KR20020004948A - Personalized access to web sites - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for accessing personalized webs. A user can manage a single set of authentication information for accessing a plurality of restricted web sites. The present invention provides an improved technique for group access to web sites. A plurality of related users can access a series of web sites at the same time, such that each of the related users has the same content served substantially simultaneously. The present invention provides a technique for the summary and aggregation of personal information. The personal data server obtains this information from one or more web sites having information about the users on behalf of the users and provides this information to these users in a convenient format. The present invention provides a method and system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

Description

Personalized access to web sites}

One aspect of the Internet that has become popular is the connection to the WWW, in particular by web client devices or software to information provided by a web server (also known as a "web site"). Some of these web sites provide information or services only to a limited set of users (or web client operators) with limited access, or provide personal information to registered users. As a first example, the user must authenticate itself to the Web site allows users before allowing access to any information or service, register, and make their own when connecting to web sites, web site satisfied. As a second example, a user must identify himself and authenticate himself before providing personal information to the user, such as information that may be of particular interest to the user.

As these web sites become relatively large, the first problem in the prior art is the management of information related to these web sites, including connection parameters and authentication information (such as passwords). For example, a user may need to manage information about each such web site, including authentication information (such as username and password, digital certificate, or hardware address) that may vary between different web sites (offline or online). to).

In the prior art there have been several attempts to solve this problem, for example as software for managing the recording of authentication information for different web sites, or by managing the information in "cookies" (data objects) recorded in web clients. These known methods have several drawbacks: firstly, it is difficult to use the same website from different physical web client devices, and it is also difficult to distinguish different users of a single website that all use the same physical web client device. will be. Second, using "cookies" or other data objects recorded on a Web client device (such as a laptop or workstation) means that any user who physically controls the device will be able to access the website.

Thus, a user can manage credentials (such as a username and password) for a plurality of different web sites, and provide a technique for accessing these different web sites using a single set of credentials. Would have an advantage.

A second problem in the prior art is that it is inconvenient to reenter or update information for a plurality of web sites, especially when the number of web sites becomes relatively large. Several attempts have been made to solve this problem, such as software that maintains a record of authentication or demographic information and automatically attempts to interact with the requesting web site. These known methods have the drawback that different web sites can and often request similar information in completely different formats. Moreover, it would be advantageous for a single user to choose from a plurality of profiles for use on these different web sites, in order to personalize information obtained from different web sites, or to prevent personal information from being provided.

A third problem in the prior art is that at the selected web site, the first user may want to make the first user temporarily accessible to the second user. In the case of using existing authentication techniques such as username and password, for example, the first user cannot be certain of any restrictions on the temporary access of the second user. Most servers may allow the second user to change the associated password so that the first user's next connection will be denied. One aspect of this problem is that in order to prevent the second user from banking or commerce using the first user's account, one may wish to grant only limited access rights to the second user.

The fourth problem in the prior art is that each such web site will often request an email address from the user in order to send advertisements and possibly other "junk" emails to the user. This can be cumbersome when a user registers with multiple web sites. In order to be able to control e-mail from these web sites, it would be beneficial if the user could separate e-mail from the web site. For example, a user may wish to handle email that is not automatically sent (and thus will be of more interest to the user).

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved technique for accessing a personalized web site. One aspect of the present invention is to manage and select from a set of multiple profiles for use in a selected web site. This may help the user in providing only the desired information to the selected web site. A second aspect of the invention is that a user can manage a single set of authentication information for accessing a plurality of restricted web sites, along with bookmark information for the web site, for access from the added location. A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a second user (or such second users), with limited temporary access to the first user to a set of websites, perhaps a subset of the information or services provided by those websites. ) To allow temporary access. A fourth aspect of the invention is that the user can separate emails from these web sites and handle them separately. This can help the user in filtering out unwanted email.

II.

One aspect of the Internet that has become popular is the connection to the WWW, in particular by web client devices or software to information provided by a web server (also known as a "web site"). Individual users use web client software to request information from a web site and to receive information in response to these requests. Each web site may contain various forms of information, including text, other media, and links, which are delivered for presentation to a user. The user may follow a link to another web site, also known as a web “surfing”.

One problem in the prior art is that each user surfs the web without regard for the other individual user. Although it is possible for multiple users to access the same web site at the same time, in the prior art, there is no easy and simple technique for coordinating these users following links to other web sites. Similarly, there is no easy and simple technique in the prior art that allows a group of related users to access a series of web sites simultaneously.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved technique for group access to a web site. This is accomplished in an embodiment of the present invention that allows a plurality of related users to simultaneously access a series of web sites (web surfing) such that each of the related users has the same content provided simultaneously. In the first embodiment, a selected one of the related users controls the web surfing process. In the second embodiment, the selected plurality of users collectively control the web surfing process.

III.

One aspect of the Internet that has become popular is the connection to the WWW, in particular by web client devices or software to information provided by a web server (also known as a "web site"). Individual users use web client software to request information from a web site and to receive information in response to these requests. Each web site may contain various forms of information, including text, other media, and links that are delivered for presentation to a user. The user may follow a link to another web site, also known as a web “surfing”.

One problem with the prior art is that individual users present a significant amount of personal information stored in different websites in different formats and in different ways of access. Although it is possible for individual users to retrieve and collect individual personal information from a plurality of web sites, there is no easy and simple technique to do this in the prior art. Rather, it takes considerable time to navigate with different data formats and access methods by different web sites.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide improved techniques for the summarization and aggregation of personal information. This is an implementation of the invention in which a personal data server obtains on behalf of a user from one or more web sites with personal information about individual users and provides this personal information to these individual users in a convenient format. Is achieved in the example. Convenient formats may include techniques for providing aggregation, modification, or summarization.

The present invention provides a technique that enables the summarization and aggregation of personal information in order to obtain novel and nonobvious advantages and characteristics in light of the prior art. The examples described below relate to information for electronic commerce, but the invention is broadly applicable to many different types of personal information or transactions.

IV.

One aspect of the Internet that has become popular is the connection to the WWW, in particular by web client devices or software (also called "web browsers") to information provided by web servers (also known as "web sites"). Some of these Web sites provide structured forms for data entry, such as HTML or XML forms, table entry of data, and other techniques. Structured forms for entering these data can be used for various data-capturing purposes. Some examples may include registration of a new user, addition of a product to a “shopping cart” or other e-commerce technology, and purchase of a product (or purchase of a set of products already identified using a shopping cart).

One problem with the prior art is that data entry into these forms is repetitive and relatively tedious for human users. This allows the user to spend unnecessary time from other activities that may be performed. This can be a barrier to Web site use and a barrier to effective sales and rapid order fulfillment.

Another problem with the prior art is that it is impractical to manually complete data entry for this activity when the user is connecting to the Internet via a bandwidth constrained network, such as in a device with a small screen or a wireless Internet connection.

One known method is to write information for this form, logically local to the user's web client, in the form of a "cookie" or other structured data, such as on the user's computer. Although this method generally does not accomplish the purpose of allowing a user to repeatedly use a web site without having to re-enter the same information, there are some drawbacks. First, when a data entry request from a new website is presented to the user, the new website is not applicable because it cannot retrieve the relevant information from the cookie. Second, it is not applicable when the user is accessing a web site from more than one client device. Third, the relatively poor security associated with cookies affects the storage of confidential information such as credit card information.

The second method of notification is the "one-click shopping" method found on the "amazon.com" web site, which automatically allows transactions for all users on a particular web site. Although these methods generally do not achieve the purpose of allowing users to use the website repeatedly without having to re-enter the same information, certain websites that link directly to their server software with one-click shopping server software and database. The drawback is that it only works.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a technique for automatically completing this form without the need for a human user to enter which field of the form suitably belongs to which field of the form, without the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

I.

The present invention provides a method and system for accessing a personalized web site. In a first aspect of the invention, a user can manage and select from a set of multiple profiles for use with a selected web site. In a second aspect of the invention, a user may manage a single set of authentication information for accessing a plurality of restricted web sites, along with bookmark information for the web site, for access from additional locations. In a preferred embodiment, a user may use the single set of authentication information to manage a plurality of restricted web sites, including being able to monitor the use of paid services and control or provide for automatic updating of such services. In a third aspect of the invention, a first user is a second user (or a set of such second users) on a set of web sites, perhaps with a temporary connection limited to a subset of information or services provided by the web site. E) allow for temporary access. In a fourth aspect of the invention, a user can separate emails from these web sites and treat them differently.

II.

The present invention provides an improved technique for group access to web sites. A plurality of related users may simultaneously access a series of web sites such that each of the related users is provided with the same content at the same time. In the first embodiment, a selected one of the related users controls the web surfing process. In the second embodiment, the selected plurality of users collectively control the web surfing process. In a first aspect of the invention, the group surfing process may be used in conjunction with a communication technique between groups of users involved in the web surfing process, such as telephony, voice over IP, or Internet chat. In a second aspect of the present invention, group surfing processing may include, for example, e-commerce, online or otherwise remote training, virtual display or traversal, telemedicine or other processing remote control, or consulting (such as in the fields of finance, advertising or marketing). Can be used with other network features like More generally, group surfing processing may be used in conjunction with functions that other may occur on the display in front of an audience.

III.

The present invention provides improved techniques for the summarization and aggregation of personal information. The personal data server obtains this information from one or more web sites having personal information for each user, instead of the individual users, and provides this information to these individual users in a convenient format. Convenient formats may include descriptions of the offers that enable aggregation, modification, or summarization.

In a first aspect of the invention, a personal data server may be used to retrieve personal information from one or more web sites having information about these users on behalf of a set of individual users. Manage your information. Personal data servers provide that personal information to dynamically generated “jump pages” that individual users can use to read and navigate directly to one or more Web sites that have information nearby. The personal data server aggregates or summarizes the information so that the individual user can view a more comprehensive offering without having to navigate individually to each web site that has personal information about or selected by the user. This aspect of the invention has broad adaptability to electronic commerce and computing banking, inter-user communication, and inter-user interest groups.

In a second aspect of the invention, a personal data server may be used to provide only limited or only aggregated access to personal information to a person or entity other than the individual whose information is a person. The personal data server may collect approved information for collection by a set of individual users, aggregate or summarize the information, and provide only that aggregation or summary to the reviewer or entity. This aspect has broad applicability to census and voting data, market research and other data collection, and to inter-user communication.

IV.

The present invention provides a method and system for automated and intelligent structured data entry. A user who runs a web browser to access a web site is assisted by personalization software that identifies forms for structured data entry and assists the user with data entry. In a preferred embodiment, the operations described herein may be performed automatically on a personalization server (or other server) on behalf of the user.

In a first aspect of the invention, the personalization software, when possible, associates each set of descriptive text with logical field values, and when possible, associates screen positions for each associated input field with logical field values, and possibly Associate a logical field value with a plurality of data values or partial data values. When correlating logical field values for each related input field, the personalization software provides data entry for these fields without the actual need for user data entry, and when running on a server, suitable data for a third party web site. Can be returned. In a preferred embodiment, data entry for these fields may be stored in advance of personal information recorded in advance about the user, such as the user's name, address, telephone number, credit card number, demographic information, and a preferred login name or password. It can include recorded data. This first aspect of the invention has applicable use, including automatic registration of a user at a new website, automatic login using a login page of the website, and filling out forms to calculate purchases from a plurality of websites.

In a second aspect of the invention, the personalization software is a "meta-bookmark" that links the association of a web page identifier (such as a URL) and its web site location to a piece of script or program that will be executed to send the appropriate information to the personalization server. Use ”. As a result, the meta-bookmark may return information appropriate to the client to allow the personalization software to (a) complete the transaction on the server, or (b) complete the transaction on the client side while maintaining the most private and other data on the personalization server. To give. The personalization software thus enters the data into the form, checks the data against the confirmation page, and verifies that the data received by the website is correct, relating to the web page (and subsequent web page). Multiple tasks can be performed. This second aspect of the present invention has applicable use, including the automatic performance of electronic commerce operations, such as providing credit card information and verifying electronic commerce.

In a third aspect of the invention, a helper application assists personalization software in recognizing different types of structured data forms, and is directed by the personalization software for entering data for these different types of structured data forms. For example, a helper application can determine the difference between a web page for new user registration, a web page for user login, a web page for checking e-commerce, and uses information from personalization software to provide a realistic view from the user. You can complete these pages yourself without assistance.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, personalization software performs automatic new user registration for a user of a web site at a plurality of web sites. Personal information is collected about the user and sent to each website in individual formats requested by the website. If one or more web sites further request other personal information that has not already been entered by the user, the personalization software may immediately request this information to send this personal information to one or more web sites.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the personalization server automatically performs a calculation process for purchases through many different web sites, independently processing a plurality of web pages needed by each shop, and purchasing agent. Complete each of these successively using the relevant user information currently held by.

The present invention provides a wide variety of applications for structured data entry and techniques that enable automatic or intelligent access to logically remote information requestors. The examples described below relate to personalized web sites and e-commerce, but the invention is broadly applicable to many different types of information exchange and computer software, including many different types of information transactions and interactions between communicating computers. can do.

The present invention provides a web connection; Summarization and aggregation of personalized information, such as used with the Internet working environment; For example, it relates to structured data entry and automatic form processing used in the world wide web (including wireless users).

I.

1 shows a block diagram of a system for accessing a personalized web site.

2 is a process flow diagram for a method of using a system for accessing a personalized web site.

