
To allow secondary users to access services without restricted information.

II System Elements FIG. 3 shows a system for group access to websites. The system 100 comprises a set of web clients 110, a communication network 120, at least one website 130, and a group surfing server 140.

As used herein, “client” and “server” do not necessarily mean a physical device, but mean a client-server relationship between a client and a server. The term “web client” as used herein means a combination of devices, software, etc. that play the role of the client in the Internet, the World Wide Web, or the equivalent event or extended client-server environment. . The web client 110 does not have to be an individual device, but a single device, a group of cooperating devices, parts of a device, or a combination thereof (eg, a web server acting as a user's agent). Like a device providing a service).

As used herein, the term “web site” refers to the Internet, the World Wide Web, or a combination of devices, software, etc. that play the role of a server in a client-server environment equivalent to or equivalent to the Internet. The website 130 need not be an individual device, but may be a single device, a group of cooperating devices, a portion of the devices, or a combination thereof.

Each web client 110 is arranged to be used by an operator or a user 112, and the web client software 11 such as a web browser is used.
1 consists of a processor operating under control. In the preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 comprises software 113 adapted to communicate with the website 130 using a communication protocol described below.

In the preferred embodiment, each web client 110 comprises a general purpose computer, such as a laptop or workstation. However, this web client 110 (either with or without a laptop or workstation) (such as a "Palm Pilot" or other portable device)
A mobile calendar, mobile computer, special computer, mobile phone or other telephone device, interactive voice response telephone system, web server acting as an agent for the user, etc. may be provided. In another embodiment, the web client 110 may also include other devices that perform some or all of the functions described below. The work environment of the web client 110 with respect to the website 130, the type of device, the connection TIA, and the like may differ between a plurality of pairs of connection sessions between the web client 110 and the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, this communication network 120 is a packet switched network such as the Internet, an intranet (with or instead of), an enterprise network, an extranet, a private virtual network, It may be a switched virtual network or the like. In another embodiment, the communication network 120 may be another communication link that allows the web client 110, the website 130, the group surfing server 140, etc. to cooperate with each other to perform the functions described below.

The communication network 120 includes the web client 110 and the website 1.
30, the message 151 can be exchanged between two parties of the group surfing server 140. Message 151 is for web client 1
10, the website 130, and the group surfing server 140 are defined in a predetermined format according to a communication protocol that can be recognized by the three parties. In the preferred embodiment, this communication protocol includes TCP / IP (Transfer Control Protocol /
Internet Protocol) or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) such as HTTPS (Secure HTTP) or a variant thereof. In the preferred embodiment, it may be another protocol running under TCP / IP. Further, this communication protocol may be a request / send protocol such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), Gopher, or a modification thereof. In the description of the present specification, HTTP and TCP / IP will be mainly referred to, but a person skilled in the art can consider the present invention, without waiting for a further invention or performing an extra experiment, without considering the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that other protocols are available for.

In the preferred embodiment, the information request message 151 includes the identifier 152 of the request page 153. The request page 153 includes a set of information that may include data in one of multiple formats, and
In some cases, multiple links 154 to other pages 153 are included. Each link 154 includes an identifier 152 for that target page 153 and information about the target page 153 (such as a title). In the preferred embodiment, each page 153 comprises data in the form of text, images (still or moving), audio, program fragments (such as applets, applications, or Javascript), or combinations thereof. May be

In the preferred embodiment, the website 130 operates under the control of the web server software 131 and provides information 132 to the web client 110 or group in response to a request made using a communication protocol. It is adapted to send to the surfing server 140. In the preferred embodiment, the website 130 utilizes a communication protocol to allow the web client 110 to
Or software 1 that is adapted to communicate with the group surfing server 140
33 may be included.

Creating a group surfing session The web client software 111 is a group surfing server 140.
In response to the server 140, a message 151 requesting execution of the function described below is sent.

The first web client 110 sends a session creation message 151 to the group surfing server 140 to request the group surfing server 140 to create or set up a group surfing session. In the preferred embodiment, this message 151 comprises a group surf breakage identifier that allows other web clients 110 to add to the session themselves. (The group server 140 can also assign this identifier in response to the session creation message 151.)
In the preferred embodiment, this message 151
It may include the identifiers of a set of web clients 110 that are permitted to participate or are not allowed to participate. Alternatively, the web client 110 may specify that the session is open to anyone. In addition, the web client 110 may specify a time schedule for the session (combining these features, such as making them publicly available only at selected times, after which only some authorized users will participate. You may be able to).

In a preferred embodiment, message 151 may include an identifier 152 for the first page 153 of the group surfing session. For example, the first page 153 may be the home page of the selected website 130 or the welcome page of the selected service provided by the selected website 130. The group surfing server 140 receives the session creation message 151 and responds by (1) creating a group surfing session and (2) notifying the parties of the group surfing session. If the session creation message 151 includes the identifier 152 of the first page 153, the group surfing server 140 proceeds to start the operation of the group surfing session, as described below, to the website 130 first. Page 153 is delivered to the web clients 110 participating in the session.

After creating the group surfing session, the group surfing server 1
40 begins preparing to add another web client 110 to the session. To add a second (or another) web client 110, the client 110 sends a join session message 151 to the group surfing server 140. In the preferred embodiment, message 151 includes an identifier for the group surfing session. The group surfing server 140 receives the join session message 151 and responds by adding the new web client 110 to the group surfing session. The group surfing server 140 also notifies the web client 110 of the new addition to other parties in the group surfing session. The group surfing server 140 joins the session with the new web client 110 added as described above.

Group Surfing Session Operation One or more web clients 110 are group surfing servers 1
The group surfing server 140 has the authority to supervise the group surfing session because it is designated as the controlling web client 110 by the group surfing server 40. Which of the web clients 110 should be designated as the managing web client 110 is made by one of various methods or a combination thereof.

* In the session creation message 151, the general web client 110 is identified. * When creating a session, one or a plurality of general web clients 110 are selected by the web client 110 that has contacted the group surfing server 140 (once at the start of the session or dynamically at the session time). * The group surfing server 140 uses a random or pseudo-random technique to nominate the general web client 110 from the web clients 110 participating in the session. * The general web client 110 is nominated by the majority vote or majority vote by all the web clients 110 participating in the session.

The first M of the 1st N web clients 110 who are going to select the next page among the participants of the session are the general web clients 110. Which of N web clients 110 should be selected as M is a random or pseudo-random technique, or a clustering technique for selecting similar web clients 110.
, Or other techniques may be used by the group surfing server 140. * All participating web clients 110 that meet the selected criteria are selected by the group surfing server 140 as the managing web clients 110. This selected criterion is, for example, (a) a web client 110 using “.edu” as a primary domain or “.aol” as a secondary domain,
(b) a web client 110 who has participated in the session for a period of N seconds or more, or (c) a web client 110 who has participated in the session but has not yet been selected as the general web client 110, or It may be based on a rule such as a combination.

If the general web client 110 is a single web client 110, the general web client 110 determines the progress of the page 153 viewed in the group surfing session as described later. When there are a plurality of general web clients 110, all the general web clients 110 cooperate with each other to determine the progress of the page 153 viewed during the group surfing session. Group surfing server 140 may direct page 153 in any of a variety of techniques, or combinations thereof.

* The first page 153 selected by the managing web client 110 is selected as the next page in the progress of the page 153 in the session. * The next page in the progress of page 153 in the session is designated from the page 153 selected by the general web client 110 by the group surfing server 140 using a random or pseudo-random method. * The next page in the progress of page 153 in the session is the brute force selection method (ro
It is designated by the group surfing server 140 using the und-robin technique) from the page 153 selected by the general web client 110. * The page 153 selected by the majority vote or majority vote of the general web client 110 is selected as the next page in the progress of the page 153 in the session.

In any case, the group surfing server 140 determines the next page depending on the progress of the page 153 in the session. The group surfing server 140 contacts the website 130 having the next page 153 to instruct the target website 130 to forward the next page 153 for presentation to the session participating web clients 110. . In the preferred embodiment, the group surfing server 140 is to instruct the target website 130 to forward the next page 153 to the group surfing server 140. Then, the group surfing server 140 retransmits the page 153 to the web client 110 participating in the session. This makes available a set of "cookies" or other data about the identity or session sent by the website 130 and stored on the group surfing server 140 at each participating web client 110.

In another embodiment, in the absence of “cookies” and other data about identities, each web client 110 may directly from website 130 to the next page 153.
Can receive. In some of these embodiments, the group surfing server 140 receives the next page 153 itself from the target website 130 and resends the next page 153 to each participating web client 110. ing. In some other such embodiments, the group surfing server 140 uses a multicast protocol such as IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) to display the next page 153 to the session participation web. You may make it multicast to the client 110.

As the general web client 110 selects the progress of page 153 for the session, the progress of the page 153 is presented to each web client 110 participating in the session. If the web client 110 participating in the session wants to leave the session permanently or temporarily, a leave session message 151 is sent from the web client 110 to the group surfing server 140. This session withdrawal message 151 is the group surfing server 14
0, and thus the group surfing server 140 is responsive to the message to remove the web client 110 from the group surfing session. In addition, the group surfing server 140 notifies other participants of the group surfing that the web client 110 has withdrawn. This causes the group surfing server 140 to prevent the leaving web client 110 from joining the session anymore.

