WO2000038078A9 - Methods and systems for providing personalized services to users in a network environment - Google Patents
Methods and systems for providing personalized services to users in a network environmentInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000038078A9 WO2000038078A9 PCT/US1999/030580 US9930580W WO0038078A9 WO 2000038078 A9 WO2000038078 A9 WO 2000038078A9 US 9930580 W US9930580 W US 9930580W WO 0038078 A9 WO0038078 A9 WO 0038078A9
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- user
- server
- logic code
- response
- int
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
- H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
- H04N21/251—Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
- H04N21/252—Processing of multiple end-users' preferences to derive collaborative data
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
Definitions
- This invention relates to methods and systems for providing personalized services to users in a network environment.
- server computers including server computers (“servers”) and client computers (“clients”)
- clients are connected to each other.
- Servers on a network typically provide services which are requested by clients. Services provided by servers include transferring useful information (i.e., reference material), entertainment, downloadable software programs, and more.
- useful information i.e., reference material
- entertainment i.e., entertainment
- downloadable software programs i.e., downloadable software programs
- users at client computers often need to spend a large amount of time searching for desired services.
- the users 's burden to efficiently use the network also increases.
- Some existing systems on the Internet attempt to provide personalized services. For example, there are web sites on the Internet that allow a user to create a personal profile. In this type of systems, users are typically prompted to fill out a form. The form usually allows the user to specify personal information including preferences. Any entered information is stored either locally or remotely. Typically, each time a user wants to access his personal profile, he needs to log-in to the server by typing in his username and/or password. Once within his profile, the user could obtain personalized services. Examples of this type of systems include "My Yahoo" at wwwNahoo.com, and “My Excite” at www.E_eite.eom .
- Another type of existing systems provides personalized information to users after the users answer a series of questions. Answers provided by the users are used to prioritize and select the presentation of available information, which are maintained in server databases.
- An example of this type of systems can be found at: www.personalogic.com.
- a user first initiates the process by choosing an interested category. Next, the user is prompted to rank the importance of various characteristics in the interested category. Typically, the user marks boxes identifying each characteristic as "less important,” “no opinion,” or “more important.” Based on the user's inputs, this system outputs a list of items in the interested category which should meet the user's overall preferences.
- This system attempts to personalize selections offered to a user by monitoring and compiling user information, such as the user's buying history or browsing habits. Using compiled information, this system can generate a list of recommended items. In some implementations, this type of systems can also take into account statistics (i.e., age, gender, residence location, employment, etc.) gathered among different users.
- this system may use demographic characteristics to deduce the type of items that would be of interest to a particular user.
- An example of this type of systems can be found at: www. am azon .com.
- One major drawback of this type of systems is that user information can only be used at the web site that monitors and compiles the information.
- compilation of information is continuous while the user is visiting the web site, typically, compilation activities cease when the user leaves the web site.
- Another existing system provides so-called "screenmates" that appear on a user's computer screen and perform a limited number of multimedia tasks (e.g., animation or singing a song).
- Example of this type of systems can be found at: www.mcssagem atcs.com and www.oska.com.
- animated figures can be downloaded to perform animations and deliver preprogrammed messages from a server. The animated figures do not stay on the user's computer screen but disappear after they completed the animations and delivered the messages.
- oska.com only one animated figure is downloadable. The oska animated figure does stay on the user's computer screen and randomly performs preprogrammed animations.
- the screenmates at these web sites have limited capabilities and are not linked to a server to continuously improve their services to users. Furthermore, these screenmates usually have very limited or no customizable features.
- Agent Sourcebook A Complete Guide to Desktop, Internet, and Intranet Agents, Colin Harrison and Alper Caglayan (1997); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,740,549; 5,890,152; 5,886,698; 5,864,343; 5,774,128; 5,724,567; and 5,263,167, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention comprises methods, systems and software products for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment.