II.

3 is a block diagram of a system for group access to a web site.

4 is a process flow diagram for a method of using a system for group access to a web site.

III.

5 shows a block diagram of a system for the summarization and aggregation of personal information.

6 and 7 collectively show a process flow diagram for a method of using a system for the summary and aggregation of personal information.

IV.

8 shows a block diagram of a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

9 shows a block diagram of a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

10 illustrates a process flow diagram of a first method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

11 shows a process flow diagram of a second method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

12 shows a process flow diagram of a third method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

13 shows a process flow diagram of a fourth method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

14 shows a process flow diagram of a fifth method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in terms of preferred processing steps and data structures. Those skilled in the art, after reading this application, embodiments of the invention may be implemented using one or more general purpose processors or dedicated processors or other circuitry adapted to the specific processing steps and data structures described herein, It will be appreciated that the implementation of the described processing steps and data structures will not require performance experiments or further invention.

I.

System elements

1 shows a block diagram of a system for accessing a personalized web site.

System 100 includes at least one web client 110, communication network 120, at least one website 130, and personalization server 140.

As used herein, the terms "client" and "server" refer to a client-server relationship between a client and a server, and do not necessarily refer to a particular physical device.

As used herein, "web client" includes any combination of devices or software that acts as a client in the client-server environment of the Internet, the World Wide Web, or their equivalents or extensions. There is no special requirement that the web client 110 be a separate device, which is a single device, a set of cooperative devices, part of a device, or any combination thereof (eg a web server acting as an agent of a user). Device for providing a service).

As used herein, "website" includes any combination of devices or software that acts as a client in the client-server environment of the Internet, the World Wide Web, or their equivalents or extensions. There is no particular requirement that the website 130 be a separate device, which may be a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or some combination thereof.

The web client 110 operates under the control of web client software 111, such as a web browser, and includes a processor arranged for use by an operator or user 120. In a preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 communicates with the websites 130 using a communication protocol, possibly including data 114 stored locally at the web client 110 with respect to the website 130. And software 113 arranged to do so.

In a preferred embodiment, the web client 110 includes a general purpose computer such as a laptop or workstation. However, the web client 110 (alone or with a laptop or workstation), portable calendar (eg, "Palm Pilot" or other portable device), portable computer, dedicated computer, cell phone Or any other telephone device, telephone system with interactive voice response, or web server acting as an agent for the user. In alternative embodiments, the web client 110 may include any other apparatus arranged to perform all or some of the functions described herein. The location, type of device, and connection characteristics of the web client 110 to the website 130 may be different for each pair of connection sessions between the web client 110 and the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, communication network 120 includes an intranet (with or instead of) and a packet switched network such as the Internet, an enterprise network, an extranet, a virtual private network, a virtual switched network. In an alternative embodiment, communication network 120 may have web client 110, website 130, and any other set of communication links that combine them to enable personalization server 140 to perform the functions described herein. It may include.

The communication network 120 is arranged to send messages between any two of the web client 110, the website 130, and the personalization server 140. The message 151 takes the format of the communication protocol recognized by the web client 110, the website 130, and the personalization server 140. In a preferred embodiment, the communication protocol includes a variant thereof, such as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) or secure HTTP (SHTTP). Communication protocols also include file transfer protocol (FTP), gophers, and other protocols for requesting and sending information, including variations thereof. Although mainly described herein with reference to HTTP, those skilled in the art will appreciate that after reading this application, the use of the present invention with other protocols will not require new inventions or performance experiments.

In a preferred embodiment, these messages 151 requesting information may include an identifier 152 for the requested page 153. Page 153 contains a set of information, which may include data in one of many formats, and perhaps may include many links 154 to other pages 153. Each link 154 includes an identifier 152 for its target page 153, and information (such as a title) about the target page 153.

In a preferred embodiment where the communication protocol includes HTTP or variations thereof, each page 153 may be text, image (still or animated), sound, program fragments (such as applets, applications, or JavaScript), or a combination thereof. It may include data in the form of.

In a preferred embodiment, website 130 operates under the control of web server software 131 and includes a processor arranged to deliver information 132 to web client 110 in response to a request made using a communication protocol. do. In a preferred embodiment, the website 130 includes software 133 arranged to communicate with the web client 110 using a communication protocol, which is local to the web server 130 with respect to these web clients 110. Stored authentication or personalization data 114 (or description).

In a preferred embodiment, personalization server 140 operates under the control of personalization software 141 and manages information 142 about the relationship between web client 110 (or its user) and web site 130. Including a processor arranged to perform the functions disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the personalization software 141 includes software 143 arranged to communicate with the web client 110 and the website 130 using a communication protocol, and the web client 110 and the website ( 130, an authentication and personalization database 144 stored locally (or accessible by) in personalization software 141.

Interaction between system elements

The web client software 111 is arranged to send a message 151 to the personalization server 140 to request the personalization server 140 to perform in response to the function disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the message 151 responds to actions by the user of the web client software 111, such as by selecting a web page or a link to the web page.

The personalization software 141 is arranged to receive the first message 151 from the web client software 111. Personalization software 141 uses the information in first message 151 from web client software 111 to navigate to the selected web site and to identify and authenticate the user at the selected web site. Personalization software 141 may perform one or more of the following methods, or any combination thereof.

o Personalization software 141 may send a second message 151 to web site 130 to request web site 130 to perform in response to the functions described herein.

When using this first method, personalization software 141 communicates directly with web site 130 to authenticate and authenticate the user.

o When using this first method, the web server software 131 is arranged to receive and respond to the second message 151 from the personalization software 141. After proper verification and authentication, the web server 131 sends the next message 151 directly to the web client 110 using the network 120.

o Personalization software 141 may send additional information (such as parameters in HTTP message 151) to instruct web client software 111 to perform the functions described herein.

When using this second method, the web client software 111 (using additional information) requests the appropriate information directly from the web site (such as a login or registration form), and verifies and authenticates the user in response to the appropriate information. (Such as responding to a completed registration form).

When using this second method, the personalization software 141 preferably supplies additional information to the web client software 111 in encrypted or otherwise encrypted form, so that the user of the web client 111 directly identifies and authenticates. Don't get Encryption provides additional security while sending message 151 over network 120.

The functionality for web site 130 is not substantially different from those performed by web site 130 in response to similar requests from others that may be web client software 111. Thus, there are no special requirements that need to be modified to work with the web client software 111 and the personalization server 140 in order for the web server 130 to perform the functions described herein.

After the registration is achieved, the web server software 131, when instructed by the personalization software 141, directly to the personalization server 140 (as the third message 151) or directly to the web client 110 ( Fourth message 151).

Register a User with a Personalization Server

Personalization server 140 manages authentication and personalization information about the user of web client 110, records this information in its database 144, and communicates (directly or indirectly) with web site 130 about this information. To be placed).

When the user of the web client 110 wishes to register with the personalization server 140, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 requesting the registration page 153 to the personalization server 140. Personalization server 140 sends registration page 153 to web client software 111 that provides registration page 153 to the user.

Registration page 153 includes a form, applet, or other structure for obtaining information from the user. In this way, personalization server 140 requests authentication and personal information about the user. Upon receiving this information, personalization server 140 records it in its database 144. Although the personalization server 140 records information about the user upon initial registration of the user with the personalization server 140, the user can add or modify the information next time, or the actual use of any selected web site 130. Regardless, the profile for use in the website 130 can be added or modified.

In a preferred embodiment, authentication and personal information about the user includes a user name and a password. Methods of username and password authentication are known in the computer security art. In alternative embodiments, personalization server 140 may use other authentication techniques in addition to or instead of user name and password authentication. These other authentication techniques may include, for example, software identification such as digital certificates or other digital encryption techniques, such as hardware identification such as processor identification information, communication link authentication such as “smart” cards, such as digital or analog telephone subscriber line identification, or identification. Or identification using any other known method for authentication, or any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the authentication technique can be associated with a selected degree of user access, so that greater or less authentication control is applied for larger or smaller user access capabilities.

Register for a new website

Personalization server 140 is arranged to manage information about the user of web client 110 in its database 144. This information is preferably recorded as one or more selectable profiles for the user so that the user can select one such profile for communication, identification, and personalization for one or more selected web sites 130.

When a user of the web client 110 wishes to register (and thus identify) himself with the new web site 130, the web client 110 contacts the web site 130 in one of two ways.

o A user of web client 110 contacts web site 130 directly using web client software 111.

When this first technique is used, the user of web client 110 provides personalization server 140 with an identifier 152 (such as a URL) for registration page 153 of web site 130. The user may use additional commands for the web client 110, run an applet, or complete a dialog provided by the personalization server 140. With this information, personalization software 141 performs registration using the profile selected by the user of web client 110.

o The user of web client 110 identifies the location (such as a URL) for web site 130 to personalization server 140. The personalization server 140 contacts the web site 130 instead of the user, as long as the user contacts the web site 130 using the web client software 111 directly.

When this second technique is used, the personalization software 141 recognizes the registration page 153 of the website 130 and performs registration using the profile selected by the user of the web client 110.

In a preferred embodiment, personalization software 140 may match a requested form data field name to a match with an obtained profile data field, such as known pattern matching, neural networks, genetic algorithms, other techniques, or any combination thereof. The registration form 131 is automatically completed using any suitable technique.

In a preferred embodiment, the user of the web client 110 may specify none, some or all of the information fields in the profile selected as confidential. If the information field is designated as confidential, the personalization software 141 asks the user to make sure that the user wishes to provide this information before sending this information to the website 130.

Personalization server 140 is arranged to manage information about web site 130, write this information to its database 144, and communicate with web site 130 in response to this information.

It may happen that a user of web client 110 needs to complete a profile by adding more information. In this case, personalization server 140 completes the registration form according to whether the user has instructed as such. Personalization server 140 updates the server's database accordingly when the user so instructs. According to the service management selection, the personalization server 140 may update some, all, or a group of profiles selected by the user.

When a user of the web client 110 wishes to register with the new website 130, the web client software 111 is provided with the personalization server 140 together with the identifier 152 for the authentication page 153 of the website 130. Message 151). The web client software 111 requests the personalization server 140 to register the user with the web site 130.

In response, personalization server 140 sends a message 150 to web site 130 identifying registration page 153. Personalization server 140 uses profile information about the user of web client 110 from its database 144 to respond to web site 130 with the information requested by web site 130 for personalization.

Personalization server 140 generates authentication information (such as a password) and records the authentication information in its database 144 in relation to the user of web client 110. For a website 130 that sends an e-mail message or other message back to the web client 110 with the site selection password, the personalization server 140 intercepts this message and records the site selection password in the database 144. .

As part of authenticating to the new web site, personalization server 140 may return page 153 of personalization server 140 to any link or form 154 identified as web site 130 rather than web client 110. Point it. Moreover, personalization server 140 may optionally generate a unique email address for web site 130 (other than at user's command) to identify a user of web client 110. If so, a unique e-mail address is given to web site 130 in place of any regular e-mail address at which the user may receive e-mail.

Personalization server 140 records any necessary verification and authentication information for the user, so that personalization server 140 automatically authenticates the user at web site 130 when it receives a request to authenticate from web client 110. Can be.

Choose a website (and log in to it)

When a user of the web client 110 wants to verify (and authenticate) himself against an already registered web site 130, the web client software 111 is directed to a selection page 153 in the personalization server 140. Sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140 along with the identifier 152. The selection page 153 preferably includes information (and services provided thereon) about each web site 130 registered by the user. In alternative embodiments, the selection page 153 may include additional and links to the next selection page 153, or in other ways may have a hierarchical or other format.

Personalization server 140 provides or dynamically generates a selection page 153 in response to information in database 144 with respect to the user and in response to information in database 144 with respect to web site 130. In the first preferred embodiment, the selection page 153 may be stored and updated when selected by the personalization server 140 or the user, or may be dynamically generated with user instructions. The selection page 153 is preferably maybe other information, i.e.

o information about the use of web site 130, such as last use, frequency of use, or last page 153 requested from web site 130;

o For example, whether the website 130 is fee based, or whether the user's registration on the website 130 will expire (or can be expired and updated), or the commercial aspects of the website 130. Information about; And

o usage or other information provided by web site 130 and collected by personalization server 140;

Together with an identifier (such as a name) for each registered web site 130.

The user may select one or more websites 130 identified on the selection page 153 for access. In response, personalization server 140 connects to each selected web site 130 and re-authenticates the user for that selected web site 130. In a preferred embodiment, personalization server 140 sends some identifying information (such as a password) in an encrypted format. A second user (discussed below) with restricted access is thus unable to obtain unlimited access and services to the website 130.

In an alternative embodiment, personalization server 140 sends verification and authentication information (e.g., passwords) to the applet or plug-in of web client 110 in an encrypted format. The web client 110 executes an applet or plug-in with encrypted information to automatically identify and authenticate the user to the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, personalization server 140 maintains information about bookmarks, “favorites,” browsed pages, or other important web sites 130 in relation to users. This allows the user to send bookmarks collected from a restricted web site 130 to a restricted second user (described below). This information can be used by the web client 110 to display the pages available on the web site 130 without actually having to re-register at the web site 130. This allows the user to access bookmark information for restricted web site 130 from any web client 110, whether the web client 110 has a locally stored appropriate bookmark.