The functions of the website 130, including the web client software 111 in some cases, are responsive to similar requests from others.
Is almost the same as the function performed by. Therefore, there is no particular requirement for the web server 130 to be modified to perform the functions described in this specification in cooperation with the web client software 111 and the group surfing server 140.

Two or more types of web clients 130 (first consisting of personal computers
When group surfing for a web client 1130 (such as a web client 1130 or a second web client 130 consisting of a “Palm Pilot” device), the group surfing server 140 will find the most suitable version of the page for each individual web client 110. Make multiple requests to send (and variants of) the same page to website 130 so that it can be searched. The group surfing server 140 sends to each individual web client 110 the variant of the page that is most suitable for that web client 110.

Efficient Group Surfing Activity In a preferred embodiment, the program fragments loaded on each web client 110 are utilized to reduce the burden on the group surfing server 140. The program fragment may be a Java applet, a part of Javascript code, a web browser plug-in, an active X element, or another interface that interfaces with the web client 110 to influence the operation of the website 130 and the group surfing server 140. It may consist of any of the techniques, or a combination thereof.

This program fragment is sent from the group surfing server 140 to the web client 110, or resides at the web client 110. This program fragment can be dynamically loaded for each session, or can be made to reside in an active state only during the session.

The program fragment is capable of performing one or more of the following functions, or a combination thereof. * The program fragment detects embedded frames contained in the selected page 153 and requests the group surfing server 140 to retrieve these frames from the website 130 and send them to the web client 110. . * The program fragment intercepts the selection of link 152 at web client 110 and directs the detected selection to group surfing server 140 for processing. * The program fragment intercepts the "submit" selections made by the web client 110 when posting an HTML form and directs the information in those "subject" selections to the group surfing server 140 for processing. * The program fragment intercepts HTML instructions (eg, HTML code trying to get into the top-level frame) on the selected page 153 that might interfere with the screen layout used for breaking. * The program fragment detects embedded multimedia objects contained in the selected page 153 and requests these multimedia objects directly from the website 130.

Variants of Group Surfing Sessions There are many variants of the technique by which individual web clients 110 access information from the website 130. Similarly, there are many variations of techniques by which the managing web client 110 accesses information from the website 130 and presents this information to the participating web clients 110. These variants include one or more of the following, or a combination thereof.

Web Page Look-Ahead The managing web client 110 selects the “look-ahead” web page 1
Prior to identifying 53 as the next page 153 in the progression of page 153 during the session, the "look ahead" web page 153 is selected. As a result, the general web client 110 can perform one or more of the following emergency measures, or a combination thereof.

* Determine whether the user 112 at the centralized website 110 can access the selected “look ahead” page 153 during the session. For example, some of the pages 153 may be subject to limited access depending on time or usage constraints. * Determine whether the “look ahead” page 153 selected by the user 112 at the oversight website 110 is suitable for the session participating web client 110. As one example, some such pages 153 may include information that is not important to the session (eg, classes, seminars, product or service demonstrations, etc.). As another example, some such pages 153 may include information that is inappropriate for the session (eg, so-called "adult oriented" for sessions that include a minority of users 112). Material etc.). * Determine whether the user 112 at the headquarter website 110 needs special access to the selected “look ahead” page 153 (eg, password restrictions, paid services, etc.). As an example, the general web client 11
0 may choose to delete such page 153 from the session.
As another example, the oversight web client 110 may elect to accept special access (eg, entering a password or credit card number) without presenting it to other web clients 110 participating in the session. is there.

Web Page Special Access The general web client 110 requires the web page 153 that requires special access.
When specifying as the next page 153 in the progress of the page 153 in the session, the web page 153 requiring the special access may be selected.
As an example, the general web client 110 secretly inputs information necessary for special access without notifying other web clients 110 participating in the session. As another example, the general web client 110
Information obtained or provided from other web clients 110 participating in the session (such as information to fill HTML forms)
Enter.

Automatic Form Completion of Web Pages In the preferred embodiment, the general web client 110 enters information to complete the HTML form and forwards the information to the group surfing server 140. The group surfing server 140 inputs information and
Complete the TML form and transfer the information to the website 130. If the website responds with a new page, the group surfing server 140
Sends the new page to all participating web clients.

In another preferred embodiment, the managing web client 110 completes the HTML form by entering the information and submits that information to the group surfing server 14.
Upon transfer to 0, the group surfing server 140 presents the information in HTML format to each web client 110, thereby participating web client 1
We are making it possible to see the complete HTML form of 10. The group surfing server 140 is configured to fill each field of the form,
Alternatively, the information is presented in HTML format when the entire form is complete or at other occasions.

Paying for Website Services The managing web client 110 is the web client 11 participating in the session.
Even if 0 does not have the right of pay access, the pay access web page 153 can be selected. The group surfing server 140 is
Paid access can be controlled by any one or more of the following techniques, or a combination thereof.

* Oversight Web Client 110 pays for it and provides it as a service gift, in effect to participating Web Clients 110. * The group surfing server 140 collects payment from the participating web client 110 accounts. This payment may be a proportionate share of the actual cost to the managing web client 110, or may be a fee agreed by the participating web clients 110, or the trading website 1
30 may be a commission paid to the group surfing server 140. * The group surfing server 140 collects payments only from participating web clients 110 that select paid information or services offered as part of the session. A participating web client 110 can make this decision at the time of joining a session or when payment for (or occurs) information or services occurs.

Affiliated E-Commerce The oversight web client 110 can select the web page 153 to participate in the e-commerce. For example, the general web client 110 may order goods or services and request delivery. Similar to payments for website services, session participants web clients 110 may direct such electronic commerce using any one or more of the following techniques, or combinations thereof.

* Making a payment for the goods or services ordered by the general web client 110 and substantially presenting the gift to the participating web clients 110. * The group surfing server 140 collects the payment from the account of the participating web client 110 for each such electronic commerce transaction. This payment may be a proportionate share of the actual cost to the managing web client 110, or may be a fee agreed by the participating web clients 110, or the trading website 130 may It may be a fee paid to the group surfing server 140.

* Group surfing server 140 collects payments only from participating web clients 110 who select paid information or services offered as part of the session. As with paid website services, the participating web clients 110 can make this decision at the time of joining the session or when a payment for information or services occurs (or occurs). * Group surfing server 140 duplicates electronic commerce for each participating web client that chooses to participate. As with paid website services, the participating web clients 110 can make this decision at the time of joining the session or when a payment for information or services occurs (or occurs).

The group surfing server 140 receives a prepayment prior to the group surfing session and makes the prepayment for electronic commerce available to corresponding participating web clients who choose to participate in the group surfing session. This allows the group surfing server 140 to be prepaid (or somehow prepared) from an "account" on behalf of one or more or one class of web clients 110. Such a function is useful, for example, in allowing joint decision-making regarding electronic commerce, such as when choosing a gift for a third party or for one of the session participants.

Importing and Exporting Website Information The general web client 110 can import and export information about the website 130 such as bookmarks, “cookies”, and user registration on the participating websites 130. . Similar to paid website services, session-participating web clients 110 can choose whether to participate in this import or export operation.

Usage in Intra-User Communication The web client 110 participating in the session is
Communication between groups of users 112 at zero. The techniques used for this communication include one or more of telephone communication, voice over IP, internet chat, e-mail, "instant message", or other intra-user communication, or a combination thereof. it can. In the preferred embodiment, the same or different windows are utilized at the web clients 110 so that each web client 110 is presented with this communication technique when creating the group surfing server 140.

Utilization of Other Network Functions The web client 110 participating in the session can perform other functions related to the network. For example, the use of the present invention in electronic commerce has been described above. The present invention can also be used for remote training functions. In that case, one or more participating web clients 110 may be instructors, teachers, seminar instructors,
It can be a discussion facilitator or other intermediary. These participating web clients 110 may become the managing web clients 110. Another participating web client (remote web client) 110 may be a student, a seminar participant or viewer, a discussion participant, and a negotiating party. The instructor or intermediary can use the group surfing process to present information to students or participants to confirm thoughts or assertions using available reference services or work.

The present invention can also be used for virtual displays or tours. In that case, one or more of the participating web clients 110 may be salespeople, guides, presenters, or other guides. These participating web clients 110 may become the managing web clients 110. Another participating web client (remote from the intermediary or having a one-to-one relationship with the sales person or guide) 110 may be a potential buyer or virtual tourist. The salesperson or guide uses the group surfing process to respond to the wishes or preferences of potential buyers or virtual tourists and uses reference materials, including maps, photos and other virtual data, to identify potential buyers or potential buyers. Information can be presented to the virtual tourist. In a preferred embodiment of such usage, the reference material available is a VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language) server, which provides browsable 3D information about a presentation or tour. It has become. For example, this browsable three-dimensional information may be a real estate for sale or a presentation in a virtual art gallery.

The present invention can also be used for telemedicine or other process remote control. In that case, one or more of the participating web clients 110 may be a general surgeon, physician, other health care professional, or consultant. These participating web clients 110 may become the managing web clients 110. Another participating web client 110 can be a field healthcare worker, field engineer, or robotic device. The supervising healthcare professional uses the group surfing process to view information about the patient (or a controllable physical process, such as a refinery or semiconductor manufacturing facility), make suggestions and provide instructions for treatment. The robot device or sensor device is directly controlled.