- personalized is used herein, this invention is not limited to personalizing services to individuals; this invention can also provide personalized services to groups, families, corporations, organizations, etc.
- personalized can also provide personalized services to groups, families, corporations, organizations, etc.
- personalize can also provide personalized services to groups, families, corporations, organizations, etc.
- customize and other similar words are used interchangeably herein.
- An exemplary method for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises the steps of collecting user information through at least one user interface, analyzing the collected user information, generating at least one rule based on the analysis, and providing at least one personalized service to the user based on the generated at least one rule.
- the exemplary method also comprises the steps of sending the collected user information to a server for analysis, receiving a response from the server based on the server analysis, and processing the received response.
- the processing step comprises saving the response in a local cache and implementing the response.
- the processing step comprises ignoring at least a portion of the response.
- the analyzing step comprises analyzing the user's pattern of behavior.
- the at least one user interface is controlled by a software product executing on the user's computer.
- providing at least one personalized service to users comprises enhancing the user's connection at a web site.
- the enhancing step comprises creating a separate window when the user visits the web site, the separate window enabling the user to communicate with other users visiting the web site.
- the user can communicate with other users in real time.
- providing at least one personalized service to users comprises creating a connection between a first user and a second user.
- the creating step comprises the steps of (i) using at least one icon to carry a message from the first user to the second user; (ii) removing the message carrying icon from the first user's computer screen; (iii) generating a copy of the message carrying icon on the second user's computer screen; (iv) delivering the message to the second user; and (v) establishing a connection between the first user and the second user.
- the generating step in (iii) occurs substantially concurrently with the establishing step in (v).
- the establishing step comprises connecting the first user and the second user through a server on the network.
- the establishing step comprises making a direct connection between the first user and the second user.
- Another exemplary method for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises the steps of receiving user information collected by a software product at a user computer, analyzing the collected user information, generating a response based on the analysis and enabling the software product to provide at least one personalized service to the user by sending the generated response to the software product.
- the response comprises logic rules, instructions, and/or executable programs.
- user information is distributed among different computers for analysis.
- both a software product on the user's computer and a server communicating with the software product perform the analysis. Analysis performed includes analyzing the user's pattern of behavior.
- analysis of user information and generation of rules based on the analysis are performed in a multi-layered manner.
- the software product executes a high-level command received from the server by adjusting services provided to the user based on realtime interaction with the user.
- Yet another exemplary method for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises the steps of collecting user information through at least one user interface, sending the collected user information to a server for analysis, receiving a response based on the server analysis, and processing the received response to provide at least one personalized service to the user.
- the processing step comprises saving the response in a local cache and implementing the response.
- Another exemplary method for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises the steps of communicating with a user through at least one user interface and manipulating the at least one user interface.
- the manipulating step comprises: (i) automatically initiating the manipulation, (ii) receiving, during the communication, user commands to manipulate the at least one user interface, and (iii) receiving directives from a server to manipulate the at least one user interface.
- the manipulating step comprises enabling the at least one user interface to perform animation, enabling the at least one user interface to vary in size and/or enabling the at least one user interface to move from a first location to a second location on a display.
- An exemplary computer readable medium for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises logic code for collecting user information through at least one user interface, logic code for analyzing the collected user information, logic code for generating at least one rule based on the analysis, and logic code for providing at least one personalized service to the user based on the generated at least one rule.
- the computer readable medium also comprises logic code for sending the collected user information to at least one server for analysis, logic code for receiving a response from the at least one server based on the server analysis, and logic code for processing the received response.
- logic code for providing at least one personalized service comprises logic code for providing entertainment to the user and prompting the user to input information.
- user interfaces comprise visual characters.
- the logic code for providing at least one personalized service to users comprises logic code for enhancing the user's connection at a web site.
- the logic code for enhancing comprises creating a separate window when the user visits the a web site, the separate window enabling the user to communicate with other users visiting the web site.