Use selected website (s)

Upon or before authentication of the selected web site (s) 130, the web client software 111 may communicate directly with the web site software 131 to request and receive information. This allows a user to manage a single set of credentials for accessing a plurality of restricted web sites.

In a preferred embodiment, a user may use a single set of credentials to manage a plurality of restricted sites, such as monitoring usage of paid services and being able to control or provide for automatic renewal of such services. For example, a user may instruct personalization server 140 to perform the following services (and personalization server 140 may respond to such instructions).

o automatically reminding websites that registration should be updated periodically;

o Automatically renew registration at website 130 where registration should be periodically updated;

o Unregistration may be automatically renewed but automatically unregistered from the website 130 that the user is no longer interested in.

Use by Second User

The first user may use the same web client 110 or maybe a different website 110 to allow the first user to access the registered website 130 for the second user. ) Can be requested.

Personalization server 140 records information about these second users in database 144, including the allowed access range. The access range allowed for these second users may be limited at least as follows.

o Restrict to selected websites 130, or to selected classes of websites 130;

o limited to selected services or to selected classes of services;

o only once or periodically, limited to a selected time or date, or a combination thereof;

o limited to a selected quantity of resources or services;

o limit to the selected number of these second users; or

o restricted to read only by these second users;

When one of these second users wishes to use the selected website 130, the second user is asked to personalize server 140 to identify (and authenticate) himself to the website 130 as the first user. request. Accordingly, the web site 130 believes that the second user is a valid registered user. The personalization server 140 responds to the request and the database 144 with the same information as the first user, while concealing the second user to the website 130 while concealing authentication or other account information (such as a password) from the second user. Confirm (and authenticate) using.

In response to the database 144, the personalization server 140 mediates the second user's access to the website 130 by requiring that all requests for information by the second user must first pass through the personalization server 140. You may be asked to. This allows personalization server 140 to perform one or more of the following, or a combination thereof.

o prevent web site 130 from sending cookies to a second user;

o disabling the second user from changing information about the first user's account on the website 130;

o Restricting the second user to restricted access, such as read-only access.

Email use

As described above, the personalization server 140 generates a new email address for the first user when first identifying and authenticating the first user to the new web site 130. Accordingly, personalization server 140 may constrain or partially restrict access by the second user to the email received at personalization server 140 as an email address. (In a preferred embodiment, the second user is not given a connection to the email for the first user).

Personalization server 140 provides a web-based connection to any email received from web site 130 at an email address. As part of this web-based connection, the user of web client 110 may request personalization server 140 to perform the following services.

o send the selected email to the selected target email address;

o Delete or ignore selected emails for one of the email addresses specific to the website (as a result, the selected email or associated service from any particular website may be deleted or ignored);

o using the web client software 111 to provide a selected email for one of the email addresses specific to the website; or

o provide the user of the web client software 111 with the ability to respond to selected emails.

System behavior

2 shows a process flow diagram for a method of using a system for accessing a personalized web site.

The method 200 is performed by the system 100, including the web client 110, the communication network 120, the web server 130, and the personalization server 140.

Although described sequentially and in a particular order, the steps described herein in a preferred embodiment may be performed simultaneously or in parallel by system elements in response to one or more web clients 110 or one or more websites 130, It may be performed in a different order or any combination thereof.

At flow point 210, the first user of web client 110 prepares to register with personalization server 140.

In step 211, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. Message 151 includes a request to register a first user.

In step 212, personalization server 140 generates registration page 153 and sends it to web client 110. Registration page 153 may be in standard form or may be personalized in response to a user or in response to web client 110.

In step 213, the user responds to the registration page 153 to supply authentication and personal information to the web client software 111.

In step 214, the web client software 111 sends authentication and personal information about the user to the personalization server 140.

In step 215, personalization server 140 records authentication and personal information for the user in database 144.

At flow point 220, the first user of web client 110 prepares to register new web site 130 with personalization server 140.

In step 221, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. The message 151 includes a request for registering a new website 130, information about the website 130 useful for registration, such as an identifier 152 for the registration page 153 of the website 130.

In operation 222, the personalization server 140 generates and sends a message 151 requesting a first user registration to the web site 130. In a preferred embodiment, the message 151 requests a registration page 153 from the web site 130.

In step 223, the web site 130 generates a registration page 153 and sends it to the personalization server 140. The nature of this activity by the website 130 can vary widely and still fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

At step 224, personalization server 140 responds to web site 130. The personalization server 140 matches the registration request from the web site 130 with the profile information included in the database 133 and supplies the web site 130 with authentication and personal information about the user. In the preferred embodiment personalization server 140 requires verification from the user by sending a corresponding message 151 (such as an HTML or XML page) to web client 110. In a preferred embodiment, personalization server 140 generates a new e-mail address for the user at personalization server 140, which is specific to both the user and web site 130.

In step 225, the website 130 records authentication and personal information for the user in the database 134.

Some websites 130 send an initial email message 151 to the user along with other additional authentication information, such as a username and password. Personalization server 140 receives this initial e-mail message 151, parses it, and if it contains additional authentication information (e.g. username and password), the information is stored in the database for the user. Record at 144.

Some web sites 130 send cookies or other data to the user with additional authentication information, such as username and password. Personalization server 140 ensures that data (including any information associated with “cookies”) is recorded in personalization server 140.

In a preferred embodiment, personalization server 140 determines whether web site 130 has sent a cookie to web client 110. If so, personalization server 140 sends assistive software 115 to web client 110 for use when web client 110 uses web site 130. The assistive software 115 assists the web client software 111 and the personalization server 140 by ensuring that the information in the cookie is available to the personalization server 140.

In a preferred embodiment, the supplemental software 115 includes a web browser plug-in, or program fragment (such as an applet or JavaScript code), or any other application that works with the web client software 111.

At flow point 230, the first user of web client 110 uses personalization server 140 to prepare to verify and authenticate itself with web site 130.

In step 231, the web client software 111 sends the message 151 to the personalization server 140. The message 151 includes a request to the web site 130 to identify and authenticate the user.

In step 232, personalization server 140 generates a registration page 153. The registration page 153 identifies the web sites 130 on which the user is registered (or has a bookmark) and allows the user to select one or more to verify and authenticate himself.

In step 233, the user selects one or more web sites 130 to verify and authenticate themselves. The web client software 111 sends a message 151 representing these web sites 130 to the personalization server 140.

In step 234, personalization server 140 sends an authentication message to web site 130. Personalization server 140, directly or indirectly (using web client 110), provides authentication and personalization information for the user to web site 130.

In step 235, web site 130 authenticates the user and allows web client software 111 access to information or services that would otherwise be limited.

In step 240, the first user of the web client 110 prepares to access an email sent to the first user from the personalization server 140.

In step 241, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. The message 151 includes a request to connect to the email at the personalization server 140.

In step 242, the personalization server 140 generates and sends a message 151 in response to the web client 110. In a preferred embodiment, the message 151 may indicate which email address was received at which email address, and may further summarize the email (eg, by presenting a header or subject line).

In step 243, the user connects to the email of personalization server 140 using a known web-based email method. In addition to known web-based e-mail methods, the user may have removed the e-mail address for one or more selected web sites 130 for personalization server 140, or the e-mail for one or more selected web sites 130. It may direct the delivery to the selected target email address (possibly in another location).

At flow point 250, a first user of web client 110 is ready to allow access by one or more selected web sites 130 by a second user.

In step 251, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. The message 151 includes a request to allow access by the second user to one or more selected web sites 130.

In step 252, personalization server 140 generates a selection page 153 and sends this page 153 to web client 110. The selection page 153 displays a set of websites 130 to which the first user will connect and indicates a set of constraint types that the first user can instruct the personalization server 140 to implement regarding this connection. .

In step 253, the web client software 111 presents a selection page 153 to the user. The user selects one or more web sites 130 and associated constraints regarding information or services on those web sites 130 and identifies a second user to allow restricted access.

In step 254, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140 with the selection made by the first user. Personalization server 140 receives message 151 and records the associated information in its database 144.

At flow point 260, a second user of web client 110 prepares to connect to one or more web sites 130 using personalization server 140.

In step 261, similar to step 231, the web client software 111 sends a message 151 to the personalization server 140. Message 151 includes a request to verify and authenticate a second user to web site 130.

In step 262, personalization server 140, in response to its database 144, determines the degree of connection allowed to the second user. For example, the second user may be authenticated by the first user (one or another), or the second user may be independent of the website 130 in response to individual registration with the personalization server 140. Can be accessed.

Depending on the degree of access allowed, similar to step 232, personalization server 140 generates registration page 153. The registration page 153 identifies the websites 130 that are allowed to access the second user by (either or another) first user or independently, and allows the second user to select one or more websites to access. (For direct access, for identification and authentication or for bookmarks).

In step 233, the second user selects one or more web sites 130 to verify and authenticate themselves. The web client software 111 sends a message 151 representing these web sites 130 to the personalization server 140.

In step 234, personalization server 140 sends authentication and personal information for the first user to website 130, either directly or using web client software 111, such that website 130 (the second user actually Even if you are using Web site 130).

In step 235, the website 130 authenticates the second user (authentication and personal information of the first user) and, in this case, the web client software 1110 for accessing the second user to the information or service that would have been restricted. Allow.

II.

System elements

3 shows a block diagram of a system for group access to a web site.

System 100 includes a set of web clients 110, communication network 120, at least one website 130, and group surfing server 140.

The terms "client" and "server" as used herein refer to a client-server relationship between a client and a server, and do not necessarily refer to a particular physical device.

As used herein, "web client" includes any combination of devices or software that acts as a client in the client-server environment of the Internet, the World Wide Web, or their equivalents or extensions. There is no particular requirement that the web client 110 be a separate device, each of which is a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or any combination thereof (eg, a web acting as an agent of a user). Device for providing a server service).

As used herein, "website" includes any combination of devices or software that acts as a server in the client-server environment of the Internet, the World Wide Web, or their equivalents or extensions. There is no particular requirement that the website 130 be a separate device, each of which may be a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or some combination thereof.

The web client 110 operates under the control of web client software 111, such as a web browser, and includes a processor arranged for use by an operator or user 112. In a preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 is arranged to communicate with the web sites 130 using a communication protocol, as described below.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the web clients 110 includes a general purpose computer such as a laptop or workstation. However, the web client 110 (alone or with a laptop or workstation), portable calendar (eg, "palm pilot" or other portable device), portable computer, dedicated computer, cell phone or other Phone device, web server acting as an agent for the user, or another device. In alternative embodiments, the web client 110 may include any other apparatus arranged to perform all or some of the functions described herein. The location, type of device, and connection characteristics of the web client 110 to the website 130 may be different for each pair of connection sessions between the web client 110 and the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, communication network 120 includes a packet switched network, such as the Internet and an intranet (with or instead of), an enterprise network, an extranet, a virtual private network, a virtual switched network. In an alternative embodiment, communication network 120 may be a web client 110, website 130, and any other set of combinations thereof to enable group-surfing server 140 to perform the functions described herein. It may include a communication link.

The communication network 120 is arranged to send messages between any two of the web client 110, the website 130, and the group-surfing server 140. The message 151 takes the format of the communication protocol recognized by the web client 110, the website 130, and the group-surfing server 140. In a preferred embodiment, the communication protocol includes a transfer control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP), or a variant thereof such as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) or secure HTTP (HTTPS). In a preferred embodiment, it may include additional protocols operating over TCP / IP. Communication protocols also include file transfer protocol (FTP), gophers, and other protocols for requesting and sending information, including variations thereof. Although mainly described herein with reference to HTTP and TCP / IP, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, after reading this application, the use of the present invention with other protocols will not require new inventions or performance experiments.

In a preferred embodiment, these messages 151 requesting information may include an identifier 152 for the requested page 153. Page 153 contains a set of information, which may include data in one of many formats, and perhaps may include many links 154 to other pages 153. Each link 154 includes an identifier 152 for its target page 153, and information (such as a title) about the target page 153.

In a preferred embodiment, each page 153 may include data in the form of text, images (still or animated), sound, program pieces (such as applets, applications, or JavaScript), or a combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the website 130 operates under the control of the web server software 131, and information 132 is transmitted to the web client 110 or the group-surfing server 140 in response to a request made using a communication protocol. It includes a processor arranged to deliver. In a preferred embodiment, web site 130 includes software 133 arranged to communicate with web client 110 or group-surfing server 140 using a communication protocol.

Create group-surfing session

The web client software 111 is arranged to send a message 151 to the group-surfing server 140 requesting the group-surfing server 140 to perform in response to the functions disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the message 151 responds to actions by the user of the web client software 111, such as by selecting a web page or a link to the web page.

The first web client 110 sends a session-creation message 151 to the group-surfing server 140 requesting the group-surfing server 140 to create or set up a group-surfing session. In the preferred embodiment, the message 151 includes an identifier for the group-surfing session, so other web clients 110 can add themselves to the session. (Group-surfing server 140 may also assign this identifier in response to session-created message 151). In a preferred embodiment, the message 151 includes identifiers for the set of web clients 110 that are allowed to join, are allowed to join, or are prohibited from joining the session. Alternatively, web client 110 can specify that the session is open to anyone. Alternatively, web client 110 may specify that the session is open to anyone. Web client 110 may also specify a time schedule for the session (these functions may be combined, such that, for example, the session may be open to anyone for a selected time period, after which only certain authenticated users will be available). May participate).