The invention can also be used for consulting (as in the fields of finance, advertising, marketing). In that case, one or more participating web clients 110 may be consultants. These participating web clients 110 can be the managing web clients 110. Another participating web client 110 would be a consultant client (human). The consultant may utilize the group surfing process to present information to the client, including new or proposed presentation material, presentation material from competitors, or from other participants in the electronic marketplace.

“Channels” for Multiple Group Surfing The group surfing server 140 may have more than one group surfing session, with each group surfing session having its own history of browse pages. When a web client 110 adds himself to a participating web client 110 in a group surfing session, the web client 110 will be presented with the recently visited page and will be able to view the pages that were viewed prior to joining the group surfing session. You can see the history.

In a preferred embodiment, if a user of web client 110 uses normal web surfing techniques to come across a page that the user wishes to share, then that user will use that web client 110. Send a message to the group surfing server 140 to add the page to the group surfing session. Each web client 110 is provided with a personalized group surfing session for it, and a secondary web client can view or view its history. If the secondary web client 110 has already participated in the group surfing session, the page will be presented to the secondary web client 110 when the page is sent from the primary web client 110 to the group surfing server 140. It In another embodiment, the secondary web client 110 only has a list of pointers (such as URLs) to these pages presented during a group surfing session that are dynamically updated as new pages are added. It is designed to receive.

System Operation FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method of utilizing the system for group access to websites. The method 200 includes a system 10 including a web client 110, a communication network 120, a web server 130, and a group surfing server 140.
It is executed by 0. In the following description, the steps are sequentially described as being performed serially,
In a preferred embodiment, these steps may be performed simultaneously or in parallel, depending on multiple system components, or in different orders or combinations thereof.

At flow point 210, group surfing server 140 is ready to create a group surfing session. In step 211, the primary web client 110 sends a session creation message 151 to the group surfing server 140 to request the group surfing server 140 to create or set up a group surfing session, as described above. In step 212, the group surfing server 140 receives the session creation message 151. Group surfing server 140 is (1)
Create a group surfing session and (2) contact the group surfing session participants. Method 200 then proceeds to flow point 220.

At flow point 220, the group surfing server 140 is ready to add the web client 110 to the group surfing session. In step 221, the secondary (or another) web client 110 sends a join session message 151 to the group surfing server 140 as described above. At step 222, the group surfing server 140 receives the session participation message 151. Then the group surfing server 140 is (1)
Add the new web client 110 to the group surfing session and inform the other participants of the group surfing session about the newly added web client 110.

In step 223, the group surfing server 140 sends to the new web client 110 a program fragment (preferably like Java applet, Javascript code) to process the page 153 received as part of the session. When the new web client 110 selects one of the links 152 on such page 153, the program fragment intercepts the request prior to sending it to the website 130 and resends the selection to the group surfing server 140. This allows the group surfing server 140 to determine which next page 153 to choose and also ensure that such next page 153 is presented to all participating web clients 110. The method 200 then proceeds to flow point 230.

At flow point 230, group surfing server 140 is ready to perform a group surfing session. In step 231, the group surfing server 140 designates one or more managing web clients 110 as described above. In the preferred embodiment, the primary web client 110 that sent the session creation message 151 is a single acting web client 110. In step 232, the managing web client 110 determines that the website 1
The page 153 is received from the group surfing server 140 that has received the 30 color age 153. If the managing web client 110 selects the link 152 on that page 153, this selection will be captured by the program fragment and group surfing will be described below (preferably using a protocol running on top of TCP / IP). It is sent to the server 140. In another embodiment, group surfing server 140 causes page 153 to join session web client 11
The link 152 of the page 153 is changed before being presented to 0.

At step 233, the general web client 110 sends the next page message 1
Send 51 to group surfing server 140, page 15 in session
The next page 153 in the state of progress of 3 is designated. In step 234, the group surfing server 140 receives the next page message 151. The group surfing server 140 may (1) contact the website 130 having the next page 153 after adding appropriate cookies or other matching information to the target website 130 and send the next page 153 to the group surfing server 140. Instruct to send to 140. After that, the group surfing server 140 retransmits the next page 153 to the web client 110 participating in the session. In a preferred embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the group surfing server 140, the group surfing server 140 may use page 153 without multimedia elements (such as embedded audio, images, or program fragments).
I try to send only itself. Each participating web client 110 makes a request for such multimedia elements directly from the website 130.

Reaching step 235, page 153 is presented at each web client 110 participating in the session. In step 236, the group surfing server 140 causes the website 13 to
When receiving a "cookie" or other data about a session or verification from 0, the group surfing server 140 stores the "cookie" in a cookie database relatively local to the group surfing server 140 and the session. Each time the group surfing server 140 requests a page from the website 130, the group surfing server 140 will
Send the appropriate "cookie" you are receiving from 30. Steps 231, 232, 233, 234, 235 and 236 are repeated, and page progress is presented at each web client 110 participating in the session.

At flow point 240, the selected web client 110 is ready to leave the session. In step 241, the selected web client 110 sends a leave session message 151 to the group surfing server 140. In step 242, the group surfing server 140 receives the session leave message 151. Then, the group surfing server 140 (1) deletes the withdrawal web client 110 from the group surfing session, and (2) notifies other participants of the group surfing session of the withdrawal web client 110. In the preferred embodiment, if the general web client 110 leaves the session, the group surfing server 140 will (1) terminate the session and (2) contact the participants in the group surfing session. .

At flow point 250, the overarching web client 110 is ready to select a web page 153 for “look ahead”. In step 251, the general web client 110 sends a look-ahead start message 151 to the group surfing server 140. In step 252, the group surfing server 140 receives the look ahead start message 151. Group surfing server 140 refrains from presenting the next page 153 to the session participants.

At step 253, the oversight web client 110 sends a message 151 to one or more websites 130 to request page 153, and
Receive the information from the website 130 without presenting the information to the session participants. At step 254, the umbrella web client 110 sends a stop lookahead message 151 to the group surfing server 140. At step 255, the group surfing server 140 receives the look ahead stop message 151. This group surfing server 140
Respond to present the next page 153 to the session participants.

At the flow point 260, the general web client 110 is ready to select the web page 153 for “special access”. In step 261, the general web client 110 sends a special access start message 151 to the group surfing server 140. In step 262, the group surfing server 140 receives the special access start message 151. The group surfing server 140 also refrains from presenting access or authentication information (HTML forms, etc.) to session participants. At step 263, the general web client 110 sends a message 151 to one or more web sites 130 to gain access to the web site 130 without presenting the information to the session participants.

At step 264, the general web client 110 sends a special access stop message 151 to the group surfing server 140. In step 265, the group surfing server 140 receives the special access stop message 151. The group surfing server 140 returns to the regular presentation of the information on page 153 to the session participants.

At the flow point 270, the general web client 110 is ready to select the pay access web page 153. In the preferred embodiment, the group surfing server 140 does not collect payments from the participating web clients 110.
Therefore, all paid access is paid by the general web client 110, and is substantially free to the web clients 110 participating in the session. The group surfing server 140 takes no special action.

At flow point 280, the oversight web client 110 is ready to select a web page 153 to participate in electronic commerce. In a preferred embodiment, group surfing server 140 does not collect payments from web clients 110 participating in electronic commerce. Therefore, all e-commerce transactions are paid by the managing web client 110, and the (if the service is) web client 110 participating in the session.
Is practically free. The group surfing server 140 takes no special action. In another embodiment, the group surfing server 140 is registered as a partner or partner of the website 130 and thus receives fees from the website 130 for electronic commerce that takes place during the session.

At flow point 290, the umbrella web client 110 is ready to import or export information to the website 130. In step 291, the general web client 110 sends an import / export message 151 to the group surfing server 140 to send information about the website (eg, bookmarks, “cookies”, or participating websites 1).
(30 user registration etc.) import or export is instructed. In step 292, the group surfing server 140 receives the import / export message 151. The group surfing server 140 is
The designated information is imported or exported to a selected database in the web clients 110 participating in the session to indicate their willingness to participate in the import or export operation. In the preferred embodiment, the EAR exposed database is specific to the cookie / verification database for group surfing sessions. In another embodiment, the selected database makes available other applications for the web such as bookmarks and registration databases for top-level web surfing. This selected database may be managed by a program fragment sent from the group surfing server 140 to the web client 110, or other related software.

III Terms The following terms as used herein mean or are related to the aspects of the invention described below. * Personalization Information: As used herein, the term "personalization information" may be stored on a personal data server, collected by a user or website, collected from a user or website, or user or web. Means the data collected about the site. As this personalized information, financial information (for example, bank account balance, credit information, loan information, real estate information, stock account balance, stock portfolio information, or other financial information) and medical information (for example, allergy information, insurance information, It may be any one or more of drug treatment information, patient history information, other medical information, and other information that is specific to an individual and is not disclosed to the general public. As a result, even though it is not unique to an individual, it is available to the general public, but is still of particular interest to that individual, such as personalized news or general information that is requested in a special way by an individual user. It may be information that is of personal interest to individual users such as: (1) Information about individual user's children's choices in the dynamic team, (2) news items that are of interest to the individual user, (3) bids at auctions that the individual user is doing or is interested in, (4) email or , Other communications that individual users may have or are interested in, such as chats, instant messages, newsgroups, etc., (5) recent with stock brokers or other brokers, or book sellers or other sellers. Or pending transactions, (6) non-financial account records such as air boarding mileage service points and other discount programs, (7) sports information such as golf scores and records of selected sports teams, or ( 8) Includes schedule information such as invitation dates and personal calendars. Information that is likely to be used by individual users, such as information necessary for electronic commerce, is information that automates purchasing activities, for example, personal user names and addresses, credit card numbers, and account numbers. Information such as the delivery destination, desired items for delivery, and a preferred purchase account of an individual user are also examples of this personalized information.