- the user communicates with other users in real time.
- the logic code for providing at least one personalized service to users comprises logic code for creating a connection between a first user and a second user.
- the logic code for creating comprises (i) logic code for using at least one icon to carry a message from the first user to the second user; (ii) logic code for removing the message carrying icon from the first user's computer screen; (iii) logic code for generating a copy of the message carrying icon on the second user's computer screen; (iv) logic code for delivering the message to the second user; and (v) logic code for establishing a connection between the first user and the second user.
- the logic code for generating in (iii) executes substantially concurrently with the logic code for establishing in (v).
- the logic code for establishing comprises logic code for connecting the first user and the second user through a server on the network.
- the logic code for establishing comprises logic code for making a direct connection between the first user and the second user.
- Another exemplary computer readable medium for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises logic code for receiving user information collected by a software product at a user computer, logic code for analyzing the collected user information, logic code for generating a response based on the analysis, and logic code for enabling the software product to provide at least one personalized service to the user by sending the generated response to the software product.
- the response comprises logic rules, instructions, and/or executable programs.
- Another exemplary computer readable medium for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises logic code for logic code for collecting user information through at least one user interface, logic code for sending the collected user information to a server for analysis, logic code for receiving a response based on the server analysis, and logic code for processing the received response to provide at least one personalized service to the user.
- Yet another exemplary computer readable medium for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises at least one user interface and a software product including logic code for controlling the at least one user interface.
- the logic code for controlling comprises: (a) logic code for automatically manipulating the at least one user interface, (b) logic code for enabling a user to manipulate the at least one user interface, and (c) logic code for receiving directives from a server for manipulating the at least one user interface.
- the logic code for controlling comprises logic code for enabling the at least one user interface to perform animation, logic code for enabling the at least one user interface to vary in size, and/or logic code for enabling the at least one user interface to move from a first location to a second location on a display.
- An exemplary system for providing personalized services to users in a computer network environment comprises means for collecting user information through at least one user interface, means for analyzing the collected user information, means for generating at least one rule based on the analysis, and means for providing personalized services to the user based on the generated at least one rule.
- the system also includes means for sending the collected user information to at least one server for analysis, means for receiving a response from the at least one server based on the server analysis, and means for processing the received response.
- FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary server used in a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 3A schematically illustrates an exemplary client in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 3B schematically illustrates a portion of an agent program in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 4 is a process flow chart in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 5 is a process flow chart in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of present invention.
- FIGURE 6 is a process flow chart in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of present invention.
- FIGURE 7 is a process flow chart in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of present invention. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a distributed system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the system 100 includes a communications network 102, a server 104, a client 106, other servers 108, other clients 110 and other networks 112.
- the client 106 includes an agent program 114 which is capable of communicating with the server 104 directly or through the network 102.
- the communications network 102 is the Internet. Users at client computers (i.e., client 106) can access servers (i.e., server 104) on the network 102.
- a client computer may be connected to a server computer through an analog modem over a telephone line, a digital subscription line, a cable modem, a dedicated data copper wire connection, an optic fibre connection, a wireless connection, a satellite connection, etc.
- a packet switching network implementing TCP/IP protocols is prefe ⁇ ed.
- the methods, systems and software products of this invention can be implemented in a wireless network using wireless connection and wireless protocols.
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the server 104.
- the server 104 includes CPUs 202, a communication interface 204 for connecting to the network 102 (Fig. 1), and memory 206.
- the memory 206 includes an operating system 208, server applications 210, communications applications 212, an objects database 214, an agent database 216, a user database 218, a user information analyzer 220, a statistics analyzer 222, a collaborative filter 224, a response generator 226, a logic rules database 228 an instructions database 230, a programs database 232, an advertisement database 234, and a recommendations database 236.
- the server 104 performs server operations by using the server applications 210 and communicates with other systems on the network 102 by using the communication applications 212 through the communication interface 204.