In a preferred embodiment, the message 151 may also include an identifier 152 for the initial page 153 for the group-surfing session. For example, the initial page 153 may include a home page for the selected website 130, or a welcome page for the selected service available on the selected website 130.

The group-surfing server 140 receives the session-creation message 151, responds by (1) creating a group-surfing session, and (2) informing the group-surfing session participants. When the session-created message 151 includes an identifier 152 for the initial page 153, the group-surfing server 140 starts an operation of the group-surfing session to join the session, as described below. The web site 130 delivers the initial page 153 to the web clients 110.

After creating a group-surfing session, group-surfing server 140 prepares to add additional web client 110 to the session. To add itself to the session, the second (or other) web client 110 sends a session-participation message 151 to the group-surfing server 140. In a preferred embodiment, message 151 includes an identifier for a group-surfing session.

The group-surfing server 140 receives the session-participation message 151 and responds by adding a new web client to the group-surfing session. The group-surfing server 140 may inform the other participants of the group-surfing session of the newly added web client 110. The group-surfing server 140 allows the newly added web client 110 to join the session, as described below.

Group surf session action

One or more web clients 110 are designated as control web clients 110 by group-surfing server 140, and are therefore authorized to control group surfing sessions by group-surfing server 140. The selection of which web client 110 to designate as the control web client 110 may be made by any of a variety of techniques, or some combination thereof.

o control web client 110 is identified in a session-created message 151.

The control web client 110 or control web clients 110 are controlled by the web client 110 in contact with the group-surfing server 140 to create a session (once at the start of the session or dynamically from time to time throughout the session). Is selected.

o The control web client 110 is designated using a random or pseudo-random technique by the group-surfing server 140 from the web client 110 joining the session.

o Control web client 110 is designated by a majority or multiple votes of all web clients 110 participating in the session.

o The control web client 110 is the first M web client of the first N web clients 110 participating in the session attempting the next page selection. M selections among the N web clients 110 may be made by the group-surfing server 140 using random or pseudo-random techniques, clustering techniques to select similar web clients 110, or another technique.

o The control web client 110 is selected by the group-surfing server 140 to be all web clients 110 participating in a session that meets the selected criteria. The chosen criteria may be based on rules, for example (a) the web client 110 has ".edu" as the primary domain or ".aol" as the secondary domain, or (b) The web client 110 may have joined the session for more than N seconds, or (c) the web site 110 has joined the session but has not yet been selected as the controlling web client 110, or some combination thereof. .

If the control web client 110 is a single web client 110, this single control web client 110 determines the progress of the viewed pages 153 during the group-surfing session as described below.

If there is more than one control web client 110, these control web clients 110 operate in unison to determine the progress of this page 153 during the group-surfing session. The group-surfing server 140 may determine the progress of the page 153 in any or several combinations of various techniques.

o The first page 153 selected by any controlling web client 110 is selected as the next page in the progress of the pages 153 in the session.

o The next page in the progress of pages 153 in the session is designated by the group-surfing server 140 among the pages 153 selected by either of the control web clients 110 using random or pseudo-random techniques. do.

o The next page in the progress of the pages 153 in the session is the page 153 selected by any of the control web clients 110 using round-robin techniques by the group-surfing server 140. Among them.

o The page 153 selected by the majority or the plurality of control web clients 110 is selected as the next page in the progress of the pages 153 in the session.

In any case, the group-surfing server 140 determines the next page in the progress of the pages 153 in the session. The group-surfing server 140 contacts the web site having the next page 153 to send the next page so that it can be provided to the web clients 110 participating in the session. 130).

In the preferred embodiment, the group-surfing server 140 instructs the target web site 130 to deliver this next page 153 to the group-surfing server 140 itself. The group-surfing server 140 then resends this page 153 to the web client 110 joining the session. It is sent by the website 130 to display a single set of “cookies” or other data related to an identity or session, stored by the group-surfing server 140 at each participating web client 110. Enable it.

In an alternative embodiment, if there is no “cookie” or other data related to the identity, each web client 110 may receive the next page 153 directly from the web site 130. In some such alternative embodiments, the group-surfing server 140 may retrieve the next page 153 itself from the target web site 130, and each web client (s) joining the next page 153 to a session ( Resend to 11). In another such alternative embodiment, the group surfing server 140 uses a multicast protocol such as the Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) protocol to multicast the next page 153 to the web clients 110 joining the session. Can be used.

When control web client 110 selects the progress of pages 153 for the session, the progress of these pages 153 is provided to each of the web clients 110 participating in the session.

If any web client 110 joining the session wishes to permanently or temporarily terminate the session, the web client 110 sends a session-exit message 151 to the group-surfing server 140. The group-surfing server 140 receives the session-exit message 151 and responds by removing the egress web client 110 from the group-surfing session. The group-surfing server 140 may inform the exit web client 110 to other participants in the group-surfing session. The group-surfing server 140 causes the exiting web client 110 to no longer join the session.

The functionality for web site 130 is not substantially different from those performed by web site 130 in response to similar requests from others, which may be web client software 111. Thus, there are no special requirements that need to be modified to work with the web client software 111 and the group-surfing server 140 so that the web server 130 performs the functions described herein.

When performing group-surfing on one or more types of web clients 130 (eg, first web client 130 including a personal computer and second web client 130 including a “palm pilot” device) In order to retrieve the appropriate version of the page necessary for each individual web client 110, a plurality of requests are made to the web site 130 to send the same page (its variant page). The group-surfing server 140 sends to each individual web client 110 a variant page of the page most suitable for that individual web client 110.

Efficient Group-Surf Session Activity

In a preferred embodiment, the load on the group-surfing server 140 is reduced when using the program pieces loaded on each web client 110. The program snippet interacts with a Java applet, a piece of JavaScript code, a web browser plug-in, an ActiveX element, or a web client 110, the operation of which is the website 130 and the group-surfing server 140. It may include one or more of the other technologies that affect the system, or some combination thereof.

The program pieces may be sent from the group-surfing server 140 to the web client 110, or may reside in the web client 110. Program fragments can be loaded dynamically during a session, or they can only live for a session, even though they reside permanently.

Program fragments may perform one or more of the following functions, or any combination thereof.

o The program fragment may detect the inserted frames contained within the selected page 153 and request the group-surfing server 140 to retrieve these frames from the website 130 and send them to the web client 110. Can be.

The program fragment may intercept the selection of link 152 in web client 110 and send this selection to group-surfing server 140 for processing.

The program fragment may intercept the "present" selection by the web client 110 while posting the HTML form, and send the information in these "present" selections to the group-surfing server 140 for processing.

The program fragment can intercept the HTML commands in the selected page 153, which will adjust the screen layout used during the session (e.g., HTML code that tries to force itself to be the top frame).

o The program fragment may detect embedded multimedia objects contained in the selected page 153 and request these multimedia objects directly from the web site 130.

Variation of group-surfing session

There are many variations of the technology that allow individual web clients 110 to access information from web site 130. Similarly, there are many variations of the technology that allow the controlling web client 110 to access information from the web site 130 and provide that information to the web client 110 participating in the session. These may include one or more or any combination of the following:

Web Page Look Ahead

The control web client 110 may designate these web pages 153 as the next page 153 in the progress of the page 153 in the session after selecting the web pages 153 for the “look ahead”. This allows the control web client 110 to provide one or more of the following cases, or some combination thereof.

o User 112 of control web client 10 may determine whether the selected “look ahead” page 153 can be accessed in session. For example, access to some of these pages 153 may be restricted depending on time or usage constraints.

o User 112 of control web client 110 may determine whether the selected “look ahead” page 153 is appropriate for web client 110 participating in the session. As a first example, some such pages 153 may include information that is not important to the session (such as for classes, seminars, or demonstrations of products or services). As a second example, some such pages 153 may include information that is inappropriate for the session (eg, a so-called “adult” location for a session that includes a few users 112).

o User 112 of control web client 110 may determine whether the selected “look ahead” requires a special connection (eg, password restriction or paid service). As a first example, control web client 110 may choose to exclude such a page 153 from the session. As a second example, the control web client 110 may choose to accept this particular connection (such as entering a password or credit card number) without presenting an acceptance to another web client 110 joining the session.

Special access to web pages

The controlling web client 110 may select these web pages 153 for a particular connection when designating the web page 153 as the next page 153 in the progress of the page 153 in the session. As a first example, the control web client 110 may personally enter information needed for a particular connection without providing information to other web clients 110 participating in the session. As a second example, the control web client 110 may enter this information using information that is available from and supplied by other web clients 110 participating in the session.

Web page auto form completion

In a preferred embodiment, control web client 110 enters information to complete an HTML form and sends this information to group-surfing server 140. The group-surfing server 140 enters information to complete the HTML form and sends this information to the website 130. When web site 130 responds to the new page, group-surfing server 140 sends this new page to all participating web clients 130.

In an alternative embodiment, when the control web client 110 enters information to complete an HTML form and sends this information to the group-surfing server 140, the group-surfing server 140 is responsible for each participating web. Since the client 110 can provide its information about the HTML form, each participating web client 110 can see the HTML form being created. The group-surfing server 140 may provide that information on the HTML form when each field of the form is completed, or when the entire form is completed, or at other times.

Payment for website services

The controlling web client 110 may select the web page 153 for the paid connection even if the web client 110 participating in the session is not authorized for the paid connection. The group-surfing server 140 may control the paid connection with one or more of the following techniques, or any combination thereof.

o The control web client 110 itself can pay for the connection, effectively presenting the service to the participating web client 110.

o group-surfing server 140 may force payments from the accounts of these participating web clients 110. This payment may be a share of a percentage of the actual cost to the controlling web client 110, a preselected amount agreed by the participating web clients 110, or the group-surfing server 140 by the trading website 130. May be a fee.

o Group-surfing server 140 may force such payments only from those participating web clients 110 who choose to have paid information or services provided to web clients as part of the session. Participation web client 110 may make this determination when they join a session or when a payment for information or a service occurs (to occur).

Affiliated e-commerce

The controlling web client 110 may select the web page 153 to participate in the electronic commerce. For example, the control web client 110 may order a product or service for delivery. Similar to payment for web site services, the web client 110 participating in the session does not need to participate in such an e-commerce. The group-surfing server 140 may control such electronic commerce with one or more of the following techniques, or any combination thereof.

o The control web client 110 may pay for the goods or services ordered by itself, and effectively present the service to participating web clients 110.

o Group-surfing server 140 may force payment from the account of participating web clients 110 for such an e-commerce in a single case. Such payment may be a share of a percentage of the actual cost to the controlling web client 110, a preselected amount agreed by the participating web clients 110, or a group-surfing server ( It may be a fee paid to 140).

o Group-surfing server 140 may force this payment only from those participating web clients 110 who choose to have paid information or services provided to web clients as part of the session. Similar to paid web site services, participating web clients 110 may make this determination when they join a session or when a payment for information or service occurs (to occur).

o Group-surfing server 140 may double e-commerce for each participating web client 110 selecting to participate. Similar to paid web site services, participating web clients 110 may make this determination when they join a session or when a payment for information or service occurs (to occur).

o Group-surfing server 140 may be prepaid prior to the group-surfing session, so that the participating associated web clients who choose to join the group-surfing session may use this payment for electronic commerce. Accordingly, group-surfing server 140 may allow payment from a prepaid (or settled) “account” on behalf of one or more or one class of web clients 110.

This function can be useful for making cooperative decisions about e-commerce, such as selecting service offerings for either third parties or session participants.

Input and output of website information

The control web client 110 may input or output information related to the web site 130, including a bookmark, a “cookie”, and a user registration to the participating web site 130. Similar to paid web site services, the web client 10 participating in the session may choose whether to participate in these input or output operations.

Used in connection with communication between users

The web clients 110 participating in the session can communicate between the users 112 of these web clients 110. The technology used for communication may include one or more of telephone communication, voice over IP, Internet chat, email, “instant messaging”, or other user-to-user communication, or some combination thereof. Can be. In a preferred embodiment, the communication technique may be provided to each web client 110 in the initialization of the group-surfing server 140 using the same or separate window of the web client 110.

Use in conjunction with other network functions

The web clients 110 participating in the session may perform other functions associated with the network. For example, as described above for the use of the present invention in connection with electronic commerce.

The present invention may be used for teletraining functionality. In such use, one or more participating web clients 110 may be a teacher, teacher, seminar submitter, discussion decision maker, or other type of moderator. These participating web clients 110 may be control web clients 110. The additional web client 110 (which may overwhelm the number of moderators) may be students, seminar participants or critics, discussion participants, or negotiating parties. Teachers or moderators can use group-surfing processes to substantiate assumptions or claims using reference services or references that can be used to provide information to students or participants.

The present invention may be used for virtual display or traversal. In such use, one or more participating web clients 110 may be a salesperson, receptionist, submitter, or other type of guide. These participating web clients 110 may be control web clients 110. The additional participating web client 110 (which may overwhelm the number of moderators or may have a one-on-one conversation with a salesperson or guide) will be a prospective customer or virtual circuit. Salespeople or guides use group-surfing processes to respond to potential needs or preferences, including maps, drawings, and other visual data, in response to perceived needs or preferences for potential customers or virtual circuits. Information can be provided to In a preferred embodiment of this use, the available references include a virtual reality markup language (VRML) server, where the server can view information that can be viewed three-dimensionally about the topic of presentation or traversal. For example, information that can be viewed in three dimensions includes an indication of a real estate for sale or a virtual art gallery.

