WO2002099689A1

WO2002099689A1 - System for checking certification of website and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2002099689A1
Application number: PCT/KR2002/000400
Authority: WO
Inventors: An Na Choi; Jae Myung Jang
Original assignee: An Na Choi; Jae Myung Jang
Priority date: 2001-06-07
Filing date: 2002-03-07
Publication date: 2002-12-12
Also published as: WO2002099688A1

Abstract

The present invention is related to a system and method for checking certification for website. The method includes a link extracting step for automatically extracting URL link from displayed contents by an application program operated by Internet access means, a certification information acquiring step for accessing a server corresponding to the extracted link and acquiring the information for certification, and a display step for displaying the acquired certification information by the Internet access means.

Description

SYSTEM FOR CHECKING CERTIFICATION OF WEB SITE AND METHOD THEREFOR

Technical Field

The present invention relates to system and method for checking certification of a web site, and more particularly, to system and method for checking certification of a web site, in which an Internet user can check information on certification of the web site or contents the web site provides before visit to the web site, actually. Background Art

Internet users visit to various web sites in surfing Internet, and become to contact with various information the web sites provide. However, determination of reliability, harmfulness, safety with respect to security, and the like of the information the Internet users come into contact is fully dependent on the internet users. If the Internet user obtains, learns, or exercises wrong information in an important field of education, health, research, science, history, cooking, linguistics, traffic, finance, real estate, or the like, a problem may be caused by this.

Or, when the Internet user inputs personal information to one of different web sites for registration as a member, or makes e-trade, a problem may be caused. That is, when the Internet user inputs various important information, for an example financial information, to a web site which has lack of sense of security, or is not fully prepared for security, the Internet user may suffer from damage due to leakage of the financial information.

For solving the problems, a method is suggested, in which a web site certification authority evaluates reliability of a web site, and permits the web site to display a certification logo on a particular web page.

However, in the method, the Internet user can only know a reliability of the web site by actually visiting the web site or the web page having the certification logo displayed thereon personally, and identifying the certification logo. That is, there is inconvenience in that the certification can not be known until the Internet user visits to the web site. In addition to this, there is a problem in that information, reliability, and the like of the web site certification authority which issues the certification logo lacks.

Moreover, the certification logo, a simple graphic image, is vulnerable to improper use, and difficult to deliver exact implication of the certification logo to the Internet user.

In the meantime, recently, different web sites provide attached services, such as whether a mileage of other web site is acceptable, or an ID of other web site can be used, and the like. However, there have been inconveniences in the related art in that the

Internet user is required to remember everything on which web sites permit common use of a user ID, mileage points, and digital cash.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention, devised for solving the problems of the related art, is to provide system and method for checking certification of a web site which permits an Internet user to know information on certification of a web site and a certification authority having the certification issued therefrom without access to the web site, personally.

Another object of the present invention is to provide system and method for checking certification of a web site which can express contents of a certification easy to understand for an Internet user, and is difficult to use improperly, to provide a reliability. Further object of the present invention is to provide system and method for checking certification of a web site, in which information on attached service can be known without personal access to the web site.

In order to achieve the objects of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for checking certification of a web site, including a link extraction step for automatic extraction of a URL link from a text having an application program operative in an Internet access means displayed, a certification information obtaining step for making access to a server of the extracted link, and obtaining certification information, and a certification information displaying step for displaying the obtained certification information on the Internet access means.

Preferably, the method for checking certification of a web site further includes the step of storing the certification information obtained in the certification information obtaining step in a predetermined form of a link table.

In the meantime, the link extraction step includes the step of automatic extraction of the link by positioning an indicator of an input device of the Internet access means to a link part.

Moreover, the link extraction step includes the steps of a block region capture step for capturing a predetermined region of the text of the application program, and a link set extraction step for automatic extraction of a plurality of links from the captured block region.

In the meantime, preferably the link extraction step further includes an unverified link list writing up step for extracting only links not existing on the link table from the extracted link set. More preferably, the link extraction step further includes a link classifying step for classifying the extracted link set by web sites, directories, and individual links, and putting the web sites, the directories, and the individual links in order.

Preferably, existence of the link extracted in the link extraction step on the link table is verified, and obtaining the certification information on the link if the link is not on the link table. However, the certification information may be obtained again according to predetermined criteria even if the link extracted in the link extraction step exists on the link table.