- the server stores objects downloadable by clients through the network 102. These objects typically have at least one user interface with the users.
- the server stores downloadable agent programs that maintain any downloaded objects and provide communication with the server 104.
- a co ⁇ esponding agent program is also downloaded simultaneously.
- Each object is maintained by an associated agent program.
- each agent program is, preferably, capable of maintaining multiple objects. Thus, if an agent program is able to maintain all of the downloaded objects, only one copy of the agent program should be downloaded.
- a downloaded agent program collects user information through at least one object, analyzes the collected user information, and implements any rules generated as a result of the analysis to provide better, more personalized, services to the user.
- the agent program transfers at least a portion of the collected user information to the server 104 to be analyzed, receives any responses from the server 104 based on the server's analysis, and processes the received responses to provide more personalized services to the user.
- the server 104 when the server 104 receives user information from an agent program, the server 104 stores the user information in the user database 218.
- the server 104 analyzes the received user information using various tools including the user information analyzer 220, the statistics analyzer 222 and the collaborative filter 224.
- the statistics analyzer 222 compares the user information to statistics gathered from other users to deduce personalized services which might interest the user.
- the collaborative filter 224 can be used to synthesize common patterns and behaviors.
- the collaborative filter may be a licensed software incorporated into the server 104. Based on the analysis, the server 104 may generate a response using the response generator 226.
- the response generator 226 may generate the response by accessing the logic rules database 228, the instructions database 230, the programs database 232, the advertisement database 234 and/or the recommendations database.
- the server 104 may send a response, which includes one or a combination of logic rules, instructions, executable programs, advertisements, and recommendations. For example, a list of web sites that might interest the user 106 can be retrieved from the recommendations database 236 and sent to the agent 316 to be presented to the user at client 106.
- a person of skill in the art would recognize that the tasks described above can be performed by one server computer or by multiple server computers.
- FIG. 3 A schematically illustrates an embodiment of the client 106 (as shown in Fig. 1).
- Client 106 includes a CPU 302, a display device 304, an input device 306, a communication interface 308 and memory 310.
- the memory 310 includes an operating system 312, a browser program 314 and an agent program ("agent") 316.
- the client 106 communicates with other systems on the network 102 (see Fig. 1) through the communication interface 308.
- the client can use the browser program 314 to more efficiently navigate across the network 102.
- a client may be a personal computer, a workstation, a multiprocessor server, an intelligent appliance, a webTV, a handheld computer device, a cellular phone, or others.
- the client is a cellular phone with an embedded system.
- the cellular phone is capable of establishing a wireless Internet connection with a server.
- the agent 316 is a software program downloaded from the server 104 through the network 102 (see Fig. 1). However, the agent 316 may also be pre-installed on a user computer.
- the agent 316 includes an objects database 318, communication applications 324, a personality database 326, a logic rules database 328, a multimedia database 330, an instructions database 332, a user configuration preference file 334, a user profile database 336, a data analyzer 338, a brain object 340, an object controller 342, and a web browser connector (WBC) object 344.
- the objects database 318 includes user interfaces 322.
- the user interfaces include at least one visual interface 322A, at least one audio interface 322B, and at least one multimedia interface 322C.
- the agent 316 maintains and controls any object in the objects database 318 by supplying each object with personality from the personality database 326, logic rules from the logic rules database 328, multimedia from the multimedia database 330, and instructions from the instructions database 332. Any user configuration preference is saved in the user configuration preference file 334. User information collected by the agent 316 is saved in a user profile database 336. In an exemplary embodiment, the agent 316 uses the data analyzer 338 to analyze any collected user information.
- the user interfaces 322 as appeared on the user's display device 304 can be manipulated. Examples of manipulation include performing animation, reducing in size, increasing in size, or moving from one location to another location on the user's display device 304.