The present invention can also be used for remote medical care or other processing remote control. In such use, one or more participating web clients 110 will be controlling surgeons, physicians, other medical personnel, or other consultants. These participating web clients 110 may be control web clients 110. The additional participating web client 110 may be a local medical practitioner, a local engineer, or a robotic device. The controlling practitioner uses group-surfing treatments to review information about the patient (or controllable physical treatment, such as an oil refinery or semiconductor manufacturing facility), suggesting or giving treatment instructions, and providing robotic or sensor devices. You can control it directly.

The invention may also be used in consulting (such as in finance, advertising or marketing). In this use, one or more participating web clients 110 will be consultants. These participating web clients 110 may be control web clients 110. The additional participating web client 110 may be a consultant's (person) client or clients, such as a trader. The consultant may use a group-surfing process to provide information to the client, including new or proposed offerings or offerings from competitors or other participants in the electronic marketplace.

Multiple group-surfing “channels”

Group-surfing server 140 may manage one or more of these individual group-surfing sessions where each individual group-surfing session has its own browsed page history. When the web client 110 adds itself to the participating web client 110 in a group-surfing session, the most recently viewed page is provided to the web client, and the web client viewed the page before joining the group-surfing session. You can review the history.

In a preferred embodiment, when an individual user of a web client 110 using conventional web surfing techniques encounters a page they want to share, the user uses his web client 110 to group-page the page. A message may be sent to the group-surfing server 140 to add to the surfing session. Each such web client 110 can have its own personalized group surfing session, which can be viewed by the second web client 110 and its history. If the second web client 110 is already participating in the group-surfing session, the page is sent to the second web client 110 when the page is sent by the first web client 110 to the group surfing server 140. Will be provided. In an alternative embodiment, the second web client 110 may only receive a list of pointers (such as URLs) to those pages that are provided during the group-surfing session and that are dynamically updated as new pages are added.

System behavior

4 shows a process flow diagram for a method of using a system for group access to a web site.

Method 200 is performed by system 100, including web client 110, communication network 120, web server 130, and group-surfing server 140.

Although described sequentially and in a particular order, the steps described herein in the preferred embodiment may be performed simultaneously or in parallel by the system elements, and may be performed in a different order, or in any combination thereof.

At flow point 210, group-surfing server 140 prepares to create a group-surfing session.

In step 211, the first web client 110 requests the group-surfing server 140 to create or set up a group-surfing session, as described above, session-created in the group-surfing server 140. Send a message 151.

In step 212, the group-surfing server 140 receives a session-created message 151. The group-surfing server 140 (1) creates a group-surfing session and (2) informs participants in the group-surfing session.

Method 200 continues at flow point 220.

At flow point 220, group-surfing server 140 is ready to add web clients to the group-surfing session.

In step 221, the second (or other) web client 110 sends a session-participation message 151 to the group-surfing server 140, as described above.

At step 222, group-surfing server 140 receives session-participation message 151. The group-surfing server 140 (1) adds a new web client 110 to the group-surfing session, and (2) informs other participants of the group-surfing session of the newly added web client 110.

In step 223, the group-surfing server 130 sends a program piece (preferably Java applet and JavaScript code) to the new web client 110 that processes the received page 153 as part of the session. When a new web client 110 selects a link 152 on one such page 153, the program snippet intercepts the request before it is sent to the web site 130, thus selecting this group-surfing server 140. Send it back to). Accordingly, the group-surfing server 140 may determine which next page 153 will be selected and ensure that this next page 153 is provided to all participating web clients 110.

Method 200 continues at flow point 230.

At flow point 230, group-surfing server 140 prepares to conduct a group-surfing session.

In step 231, the group-surfing server 140 designates one or more control web clients 110, as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the first web client 110 sending the session-generated message 151 is a single controlling web client 110.

In step 232, the control web client 110 receives the page 153 from the group-surfing server 140 that has received the page 153 from the web site 130. When the control web client 110 selects the link 152 on the page 153, the selection is obtained by the program fragment, which program fragment makes the selection, as described below, the group-surfing server 140. (Preferably using a protocol that runs on top of TCP / IP). In an alternative embodiment, group-surfing server 140 modifies the links 152 in page 153 and then provides this page 153 to the web client 110 joining the session.

In step 233, the control web client 110 sends a next-page message 151 to the group-surfing server 140 to indicate the next page 153 in the progress of the page 153 in the session.

In step 234, the group-surfing server 140 receives the next-page message 151. The group-surfing server 140 (1) contacts the web site 130 having the next-page 153 after adding a suitable cookie or other identity information, instructs this target web site 130 to The next page 153 is delivered to the group-surfing server 130. The group-surfing server 140 then sends this page 153 back to the web clients 110 joining the session.

In a preferred embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the group-surfing server 140, the group-surfing server 140 only has the page 153 itself without any multimedia elements (eg, embedded sound, images, or program pieces). send. Each participating web client 110 requests these multimedia elements directly from the website 130.

In step 235, page 153 is provided to each web client 110 participating in the session.

In step 236, if the group-surfing server 140 receives a “cookie” or other data related to an identity or session from the web site 130, the group-surfing server 140 is connected to the group-surfing server 140 and Record "cookies" in the local cookie database relative to the session. Each time group-surfing server 140 requests a page from web site 130, group-surfing server 140 sends any related “cookies” received from web site 130.

Step 231, step 232, step 233, step 234, step 235, and step 236 are performed repeatedly so that the progress of pages is provided to each of the web clients 110 participating in the session.

At flow point 240, the selected web client 110 prepares to drop the session.

In step 241, the selected web client 110 sends a session-exit message 151 to the group-surfing server 140.

In step 242 the group-surfing server 140 receives the session-exit message 151. The group-surfing server 140 (1) removes the web client 110 exiting from the group-surfing session and (2) notifies other participants of the group-surfing session of the web client 110.

In a preferred embodiment, if control web client 110 leaves the session, group-surfing server 140 (1) terminates the session and (2) informs participants of the group-surfing session.

At flow point 250, control web client 110 prepares to select web page 153 for a “look ahead”.

In step 251, the control web client 110 sends a look ahead head message 151 to the group-surfing server 140.

In step 252, the group-surfing server 140 receives the look ahead head message 151. The group-surfing server 140 stops providing the next page 153 to the participants of the session.

In step 253, the control web client 110 requests the page 153 and sends a message 151 to the one or more webs to receive this information from the websites 130 without receiving the information from the participants in the session. Send to site 130.

In step 254, the control web client 110 sends a look ahead stop message 151 to the group-surfing server 140.

In step 255, the group-surfing server 140 receives the look ahead stop message 151. The group-surfing server 140 reverts to providing the next page 153 to the session participants.

At flow point 260, control web client 110 prepares to select web page 153 for "special access."

In step 261, the control web client 110 sends a special connection start message 151 to the group-surfing server 140.

In step 262, the group-surfing server 140 receives the special connection start message 151. The group surfing server 140 stops providing connection or authentication information (such as an HTML form) to the session participants.

In step 263, the control web client 110 sends a message 151 to one or more websites 130 to access the website 130 without having the information provided to the session participants.

In step 264, the control 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 provision of information on page 153 to the session participants.

At flow point 270, control web client 110 prepares to select the web page for the paid connection.

In the preferred embodiment, the group-surfing server 140 does not force any payment from the web client 110 joining the session. Thus, all paid connections are paid by the controlling web client 110 and are effectively provided free of charge to the web client 110 participating in the session. The group-surfing server 140 does not take any special action.

At flow point 280, control web client 110 prepares to select a web page for participation in the e-commerce.

In a preferred embodiment, the group-surfing server 140 does not force any payment for electronic commerce participation. Thus, all e-commerce is paid by the controlling web client 110 and is effectively provided free of charge to the web client 110 participating in the session (if a service). The group-surfing server 140 does not take any special action.

In an alternative embodiment, the group-surfing server 140 may be registered as a partner or member of the website 130 and thus receive a fee from the website 130 for the e-commerce conducted during the session.

At flow point 290, control web client 110 prepares to input or output information relating to web site 130.

In step 291, the control web client 110 sends an input-output message 151 to the group-surfing server 140 to send information related to the web site (such as a bookmark, “cookie”, or participating web site 130). Input or output).

In step 292, the group-surfing server 140 receives an input-output message 151. The group-surfing server 140 inputs or outputs information specified in the selected database of the web client 110 participating in the session, indicating the intention to participate in an input or output operation.

In the preferred embodiment, the selected database is specific to the cookie / identity database for the group-surfing session. In alternative embodiments, the selected database may be used for other applications for web use, such as a registration database for bookmarks and bulk web surfing. The selected database may be managed by a program fragment sent from the group-surfing server 140 or the web client 110 by other related software.

III.

dictionary

The use of the following terms used herein refers to or relates to aspects of the present invention described below.

. Personal Information -As used herein, “personal information” includes any data collected by, from, or about a user or web site that may be stored on a personal data server.

Personal information may include one or more of the following: Financial information (such as bank account balance, credit information, loan information, real estate information, stock account balance, stock portfolio information, or other financial information), medical information (such as allergy information, insurance information, treatment information, patient history information, or Other medical information) or other information that is not available to the public in general or in general. Personal information is information such as personal news or other general information required by an individual user in a particular way that information about the personal interests of that individual is specific to the individual and not generally available to the public. Even if an individual is of particular interest, this information may be included. This can be done by (1) information about the choice of each user's child on a sports team in a classroom or league, (2) a new item of interest to each user, (3) done by an individual user or otherwise interested in them. Bids at auction sites, (4) Web-e-mail or other communications, such as by chat, instant messaging, or newsgroups, done by individual users or interested in them, (5) Stock brokers or other brokers Or (6) records of non-monetary accounts such as frequent flight miles or other discount programs, (7) records of golf scores or selected sports teams, and / or last or pending transactions with book sellers or other sellers. Same sports information, or (8) calendar information, such as meeting invitation status or personal calendars.

Personal information may include, for example, information that an individual user uses to conduct an electronic commerce. For example, personal information may include information to automate purchases, such as the name and address of each user, credit card number, account number, shipping address and delivery preference profile, or a user's preferred account for making a purchase. Can be.

. Summary and Aggregation- "Summary and Aggregation" as used herein includes all techniques and methods for organization, selective or non-selective separation, linking, selective provision of personal information, and selective transmission.

Summarization and aggregation are sums or sums of account balances or account values, sums or sums of collateral from personal accounts, calculations or determination of mixed credit or other sources of financial information, or other information that provides a more comprehensive description from more specific information. It can include one or more of a summary or aggregation of forms. For a plurality of individuals, the summary or aggregation may include forms of demographic or population grouping used in census, insurance, or market research applications. Summary or aggregation is a set of information to summarize or aggregate, the preferences of individual users or the choice of which specific information to summarize or aggregate, or the individual user to summarize or aggregate using an editor or other tool. May include a request.

. Personal Data Server -As used herein, a “personal data server” includes a server device that can access web sites containing personal information, as described above, and access of individual users to retrieve or use this personal information. May contain information or preferences. A personal data server can access web sites with this information even when private information of interest to an individual user is not specific to that particular individual user.

. Individual Users -As used herein, “individual users” means acting on behalf of or on behalf of an entity, manipulating web clients to access the Internet, and storing them on a personal data server specific to these or the entities they provide. This includes those who manipulate web clients to use, add to, aggregate, summarize, delete, or access data.

. Web Site -As used herein, "web site" includes any combination of devices or software that acts as a server in the client-server environment of the Internet, the World Wide Web, or their equivalents or extensions. There is no particular requirement that the website 130 be a separate device, which may be a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or some combination thereof.

. Jump Page -As used herein, “jump page” refers to a web page used by a personal data server to provide personal data that an individual user can read. A "jump page" may be used to navigate directly to one or more web sites with the information nearby.

. Navigation -As used herein, "nautical" means accessing information from one web site to another, one web page to another web page, within a web page, and to the internet, intranet, or other network. Includes activities that use a web client to move off and on.

. E-Commerce- "E-Commerce" as used herein includes all commercial, business, professional and investment activities on the Internet, intranets or other types of networks.

. Inter-User Communication and Interest Groups -As used herein, “inter-user communication” and “interest group” refers to communication between users on a network, or users of newsgroups or groups included in a network or USENET, computer bulletin board, or aggregation. Refers to any communication between the user and the transmission of information.

. Restricted or Aggregated Access -As used herein, "limited access" or "aggregated access" refers to how many private users' personal data can be utilized by a person or a non-user entity. These limits can be set by an individual or by a preselected protocol. For example, an individual user can have any medical person use his or her entire medical record. Alternatively, individual users may make only a small portion of these records available to their personal physician.

. Person or entity other than an individual -As used herein, "person or entity other than individual" includes any person or entity other than an individual user. For example, this may include a web site or other network link attempting to retrieve information about an information agency, insurance company or other third party authorized to access personal information, or an individual user.

. Meta-bookmark- The term "meta-bookmark" as used herein includes the authentication or verification of information relating to the location of a web object and information relating to access control, or an entity attempting to access the web object. Contains data structures and techniques for accessing the web object. For example, meta-bookmarks can be restricted to (1) links or pointers to web objects that typically require cookies or passwords for access, and (2) limited display of portions of form fields such as login names or passwords. One or more of a link or pointer to a partially completed form, or (3) a link or pointer to an application or applet that compiles aggregate information from personal information.