Meanwhile, an optimal link is selected with reference to the certification information on the extracted plurality of links based on predetermined criteria, and access to the optimal link is made automatically.

Meanwhile, preferably, the method for checking certification of a web site further includes a process controlling step for knowing processes operative presently in the making access to the optimal link, and terminating required processes forcibly according to predetermined criteria. In the meantime, preferably the method for checking certification of a web site further includes a link table automatic renewing step for automatic extraction of the links contained in the received web pages when the Internet access means is connected to the link actually, obtaining the certification information on the links, and storing the certification information on a predetermined form of link table. In the meantime, the certification information preferably includes a form of a certification code inclusive of information on a certification issue authority, and information on the web site.

The certification information obtaining step may include the step of obtaining only header information containing the certification information, or the certification information obtaining step may include the step of obtaining a predetermined fixed file containing the certification information.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium having the method for checking certification of a web site stored therein. In further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for checking certification of a web site, including a link extraction means for automatic extraction of a URL link from a text having an application program operative in an

Internet access means displayed, a certification information obtaimng means for making access to a server of the extracted link, and obtaining certification information, and a certification information displaying means for displaying the obtained certification information on the Internet access means.

Preferably, the system for checking certification of a web site further includes a predetermined form of link table for recording the certification information having the certification information obtaining means obtained. Thus, the present invention permits to check useful information inclusive of the certification information without making access to a web site, directly.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a network showing an operative environment of a web site certification checking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart showing overall operation of a web site certification checking system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for checking certification of a web site when an indicator of an input device is moved close to a link in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for checking certification of a web site when a region is set up by using the input device in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for displaying information on certification in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart showing an operation when an Internet user makes access to a new link in FIG. 2, actually;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart showing an operation when an Internet user receives a required web page from a server after making access to a new link actually in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 illustrates contents of a file when a certification code has an independent file; and

FIG. 9 illustrates contents of a file when a certification code exists at a particular position of a particular file. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

A preferred embodiment of system and method for checking certification of a web site of the present invention will be explained, with reference to the attached drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, an operative environment in which the system for checking certification of a web site in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

The Internet includes different servers 30 and different Internet access means 10, connected thereto. The Internet access means 10 can obtain various information the servers 30 provide by using different application programs PI, and P2 operative in the Internet access means 10. The internet access means 10 includes general computers 11, such as desktop computers, workstations, and PC servers, portable computers 12, such as laptop computers, notebook computers, and palmtop computers, mobile Internet phones, such as Internet mobile phones, PDA, IMT2000 terminals, and Internet accessing devices, which have Internet accessibility, such as settop boxes, and Internet TVs, and accesses to the Internet 20 by wire or radio.

The application programs PI, and P2, operative in storage in the Internet access means 10, includes all the web browsers for searching webs for various information, and general application programs (office products, group ware, utility, tools, Java applet, Java program, and, others).

The server 30 includes web servers 31 for providing various information through the Internet access means 10 when requested, mail servers 32 for transmission/reception of e-mails through the Internet 20, FTP servers (File Transfer

Protocol Server) 33 for supporting file transmission services through Internet 20, and the like.

An entire system of the system and method for checking certification of a web site of the present invention will be explained, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

At first, an URL link is automatically extracted from a text having the application program PI, or P2 displayed on the Internet access means 10, an access for the extracted link is made, and information on certification is obtained (SI 00, S200).

The obtained information on certification is displayed on the Internet access means 10 in an appropriate fashion (S300). Moreover, it is preferable that the obtained information is stored in a link table T100 of a predetermined form, which serves as a data base. In the meantime, there may be two methods for extracting the link. First one is automatic extraction of a required link, i.e., one link, by moving the indicator of the input device of the Internet access means 10 close to the link (SI 00). Second one is taking a required region of a text of the application program PI, or P2 as a block, capturing the block, and automatic extraction of a plurality of links from the block (S200). In this case, an optimal link may be selected from the plurality of links, and make automatic access to the link (S400).