* Summarization and aggregation: As used herein, "summarization and integration" refers to the organization, selective or non-selective separation, coordination, selective presentation of personalized information. , Means a technique or method such as selective transfer. This summary finishing or integration includes account balance or writing or calculation to the account, addition or calculation of securities from individual accounts, calculation or judgment of sources of credit information and other financial information, and more specific information. One or more of the other finishing touches or integrations that provide a more holistic view from. In the case of multiple individuals, this oversight or consolidation could include census, insurance,
It also includes demographics used for market research and other forms such as population classification. In addition, overall finishing or integration includes default information for overall finishing or integration, preferences by individual users or selection of specific information to be generalized or integrated, or editors or other tools. It also includes requests by individual users to complete or integrate using.

* Personal Data Server: As used herein, the term "personal data server" refers to a personal user who has access to a website containing the personalized information described above and which is used by an individual user to retrieve or use the personalized information. It may be a server device including preference or access information. The personal data server may be a personal data server that can access a website with personal information of the individual user, even if the personal information of interest to the individual user is not unique to the individual user. * Individual user: As used herein, an "individual user" is a person who is unique to himself as well as operating a web client so that he can act either on his behalf or as an organization to access the Internet. Or, a person who operates the web client in order to use, add, manage, generalize, delete or access data contained in personal data specific to the representing organization.

* Website: As used herein, a "website" is a combination of software or devices that act as a server in a client-server environment on the Internet, World Wide Web, or its equivalent or an extension thereof. Means There is no requirement that the website 130 be an individual device. It may be a single device, or a combination of devices cooperating with each other, parts of the device, or even combinations thereof. * Jump page: The “jump page” used in this specification means a web page used by a personal data server in presenting personalized data required by an individual user. This "jump page" can also be used to navigate directly to one or more websites that have that information.

* Navigate: As used herein, “navigate” means that an individual user uses a web client to access information, and from one website to another or to a web page. It means the activity of moving from one web page to another without going to or from the internet, an intranet, or any other network. * Electronic commerce: "Electronic commerce" used in the present invention means all commercial activities, business activities, vocational activities, investment activities, etc. performed through the Internet, intranet, or other networks.

* Inter-user communication and inter-user interest group: “Inter-user communication” used in this specification
And "inter-user interest groups" are all communication between multiple users of the network,
Or, it means any communication between users of the network and Usenet, or electronic bulletin boards, newsgroups, and groups involved in information transfer and integration. * Restricted Access or Collective Access: As used herein, "restricted access" or "collective access" means the amount of personal data of an individual user that is available to anyone other than the individual or the user. This limit can be set by an individual or by a preselected protocol. For example, an individual user may make all medical records of his or her confidence available to medical personnel. Alternatively, the individual user may make only part of his or her medical records available to health care workers. * Non-individual person or organization: As used herein, "non-individual person or organization" means any person or organization other than an individual user. For example, it may be a government agency, an insurer, a third party who is allowed to access personalized information, a website or other network link that retrieves information about individual users. Good.

* Meta-Bookmark: As used herein, "Meta-Bookmark" means a data structure and technique for accessing a web object, which includes information and access to one of the web objects that should be accessed. Information about control,
Alternatively, it also contains information about the authentication or verification of the person or organization wishing to access the web object. For example, this metabookmark can only present (1) a link or pointer to a web object that normally requires a cookie or access password, and (2) some form fields such as login name and password. In such cases, a link or pointer to a partially complete form, or (3) a link or pointer to an application or applet that compiles all information from personalized information is included. In addition, this meta-bookmark may consist of a bookmark such as "When this stock buys". In this case, log in to the selected stock broker or select the stock to buy. Or, it may include a link or pointer to a selected website, along with specific actions such as ordering a specified amount of that stock.

System Elements FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a system for generalizing and integrating personalized information. The system 100 comprises a set of web clients 110 and a communication network 1
20, at least one website 130, and a personal data server 1
And 40. As used herein, "client" and "server" refer to the relationship between a server and a client, although not necessarily a specific physical device.

As used herein, the term “web client” means a combination of devices, software, etc. that play the role of the client in the Internet, the World Wide Web, or the equivalent event or extended client-server environment. To do. The web client 110 need not be an individual device, but a single device, a group of cooperating devices, a portion of devices, or a combination thereof (eg,
Like a device that provides a web server service that acts as a user agent). As used herein, the term "web site" refers to the Internet, the World Wide Web, or a combination of devices, software, etc. that play the role of a server in a client-server environment equivalent to or equivalent to the Internet. The website 130 need not be an individual device, but may be a single device, a group of cooperating devices, a portion of the devices, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, “client device” means a device that acts as a client in a client-server relationship (such as HTTP web clients and web servers). The client device does not have to be an individual physical device, but may be a single device, a group of cooperating devices, a part of the devices, or a combination thereof. As used herein, "server device" means a device that acts as a server in a client-server relationship. The server device does not have to be an individual physical device, but may be a single device, a group of cooperating devices, a part of the devices, or a combination thereof.

The web client 110 is arranged to be used by an operator or a user 112, and has web client software 111 such as a web browser.
It consists of a processor that operates under the control of. In the preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 utilizes a communication protocol to
30 and may include software 114 that is adapted to communicate with 30 and may include data 114, described below, for the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, the web client 110 comprises a general purpose computer such as a laptop or workstation. However, this Web Client 110 (with or without a laptop or workstation) (such as a "Palm Pilot" or other handheld device)
A mobile calendar, a portable computer, a special computer, a mobile phone or other telephone device, a web server acting as an agent for the user, and the like may be provided. In another embodiment, the web client 110 may also include other devices that perform some or all of the functions described below. The working environment of the web client 110 for the website 130,
The type of device, the characteristics of the connection between the web client 110 and the website 130, and the like may differ between multiple pairs of connection sessions between the web client 110 and the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication network 120 includes a packet-switched network such as the Internet, an intranet (with or in place of it), a corporate network, an extranet, a private virtual network ( virtual private network), switchable virtual network (
virtual switched network) or the like. In another embodiment, the communication network 120 may be another communication link that allows the web client 110, the website 130, the personal data server 140, etc. to cooperate with each other so that the functions described below can be performed.

The communication network 120 includes the web client 110 and the website 1.
The message 151 can be exchanged between two parties of the personal data server 140. Message 151 is for web client 11
0, the website 130, and the personal data server 140 are defined in a predetermined format according to a communication protocol that can be recognized by the three parties. In a preferred embodiment, this communication protocol includes TCP / IP (Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) such as HTTPS (Secure HTTP) or variants thereof. In the preferred embodiment, it may be another protocol running under TCP / IP. Further, this communication protocol may be a request / send protocol such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), Gopher, or a modification thereof. Although the description in this specification mainly refers to HTTP and TCP / IP, a person skilled in the art can consider the specification,
It will be readily appreciated that other protocols may be utilized in the present invention without waiting for further invention or undue experimentation.

In a preferred embodiment, the information request message 151 includes the identifier 152 of the request page 153. The request page 153 includes a set of information that may include data in one of multiple formats, and
In some cases, multiple links 154 to other pages 153 are included. Each link 154 includes an identifier 152 for that target page 153 and information about the target page 153 (such as a title). In the preferred embodiment, each page 153 comprises data in the form of text, images (still or moving), audio, program fragments (such as applets, applications, or Javascript), or combinations thereof. May be

In the preferred embodiment, the website 130 operates under the control of the web server software 131 and provides the information 132 in response to requests made using the communication protocol to the web client 110 or personal data. It is designed to be transmitted to the server 140. In a preferred embodiment, the website 130 may consist of software 133 adapted to communicate with the web client 110 or personal data server 140 using a communication protocol.

Personal Data Server The personal data server 140 is the web client software 111.
And a web server software 141, both of which operate under the control of a processor. In the preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 comprises software adapted to communicate with the website 130 as described below, and the web server software 141 communicates with the web client 110 as described below. It consists of software. The personal data server 140 includes an access database 142 or other data structure that contains information about a set of individual users. The access database 142 includes, for each individual user, a set of websites 130 having personalized information for each individual user and access information for each individual user of each website 130, such as a login name and password. Is equipped with.
In the preferred embodiment, the personal data server 140 also includes authentication information for each individual user so that the personal data server 140 can present personalized information only to the correct individual user.