- the user interfaces 322 can be manipulated by one or more of the following: (1) the agent 316 may include internal logic code to automatically manipulate the user interfaces 322; (2) the agent 316 may implement user commands to manipulate the user interfaces 322; and (3) the agent 316 may receive directives (e.g., instructions, logic rules, executable programs, etc.) from the server 104 to manipulate the user interfaces 322.
- directives e.g., instructions, logic rules, executable programs, etc.
- the WBC object 344 provides the communication channel between the agent 316 and the browser program 314 on the client computer.
- the WBC object 344 is created using Microsoft's Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) standard.
- the WBC object 344 is created using Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) standard.
- DDE Dynamic Data Exchange
- COM Microsoft's Component Object Model
- the agent 316 can communicate to the server 104 through the browser 314 using the WBC object 344 to coordinate the communication with the browser 314.
- the agent 316 communicates with the server 104 through the network 102 using the communication applications 322.
- the agent 316 can send any collected user information to the server 104 for analysis. If any user information is sent to the server 104, typically, the server 104 would send back a response which can include logic rules, instructions and or programs, depending on the server's analysis of the user information.
- the agent 316 receives the server response, the agent 316 processes the response by using the brain object 340.
- the object controller 342 implements any brain object 340 process results.
- the brain object 340 and object controller 342 are created using C++ language. These objects can also be created using other suitable computer languages.
- Figure 3B schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the relationship between a portion of the agent 316 and objects 350-354 retrieved from the objects database 318 and presented to the users through the user interfaces 322.
- the agent 316 controls the objects 350, 352 and 354.
- the agent 316 includes communication applications 324, brain object 340 and object controller 342.
- user interfaces 322 include visual, audio and multimedia interfaces.
- the agent 316 collects user information through the objects 350-354. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the collected user information is analyzed by the brain object 340. In another embodiment, a portion or all of the user information is sent to the server 104 to be analyzed.
- the brain object 340 may generate or retrieve from databases a set of rules or instructions based on its analysis.
- the brain object 340 implements the generated or retrieved set of rules and/or instructions on the objects 350-354 through the object controller 342.
- the brain object 340 may instruct the communication applications 324 to send the collected user information to the server 104 through the network 102 (Fig. 1).
- the communications application 324 may receive responses from the server 104, which could contain instructions, logic rules and/or executable programs.
- the server response is sent to the brain object 340 through the object controller 342 for processing.
- the brain object 340 processes the server response to reduce it to executable instructions and rules.
- the brain object 340 sends the executable instructions and rules back to the object controller 342, which administers the implementation of the instructions and rules on the objects 350-354.
- the brain object 340 stores any generated or received instructions and rules in appropriate databases (see Fig. 3 A).
- An example of the source code for the communication applications 324, the brain object 340, and the object controller 342 in C++ language is included in Appendix A.
- Figure 4 is a process flow chart illustrating an exemplary process of the present invention.
- a user downloads at least one object and an agent program through a client computer from a server.
- the server can be the exemplary server 104 or any other servers on the network 102.
- the agent program can be the exemplary agent 316 or other downloadable agent programs.
- the object(s) downloaded is controlled by the agent program.
- the agent program (“agent") communicates with the user through at least one user interface of the object(s) (block 402). During communication, the agent collects user information (block 404). For example, the user may be prompted by the object's visual interface on the computer screen to answer a specific question.
- any input from the user is collected by the agent and saved in a user profile database (block 404A).
- the agent analyzes the collected user information (block 406). Based on the analysis, the agent generates rules and/or instructions (block 408). The agent implements the generated rules and or instructions on the object(s) to provide the user with improved personalized services (block 410). For example, if during the analysis, the agent learns that the user is interested in going to a specific amusement park, the agent may instruct the object(s) (through its visual, audio or multimedia interfaces) to provide vacation packages or other information regarding that amusement park.
- Figure 5 is a process flow chart illustrating an exemplary process of the present invention.
- a user downloads at least one object and an agent through a client computer from a server.