In the meantime, when the Internet user makes access to a web site (link) actually (S410), or become to access to the optimal link automatically (S400) by the application program PI, or P2, web pages of the link are received at the Internet access means 10 (S500). In this case, it is preferable that the Internet user extracts links present in the received web pages automatically, obtains certification information with respect to the links, and records the certification information on the link table T100, which will be explained, in detail. When the Internet user moves the indicator of the input device, such as a mouse pointer, close to a link, without selection (click) by the input device, such as a keyboard or a mouse under the application program PI, or P2 operative in the Internet access means 10, the link can be extracted, automatically (SI 00).

The "link" is a data in a form of so called the URL link (Uniform Resource Locator Link) of contents having the application program displayed. That is, upon selection (clicking) of the link, an access is made to a web site for the link. In a case of a web site having a hierarchal architecture, the web site may be classified into a web site for the most significant aspect, directories for an intermediate aspect, and individual links for the least significant aspect. For an example, the web site may be http://www.abc.com, the directory may be http ://www. abc .com/shop/, and the individual link may be http://www.abc.com/shop/ index.html. That is, the URL link may be for the web site, the directory, or the individual link. Therefore, the "link" is used as a concept inclusive of all the URL link linked to the web site, to the directory, and to the individual link.

In the meantime, the Internet user can extract a plurality of links, i.e., a link set, existing in the block, if the Internet user sets up a required region of contents of a text having the application program PI, or P2 displayed by using the input device, such as the keyboard or mouse as the block (S200). Next, the certification information on one of the extracted link can be obtained, and displayed on the Internet access means 10 in a fashion the Internet user designated (S300). The certification information on the link includes certification of the web site connected to the link, class of the certification, an authority having the certification issued therefrom, a certification date, reliability of the information, a security class, and the like.

Of course, when the block is set at a region of a text of the application program PI, or P2 (S200), information on a plurality of links existing in the block is displayed (S300). That is, information on the plurality of links existing in the block is displayed, which assists the Internet user in selecting an optimal link intended to access actually based on the displayed information. Eventually, the Internet user can make a manual access to a link having reliability, and security based on the displayed certification information, and, depending on user's set up of an environment, the Internet user even can make an automatic access to an optimal link (S400).

A method for obtaining certification information will be explained, in detail. In a case a certification authority is to issue a certification logo to a qualified web site, the logo is stored in a particular page of the web site, and when the Internet user visits to the web site, the certification logo is displayed. In this case, only the certification logo can be displayed to the Internet user in the certification information display step (S300).

Therefore, in order to inform accurate information to the Internet user, it is preferable that the certification authority issues a certification code of a predetermined form to the qualified web site. The certification code includes information on a certification managing authority, information on web site, information on certification, and the like. That is, the certification code includes information on the country, certification of the web site, certification class, an authority having the certificate issued, date of certification, reliability of information, class of security, and the like. In a case, contents of the web site is decentralized, the certification code may include information on hierarchal architecture, such as web site, directory, and individual link. Accordingly, it is preferable that the certification code has a text form, and more preferably, is coded. The certification code may be an independent file, or, may not be the independent file, but may be at a particular position of a particular file, for an example, at a header of an html file. For an example, if the certification code is the independent file (for an example, identity.txt), the certification code may have a system as shown in FIG. 8, and, if the certification code is a part of a particular file (for an example, abc.html), the certification code may have a system as shown in FIG. 9.

Therefore, in obtaining the certification information, it is preferable that different methods are employed depending on the link being for web site, directory, or individual, for minimizing a network, or a system load. That is, when it is intended to obtain certification information on an individual link, reception of, not the text, but header, is preferable, but, of course, entire text can be received. When it is intended to obtain certification information on a web site having a specific link belonged thereto, or a directory having the specific link belonged thereto, request for a specific file having a relevant certification code, and reception of a result of the request is preferable.

On the other hand, if the Internet user makes access to a link (S410), or is made to access to an optimal link (S410), relevant web pages are received at the Internet access means 10 (S500). It is preferable that a result of access to the link, for an example, a number of visits, dates of visits, and the like are stored inside of the web site certification checking system, for an example, on the link table T100. It is also preferable that the links in the text of the received web pages are made to be extracted automatically, the extracted links are re-arranged by web sites, and directories, and certification information on the extracted links re-arranged by web sites and directories is collected by using a multi-process technique, and made to be recorded on the link table T100, automatically.