The meta-bookmark includes links or pointers to selected web pages for specific actions, such as logging in to a selected stock broker, selecting a stock for purchase, or ordering the purchase of that stock by a selected amount, such as "Buy stock".

System elements

5 shows a block diagram of a system for the summarization and aggregation of personal information.

System 100 includes a set of web clients 110, communication network 120, at least one web site 130, and personal data server 140.

The terms "client" and "server" as used herein refer to a client-server relationship between a client and a server, and do not necessarily refer to a particular physical device.

As used herein, "web client" includes any combination of devices or software that acts as a client in the client-server environment of the Internet, the World Wide Web, or their equivalents or extensions. There is no particular requirement that the web client 110 be a separate device, each of which is a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or any combination thereof (eg, a web acting as an agent of a user). Device for providing a server service).

As used herein, "website" includes any combination of devices or software that acts as a client in the client-server environment of the Internet, the World Wide Web, or their equivalents or extensions. There is no particular requirement that the website 130 be a separate device, each of which may be a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or some combination thereof.

As used herein, "client device" includes any device that acts as a client in a client-server relationship (such as an HTTP web client and a web server). There is no particular requirement that any client device be a separate physical device, each of which may be a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or some combination thereof.

As used herein, the term "server device" includes any device that acts as a server in a client-server relationship. There is no particular requirement that the server devices be separate physical devices, each of which may be a single device, a set of cooperating devices, part of a device, or some combination thereof.

The web client 110 operates under the control of web client software 111, such as a web browser, and includes a processor arranged for use by an operator or user 112. In a preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 includes software arranged to communicate with the web sites 130 using a communication protocol, as described below.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the web clients 110 includes a general purpose computer such as a laptop or workstation. However, the web client 110 (alone or in conjunction with a laptop or workstation), portable calendar (eg, "palm pilot" or other portable device), portable computer, dedicated computer, cell phone or other Phone device, web server acting as an agent for the user, or another device. In alternative embodiments, the web client 110 may include any other apparatus arranged to perform all or some of the functions described herein. The location, type of device, and connection characteristics of the web client 110 to the website 130 may be different for each pair of connection sessions between the web client 110 and the website 130.

In a preferred embodiment, communication network 120 includes a packet switched network, such as the Internet and an intranet (with or instead of), an enterprise network, an extranet, a virtual private network, a virtual switched network. In an alternative embodiment, communication network 120 communicates with web client 110, web site 130, and any other set of combinations thereof to enable personal data server 140 to perform the functions described herein. It may include a link.

The communication network 120 is arranged to send messages between any two of the web client 110, the website 130, and the personal data server 140. The message 151 takes the format of a communication protocol recognized by the web client 110, the website 130, and the personal data server 140. In a preferred embodiment, the communication protocol includes a transfer control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP), or a variant thereof such as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) or secure HTTP (HTTPS). In a preferred embodiment, it may include additional protocols operating over TCP / IP. Communication protocols also include file transfer protocol (FTP), gophers, and other protocols for requesting and sending information, including variations thereof. Although mainly described herein with reference to HTTP and TCP / IP, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, after reading this application, the use of the present invention with other protocols will not require new inventions or performance experiments.

In a preferred embodiment, these messages 151 requesting information may include an identifier 152 for the requested page 153. Page 153 contains a set of information, which may include data in one of many formats, and may include many links 154 to other pages 153. Each link 154 includes an identifier 152 for its target page 153, and information (such as a title) about the target page 153.

In a preferred embodiment, each page 153 may include data in the form of text, images (still or animated), sound, program pieces (such as applets, applications, or JavaScript), or a combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the web site 130 operates under the control of the web server software 131 and transmits information 132 to the web client 110 or personal data server 140 in response to a request made using a communication protocol. A processor arranged to deliver. In a preferred embodiment, web site 130 includes software arranged to communicate with web client 110 or personal data server 140 using a communication protocol.

Personal data server

Personal data server 140 includes a processor that operates under the control of both web client software 111 and web server software 141. In a preferred embodiment, the web client software 111 includes software arranged to communicate with the web site (s), as described below, and the web server software 141, with the web client 110, as described below. Software arranged to communicate.

Personal data server 140 includes a connection database 142 or other data structure containing information about a set of individual users. The access database 142 is configured for each individual user, for a set of websites 130 having personal information for that individual user, and for each website 130 such as a login name and password. A corresponding set of connection information for each individual user. In the preferred embodiment, the personal data server 140 also includes authentication information for each individual user, so the personal data server 140 merely provides personal information to the correct individual user.

The personal data server 140 uses the on-demand connection database 142 of the individual user using the web client 110, and accesses these web sites 130 in the connection database 142 for individual users. It is arranged to obtain a set of personal information. Personal data server 140 includes personal information database 143 having this information, and dynamically creates jump pages 144 or other provision of personal information for use by individual users.

In a preferred embodiment, the jump page 144 includes at least a summary of the personal information obtained from each web site 130, and the web site 130 for each user to review or manipulate the personal information in detail. Contains hyperlinks or other points

The hyperlink or other pointer may include an address, such as a uniform resource locator (URL) for personal information, and contains access information for personal information. For example, a hyperlink or other pointer may include a series of web navigation operations (such as link to link, a link with a form with already completed data, a link that requires a login name and password, or some combination thereof). can do.

Individual users can get hyperlinks or other pointers from jump pages for later use or distribution to another entity. The stored or transmitted hyperlink or other pointer is meta-bookmark 145. In a preferred embodiment, an individual user may have a meta-bookmark, such as a restriction on data that can be obtained using the meta-bookmark 145, a restriction on distribution, a password for use, an expiration date, or some combination thereof. Properties for 145 can be set.

In a preferred embodiment, the meta-bookmark 145 may include automated completion of the form and automated response of the applet, JavaScript or Java application (or the personal data server 140 may provide something else). . This allows the individual user to provide access information to be used by the personal data server 140 in conjunction with the meta-bookmark 145 or elsewhere, where the website 130 provides a cookie, login name or password. Use technology to access relatively more interactive personal information.

How it works

6 and 7 collectively show the processing flow diagram of the method of using the system for the summary and aggregation of personal information.

Method 200 is performed by system 100. Although the method 200 is described sequentially, the steps of the method 200 may be performed asynchronously, in a pipelined manner, or in separate ways, with individual elements being performed together or in parallel. In the description herein, except where indicated, there is no particular need for the method 200 to be performed in the same order as the steps are listed.

Connection to jump page

At flow point 210, personal data server 140 prepares to receive a request from an individual user for personal information.

In step 211, an individual user connects to the communication network 120 and manipulates the web client 110 to establish a connection between the web client 110 and the personal data server 140.

In step 212, personal data server 140 identifies and authenticates individual users of web client 110. In a preferred embodiment, personal data server 140 uses cookies stored in web client 110, uses login names or passwords for individual users, uses digital identifiers, or some other type of identification or authentication. This step can be performed.

For example, a digital identifier is for a hardware device operating as part of the web client 110 and includes a processor, a cellular telephone EIN, a caller-ID phone number, or an identifier from an internet service provider. can do. This may be useful when the web client 110 is operating with a device that is not directly connected to the Internet, such as a portable computer (such as a palm pilot), a pager, or a telephone (cellular or interactive voice response).

In step 213, the personal data server 140 retrieves access information for the individual user from its access database 142.

In step 214, personal data server 140 uses the contact information to contact each web site 130 associated with an individual user and obtain personal information about that individual's user.

In step 215, personal data server 140 dynamically generates jump pages 144 for individual users in response to the personal information collected in step 214. As part of this step, personal data server 140 responds to the profile it maintains for each user for inclusion in jump page 144 (or in response to requests by individual users). Calculate or decide

At least a portion of the jump page 144 may be prepared in advance of a request made by an individual user, such as at a selection date or frequency of selection. Moreover, at least a portion of jump page 144 may be updated at the request of an individual user, in response to a selection date and time, frequency of selection, or in response to information from a web site.

In step 216, personal data server 140 sends a jump page 144 to web client 110 to provide personal information to the individual user for review.

In step 217, the individual user operates the web client 11 to review the jump page 144, and determines whether to perform another operation on personal information. If so, the method 200 proceeds to the next step. Otherwise, method 200 proceeds at flow point 210 or flow point 220 or flow point 230.

In step 218, individual users manipulate web client 110 to perform further manipulations on personal information. As part of this step, the individual user may perform one or more of the following operations, or some combination thereof.

. Individual users may select a hyperlink or pointer on jump page 144 to “click” on selected site 130 with personal information. As part of this operation, individual users can manipulate web client 110 to interact directly with web site 130 with respect to personal information (or other information).

. Individual users may store or send hyperlinks or pointers on jump pages 144 as meta-bookmarks 145.

. Individual users can review and manipulate personal information on web site 130 using hyperlinks or pointers on jump page 144.

At flow point 220, personal data server 140 is ready to receive requests from individual users to change connection information or preferences.

In step 221, similar to step 211, individual users manipulate the web client 110 to connect to the communication network 120 and establish a connection between the web client 110 and the personal data server 140. If there is already a connection in step 211, this step is optional.

In step 222, similar to step 212, personal data server 140 identifies and authenticates individual users of web client 110. If verification and authentication have already been performed in step 212, this step is optional.

In step 223, the personal data server 140 generates a connection or preference page for each user, similar to the jump page 144, in response to the access information or preferences that the individual user manages.

Access data includes name, address, social security number, child's name and age, clothing dimensions, medical information about the user, number of spouses or other family members, past purchase types, date and time, number and type of pets, income data , At least one or more of a user's work address, a work phone number, a link to a website, information obtained from another website, or any combination thereof.

In step 224, similar to step 216, personal data server 140 sends a connection or preference page to web client 110 to provide connection or preference information to the individual user for review.

In step 225, similar to step 217, each user manipulates the web client 110 to review the connection or preference page to determine whether to perform further manipulations on personal information. If so, the method 200 proceeds to the next step. If not, method 200 proceeds at flow point 210 or flow point 220 or flow point 230.

In step 226, similar to step 218, each user manipulates the web client 110 to further perform operations on personal information. As part of this step, the individual user may perform one or more of the operations described with respect to step 218 or some combination thereof.

At flow point 230, personal data server 140 is prepared to receive requests from individual users to allow access to personal information by other entities.

In step 231, similar to step 211, individual users manipulate the web client 110 to connect to the communication network 120 and establish a connection between the web client 110 and the personal data server 140. If there is already a connection in step 211, this step is optional.

In step 232, similar to step 212, personal data server 140 identifies and authenticates individual users of web client 110. If verification and authentication have already been performed in step 212, this step is optional.

In step 233, personal data server 140 records a request from an individual user so that other entities can access the personal information.

In step 234, similar to steps 211 through 218, an entity other than an individual user establishes a connection with personal data server 140 and identifies itself as an entity permitted to review personal information for one or more individual users. You can verify and authenticate, and access your personal information. In a preferred embodiment, the personal data server 140, when instructed by an individual user, is only allowed to aggregate personal information or only limited access to this information.

For example, an individual user may choose to aggregate medical information or aggregate information about family pets. By restricting access to aggregated information, only relevant information can be sent to other entities. Accordingly, by aggregating medical data about family members and veterinary data about pets, individual users can prevent their children's medical records from being set up as veterinary services.

Method 200 continues at flow point 210 or flow point 220 or flow point 230.

Generality of the Invention

The present invention has general applicability in various fields of use and need not necessarily relate to electronic commerce as described above. For example, these fields of use may include one or more of the following, or some combination thereof.

. Access to Census, Demographics, Marketing, or Other Population Information-Personal information about individual users (in these or related fields) may be reviewed and manipulated by individual users or other entities. Likewise medical or mental information; Alternatively, individual users or other entities may review and manipulate personal information about individual users in other areas, such as teaching, training, or other skill level data (such as college records).

. Use in conjunction with, or in parallel with, form autocompletion-Individual users may use personal information (aggregated, restricted or otherwise) to complete form autocompletion without having to repeatedly provide this information. Similarly, individual users may allow access to personal information (aggregated, restricted or otherwise) by other entities to facilitate these or related technologies.

. Use with or in parallel with e-commerce—Each user can use personal information (aggregated, restricted or otherwise) to conduct e-commerce without having to repeatedly provide this information. Similarly, individual users may allow access to personal information (aggregated, restricted or otherwise) by other entities to facilitate electronic commerce.

. Use in conjunction with, or in parallel with, inter-user communication-individual users may use personal information (aggregated, restricted or otherwise) without having to repeatedly provide this information, such as bulletin boards, mailing lists, electronic “ Chat ”, interest groups, or related technologies. Similarly, individual users may allow access to personal information (aggregated, restricted or otherwise) by other entities to facilitate these or related technologies.

Other applications of the invention in the most general form of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this application and are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

IV.

dictionary

The following terms refer to or relate to aspects of the invention described below. The description of the general meaning of these terms is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

. New User Auto Registration -Generally, a technique for registering a new user on a website, where personal information about the user is automatically sent to the website and does not actually need to be entered by the user.

. Data Entry -Generally, sending data from a web client to a web site requesting data.

. Descriptive text -Generally, text or other descriptive information (such as a graphic, picture, or icon) that characterizes the requested data for a selected field in a structured data entry form.

. Different types of structured data forms, such as (1) requesting information to register a new user on a website, (2) logging in a registered user to the website, or (3) e-commerce. Structured data forms with different purposes, such as completing, approving, or verifying.