- the downloaded object(s) is controlled by the downloaded agent.
- the agent can be the exemplary agent 316 or any other downloadable agents.
- the agent communicates with the user through at least one user interface (visual, audio or multimedia interfaces) of the object(s) (block 502).
- the agent collects user information (block 504).
- any input from the user is collected by the agent and stored in a user profile database (block 504A).
- the agent then substantially concu ⁇ ently analyzes the collected user information (block 506) and sends the collected user information to a server, such as the exemplary server 104, for analysis (block 510).
- the agent generates a set of rules and instructions based on its own analysis (block 508) and receives a response from the server based on the server's analysis (block 512).
- the agent first implements the generated rules and/or instructions and then the server response to personalize services to the user.
- the agent first implements the server response then the rules and instructions generated based on its own analysis.
- the implementation sequences can be programmed by the server or service provider.
- FIG. 6 is a process flow chart illustrating an exemplary process of the present invention.
- a user downloads at least one object and an agent through a client computer from a server.
- the server can be the exemplary server 104 or any other servers on the network 102.
- the agent program can be the exemplary agent 316 or other downloadable agent programs.
- the downloaded object(s) is controlled by the downloaded agent.
- the agent communicates with the user through at least one user interface (visual, audio or multimedia interfaces) of the object(s) (block 602).
- the agent collects user information (block 604).
- Input from the user is collected by the agent and stored in a user profile database (block 604 A).
- the agent sends the collected user information to a server for analysis (block 606).
- the agent receives a response from the server based on the server's analysis of the user information (block 608).
- the agent processes and implements the response to personalize services provided to the user (block 610).
- FIG. 7 is a process flow chart illustrating an exemplary process in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- a server receives user information from an agent, which was downloaded to the user's computer (block 702).
- the server analyzes the received user information (block 704).
- the server saves the received user information in a user database (block 704A).
- the server Based on the analysis, the server generates a response which may include instructions, logic rules and/or executable programs (block 706).
- the server sends the generated response to the agent 316 to be processed and implemented by the agent to personalize services provided to the user (block 708).
- an object's user interface may appear to a user as an animated figure having multimedia capabilities. From the user's point of view, the user is getting a desktop companion, who is capable of realtime interaction and becomes more "intelligent" as it learns more about the user.
- the animated figure may automatically appear on the user's computer screen each time the user starts the computer. While the user's computer is running, the animated figure remains on the desktop and can be commanded to sit at a corner, to roam around the screen, or to disappear.
- the animated figure is maintained and controlled by an agent program. In one embodiment, as the animated figure collects user information (i.e., by prompting the user to answer questions), the collected user information is processed by the agent program at the user computer.
- a portion or all of the collected user information can be sent to a server to be analyzed.
- the information is used to improve personalized services to the user so that, in some embodiments, the animated figure appears to have gained "intelligence" over time.
- the agent may enable the animated figure to prompt the user with personal questions to find out more about the user's interests. For instance, the animated figure may say to the user, "I like baseball, do you?" If the user answers "yes”, the agent will provide more information about baseball. Likewise, if the user answers "no", the agent will not bring up baseball again.
- the animated figure appears to the user as having the capability of gradually improving its "intelligence" because of the continuous analysis of collected user information, either by the agent program 316 or by the server 104.
- each animated figure has its own pre-assigned personalities and an initial repertoire of multimedia capabilities (e.g., sing, dance, speak, etc.). As the animated figure learns more about a user, the behavior of the animated figure at that user's computer can be personalized to that user's taste. Examples of presentations by animated figures to users are included in Appendix B.
- the animated figure may communicate with the user through audio, video, animation, or other multimedia interfaces.
- the user can control the animated figure by using voice commands or from a menu selection.
- an agent program associated with the object is downloaded to the user computer. If the user already has an agent program that is capable of controlling the selected object, then the agent program associated with the selected object is not downloaded.