System and method for checking certification of a web site in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained, with reference to FIG. 3. The embodiment shows a method of checking certification information on a link when an Internet user moves an indicator of an input device close to a link. The method for checking certification information of a web site includes a step of searching for a link table (SI 01), a step of determimng presence of a link (SI 02), a step of determining existence of certification information (SI 03), a step of displaying certification information (SI 04), a step of checking an environment set up (SI 05), a step of obtaining link information (SI 06), and a step of renewing a link table (SI 07). Each of the steps will be explained. The step of searching for a link table (SI 01) is a step in which, when an Internet user moves an indicator of an input device closer to a link under an application program

PI, or P2, a URL of the link is detected automatically, and existence of certification information on the detected URL at the link table TlOO is searched.

The link table TlOO is a kind of data base for storing the link and certification information on the link, and the like. Moreover, it is preferable that, other than the certification information, the link table TlOO includes information on the link itself, or the web site. The automatic detection of the URL may be made by hooking the present link displayed on a status bar, or by using Browser Helper Object, DDE, OLE, DCOM, Active X, Subclassing, Scripting, and the like. Web browsers, such as the Explorer, the Netscape, the Opera, the Power browser, and the like, and application programs containing a web browser control (dedicated browsers, such as the Chollian, the Hitel, and the Netsgo) can know the present links for themselves. The automatic detection of the URL employed in the present invention includes all above cases.

The step of determining presence of a link (SI 02) is a step of determining presence of the link searched in the step of searching for a link table (SI 01) on the link table TlOO. The step of determining existence of certification information (SI 03) is a step in which, when the present link is present at the link table TlOO in the step of determining presence of a link (SI 02), existence of certification information on the link is checked.

The step of displaying certification information (SI 04) is a step in which, when the certification information on the link exists at the link table Tl 00 in the step of determining existence of certification information (SI 03), the certification information is displayed on a screen. Contents of the display may include a fact of certification, a certification class, a certification date, reliability, a certification issue authority, a security class, a server type, a response speed, a page size, a renewal date, a number of accessed time, a latest accessed date, and the like.

The step of checking an environment set up (SI 05) is a step in which, when the link is not present at the link table TlOO in the step of determining presence of a link

(SI 02), the Internet user's environment set up to make an automatic search for the certification information on the link is determined. In addition to this, the Internet user's environment set up to make an automatic search for the certification information on the link even if the link is present at the link table TlOO in the step of determining presence of a link (SI 02) is also determined.

The step of obtaining link information (SI 06) is a step in which, when the Internet user designates the automatic search in the step of checking an environment set up (SI 05), an access is made to the link, the directory, or the web site, contents of a file having the certification information fixed to header information of the link, or to a position in the web site are received, and the certification information is read.

The step of renewing a link table (SI 07) is a step in which the certification information read in the step of obtaining link information (SI 06) is stored in the link table TlOO.

The embodiment shows access to a required link and obtaining certification information after the link table TlOO is searched, at first. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also possible that access to a required link is made and certification information is obtained directly without searching the link table TlOO. System and method for checking certification of a web site in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained, with reference to FIG. 4. The embodiment shows a method of checking certification information on links existing in a block set up by an Internet user by using an input device.

Though above embodiment permits checking certification information on one link, this embodiment permits checking certification information on a plurality of links at a time.

The method for checking certification information of a web site in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a step of capturing a block region (S201), a step of extracting a link set (S202), a step of determining to make reference to a link table (S203), a step of writing up unverified link list (S204), a step of classifying links (S205), a step of making access to a server (S206), a step of obtaining information (S207), a step of extracting certification information (S208), a step of renewing a link table (S209), a step of determining auto-access (S210), a step of information display and manual access (S211), a step of extracting an optimal link (S212), and a step of making auto-access to an optimal link (S213).