The personal data server 140 uses the access database 142 at the request of the individual user who is using the web client 110 to access those websites 130 in the access database 142 and to personalize the individual user. It is provided to obtain the activation information. The personal data server 140 has a personalized information database 143 that includes this information.
And dynamically generate a presentation of jump page 144 or other personalized information for use by an individual user. In the preferred embodiment, the jump page 144 includes a summary of personalization information obtained from each website 130, and hyperlinks or other links to that website 130 for viewing or manipulating the details of the personalization information by an individual user. Includes a pointer and.

A hyperlink or other pointer is a URL for personalized information.
And the access information to the personalized information. For example, this hyperlink or other pointer can be a sequence of web navigation operations (such as link to link, link to complete form, link requiring login name and password, or a combination).
It is included. Individual users can get hyperlinks or other pointers from the jump page for future use or for distribution to others. The hyperlinks or other pointers that are saved or transferred become meta bookmarks 145. In a preferred embodiment, an individual user may set properties of the MetaBookmark 145, such as restrictions on data obtained using the MetaBookmark 145, restrictions on distribution, usage passwords, expiration dates, or combinations thereof. it can.

In the preferred embodiment, meta-bookmarks 145 include automatic completion of forms, automatic responses to Javascript or Java applications, applets (or otherwise personal data). The server 140 is supposed to provide it). In this way, the individual user can provide the access information that the personal data server 140 should receive in connection with the use of the meta bookmark 145, or in some other way,
In that case, the website 130 uses techniques for accessing personalized information that are relatively interactive rather than cookies, login names, and passwords.

Modes of Operation FIGS. 6 and 7 show flowcharts of methods of utilizing the system for generalized finishing and integration of personalized information. The method 200 is performed by the system 100. In this method 200,
The steps may be performed in concert with separate components, synchronously or pipelined, or in some manner in parallel. The method 200 need not necessarily be such that the steps are performed in the order set forth below unless otherwise noted.

At Jump Point Access Flow Point 210, the personal data server 140 is ready to accept requests for personalized information from individual users. In step 211, an individual user operates the web client 110 to access the communication network 120 and establish a connection between the web client 110 and the personal data server 140.

At step 212, the personal data server 140 identifies and authenticates an individual user at the web client 110. In a preferred embodiment, the personal data server 140 utilizes stored cookies on the web client 110, or may provide a login or password for a personal user, a digital identifier, or any other form required for identification and authentication. I'm trying to do this step. For example, the digital identifier may include an identifier for a processor or hardware device that operates as part of the web client 110, such as an identifier obtained from a mobile phone EIN, a caller ID telephone number, or an internet service provider. .

In step 213, the personal data server 140 retrieves the access information of the individual user from its access database 142. At step 214, the personal data server 140 utilizes the access information to contact each website 130 associated with the individual user and obtain personalized information for the individual user. In step 215, the personal data server 140 responds to the personalization information obtained in step 214 by responding to the jump page 14 for the individual user.
4 is dynamically generated. As part of this step, the personal data server 140 includes aggregate information in response to the profile it holds for the individual user (or at the request of the individual user) for inclusion in the jump page 144. ) Is calculated or judged.

At least a part of the jump page 144 is prepared in advance at a selected date and time or a selected frequency, or prepared in advance of a request from an individual user. Further, at least a part of the jump page 144 is updated at a selected date and time and a selected frequency in response to a request from an individual user or information from a website. In step 216, the personal data server 140 sends the jump page 144 to the web client 110 to provide personalized information to the individual user for viewing.

At step 217, the individual user operates the web client 110 to browse the jump page 144, and determines whether to further operate the personalized information. If so, method 200 proceeds to the next step, otherwise method 200 proceeds to flow point 210 or flow point 220 or flow point 230. At step 218, the individual user operates the web client 110 to perform further operations on the personalized information. As part of this step, the individual user may perform any one or more of the following operations, or a combination thereof.

Select the hyperlink or pointer on the jump page 144 to go to the selected website 130 that holds the personalized information. * Save or transfer hyperlinks or pointers on jump page 144 as meta bookmarks 145. * Browse and manipulate personalized information on website 130 using hyperlinks or pointers on jump page 144.

At flow point 220, the personal data server 140 is ready to accept a request from an individual user to change access information or priority. In step 221, as in step 211, the individual user operates the web client 110 to access the communication network 120 and establish the connection between the web client 110 and the personal data server 140. However, if this connection has already been accomplished in step 211, this step is optional. In step 222, as in step 212, the personal data server 1
40 identifies and authenticates an individual user at web client 110. However, if this identification and authentication have already been performed in step 212, this step is optional.

In step 223, the personal data server 144 dynamically generates an access or preference page similar to the jump page 144 for the individual user according to the access information or preference stored for the individual user. Access data includes name, address, social security number, child name and age, clothing size, medical information about the user, spouse or family number, type of previous purchase, date, amount, pet number and type, It may be any one or more of income data, a user's work address, a user's work telephone number, a link to a website, information acquired from another website, or a combination thereof.

In step 224, as in step 216, the personal data server 1
40 sends the jump page 144 to the web client 110 to provide access or preference information to the individual user for viewing. In step 225, as in step 217, it is determined whether the individual user operates the web client 110 to access or browse the preference information and further operate the personalized information. If so, method 200 proceeds to the next step, otherwise method 200.
Goes to flow point 210, flow point 220, and flow point 230. In step 226, as in step 218, the individual user operates the web client 110 to perform further operations on the personalized information. As part of this step, the individual user may perform any one or more of the operations described above in connection with step 218, or a combination thereof.

At flow point 230, the personal data server 140 is in a state where it can accept a request from an individual user and allow another person to access personalized information. In step 231, as in step 211, the individual user operates the web client 110 to access the communication network 120 and establish the connection between the web client 110 and the personal data server 140. If this connection has already been accomplished in step 211, this step is optional. In step 232, as in step 212, the personal data server 1
40 identifies and authenticates an individual user at web client 110. If this identification and authentication have already been made in step 212, this step is optional.

At step 233, the personal data server 140 stores the request from the individual user to access the personalized information by another person. In step 234, as in steps 211 to 218, a person or organization other than the individual user establishes a connection with the personal data server 140 and permits the personal information of one or more individual users to be viewed. They are identified and authenticated themselves as the acquiring person or organization, thus accessing personalized information. In the preferred embodiment, the personal data server 140 is
As instructed by individual users, it provides comprehensive, otherwise limited access to personalized information.

For example, an individual user may choose to integrate medical information or information about pets. By limiting access to integrated information, you can ensure that only some relevant information is sent to others or organizations. Therefore, by integrating the medical data of the family and the veterinary data of the pet, as an individual user, it is possible to prevent the medical record of the child from being sent to the veterinary personnel. The method 200 then proceeds to flow point 210, flow point 220, flow point 230.

Overview of the Present Invention The present invention is not limited to electronic commerce as described above, but can be generally applied to various fields. For example, the applicable fields may be one or more of the following, or a combination thereof. * Access to census, demographics, market distribution and other demographic information −
Personalized information about individual users (in this or related fields) is viewed and manipulated by individual users or other persons or organizations. Similarly, personalized information about individual users in other fields, such as medical or psychological information, education, training or other proficiency data (such as college grades), can be viewed by individual users or other persons or organizations, Operated.

* Complete use of automatic form filling-For individual users, personalization information (
Comprehensive, limited, or not) can be used to automatically complete the form without repeatedly presenting that information. Similarly, individual users allow access to personalized information (general, limited, or otherwise) by others or organizations to facilitate relevant techniques. * Use in electronic commerce-For individual users, personalized information (comprehensive or
(Limited or not) to conduct electronic commerce without repeatedly presenting that information. Similarly, it allows access to personalized information (general, limited, or otherwise) by others or organizations to facilitate electronic commerce.

* Use in inter-user communication-As an individual user, use personalized information (comprehensive, limited, or not) by others or organizations and without presenting that information repeatedly. Communication between users, such as electronic bulletin boards and mailing lists,
It is possible to do electronic "chat", interest groups, or related techniques. Similarly,
, Personalized information by others or organizations (comprehensive, limited, or not)
Access to and facilitate related techniques. Other uses for the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this specification, and these should be included in the scope of the present invention.

IV Terms The following terms as used herein mean or are related to the aspects of the invention described below. The definitions of these terms are not necessarily meant as such, but are merely exemplary. * Automatic new user registration-Generally, a technique for registering a new user on a website that sends personalized information about the user to the website automatically and without significant user input. * Data Entry-In general, sending data from a web client to a website requesting the data. * Descriptive text-A text or other descriptive presentation information (such as a graphic, image, or icon) that generally describes the nature of the data required for a structured data entry form in a selected field.

* Different types of structured data forms-generally, (1) request information for registering a new user on the website, (2) logging in a registered user to the website,
Or (3) a structured data form with a different purpose, such as completing an e-commerce transaction, a merchant, or a confirmation. * Structured Data Entry Form-A structured presentation, typically a graphic or image (typically in HTML or XML format) used to request data entry from a user.

* Support Application-Software that assists personalization software in recognizing different types of web pages and structured data forms, typically in web clients. * Input field-A logical data field that generally requests information of the kind chosen by the user. * MetaBookmark-generally selected via a bookmark or other user interface element at the client, such that the selected webpage or URL, such as the current webpage or URL, is the webpage or URL. An instruction that associates with a script or program fragment to take a selected action against.

