System and method for disseminating information over a communication network according to predefined consumer profiles
First Claim
1. A method of communication between a server and a client, comprising the steps of:
- embedding in a multimedia medium a communication module, said multimedia medium having a stored music program;
distributing said audiovisual medium to the user; and
installing in a computer the communication module upon playback of the music program stored in the multimedia medium by the computer, said communication module having stored codes executable by the computer to establish a communication link with the server.
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Abstract
A system and method for distributing information to interested users according to predefined preferences over the Internet. The invention provides improved techniques for reaching potential recipients, for simplifying the initial response by interested individuals, and for facilitating the gathering and organizing of information from those individuals.
The communication structure includes one or more servers and a plurality of dedicated client-side communication modules (“comm modules”). The servers store multimedia entertainment, advertising, or other information content and as well as profile information for the users of the comm modules. The stored information is organized according to the user profiles and is selectively made available for downloading on demand.
The comm modules are preferably made available for installation on the client-side computers by distribution as an adjunct to the information, advertising or entertainment content of a multimedia product such as a CDROM or DVD. Profile information is developed the first time a user goes on line after installing the software. The comm module displays a small icon on the user'"'"'s desktop which changes state whenever there is new information on the server corresponding to the user'"'"'s profile. Users may then access the information at their convenience.
The comm module includes a mini Web browser programmed for display of full-featured Web pages. It is compatible with operating systems commonly in use, and is runtime configurable and upgradable via server configuration messages. When the user goes online, the comm module connects directly to a routing server at a predetermined Internet address.
133 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method of communication between a server and a client, comprising the steps of:
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embedding in a multimedia medium a communication module, said multimedia medium having a stored music program;
distributing said audiovisual medium to the user; and
installing in a computer the communication module upon playback of the music program stored in the multimedia medium by the computer, said communication module having stored codes executable by the computer to establish a communication link with the server. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for linking a server to a user over a communication network, comprising the steps of:
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distributing a communication module to a user for installation at a computer of the user;
providing a desktop icon and a browser in the computer of the user upon installation of the communication module;
connecting the user to the server via the browser when the desktop icon is selected by the user;
accessing a database on the server side to provide the server with information on the user; and
communicating between the server and the user in real-time via the browser during the user'"'"'s online session. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A multimedia medium having stored codes readable by a computer for executing method steps for installing a communication module in the computer, said multimedia medium further including entertainment content presentable from the computer, the method comprising:
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installing the communication module in the computer upon presentation of said entertainment content by the computer;
placing an icon on the desktop of the computer upon installation of the communication module; and
communicating with a server at an URL address stored in said multimedia medium upon access of said icon by a user of the computer.
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Specification