The step of capturing a block region (S201) is a step in which the Internet user sets up a region as a block by using an input device under an application program. The block region can be captured by message hooking, DCOM, Scripting,

Subclassing, DDE, OLE, Active X, Browser Helper Object, and the like. Of course, web browsers, such as the Explorer, the Netscape, the Opera, the Power browser, and the like, and application programs using a web browser control (dedicated browsers, such as the Chollian, the Hitel, and the Netsgo) can know contents of the block region within themselves. The present invention includes all above features. The step of extracting a link set (S202) is a step in which the text present in the block region in the step of capturing a block region (S201) is analyzed, and link sets are extracted therefrom. The step of determining to make reference to a link table (S203) is a step in which a source the certification information on the link sets extracted in the step of extracting a link set (S202) is to be obtained therefrom is determined. That is, depending on the user set environment, it is determined if the link information already known is to be referred to, or all the selected links are searched newly. The step of writing up unverified link list (S204) is a step in which the unverified link list is written up if it is determined that the link table TlOO is to be referred to in the step of determining to make reference to a link table (S203). That is, of the link sets on the link table TlOO, links having certification verified are excluded, and only unverified are extracted, and listed. The step of classifying links (S205) is a step in which the links sets extracted in the step of extracting a link set (S202), or the unverified link lists written up in the step of writing up unverified link list (S204), are classified and put in order. That is, a plurality of links are classed, and put in order by web sites and directories. Once the plurality of links are put in order thus, servers can be know, which are required to be accessed actually for obtaining the certification information for the links.

The step of making access to a server (S206) is a step in which the servers known to be accessed actually in the step of classifying links (S205) are checked at a time whether accesses thereto are possible by using a multi-processing (multi-threading) method. It is preferable that, when server responses are checked through a network, if there are no response even if a preset time period is passed, the Internet user disposes them as timed out, and stops further access attempts, to reduce network traffics.

The step of obtaining information (S207) is a step in which links present in the server determined to be accessible in the step of making access to a server (S206) checked at a time by using the multi-processing (multi-threading) method. Of course, a number of the servers to be accessed known in the step of classifying links (S205) is smaller than the multi-process (multi-thread) having the Internet user set up, the web sites, directories and the individual links are checked on the same time. It is preferable that the Internet user disposes them as timed out, too. Header information, or fixed files of the directories and individual links in the servers not disposed as timed out are requested for obtaining the certification information according to set up of the Internet user. Obtaining the certification information on the directories and the links present in servers determined not accessible in the step of making access to a server (S206) is omitted. The step of extracting certification information (S208) is a step in which certification information on the web sites, directories, and the links is extracted from the header information, or the fixed file, obtained in the step of obtaining information (S207). Of course, if the certification information is coded, the certification information is decoded before various certification information is extracted therefrom. The step of renewing a link table (S209) is a step in which the certification information on web sites, directories, and links extracted in the step of extracting certification information (S208) are stored in the link table TlOO.

The step of determining auto-access (S210) is a step in which it is determined whether the Internet user desires the certification information stored in the link table TlOO in the step of renewing a link table (S209) to be displayed on a screen, or to be accessed, automatically.

The step of information display and manual access (S211) is a step in which, if it is determined that the Internet user designates to display on a screen in the step of determining auto-access (S210), certification information on all links extracted from the block region is displayed on a palm up window, and the Internet user manually selects a link to be accessed, and makes an access, actually.

The step of extracting an optimal link (S212) is a step in which an optimal reliable link meeting to criteria the Internet user sets up is extracted if it is determined that the Internet user desires an automatic access in the step of information display and manual access (S211). The Internet user may have various criteria for automatic extraction of the optimal link. For example, a link having the fastest response speed, a link having the highest reliability, a link which has the latest renewal link, and the like.

The step of making auto-access to an optimal link (S213) is a step for making an automatic link to the optimal link extracted in the step of extracting an optimal link

(S212).

The step of displaying certification information, in which certification information on an .obtained link is displayed on a screen, will be explained in detail, with reference to FIG. 5. A method for displaying certification information includes a step of determining designation of a palm up window (S301), a step of displaying a palm up window (S302), a step of determining designation of a tray icon (S303), a step of displaying a tray icon (S304), a step of determining display of a text (S305), a step of displaying a text (S306), a step of determining display of title bar/status bar (S307), a step of displaying title bar/status bar (S308), a step of determining designation of vocal guidance (S309), a step of making vocal guidance (S310), a step of determining designation of indicator change (S311), and a step of changing an indicator (S312).

The step of determining designation of a palm up window (S301) is a step in which it is determined if the Internet user designates display of helping words for the certification information on the link in a form of a palm up window.