* Compound or partial data value-In general, distinguish (Year, Month, Day) for a single value of (Date), or use a composite value of (Address, City, Country) as a single value of (Postal Address). Reassignment of partial data values or composite data values for a selected single input field of a structured data form, such as incorporating into a single value. * Personalization Server-A device that is generally used to assist web clients in sending personalized information to one or more websites. * Personalization Software-Generally, a personalization server or web client that sends personalization information to a website that collects information about the user, or sends information directly from the personalization server to the website. Software that is used to support the web client.

* Pre-recorded Personal Information-Information used by personalization software that generally describes a user of a web client. * Program Fragment-generally for performing a selected programmable activity on a web page (or URL), a web client (such as a javascript, java applet, or other macro language program). Software in. * Screen Position-Generally, a position in a presentation of data to the user, such as a selected row of a structured data form.

* User-An individual who is using or operating a web client. * Web Browser-Web client software commonly used by users. * Electronic Commerce Confirmation Web Page-A web page (statically or dynamically generated) generally intended to request or confirm information about e-commerce. * New User Registration Web Page-A web page (statically or dynamically generated) that generally has the purpose of requesting information about a new user who should register with the website.

* User Login Web Page-In general, a web page (statically or dynamically generated) with the purpose of requesting information about a user already registered on the website. As noted above, the general meaning of these terms should not be limited to their meaning, but merely by way of example. Other uses of the invention, including extensions and concepts of these terms, will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this specification. Therefore, these should be included in the scope and essence of the present invention, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art without further invention or extra experimentation.

System Elements FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry. The system 10 comprises a web client 110, a website 120, a communication link 130, and a personalization server 160. The web client 110 includes a processor, a program and a data memory, and a mass storage device that operate under the control of web client software (not shown) to execute the functions of the web client or the web browser. The web client is operated by the user 111 and includes an input device 112 and a presentation device 113. The web client software in the preferred embodiment may be "Netscape Navigator", a product of American Online, or "Internet Explorer", a product of Microsoft.

Like the web client 110, the web site 120 also includes a processor, program and data memory, a large amount of memory, which operates under the control of a web server software (not shown) to perform the functions of the web server or the web site. It consists of a storage device. This web site 120 includes at least one web page 121 having a structured data form 122 requesting information from the web client 110, which is sent to the web client 110 (in response to the web client 110 request). It includes a set of web pages 121 that Communication link 130 provides techniques for exchanging messages between web client 110 and website 120. The communication link 130 in the preferred embodiment may be the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a private virtual network, or other communication technique. Also in the preferred embodiment, this communication link 130 operates using the HTTP protocol (or a variant thereof) to send and receive web page requests and web pages. Like Web Client 110, Presentation Server 160
It comprises a processor, programs and data memory, and a mass storage device operating under the control of personalization software 140 to perform the functions described below.

System Data Flow Figure 9 shows a flow chart of the system data flow for automatic intelligent structured data entry. The system 100 has a set of data flows that send and receive information between a web client 110 and a website 120 using a communication link 130. The data flow 210 has a set of messages between a web client 110 and a web site 120, where the web client 110 is personalized software 14 that is logically local to the web client 110.
With the assistance of 0, data is entered in the structured data form and then the data is sent to the website 120.

The web client 110 sends a message 211 to the website 120 requesting the selected web page. The website 120 responds to the message 211 with the web client 11
Send message 212 to 0, present the structured data form, and
Request information from web client 110. The web client 110 uses personalized software to recognize structured data forms that assist the user in entering data.

The web client 110 collects information according to the structured data form (whether from personalization software or from the user) and attaches a message 213 to this information and sends it to the website 120. As part of this, the web client 110 can be obtained from the personalization server 160 when the information is available at the personalization server 160, or from the user of the web client 110. Once the information has been sent to the website 120, the data flow 210 ends. The data flow 220 has a set of messages between the web client 110 and the website 120, where the web client 110, with the assistance of personalization software 140, is a program fragment related to meta-bookmarks. Is designed to run. The web client 110 sends a message 221 to the website 120 requesting the selected web page. The website 120 sends a message 222 of the web client 110 containing the selected web page.

Personalization software 140 at web client 110 performs the following tasks: * Part of it recognizes the selected web page. * Part of it completes the form or other data entry for the selected web page on the website. * Part of it completes the form or other data entry for the selected web page on the client device. Once the actions associated with the personalization software 140 have been performed, the dataflow 220 ends.

The data flow 230 is a set of websites 120 that automatically perform new user registration for a user at a web client 110 on a plurality of websites 120 with personalization software 140 on a personalization server 160. Contains the message. A message 231 containing a request for a new user registration web page is sent by the personalization software 140 from the personalization server 160 to the set of selected websites 120. Each selected website 120 sends a message 232 to the personalization server 160 containing the new user registration web page. The personalization software 140 on the personalization server 160 responds to each new user registration web page by sending a message 233 containing information to register the user on that web site 120 to the relevant web site 120. When the user is registered with multiple websites 120, the data flow 230
Ends with that.

The data flow 240 includes a set of messages sent and received between the web client 110 and the web site 120, in which the message recognizes heterogeneous structured data forms and personalization software. A support application 1 for instructing different types of input of these structured data forms to
50 supports personalization software. The web client 110 sends a message 242 to the selected website 120 containing a request for the selected web page. Website 120 sends a message 242 to the web client 110 containing the selected web page. The support application 150 intercepts the selected web page and determines whether the web page is a user registration web page, a user login web page, or an electronic commerce confirmation web page. The support application 150 notifies the personalization software 140 of the determination result. The personalization software 140 has a website 120 and a series of messages 2.
43, but the personalization software 140 is now on the website 12
Performs operations related to web pages by sending 0 requested information. The data flow 240 ends when the operation associated with the web page is performed.

Modes of Operation FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a first method of operating a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry. The method 300 consists of a set of flow points and steps. At flow point 310, the user operating the web client 110 is ready to identify the structured data entry form and receive personalized software assistance to assist the user in entering the data. . In step 311, a user operating the web client 110 selects a web page of the website 120. In step 312, website 120 sends a web page to web client 110. At step 313, the personalization software 140 identifies that the web page includes a structured data form for data entry.

At step 314, personalization software 140 identifies each appropriate input field in the form with a set of descriptive text. In the preferred embodiment, the descriptive text includes information presented as part of a web page for a user at web client 110 to determine the information sought. In step 315, personalization software 140 associates each set of descriptive text with a logical field value. In the preferred embodiment, personalization software 140 references each dictionary of descriptive text for each set of descriptive text and then associates each set of descriptive text with a logical field value. For example, if the descriptive text is a character string consisting of “NAME”, it can be seen that the data requested by the logical field value is <user name>.

At step 316, the personalization software 140 assigns each input field appropriate for the form a particular set of descriptive text, or a particular logical field value depending on the proximity of the content of the form to the screen position of the title. , To associate with the presentation screen position. In a preferred embodiment, the screen position may be relative to the second screen position of the second set of descriptive text. In step 317, personalization software 140 associates each screen position with a logical field value. For example, personalization software 140
It may be determined that the screen position requesting <user name> may be placed above the screen position requesting <user address>.

At step 318, personalization software 140 associates each logical field value with a composite data value or partial data value. For example, as mentioned above,
Ethics field values for surname> and <first name> may be incorporated into one logical field value for <user name>. In step 319, personalization software 140 identifies personalization information corresponding to each logical field value and associates the information with each logical field value and sends it to website 120. In the preferred embodiment, this step is performed without prompting the user for input. In another embodiment, the user is asked to confirm (or complete an unknown value) one or more data items for that logical field value.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a second method of operating a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry. The method 400 consists of a set of flow points and steps. At flow point 410, the user operating the web client 110 is ready to be assisted by personalization software that performs meta-bookmarks. In step 411, the user operating the web client 110 selects a web page on the website 120. At step 412, the web page is sent from the web site 120 to the web client 110.

At step 413, the personalization software 140 identifies this web page as associated with the meta-bookmark (and thus associated with the script or program fragment to be executed). In step 414, the personalization software 140 identifies the corresponding script or program fragment associated with the metabookmark. [*** On Server ***] In step 415, the personalization software 140 executes the corresponding script or program fragment associated with the meta-bookmark.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a third method of operating a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry. The method 500 consists of a set of flow points and steps. At flow point 510, the user operating the web client 110 is ready to receive assistance from personalization software that performs automatic new user registration to register users at the web client 110 for multiple websites 120. Is in a state of being able to. In step 511, a message 231 requesting a new user registration web page is sent to the set of websites 120 selected from the personalization software 140. In step 512, web client 1 is selected from each selected website 120.
A message 232 including the web page for new user registration is sent to 10. In step 513, the personalization software 140 responds to each new user registration web page by sending a message 233 containing information for registering a user to that web site 120 to the associated web site 120.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a fourth method of operating a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry. The method 600 consists of a set of flow points and steps. At flow point 610, the support application 150 assists the personalization software in recognizing different types of structured data forms and instructing the personalization software how to input these different types of structured data forms. The personalization software 140 at the client 110 is ready to be assisted. In step 611, the web client 110 requests the web page selected from the website 120. At step 612, the website 120 sends the selected web page to the web client 110. In step 613, the web page selected by the support application 150 is intercepted, and it is determined whether the web page is a user registration web page, a user login web page, or an electronic commerce confirmation web page.