- a user's computer may have multiple agent programs. For example, if the selected object requires a different agent program to maintain it, that agent program should be downloaded with the selected object even if the user already has another agent program on his computer.
- Visual interfaces of the objects are not limited to animated figures.
- Visual interfaces may come in a variety of images, such as animals, fantasy cartoon figures, or other suitable images.
- the images can also be custom created by each user.
- a suitable pre-determined personality should be assigned depending on the image.
- Embodiments of this invention provide a wide range of personalized services.
- Examples of the types of personalized services include: entertainment related, communication related, electronic commerce related, education related services, and others.
- entertainment related services include periodic delivery of games to a user who enjoys trying new games.
- the objects may execute simple programs, such as singing a song, dancing a routine, telling a riddle or a story to the user.
- An example of communication related services is carrying a user's bookmark from one computer on the network to another computer on the network.
- Another example of communication related services is creating a separate window at a third party web site, which enables several users to communicate with each other real time.
- a separate window created at the third party web site may enable each user visiting the web site to post comments about the web site.
- each user having an agent program will be able to see the separate window when the user visits the third party web site.
- Other communication related services include enhancing the connection between users on the network, such as improving speed and reliability.
- the connection between users on the network may allow realtime exchange of multimedia contents.
- Another example of communication related services is establishing a connection between two users.
- a first user sends a message to a second user on the network.
- the agent receives the message from the first user through the object(s).
- the agent removes a message carrying icon from the first user's computer screen and generates a copy of the removed icon on the second user's computer screen.
- the agent delivers the message to the second user and establishes a connection between the first user and the second user.
- the message transfe ⁇ ed between users can include textual, audio, video or other multimedia contents.
- the agent can use the collected user information to automatically conduct an efficient search on the Internet using existing search engines. Because the agent has collected user information, it is able to conduct an efficient search for the user based on those collected information.
- the agent can create a separate window which the user can use as a note pad. For example, if a user is researching a certain subject matter on the Internet, he is likely to move from web site to web site. At each web site, the user may wish to take notes in the created separate window. The notes written by the user can be collected by the agent and analyzed (by the agent and/or a server) to further improve services provided to the user.
- An example of electronic commerce related services is providing a visual interface, which introduces the latest fashion to a user.
- Businesses in the fashion industry may be interested in providing a desktop model, which maintains communication with the business 's server and continually changes clothing style to promote the business's products.
- the agent can continuously learn about the user's taste in fashion and personalize the presentation of the business's products.
- This embodiment is, of course, not limited to only the fashion industry. Other businesses can also implement this embodiment to promote and sell their products.
- the agent through a user interface, can present product advertisement that might be of interest to a user and can direct the user to a commercial web site.
- the agent provides a user interface to assist a user's educational needs.
- the agent communicates with a server that maintains and updates educational subject matters (e.g., math problems and solutions).
- educational subject matters e.g., math problems and solutions.
- the agent can provide more services in that area.
- the agent is part of a proprietary software program, the agent can provide personalized interactive technical support to a user, retrieve specific information for the user from a server, and automatically upgrades the program for the user.
- the methods, systems and software products of this invention can be created in a C++ programming environment and implemented on a Windows 95/98/NT platform. Such programs can be automatically upgraded from time to time.
- the methods, systems and software products of this invention can also be created using other programming environments, including: C, Java, Perl, Basic Fortran, COBOL, or other suitable computer languages. In a preferred embodiment, object-oriented programming languages are used.
- software programs in accordance with embodiments of this invention are stored in a computer readable medium, such as a computer hard-drive, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a flash memory, or other computer readable media.
- the agent program should operate without consuming too much memory and CPU time on the user's computer. Coordinating with and transferring some tasks to the server prevent the agent program from overwhelming the user's resources.
- the server is not limited to one computer, it may include as many cooperating servers as needed.
- the servers can also be custom- designed and controlled by proprietary service providers. Task division among many servers provides more flexible server extensibility and scalability, among other benefits.