The step of displaying a palm up window (S302) is a step in which, when it is determined that the display of the certification information is designated to be in a form of a palm up window in the step of determining designation of a palm up window (S301), the palm up window is displayed on the screen, and the certification information is displayed therein. That is, certification information, such as a fact of certification, a certification class, a certification date, reliability, a certification issue authority, a security class, a server type, a response speed, a page size, a renewal date, a number of accessed times, a latest accessed date, and the like is displayed in the palm up window. Of course, the palm up window may be present at a fixed location of upper, lower, left, or right part of a desk top window, or may be moved according to movement of the indicator of the input device.

. The step of determining designation of a tray icon (S303) is a step in which it is determined if the Internet user designates that the display of the certification information on the link is in a form of a tray icon.

The step of displaying a tray icon (S304) is a step in which the certification information is displayed in the form of the tray icon in a case the display of the tray icon is designated as the tray icon in the step of determining designation of a tray icon

(S303). That is, the certification information is displayed in a variety of forms, such as various tray icons are provided, a color of the icon is varied, or a balloon form of the palm up window is displayed /disappeared above the icon.

The step of determining display of a text (S305) is a step in which it is determined if the Internet user designates that the certification information is displayed in a text of the application program P 1 or P2.

The step of displaying a text (S306) is a step in which the certification information on the link is displayed on the text of the application program PI, or P2 in a case it is designated that the certification information is displayed on the text of the application program PI, or P2 in the step of determining display of atext (S305). The step of determining display of title bar/status bar (S307) is a step in which it is determined that whether the Internet user designates that the certification information on the link is to be displayed on a title bar or a status bar.

The step of displaying title bar/status bar (S308) is a step in which various certification information is displayed on a title bar at a top of the application program PI, or P2, or a status bar at a bottom of the application program PI, or P2, in a case the

Internet user designates that the certification information on the link is to be displayed on a title bar or a status bar in the step of determining display of title bar/status bar

(S307).

The step of determining designation of vocal guidance (S309) is a step in which it is determined whether the Internet user designates vocal guidance (sound/acoustic) on the certification information on the link.

The step of making vocal guidance (S310) is a step in which a variety of voices, or sounds are provided so that the Internet user identifies the certification information on the link easily, in a case a vocal guidance (sound/acoustic) for the certification information on the link is designated in the step of determining designation of vocal guidance (S309).

The step of determining designation of indicator change (S311) is a step in which it is determined if the Internet user designates change of an icon of the indicator of the input device, such as a mouse.

The step of changing an indicator (S312) is a step in which the indicator of the input device is changed to the variety of forms of icons, in a case change of the icon of the indicator of the input device is designated in the step of determining designation of indicator change (S311). Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, a method for making access to a link in which the

Internet user actually makes an access to a new link under the application program will be explained.

The method for making access to a link includes a step of making access to a new link (S401), a step of determining existence of an on going process (S402), a step of examining a user's environment set up (S403), a step of process termination and recording (S404), a step of obtaining information (S405), and a step of renewing a link table (S406).

The step of making access to a new link (S401) is a step the Internet user actually makes access to the application program. The step of determining existence of an on going process (thread) (S402) is a step for determining existence of multi-processes (multi-threads) (called as "process" for convenience) which check links presently. It is because there may be even a case when the Internet user designates a region as a block and checks the certification information on the links in the block by using an input device before the Internet user makes access to the link, actually. Or, as explained later, there may also be a case when, if a new web page is received during surfing the Internet, links in the web page is extracted and the certification information of the links is checked, automatically. In those cases, network traffic can be prevented by checking actual ongoing processes, and making only an appropriate number of processes operative.

The step of examining a user's environment set up (S403) is a step in which the ongoing multi-processes are disposed appropriately according to the user's environment set up (S403), in a case it is determined the there are ongoing processes in the step of determining existence of an on going process (S402). For an example, it is determined whether the environment is set up such that the ongoing multi-processes are terminated forcibly, or the present processes are fewer than the maximum processes the user set up, and the like.