In step 614, the support application 150 notifies the personalization software 140 of the type of web page. In step 615, the personalization software 140 responds to the website 120 depending on the type of web page. In the preferred embodiment, this step includes substep 615 (a) in which personalization software 140 performs the appropriate action for the user registration web page, and personalization software 14
0 performs appropriate action for web page for user login Substep 6
15 (b) and sub-steps 615 (c) in which the personalization software 140 performs an action appropriate to the electronic commerce confirmation web page, and these sub-steps are performed depending on the type of web page. It is like this.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a fifth method of operating a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry. The method 700 consists of a set of flow points and steps. At flow point 710, the personalization software 140 on the personalization server 160 automates the heterogeneous recognition of the structured data form and prepares to automate the recognition of entering the heterogeneous data of the structured data form directly from the personalization server 160. Is made.

In step 711, the web client 110 requests the web page selected from the website 120. In step 712, the web page selected by the website 120 is sent to the web client 110. In step 713, the web page selected by the support application 150 is intercepted to determine whether the operation can be automated from the web page d selected by the personalization software 140 on the personalization server 160.

At step 714, the personalization software 140 at the personalization server 160 automates actions from the selected web page on behalf of the user of the web client 110. As part of this step, personalization server 1
The personalization software 140 at 60 determines the type of web page (
(Similar to method 600), and responds to website 120 (similar to method 600). In a preferred embodiment, this step causes the personalization software 140 on the personalization server 140 to perform all actions necessary to perform the operation for the selected web page (and the successor web page). As a result, the user does not need to input data to operate the selected web page. For example, if the web client 110 is a wireless device and it is relatively difficult to input a large amount of data, the personalization software 140 on the personalization server 160 may include (a) a user of the web client 110 on the website. The entire process of logging in and (b) the entire process of completing and confirming electronic commerce on the website on behalf of the user of the web client 110 can be automated.

Overview of the Present Invention The present invention is not limited to the services described above, but can be generally applied to various fields. For example, the applicable fields may be one or more of the following, or a combination thereof. * Information transactions and interactions related to database questions and responses * Information transactions and interactions related to wireless devices and corresponding servers will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing this specification. However, these should also be included in the scope of the present invention.

I, II, III, IV Other Embodiments While the preferred embodiments have been described above, other modifications are possible and should be included in the concept, scope and essence of the present invention. In any case, these modifications can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art when considering this specification.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for accessing a personalized website.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of utilizing a system for accessing a personalized website.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for group access to websites.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of utilizing a system for group access to a website.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system for overall finishing and integration of personalized information.

FIG. 6 is a portion of a flowchart of a method of utilizing a system for generalized finishing and integration of personalized information.

FIG. 7 is a remainder of a flow chart of a method of utilizing a system for generalized finishing and integration of personalized information.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry.

FIG. 9 is an illustration showing the flow of data in a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a first method of operating a system for automated intelligent structured data entry.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a second method of operating a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a third method of operating a system for automated intelligent structured data entry.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a fourth method of operating a system for automatic intelligent structured data entry.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a fifth method of operating a system for automated intelligent structured data entry.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (31) Priority claim number 09 / 361,640 (32) Priority date July 26, 1999 (July 26, 1999) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (31) Priority claim number 09 / 466,533 (32) Priority date December 17, 1999 (December 17, 1999) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW ), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, C R, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI , GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, K Z, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA , MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, S K, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG , UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW F-term (reference) 5B017 AA03 BA05 CA15 CA16                 5B085 AE01 AE23 BG07

Claims (96)