. Forms for Structured Data Entry -Typically, structured representations (typically HTML or XML forms), such as graphics or pictures, used to request data entry from the user.

. Helper application- Software of a web client, in which personalization software is generally used to help recognize web pages and different types of structured data forms.

. Input field -A logical data field, typically designed to request information of a selected type from a user.

. Logical Field Value -Typically, a logical descriptor of the type of information requested for the selected input field.

. Meta-bookmark -generally, selected through a bookmark or another user interface element of the client, such as a script or program that takes a selected web page, such as the current web page or URL, to perform a selected action with respect to this web page or URL. Command to associate with a fragment.

. Multiple or partial data values -Generally, reassignment of partial data values or multiple data values for a single selected input field in a structured data format, such as distinction (year, month) against a single value of (date) , Or) combining multiple values of (address, state, country) into a single value of (postal address).

. Personalization Server -Generally, a device used to assist web clients in sending personal information to one or more web sites.

. Personalization Software - Software of a personalization servo or web client, typically used to assist a web client in sending personal information to a web site that collects information from a user or directly from a personalization server to a web site.

. Personally recorded information -information used by personalization software, generally describing the user of a web client.

. Program Piece -Generally, the software of a web client (such as a JavaScript, Java applet, or another type of macro language program) that performs a selected programmable activity with respect to a web page (or URL).

. Screen position -generally based on the location of the data display to the user, such as selected lines in a structured data form.

. User -In general, the individual use or manipulation of the web client.

. Web browser -Generally, web client software for use by a user.

. Web page that confirms e-commerce -Typically, a web page (either statically or dynamically generated) whose purpose is to request confirmation of information or e-commerce for e-commerce.

. Web Page for New User Registration -Generally, a web page (either statically or dynamically generated) whose purpose is to request information about a new user to be registered on the website.

. Web page for user login -Typically, a web page (either statically or dynamically generated) whose purpose is to request information about a user already registered at the website.

As mentioned above, the above description of the general meaning of these terms is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting. Other applications of the present invention, including the expansion of these terms and concepts, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this application. These other applications are part of the scope and spirit of the present invention and will be apparent to those skilled in the art without further invention or experimentation.

System elements

8 shows a block diagram of a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

System 100 includes a web client 110, a website 120, a communication link 130, and a personalization server 160.

Web client 110 includes a processor, a program and data memory, and mass storage that operate under the control of web client software (not shown) to perform the functions of a web client or web browser. The web client is operated by the user 111 and includes an input device 112 and a display device 113. In a preferred embodiment, the web client software may include a "Netscape Navigator" product from America Online or a "Internet Explorer" product from Microsoft.

Similar to the web client 110, the website 120 operates under the control of web server software (not shown) to perform the functions of the web server or web site, processor, program and data memory, and mass storage devices. It includes. Web site 120 includes at least one web page 121 having structured data form 122 requesting information from web client 110 (for web client 10). Upon request) of a set of web pages 121.

The communication link 130 includes techniques for sending and receiving messages between the web client 110 and the website 120. In a preferred embodiment, communication link 130 includes the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network, or other technology for communication. In a preferred embodiment, the communication link 130 operates using the HTTP protocol (or a variant thereof) to send and receive web page requests and web pages.

Similar to web client 110, personalization server 160 includes a processor, program and data memory, and mass storage, which operate under the control of personalization software 140 to perform the functions described herein.

System data flow

9 shows a dataflow diagram of a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

System 100 includes a set of data flows for transmitting and receiving information between web client 110 and web site 120 using communication link 130.

Data flow 210 includes a set of messages between web client 110 and web site 120, where web client 110 sends data for structured data form to web site 120, It is assisted by a set of personalization software 140 that is logically local to the web client 110 to enter this data.

The web client 110 sends a message 211 to the web site 120 requesting the selected web page.

The web site 120 responds to the message 211 by providing a structured data form and sending a message 212 to the web client 110 requesting information from the web client 110.

The web client 110 recognizes the structured data form using personalization software that assists the user in entering data.

The web client 110 collects the information in response to the structured data form (either from personalization software or from the user) and sends a message 213 with this information to the website 120. As part of doing so, the web client 110 can obtain this information from the personalization server 160 when it can be obtained from the personalization server 160 or from the user of the web client 110. have.

Once the information is sent to the website 120, the data flow 210 is complete.

The data flow 220 includes a set of messages between the web client 110 and the website 120, where the web client 110 sends the personalization software 140 to perform a program fragment associated with the meta-bookmark. Helped by

The web client 110 sends a message 221 to the web site 120 requesting the selected web page.

Web site 120 sends a message 222 to the web client 110 containing the selected web page.

The personalization software 140 of the web client 110 performs the following tasks.

. Part of it recognizes the selected web page.

. Part of this completes the form or other data entry for the selected web page of the web site.

. Part of this completes the form or other data entry for the selected web page on the client device.

Once the action associated with personalization software 140 is performed, data flow 220 is complete.

The data flow 230 includes a set of messages to the website 120, where the personalization software 140 of the personalization server 160 is used for the user of the web client 110 of the plurality of websites 120. Perform automated new user registration.

Personalization software 140 sends a message 231 from personalization server 160 to a set of selected web sites 120 that includes a request for a new user registration web page.

Each selected web site 120 sends a message 232 to the personalization server 160 that includes the new user registration web page.

Personalization software 140 of personalization server 160 responds to each new user registration web page by sending a message 233 to associated web site 120 that includes information for registering a user of web site 120. do.

Once the user is registered with the plurality of web sites 120, the data flow 230 is complete.

Data flow 240 includes a set of messages between web client 110 and website 120, where helper application 150 recognizes different types of structured data forms and recognizes these different types of structured data. Helps personalization software in indicating how to enter data for the form.

The web client 110 sends a message 241 to the selected web site 120 containing a request for the selected web page.

Web site 120 sends a message 242 to the web client 110 containing the selected web page.

The helper application 150 intercepts the selected web page to determine whether the web page is a web page for user registration, a web page for user login, or a web page for checking e-commerce. The helper application 150 thus informs the personalization software 140.

Personalization software 140 exchanges a series of messages 243 with web site 120, where personalization software 140 sends the information requested by web site 120 to perform an action associated with the web page.

Once the action associated with the web page has been performed, data flow 240 is complete.

How it works

10 illustrates a process flow diagram of a first method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

Method 300 includes a set of flow points and steps.

At flow point 310, the user operating the web client 110 identifies a form for structured data entry and prepares to be assisted by personalization software to assist the user with data entry.

In step 311, the user operating the web client 110 selects a web page from the web site 120.

In step 312, the website 120 sends the web page to the web client 110.

In step 313, personalization software 140 identifies the web page as including a structured data form for data entry.

In step 314, personalization software 140 identifies each associated input field in the form with a set of descriptive text. In a preferred embodiment, the descriptive text includes information provided as part of a web page for the user of web client 110 to determine what information is being requested.

In step 315, personalization software 140 associates each set of descriptive text with logical field values. In a preferred embodiment, personalization software 140 uses a similar descriptive text dictionary to refer to each set of descriptive text, thereby associating each set of descriptive text to logical field values. For example, if the descriptive text is the string “name”, the logical field value may indicate that the requested data is <user's name>.

In step 316, personalization software 140 displays each associated input field in the form such that, for example, a particular set of descriptive text or specific logical field values correspond to a close relationship between the screen position for the title and the content in the form. Associate with the screen position for. In a preferred embodiment, the screen position may be a position relative to the second screen position relative to the second set of descriptive text.

In step 317, personalization software 140 associates each screen location with a logical field value. For example, personalization software 140 may determine that the screen location requesting <user's name> is suitably positioned over the screen location requesting <user's address>.

In step 318, personalization software 140 associates each logical field value with a plurality of data values or partial data values. For example, as described above, logical field values for <First Name> and <Last Name> may be combined into a single logical field value for <First Name>.

In step 319, personalization software 140 identifies the personal information associated with each logical field value and sends the information to web site 120 in association with each logical field value. In a preferred embodiment, this step is performed without the need for actual user input. In alternative embodiments, a user may be asked to confirm (or complete an unknown value) one or more data items for this logical field value.

11 shows a process flow diagram of a second method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

Method 400 includes a set of flow points and steps.

At flow point 410, the user operating web client 110 is ready to be assisted by personalization software that performs a meta-bookmark.

In step 411, the user operating the web client 110 selects a web page of the web site 120.

In step 412, the web site 120 sends the web page to the web client 110.

In step 413, personalization software 140 identifies the web page as associated with the meta-bookmark (associated with the script or program fragment to be performed accordingly).

In step 414, personalization software 140 identifies the script or program fragment associated with the meta-bookmark. [*** on server ***]

In step 415, personalization software 140 performs a script or program fragment associated with the meta-bookmark.

12 shows a process flow diagram of a third method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

Method 500 includes a set of flow points and steps.

At flow point 510, a user operating web client 110 is prepared to be assisted by personalization software that performs automated new user registration for users of web client 110 of multiple websites 120. .

In step 511, personalization software 140 sends a message 231 to the set of selected web sites 120 that includes a request for a new user registration web page.

At step 512, each selected web site 120 sends a message 232 to the web client 110 that includes the new user registration web page.

In step 513, personalization software 140 responds to each new user registration web page by sending a message 233 to associated web site 120 that includes information for registering a user of web site 120.

13 shows a process flow diagram of a fourth method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

Method 600 includes a set of flow points and steps.

At flow point 610, personalization software 140 of web client 110 recognizes the different types of structured data forms and instructs the personalization software in indicating how to enter data for these different types of structured data forms. Prepare to be helped by the helper application 150 to help.

In step 611, the web client 110 requests the selected web page from the web site 120.

In step 612, the web site 120 sends the selected web page to the web client 110.

In step 613, the helper application 150 intercepts the selected web page to determine whether the web page is a web page for user registration, a web page for user login, or a web page for checking e-commerce.

In step 614, the helper application 150 notifies the personalization software 140 of the web page type.

In step 615, personalization software 140 responds to web site 120 according to the web page type. In a preferred embodiment, this step is a sub-step 615 (a) in which the personalization software 140 performs an appropriate operation on a web page for user registration, and the personalization software 140 performs an operation suitable on a web page for a user login. Alternative sub-step 615 (b) to perform, and alternative sub-step 615 (c) for the personalization software 140 to perform an action appropriate to the web page for confirming the electronic commerce.

14 shows a process flow diagram of a fifth method of operating a system for automated and intelligent structured data entry.

Method 700 includes a set of flow points and steps.

At flow point 710, personalization software 160 of personalization server 160 automatically recognizes that different types of structured data forms are recognized and enters data into different types of structured data forms directly from personalization server 160. Get ready to do it.

In step 711, the web client 110 requests the selected web page from the web site 120.

In step 712, the web site 120 sends the selected web page to the web client 110.

In step 713, the helper application 150 intercepts the selected web page to determine whether the personalization software 140 of the personalization server 160 can automatically operate from the selected web page.

In step 714, personalization software 140 of personalization server 160 automatically performs the action from the selected web page on behalf of the user of web client 110. As part of this step, personalization software 110 of personalization server 160 determines the type of web page (similar to method 600) and responds to web site 120 (similar to method 600). In a preferred embodiment, this step involves the personalization server 160 performing by the personalization software 140 for all the actions necessary to perform the action on the selected web page (and any subsequent web pages), so that the user Does not need to enter actual data to perform an action on the selected web page.

For example, when the web client 110 is a wireless device that is relatively difficult to enter a large amount of data, the personalization software 140 of the personalization server 160 may (a) direct the user of the web client 110 to the website. The entire process of logging, and (b) the entire process of completing and confirming the e-commerce of the web site on behalf of the user of the web client 110 can be automatically performed.

Generality of the Invention

The present invention has general applicability in various fields of use and need not necessarily relate to the services as described above. For example, these fields of use may include one or more of the following, or some combination thereof.

. Information transactions and interactions related to database queries and responses

. Information transactions and interactions related to wireless devices and their corresponding servers

Other applications of the invention in the most general form of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this application and are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

I, II, III, and IV.

Alternative embodiment

While preferred embodiments have been described herein, many modifications are possible that are within the spirit, scope and spirit of the invention, and these modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art after the present disclosure.