The step of process termination and recording (S404) is a step in which, in a case if it is set up that the ongoing multi-processes are terminated forcibly, the ongoing multi-processes are terminated forcibly, or in a case it is set up that, if a number of the present processes exceeds a preset number of the maximum processes, processes to be terminated are selected and terminated forcibly. In this instance, information on the links the forcibly terminated processes are at access, states of the termination, and the like are recorded on the link table TlOO. The step of obtaining information (S405) is a step in which resultant information (for an example, a number of accesses, dates of accesses, and the like) on the access processes to the links accessed in the step of making access to a new link (S401) is obtained. The information on the access processes may be obtained by packet filtering, Winscok hooking, message hooking, Browser Helper Object, DDE, OLE, DCOM, Active X, Subclassing, Scripting, and the like. The step of renewing a link table (S406) is a step in which resultant information obtained in the step of obtaining information (S405) is stored in the link table TlOO.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the step for receiving a web page will be explained, in which the Internet user requests for an access to a link and receives a desired web page from a server by using an application program including a web browser.

In the step of receiving a web page, a link existing in the web page is extracted, and certification information on the link is collected automatically, and recorded on the link table, because, if the certification information on the links existing on the web page is collected in advance and recorded on the link table, required information can be displayed at once if the Internet user intends to check the certification information on a certain link existing on the web page, whereby improving a response speed.

The step of receiving a web page includes a step of capturing a text of a web page (S501), a step of analyzing a text and extracting a link (S502), a step of writing up unverified link list (S503), a step of classifying unverified link list (S504), a step of making access to a server (S505), a step of obtaining information (S506), a step of extracting certification information (S507), and a step of renewing a link table (S508).

The step of capturing a text of a web page (S501) is a step in which, if the

Internet user selects (clicks) a particular link under an application program PI or P2, a series of web pages received from the web site are captured. A text of the web page can be captured by packet filtering, Winsock hooking, message hooking, Browser Helper

Object, DDL, OLE, DCOM, Active X, Subclassing, Scripting, and the like. In this instance, web browsers, such as the Explorer, the Netscape, the Opera, the Power browser, and the like, and application programs using a web browser control (dedicated browsers, such as the Chollian, the Hitel, and the Netsgo) can know the present links for themselves. The present invention includes all above cases.

The step of analyzing a text and extracting a link (S502) is a step in which the text captured in the step of capturing a text of a web page (S501) is analyzed, and link sets are extracted therefrom.

The step of writing up unverified link list (S503) is a step in which the link table TlOO is searched for the certification information on the link sets extracted in the step of analyzing a text and extracting a link (S502), and only links having certification information unverified are extracted while links having the certification information are excluded. In this instance, determination of fact of certification in individual link units, directory units, and web site (server) units can be adjusted, selectively.

The step of classifying unverified link list (S504) is a step in which the unverified link list written up in the step of writing up unverified link list (S503) are grouped, and classified by web sites, directories, and links, and the links are put in order by web sites, and directories.

The step of making access to a server (S505) is a step in which the certification information on the servers 30 is checked at a time by multi-processing (multi-threading).

It is preferable that, in a case when there is no server response through the Internet even if a time period preset by the Internet user passes, the case is disposed as being timed out, for solving a problem of waiting for a long time.

The step of obtaining information (S506) is a step in which the certification information on individual links or directories existing in servers determined to be accessible in the step of making access to a server (S505) is verified by multiprocessing at a time. That is, a relevant web site is requested for header information, or a fixed file containing the certification information. Of course, in a case a number of servers to be verified is fewer than a number of processes having the Internet user set up to be operative at the same time, the server, links, and directories are verified at the same time. In this time too, the there is the time out disposal. In this instance, in order to minimize a network load and the user computer load, it is preferable to fix appropriately whether only header information is requested, or only a fixed file is requested in requesting pages of the individual links or directories.

The step of extracting certification information (S507) is a step for extracting the certification information from data obtained in the step of obtaining information (S506). If the obtained data is coded, the coded information is decoded, before extracting various certification information.

The step of renewing a link table (S508) is a step for storing the certification information extracted in the step of extracting certification information (S507) hi the link table TlOO. As has been explained, the system and method for checking certification of a web site have the following advantages.

First, various information on a web site can be known before an access is made to the web site when wire, or radio Internet users desire to obtain information by surfing the Internet. That is, since the present invention permits to hold a series information, such as a certification issue authority, a certification class, a certification date, a reliability, and the like, on a web site in advance, and to inform to the Internet users through a variety of interface, the present invention has advantages of improving a reliability of information obtaining, and a safety of e-trade.