- the server can be implemented on a Unix platform and may use a variety of tools, such as C++ and Perl languages, open-source Apache webserver, and relational database (e.g., free MSQL and Oracle).
- the methods, systems and software products in accordance with the present invention should preferably be implemented using multi-threaded technology. Multi-threaded technology allows different programs to be executed independently of each other during a given time period.
- the methods, systems and software products of this invention can be implemented in any network environment, and are preferably implemented in a distributed network environment (e.g., the Internet).
- the methods, systems and software products of this invention can be implemented in a wireless network environment (e.g., cellular technologies, handheld device technologies, etc.).
- Wireless network environment may require computer programs in accordance with embodiments of this invention to be written in programming languages suitable for wireless platforms.
- the methods, systems and software products in accordance with various embodiments of this invention provide many advantages for both users and service providers (servers). Users can obtain personalized services in a user friendly and intuitive environment. Service providers can efficiently provide personalized services without spending on excessive advertisement. For example, businesses may adopt the methods, systems and software products to more effectively sell their products. In addition, service-based businesses may profit from the various embodiments of this invention. For example, customized animated figures and their associated agent programs can be created according to embodiments of this invention and sold to target organizations or web sites. Service-based businesses then can profit by maintaining servers which provide continuous improvements to the agent programs and animated figures.
- the methods, systems and software products in accordance with various embodiments of this invention overcome many disadvantages in existing systems.
- Various embodiments of this invention dynamically improves personalized services provided to users.
- the present methods, systems and software products with the user's permission, collect user information in a user friendly, intuitive, and continuously improved manner.
- users always have the option to deny information collection.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU23772/00A AU2377200A (en) | 1998-12-21 | 1999-12-21 | Methods and systems for providing personalized services to users in a network environment |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11309498P | 1998-12-21 | 1998-12-21 | |
US60/113,094 | 1998-12-21 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000038078A1 WO2000038078A1 (en) | 2000-06-29 |
WO2000038078A9 true WO2000038078A9 (en) | 2001-05-10 |
Family
ID=22347557
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/030580 WO2000038078A1 (en) | 1998-12-21 | 1999-12-21 | Methods and systems for providing personalized services to users in a network environment |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2377200A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000038078A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2823585B1 (en) * | 2001-04-13 | 2003-09-12 | Cantoche Production | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ANIMATING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL CHARACTER |
US20030217333A1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2003-11-20 | Greg Smith | System and method for rules-based web scenarios and campaigns |
CN1537282B (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2010-05-05 | Bea系统公司 | System and method for web-based personalization and electronic commerce management |
KR100908822B1 (en) * | 2001-11-16 | 2009-07-21 | 코닌클리케 필립스 일렉트로닉스 엔.브이. | How to create agents to be used for recommending media content |
AU2003259489A1 (en) * | 2002-10-09 | 2004-05-04 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Building an interest profile on a media system with stored agents |
US7591000B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2009-09-15 | Oracle International Corporation | System and method for hierarchical role-based entitlements |
US7653930B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2010-01-26 | Bea Systems, Inc. | Method for role and resource policy management optimization |
US7774601B2 (en) | 2004-04-06 | 2010-08-10 | Bea Systems, Inc. | Method for delegated administration |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5848396A (en) * | 1996-04-26 | 1998-12-08 | Freedom Of Information, Inc. | Method and apparatus for determining behavioral profile of a computer user |
US5796952A (en) * | 1997-03-21 | 1998-08-18 | Dot Com Development, Inc. | Method and apparatus for tracking client interaction with a network resource and creating client profiles and resource database |
-
1999
- 1999-12-21 AU AU23772/00A patent/AU2377200A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-12-21 WO PCT/US1999/030580 patent/WO2000038078A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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AU2377200A (en) | 2000-07-12 |
WO2000038078A1 (en) | 2000-06-29 |
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