Claims (96)

In the method for connecting to a plurality of network services, Recording a set of authentication information in a database; Receiving a connection request to at least one of the plurality of network services; And In response to the access request, sending the set of authentication information to the at least one of the plurality of network services, Thereby, the user can manage a single set of authentication information for the plurality of network services. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the authentication information comprises sending the set of authentication information through the web client. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the authentication information comprises sending the set of authentication information directly to the at least one network service without sending the information through the web client. Way. The method of claim 1, wherein Providing a plurality of profiles of information for the one user; Selecting one said profile, And the profiles comprise personalization information, the method comprising sending the personal information in response to the step of selecting the one profile. The method of claim 1, wherein In response to the request, providing a corresponding plurality of identifiers for the network service; Receiving a selection of one said identifier; Requesting access to an associated network service in response to the selection. The method of claim 5, The plurality of identifiers includes a page for providing to the user, The selecting step includes selecting one or more of the plurality of identifiers from the page. The method of claim 1, The database is managed on a server, The request is sent from the web client to the server in response to a request by the user of the web client, Whereby the server manages the set of authentication information on behalf of the user. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the server is logically remote from the web client. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the web client comprises a web server device acting on behalf of the user. The method of claim 1, Receiving a new connection request to at least one network service rather than the plurality of network services; In response to the new access request, sending a set of personal information to the at least one network service rather than the plurality of network services, Thereby, the user is registered with the at least one network service instead of the plurality of network services without the user having to directly enter the set of personal information. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a request to reconnect to at least one network service in the plurality of network services; In response to the reconnecting request, sending the set of authentication information to the at least one network service in the plurality of network services, Thereby, the access to the at least one network service is permitted to the user without the user having to directly access the set of authentication information. In a method for enforcing a restricted connection to a network service, Identifying a network service for which the connection is restricted to a first set of users; Identifying, for one of the first set of users, a second set of users that can access the network service; Receiving a request for access to the network service from one of the second users; In response to said step of identifying a second set of users and in response to an access allowed to said one first user identified therewith, providing said second user access to said network service. A method of forcing limited access to network services that it includes. The method of claim 12, wherein providing the connection to the second user comprises: Identifying a set of restrictions regarding the connection to the second user; And Limiting the connection to the second user in response to the set of restrictions. 15. The method of claim 13, comprising changing the set of restrictions in response to a selection by the first user. 14. The method of claim 13, comprising providing a connection to the second user in response to a connection allowed by any one of a plurality of the first users. The method of claim 13, in response to whether the one second user has a connection permitted by the one first user, or in response to whether the one second user is a member of the set of first users. And providing access to the second user. The method of claim 13 wherein the network service comprises at least one web site. The method of claim 13, wherein the set of restrictions includes at least one time parameter. The method of claim 13, wherein the set of restrictions includes at least one type of connection that is allowed to the one first user and denied to the one second user. An apparatus for accessing a plurality of network services, A personalization server having a database containing information about a plurality of network services, and a set of authentication information associated therewith; The personalization server is arranged to receive a first message requesting access to one of the network services, and in response to send a second message containing the set of authentication information to the network service, Thereby, a user can access a plurality of network services that can manage a single set of authentication information for the plurality of network services. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the personalization server is arranged to send the set of authentication information through the web client. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the personalization server is arranged to send the set of authentication information directly to the at least one network service without sending the information through the web client. 21. The system of claim 20, which can be accessed by the personalization server, comprising a plurality of profiles of information for one user, And the personalization server is configured to receive a selection message for selecting one of the profiles and to select the set of authentication information or a set of personalization information in response to the selection message. The method of claim 20, A page for providing to the user, the page including corresponding plurality of identifiers for the network services, And the personalization server is arranged to, in response to receiving the selection of one of the identifiers, request a connection to an associated network service. In a device that enforces restricted access to network services, A database for associating a set of network services to a first set of users that can access the network service, and for associating one of the first sets of users to a second set of users that can access the network service; And And a personalization server arranged to provide access to the network service in response to the second user and in response to the database. 27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the database includes a set of restrictions regarding the connection to the one second user. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the network service comprises at least one web site. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the set of constraints includes at least one time parameter. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the set of constraints includes at least one type of connection that is allowed to the one first user and denied to the second user. In how to do business, Obtaining a single registration for a set of primary users for a group of related services provided by one or more processors coupled to the network; Forcing a restricted connection to the single registration for a set of second users associated with the primary users; And In response to registration by the second user for the restricted connection to the service, providing the restricted connection to the second user. In how to do business, Managing a plurality of profiles for the user; Obtaining a plurality of registrations for the user for a service provided by one or more processors coupled to a network, And the plurality of registrations comprises information from at least two of the profiles. In how to do business, Managing, at a personalization server, a plurality of registrations for a user for services provided by one or more processors coupled to the network; In response to requests from the user, providing a connection to the service using the personalization server, Thereby allowing the user to make the request from one or more devices coupled to the network. Designating a group of web clients for group access to web sites; Receiving a selection of a web page for serving web clients in the group; And Retrieving and providing the web page to the web clients in the group. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein said searching and providing comprises sending at least a portion of said web page directly from a web server to at least one web client in said group. The method of claim 33, wherein Designating a control web client, wherein the selection of the web page is received from the control web client; Receiving a selection of a web page to provide to the controlling web client without providing it to all the web clients; And Retrieving and providing the web page to the control web client. The method of claim 33, wherein Designating a control web client, wherein the selection of the web page is received from the control web client; Receiving, from the controlling web client, a selection of access restricted web page, the access restricted web page including access control disallowing access to at least one web client in the group; Obtaining access to the restricted web page on behalf of the controlling web client; And Retrieving and providing said restricted web page to said web client in said group. 34. The method of claim 33, comprising sending information relating to web sites between at least two web clients in the group, the information comprising web page bookmarks or web site registration. The method of claim 33, wherein The group of web clients includes a plurality of different types of web clients; The searching and providing comprises receiving a plurality of variations of the web page, and providing one of the variations to each of the web clients. A set of clients; And a group-surfing server arranged to receive a selection of a web page of a web server and to retrieve and present the web page to the web client. The method of claim 39, The set of web clients includes at least one controlling web client and at least one non-controlling web client; And said group-surfing server responds only to said selection of a web page from one or more controlling web clients. The method of claim 39, The selection message indicates a restricted web page, wherein the restricted web page requires access control information to disallow access to at least one web client in the group; A connection message from the group-surfing server to the web site includes the access control information; And wherein said distribution message from said group-surfing server to said web client in said group includes at least some information from said restricted web page. The method of claim 39, Each web client includes a program fragment arranged to recognize a selection of a web link of the web server and, in response, to send a selection message to the group-surfing server; The group-surfing server 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 is arranged to recognize a post command from the web client and to send a message to the group-surfing server in response. The method of claim 10, The program fragment is arranged to recognize a post command from the web client and, in response, to send a message to the group-surfing server; And the group-surfing server is arranged to receive a plurality of the posting messages from the corresponding plurality of web clients and to send a post command to the web server in response. In a method of simultaneously providing a web page to a plurality of web sites, the data structure includes identity or session information related to a group-surfing server acting on behalf of the plurality of web sites. 46. The data structure of claim 45, comprising a plurality of cookies received from web sites. 46. The data structure of claim 45 comprising access control information that is not available at least one of the plurality of web sites. In how to do business, Designating a group of web clients charged for the group access to a web site for group access; Receiving a selection of a web page for serving web clients in the group; And Retrieving and providing the web page to the web clients in the group. The method of claim 48, Designating a control web client, wherein the selection of the web page is received from the control web client; Receiving, from the controlling web client, a selection of a restricted web page including access control disallowing access to at least one web client in the group; Obtaining access to the access restriction web page on behalf of the controlling web client; Searching for and providing the restricted access web page to the web client in the group; And Billing the group of web clients for the access to the restricted web page. The method of claim 48, Sending information related to web sites between at least two web clients of the group in the group, the information comprising a web page bookmark or a web site registration; Charging the group of web clients for access to information relating to a web site. Obtaining, on behalf of an individual user, the personal information for the individual user from a set of web sites with personal information; And Providing the personal information to the individual user in a format other than that available at the web sites. 53. The method of claim 51, wherein the format includes at least one of an aggregation or summary of the personal information, a modification of the personal information without direct interaction between the individual user and any of the web sites. The method of claim 51, Managing access information for the individual user for at least one of the web sites, the access information comprising information sufficient to perform the step of obtaining the personal information; The providing step includes dynamically generating an offer comprising (1) at least some of the personal information and (2) interaction information for the individual user for direct communication with at least one of the web sites. Way. 54. The method of claim 53 wherein the interaction information includes at least one hyperlink from the web site to a web object. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the interaction information includes at least one hyperlink to a web object of the web site, the web object requiring authentication or verification information for access from the web site, and the authentication or Confirmation information is included with the hyperlink. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein said providing step dynamically generates an offer comprising information responsive to the aggregation of said personal information from said web site. 59. The method of claim 56, wherein the aggregation comprises at least one of a sum of account cash balances, a sum of account collateral values. 53. The method of claim 51, further comprising: managing access information for the individual user for at least one of the web sites, the access information comprising information sufficient to perform the step of obtaining the personal information; Providing the personal information to an entity other than the individual in a format other than that available on the web sites. 59. The method of claim 58, wherein obtaining personal information comprises providing the connection information to the web site without delivering the connection information to the entity. 59. The method of claim 58 including obtaining authentication from the respective user to provide the personal information to the entity. 61. The method of claim 60, wherein the authentication is limited to at least one of the aggregation of the personal information and the selected portion of the personal information. The method of claim 58, Performing said steps of managing and obtaining a plurality of said individual users; Aggregating the results of the set of steps of performing the steps of obtaining for the plurality of individual users; Providing the aggregation results of the aggregation step to the entity. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the aggregation result comprises at least one of account cash balance data, second collateral value data, census data, polling data, and market research data. In how to do business, Obtaining, on behalf of an individual user, the personal information for the individual user from a set of web sites with personal information; Making the personal information available to the individual user in a transaction that does not require direct contact with the web site. 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the format includes at least one of aggregating or summarizing the personal information, or modifying the personal information without direct interaction between the individual user and any of the web sites. 65. The method of claim 64, further comprising: managing access information for the individual user for at least one of the web sites, the access information comprising information sufficient to perform the step of obtaining the personal information; Making the personal information available to entities other than the individual user in a transaction that does not require direct contact with the web site. 67. The method of claim 66 wherein the step of obtaining personal information comprises providing the connection information to the web site without delivering the connection information to the entity. 67. The method of claim 66, comprising obtaining authentication from the respective user to display the personal information on the entity, wherein the authentication is limited to at least one of the aggregation of the personal information and a selected portion of the personal information. Way. 67. The method of claim 66, further comprising: performing the steps of managing and obtaining a plurality of said individual users; Aggregating the results of the set of steps of performing the steps of obtaining for the plurality of individual users; And providing the aggregation result of the aggregation step to the entity. 70. The business method of claim 69, wherein the aggregation result comprises at least one of account cash balance data, second collateral value data, census data, voting data, and market research data. A personal data server containing a set of personal information for an individual user, the personal information being from a set of web sites with the personal information; The data structure includes the personal information in a format other than that available from the web sites. 72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the data structure comprises at least one of an aggregation or summary of the personal information and a modification of the personal information without direct interaction between the individual user and any of the web sites. 72. The method of claim 71, comprising a data structure for the individual user, the data structure: Access information for at least one of the web sites, the access information comprising information sufficient to perform the step of obtaining the personal information; And And interaction information for the respective user for direct communication with at least one of the web sites. 74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the interaction information includes at least one hyperlink to a web object of the web site. 75. The system of claim 73, wherein the interaction information includes at least one hyperlink to a web object of the web site, the web object requiring authentication or verification information for access from the web site, Identification information is included with the hyperlink. 72. The method of claim 71, comprising a data structure for the individual user, the data structure: Access information for at least one of the web sites, the access information comprising information sufficient to perform the step of obtaining the personal information; And And a data structure comprising the personal information in a format other than that available on the web site. 77. The apparatus of claim 76, wherein the personal data server is arranged to provide the data structure to the entity without delivering the connection information. 77. The apparatus of claim 76, comprising authentication information for entities other than the individual. 79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the authentication information describes a restriction to at least one of the aggregation of the personal information and a selected portion of the personal information. 77. The apparatus of claim 76, comprising a data structure comprising an aggregate of the personal information for a plurality of individual users for providing to the entity. 81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the aggregation comprises at least one of account cash balance data, second collateral value data, census data, voting data, market research data. Accessing a web site from a web client device; Executing a software module to identify a form of a web site for structured data entry; And Executing the software module to enter at least some data on the form without actual user intervention. 83. The method of claim 82, comprising the steps of automatic registration of a user at a new website, automatic login using a login page of the website, or automatic form filling for calculating purchases from a plurality of websites. 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the software includes at least a portion of running on a server device other than the web site. 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the software module includes at least a portion of executed on the web client device. 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the web site includes a personalized web page that can only be viewed by selected users after login processing to the web site. 83. The method of claim 82 including executing the software module to input at least some of the data at a plurality of distinct web sites. 88. The method of claim 87, wherein each of the distinguished web sites comprises a web page for verifying electronic commerce. 88. The method of claim 87, wherein each of the distinguished web sites comprises a web page for new user registration. 84. The system of claim 82, wherein the software module is Associating at least one set of descriptive text for the form with a logical field value for the form; Associating at least one screen location for the form with a logical field value for the form; Associating at least one logical field value with a set of plurality of data values or partial data values for the modality. 91. The method of claim 90, wherein said data values include name, address, telephone number, credit card number, demographic information, a preferred login name or password for said user. 91. The method of claim 90, wherein said data values include previously recorded personal information about said user. 83. The method of claim 82, wherein the step of connecting comprises: recognizing the type of the form for structured data entry; Performing the step of executing the software module to input at least some data in response to a result of the recognition step. 95. The method of claim 93, wherein the recognizing step includes determining a difference between a web page for new user registration, a web page for user login, and a web page for confirming e-commerce. In how to enter data into a form without actual user intervention, the data structure is An identifier of the web page; Include the association of the web site location with a script or program fragment to be executed for that web page, Whereby execution of the script or program fragment sends information to a server for inputting data into the form. 97. The data structure of claim 95, wherein the method comprises completing or verifying an electronic commerce at a web site associated with the web page.