Second, information on a web site can be known without making access to the web site. Therefore, the present invention has the advantages of elimination of waste in view of time and economy caused by unnecessary visit to web sites, reduction of meaningless network traffic, improvement of local resources (CPU, disk, and etc.,) of the Internet user computers, and a cost of communication lines. Third, the present invention has another advantage of providing additional functions, such as automatic connection to an optimal reliable link, or to a web site having the latest updating (renewal) occurred, by setting up a block region in an application program for obtaining information, the present invention permits the

Internet user to obtain reliable information. Fourth, the display of a security class of the web site permits safe e-trade that is a field a perfect network security is essential.

Fifth, the present invention has another advantage in that, for obtaining a certificate from a certification authority, the entity that owns and operates the web site will devote all efforts to improve quality and quantity of the contents, and security of information, that benefits the Internet users automatically, and the Internet user make more access to such a certified site, thereby providing mutual benefits.

Moreover, the present invention has another advantage in that the certification authority becomes to require secure new man power and system for continuous monitoring of the web sites having certificates issued thereto for supervision and adjustment of certificate class, and for evaluation and management of the web sites which request certification newly, and is made to make closer approach to the industry, to suggest developmental policy, and to make close watch to industrial movements and trend, thereby dedicating to the development of the industry.

Sixth, if information on attached services the web site provided, such as chain headquarter of the web site, joining thereto, and the like, is included to the certification information, it is convenient as the information can be know in real time before access to the web site.

Industrial Applicability As has been explained, the present invention permits to obtain various information on a web site without making a direct access to the web site. Therefore, the

Internet can be used with better reliability, and eliminates waste in view of time and economy caused by unnecessary visits to the web sites.

Claims

What is Claimed is: 7

1. A method for checking certification of a web site, comprising: a link extraction step for automatic extraction of a URL link from a text having an application program operative in an Internet access means displayed; a certification information obtaining step for making access to a server of the extracted link, and obtaining certification information; and a certification information displaying step for displaying the obtained certification information on the Internet access means.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of storing the certification information obtained in the certification information obtaining step in a predetermined form of a link table.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, or 2, wherein the link extraction step includes the step of automatic extraction of the link by positioning an indicator of an input device of the Internet access means to a link part.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, or 2, wherein the link extraction step includes the steps of; a block region capture step for capturing a predetermined region of the text of the application program, and a link set extraction step for automatic extraction of a plurality of links from the captured block region.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the link extraction step further includes an unverified link list writing up step for extracting only links not existing on the link table from the extracted link set.

6. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the link extraction step further includes a link classifying step for classifying the extracted link set by web sites, directories, and individual links, and putting the web sites, the directories, and the individual links in order.

7. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein existence of the link extracted in the link extraction step on the link table is verified, and obtaining the certification information on the link if the link is not on the link table.

8. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the certification information is obtained again according to predetermined criteria even if the link extracted in the link extraction step exists on the link table.

9. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein an optimal link is selected with reference to the certification information on the extracted plurality of links based on predetermined criteria, and access to the optimal link is made, automatically.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a process controlling step for knowing processes operative presently in the making access to the optimal link, and terminating required processes forcibly according to predetermined criteria.

11. A method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a link table automatic renewing step for automatic extraction of the links contained in the received web pages when the Internet access means is connected to the link actually, obtaining the certification information on the links, and storing the certification information on a predetermined form of link table.

12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the certification information includes a form of a certification code inclusive of information on a certification issue authority, and information on the web site.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the certification information obtaining step includes the step of obtaining only header information containing the certification information.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the certification information obtaining step includes the step of obtaining a predetermined fixed file containing the certification information.

15. A recording medium having the method for checking certification of a web site as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3 stored therein.

16. A system for checking certification of a web site, comprising: a link extraction means for automatic extraction of a URL link from a text having an application program operative in an Internet access means displayed; a certification information obtaining means for making access to a server of the extracted link, and obtaining certification information; and a certification information displaying means for displaying the obtained certification information on the Internet access means.

17. A system as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a predetermined form of link table for recording the certification information having tl e certification information obtaining means obtained.