[Claims] 1. A method of accessing a plurality of network services, recording a set of authentication information in a database, and receiving a request to access at least one network service of the plurality of network services. And sending the set of authentication information to the one network service in response to the access request, wherein the user is provided with a set of authentication information for the plurality of network services. A method consisting of holding. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sending step comprises routing the set of credentials through the web client. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the sending step directly sends the set of authentication information to the one network service without routing the information through the web client. A method consisting of routing. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of information profiles including personalized information are prepared for one user, and one of the profiles is selected. Sending the personalization information in response to the selecting step. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: preparing an identifier for each of the network services in response to a request; receiving one of the identifiers; and responding to the selection. And further comprising the step of requesting and performing the corresponding network service. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of identifiers includes a page for presentation to the user, and the selecting step picks up one or more of the identifiers from the page. How to be. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the database is maintained on a server and the request is from a web client to the server in response to a request from a user at the web client. The method consisting of being sent. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the server is logically remote from the web client. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the web client comprises a web server device on behalf of the user. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein a step of receiving a new access request for at least one network service not included in the plurality, the plurality of steps in response to the new access request, Sending a set of personalization information to at least one network service not included, wherein the user does not directly input the set of personalization information, the at least one network service not included in the plurality A method comprising the user being registered with. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein a step of receiving a re-access request from at least one of the plurality of network services, and the set of authentication information in response to the re-access request. Further to the at least one network service of the plurality of network services, wherein access to the at least one network service does not require the user to directly have the set of credentials. A method consisting of what is allowed by the user. 12. A method of providing limited access to a network service, the method comprising: identifying a network service that has restricted access to a first set of users; Identifying a second set of users having access to the network service, receiving a request for access to the network service from one of the second set of users, and identifying the second set. Responsive to, and in response to, allowing access to the one of the first set of users identified therein, allowing the one of the second set of users to access the network service. Method. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of allowing access to the one of the second set of users is accomplished by the access to the one of the second set of users. Identifying the set of restrictions that are present, and limiting the access to the one of the second set of users according to the set of restrictions. 14. The method of claim 13 including the step of changing the set of restrictions in response to selection by the one of the first set of users. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of allowing access to one of the second set of users in response to access allowed by any one of the first set of users. How to become. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the one of the second set of users is allowed access by the one of the first set of users, and the second set of users. A step of permitting access to said one of said second set of users depending on whether said one of said users of said set is one of said first set of users. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the network service comprises at least one website. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the set of limits comprises at least one time parameter. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the set of restrictions is allowed for the one of the first set of users but for the one of the second set of users. A method consisting of at least one type of access denied. 20. An access device to a plurality of network services, comprising a personalization server having a database having information on a plurality of network services and a set of authentication information related thereto, said personalization server. Is adapted to receive a first message requesting access to one of the network services and, in response, send a second message including the set of authentication information to one of the network services. Thus, the user has a set of authentication information for the plurality of network services. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the personalization server is adapted to route the set of authentication information through the web client. 22. The personalization server of claim 20, wherein the personalization server directly routes to the one network service without routing the information through the web client. A device consisting of being adapted to route. 23. The method of claim 20, comprising a plurality of information profiles for the one user that are accessible by the personalization server, the personalization server including one of the profiles. An apparatus adapted to receive a selection message to select and to select the set of authentication information or the set of personalization information in response to the selection message. 24. The method of claim 20, comprising a page for presentation to the user, the page including an identifier for the network service, the personalization server selecting one of the identifiers. A device configured to make an access request to a corresponding network service in response to reception of the. 25. An apparatus for performing limited access to network services, associating a set of network services with a first set of users having access to said network services, and A database associating one of a set of users with a second set of users having access to the network service; and the network in response to the one of the second set of users and in response to the database. A device consisting of a personalization server adapted to allow access to one of the services. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the database comprises a set of restrictions on the access of the one of the second set of users. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the network service comprises at least one website. 28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the set of limits comprises at least one time parameter. 29. The method of claim 26, wherein the set of restrictions is allowed for the one of the first set of users but for the one of the second set of users. Is a device consisting of at least one type of access that is denied. 30. A method of doing business, comprising obtaining one registration for a set of primary users for a group of services provided by one or more processors connected to a network, the method being associated with the primary users. Performing restricted access to the one registration for a set of secondary users, and to the secondary user in response to registration by the secondary user for the restricted access to the service. A step of allowing restricted access. 31. A method of doing business, comprising the steps of having multiple profiles per user and providing multiple services for said user to services provided by one or more processors connected to a network. Obtaining registrations, wherein the plurality of registrations includes information from at least two of the profiles. 32. A method of conducting a business, the method comprising: having a personalization server have multiple registrations per user for services provided by one or more processors connected to a network; In response to the request, allowing the access to the service by using the personalization server, wherein the user can make the request from two or more devices connected to the network. How to become. 33. Identifying a group of web clients for group access to a website; accepting a selection of web pages for presentation to web clients in the group; Retrieving and presenting the web page to a web client. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the searching and presenting step sends at least a portion of the web page directly from a web server to at least one of the group of web clients. A method comprising: 35. The method of claim 33, comprising identifying a managing web client, the method comprising: a web page for presenting to the managing web client without presenting to all of the web clients. A method comprising: accepting a selection; and searching for and presenting the web page to the general web client, the selection of the web page comprising receiving from the general web client. 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the method comprises the steps of identifying a managing web client and having access control denying access to at least one of the group of web clients. Accepting a selection of an access web page from the general web client; obtaining the restricted access web page on behalf of the general web client; and the limited access to the web client in a group of all devices. Retrieving and presenting a web page, the selecting of the web page comprising receiving from the overseeing web client. 37. The method of claim 33, comprising sending information about a website among at least two of the web clients in the group, including web page bookmarks or website registrations. The way it consists of things. 38. The method of claim 33, wherein the group of web clients comprises a plurality of different species of web clients, and the step of searching and presenting comprises: A variant of which is provided, with the step of presenting to each said web client one of said variants. 39. A set of web clients, and a group surfing server adapted to receive a selection of web pages from a web server and to retrieve the web pages and present them to the web clients. apparatus. 40. The group surfing server according to claim 39, wherein the set of web clients includes at least one general web client and at least one non-supervising web client. Responding only to said selection of web pages from one or more oversight web clients. 41. The method of claim 39, wherein the select message represents a restricted access web page, the restricted access web page being at least one of the web clients of the group. Access control information for denying access to one of the groups, the access message from the group surfing server to the website includes the access control information, and the access message from the group surfing server An apparatus, wherein the distribution message to the web client includes at least some information from the restricted access web page. 42. The method of claim 39, wherein each web client recognizes a selection of web links on the web server and, in response, sends a selection message to the group surfing server. And a group surfing server that retrieves at least a portion of the web page from the web server in response to the selection message. 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the program fragment recognizes post instructions from the web client and sends a message to the group surfing server in response. 44. The method of claim 10, wherein the program fragment recognizes post instructions from the web client,
In response, a posting message is sent to the group surfing server, and the group surfing server receives the posting message from a plurality of the web clients, and in response, sends a posting instruction to the web server. A device consisting of being adapted to send. 45. A method of collaboratively presenting web pages to a plurality of websites, the data structure including identification or session information about a group surfing server acting on behalf of the plurality of websites. 46. The data structure of claim 45, comprising a plurality of cookies received from a website. 47. The data structure of claim 45, comprising access control information that is not available on at least one of the plurality of websites. 48. A method of doing business, for identifying group of web clients for group access to a website, the group of web clients being subject to the group access; and a web client within the group. Receiving a selection of a web page for presentation to a web client, and searching for and presenting the web page to web clients in the group. 49. The method of claim 48, wherein identifying a dominating web client that makes the selection of the web page comprises: from the dominating web client, at least one web client in the group. Accepting a selection of a restricted access web page including access control to deny access to a client, obtaining access to the restricted access web page on behalf of the general web client, and the restricted access web Searching for and presenting a page to the web clients in the group; and imposing on the web clients of the group for the access to the restricted web page. 50. The method of claim 48, wherein information about a website is sent between at least two of the web clients in the group, including web page bookmarks or website registrations. Imposing on said group of web clients for access to information about the web site. 51. Obtaining personalized information for an individual user from a set of websites having the personalized information on behalf of the individual user; and providing the personalized information to the individual user at the website. Presenting in a format other than that obtained in. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the format is
A method comprising at least one of integrating or summarizing the personalized information and modifying the personalized information without direct interaction between the individual user and the website. 53. The method of claim 51, comprising retaining access information for at least one of the individual users of the website, the access information including sufficient information to perform the obtaining step. And (1) at least a part of the personalization information,
2) A method comprising the step of dynamically generating a presentation including interaction information in which the individual user directly communicates with the at least one website. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the interaction information comprises at least one hyperlink to a web object at the website. 55. The method of claim 53, wherein the interaction information comprises
At least one hyperlink to a web object on the website, the web object is an object that requires authentication or identification information for access from the website, and the authentication or identification information is the hyper How to be included in connection with the link. 56. The method of claim 51, wherein the presenting step comprises dynamically generating a presentation from the website that includes information in response to the integration of the personalized information. . 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the consolidation comprises at least one of a sum of account cash balances and a sum of account security values. 58. The method of claim 51, wherein at least one of the websites retains access information for the individual user including sufficient information to perform the obtaining step. And presenting the personalized information to an organization other than the individual in a format other than that available on the website. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the step of obtaining the personalized information comprises the step of presenting the access information to the website without distributing the access information to the person or organization. How to become. 60. The method of claim 58, comprising the step of obtaining permission from the individual user to present the personalized information to the person, organization. 61. The method of claim 60, wherein the authorization is limited to at least one of integrating the personalized information and selected portions of the personalized information. . 62. The method of claim 58, wherein a set of results of performing the holding and obtaining steps for a plurality of the dust removal users and the result of the steps of performing the obtaining step is integrated into the plurality. And a step of presenting the integration result of the integration step to the person or the organization. 63. The method of claim 62, including at least one of account cash balance data, account security value data, census data, polling data, and market research data. The way it consists of things. 64. A method of doing business, comprising: obtaining personalized information for an individual user from a set of websites having the personalized information on behalf of the individual user; , Making it available to the individual user in a transaction that does not require direct contact with the web. 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the format is
The method wherein the format comprises at least one of integration or generalization of the personalized information and modification of the personalized information without direct interaction between the individual user and the website. 66. The method of claim 64, retaining access information of the individual user for at least one of the websites, the information including sufficient information to perform the obtaining step. And presenting the personalized information to an organization other than the individual user in a transaction that does not require direct contact with the website. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the step of obtaining the personalized information presents the access information to the website without distributing the access information to the person or organization. A method comprising. 68. The method of claim 66, further comprising the step of obtaining permission from the individual user to present the personalized information to the person or organization, the permission of the personalized information. Integration, limited to at least one of the selected portion of the personalized information. 69. The method of claim 66, wherein performing a retaining step and a obtaining step for a plurality of the individual users; and a ecstatic step of performing the obtaining step for the plurality of users. And a step of presenting the overall finishing result of the step of comprehensively finishing to the person and the organization. 70. The method according to claim 69, wherein the overall finishing result is account cash balance data, account security value data, population data, polling data,
A method consisting of at least one of market research data. 71. A personal data server having said set of personalized information for an individual user obtained from a set of websites holding said personalized information, and in a format other than the format obtained at said website. And a data structure having the personalized information of. 72. The data structure of claim 71, wherein the data structure integrates or personalizes the personalization information and the personalization without direct interaction between the individual user and the website. A device consisting of at least one of a hyperlink to a device for modification of information. 73. The web site of claim 71, including a data structure for the individual user, the data structure including sufficient information to perform the obtaining step. Of the individual user's access information and at least one of the individual user's interaction information for direct communication with the website. 74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the interaction information comprises at least one hyperlink to a web object on the website. 75. The information processing apparatus of claim 73, wherein the interaction information is
At least one hyperlink to a web object in the website, the web object is an object that requires authentication or identification information for access from the website, and the authentication or identification information is the hyperlink. A device that is included in connection with. 76. The personal user's access to at least one of the websites as recited in claim 71, wherein said data structure includes sufficient information to perform said obtaining step. A device comprising information and a data structure having the personalized information in a format other than the format available on the website. 77. The apparatus according to claim 76, wherein the personal data server is adapted to present the data structure to the person or organization without distributing the access information. . 78. The apparatus of claim 76, comprising authentication information for an organization other than the individual. 79. The authentication information according to claim 78, wherein the authentication information includes integration of all key personalization information and restriction to at least one selected portion of the personalization information. Device. 80. The apparatus of claim 76, comprising a data structure including an integration of the personalized information for a plurality of the individual users for presentation to the person, organization. . 81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the integration comprises at least one of account cash balance data, account security value data, population data, polling data, and market research data. 82. Accessing a website from a web client device, executing a software module to identify a form at the website for structured data entry, and executing the software module. And entering less wealth data for the form without user intervention. 83. The method of claim 82, wherein automatically registering a user on a new website, automatically logging in using a website login page, or purchasing from multiple websites. A method comprising the steps of completing an automatic form for checkout. 84. The method of claim 82, wherein the software module comprises at least a portion that executes on a server device other than the website. 85. The method of claim 82, wherein the software module comprises at least a portion that executes on the web client device. 86. The method of claim 82, wherein the website is
How to finance a personalized web page that is only available to selected users after the login process on the website. 87. The method of claim 82, comprising executing the software module to enter the portion of data at a plurality of separate websites. 88. The method of claim 87, wherein each of the separate websites comprises a web page that confirms electronic commerce. 89. The method of claim 87, wherein the separate websites include new user registration web pages. 90. The method of claim 82, wherein the software module associates at least one set of descriptive text for the form with a logical field value for the form. To associate at least one screen position with a logical field value of the form and / or to associate at least one logical field value with a set of multiple data or partial data values of the form. The way it consists of things. 91. The method of claim 90, wherein the data value comprises the user's name, address, telephone number, credit number information, demographic information, preferred login name or password. 92. The method of claim 90, wherein the data value comprises prerecorded personal information about a user. 93. The method of claim 82, wherein the accessing step recognizes the form type for structured data entry and, in response to a result of the recognizing step, the software. A method comprising entering at least some data by performing the steps of executing a module. 94. The method according to claim 93, wherein the step of recognizing determines a difference between a new user registration web page, a user login web page, and an electronic commerce confirmation web page. A method comprising. 95. A method of entering data in a form without user intervention, comprising the association of a web page identifier, the web page location and a script or program fragment to be executed for the web page, A data structure that comprises sending information to a server to enter data into the form by executing the script or program fragment. 96. The data structure of claim 95, wherein the method comprises completing or confirming an electronic commerce transaction at a website transparently associated with the web page.