Method of controlling an Internet browser interface and a controllable browser interface

• US 20060112102A1
• Filed: 02/02/2006
• Published: 05/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Oath Inc. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Yahoo! Inc. (Apollo Global Management, Inc.)
• Inventors: Shafron, Thomas J.
• Application Number:
  US11/347,700
• Publication Number:
  US 20060112102A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/957 Browsing optimisation, e.g. caching or content distillation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 Execution arrangements for user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method of dynamically controlling and displaying an Internet browser interface, and to a dynamically controllable Internet browser interface. In accordance with the present invention, a browser interface may be customized using a controlling software program that may be provided by an Internet content provider, an ISP, or that may reside on an Internet user'"'"'s computer. The controlling software program enables the Internet user, the content provider, or the ISP to customize and control the information and/or functionality of a user'"'"'s browser and browser interface.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an Internet browser interface displayable by a browser on a display of a computer, the browser enabling a user to access and navigate the Internet and to receive and display one or more Web pages from one or more Internet sites, the Internet browser having a user interface area containing at least one Internet browser toolbar having at least one toolbar button providing predetermined functionality, the Internet browser further having a display area for displaying Web pages, the area for displaying Web pages being a separate area from the user interface area of the browser, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) facilitating access to a program for controlling the Internet browser interface; and

(b) facilitating execution of the controlling program so as to create a file that is stored on the computer, the file opening when the browser is activated so as to adjust the bounds of the user interface area if necessary, and to cause the display, within the bounds of the user interface area of the browser, of an interface object that, after opening, is added to and remains within the user interface area of the browser as part of the user interface of the browser, said interface object making additional functionality that is not part of the Internet browser prior to opening available to the user after opening, such that once the interface object is displayed it remains displayed within the bounds of the user interface area of the browser and said additional functionality remains available to the user regardless of a subsequent Internet site to which the Internet browser is caused to navigate after opening.

2. A method as recited by claim 1, further comprising the step of:

(c) facilitating downloading of information to the file from a predetermined Internet site.

3. A method as recited by claim 1, wherein said step (b) comprises creating a file on the computer comprising an ActiveX control that defines all or part of said interface object.

4. A method as recited by claim 1, wherein said step (b) comprises creating a file on the computer comprising a Plug-in that defines all or part of said interface object.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at a predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

26. A method as recited by claim 3, wherein said ActiveX control enables user-customization of the interface object.

27. A method as recited by claim 4, wherein said Plug-in enables user-customization of the interface object.

28. A method as recited by claim 1, wherein said interface object enables a user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

39. A method as recited by claim 2, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to a user of the browser from the predetermined Internet site to the file.

6. A method of dynamically controlling an Internet browser interface displayable by a browser on a display of a computer, the browser having a user interface area and a display area for displaying Web pages, the area for displaying Web pages being a separate area from the user interface area of the browser, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) causing a file to be located on a data storage device of the computer, the file definig an interface object and opening upon browser activation;

(b) causing the browser to establish a connection to a predetermined Internet site;

(c) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object; and

(d) causing the display of the interface object while the browser is activated, the interface object remaining within the bounds of the user interface area of the browser as part of the user interface area.

7. A method as recited by claim 6, further comprising the steps of:

(e) periodically causing the browser to establish a connection to the predetermined Internet site; and

(f) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, additional information for defining all or part of the interface object.

8. A method as recited by claim 6, wherein said step (d) further comprises:

determining if the interface object is displayed in the user interface area of the Internet browser interface when the Internet user is not connected to the predetermined Internet site; and

if the interface object is not displayed, re-displaying the interface object in the user interface area of the Internet browser interface.

9. A method as recited by claim 6, wherein said step (b) comprises automatically causing the browser to establish a connection to the predetermined Internet site.

29. A method as recited by claim 6, wherein said interface object enables the user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

40. A method as recited by claim 6, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including a user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to the user of the computer and browser from the predetermined Internet site, and wherein all or part of the display of the interface object in said step (d) is dependent upon the information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

45. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

10. A method of dynamically controlling an Internet browser interface displayable by a browser on a display of a computer, the browser having a user interface area and a display area for displaying Web pages, the area for displaying Web pages being a separate area from the user interface area of the browser, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) causing a file located on a data storage device of the computer and defining an interface object to open when the browser activates;

(b) causing the browser to establish a connection to a predetermined Internet site;

(c) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object;

(d) displaying the interface object within the bounds of the user interface area of the browser as part of the user interface area while the browser is activated; and

(e) preventing the file from closing while the browser is activated.

11. A method as recited by claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

(f) periodically establishing a connection to the predetermined Internet site; and

(g) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, additional information for defining all or part of the interface object.

12. A method as recited by claim 10, wherein said step (e) further comprises executing a program loop to prevent the file from closing.

13. A method as recited by claim 12, further comprising the step of terminating the program loop when the browser is no longer activated.

14. A method as recited by claim 10, wherein said step (b) comprises automatically causing the browser to establish the connection to the predetermined Internet site.

30. A method as recited by claim 10, wherein said interface object enables the user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

41. A method as recited by claim 10, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including a user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to the user of the computer and browser from the predetermined Internet site to the file, and wherein all or part of displaying the interface object in said step (d) is dependent upon the information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

46. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

15. A method of dynamically controlling an Internet browser interface displayable on a display of a computer, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) causing a file, being located on a data storage device of the computer and defining an interface object, to open when a user of the computer and browser activates the browser;

(b) causing the establishment of a connection to a predetermined Internet site;

(c) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object;

(d) causing the browser to create a new browser window having a user interface area and a display area for displaying Web pages, the area for displaying Web pages being a separate area from the user interface area;

(e) preventing the initial browser window from being displayed by the browser; and

(f) displaying the interface object in the user interface area of the new browser window.

16. A method as recited by claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

(g) periodically establishing a connection to the predetermined Internet site; and

(h) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, additional information for defining all or part of the interface object.

17. A method as recited by claim 15, wherein said step (d) comprises automatically causing the establishment of the connection to the predetermined Internet site.

18. A method as recited by claim 15, wherein said steps (d) and (e) further comprise:

identifying a handle for the initial browser window;

hiding and/or disabling the initial browser window;

creating a pointer to control the browser; and

creating a new browser window.

19. A method as recited by claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

determining if the browser has opened an additional new browser window; and

if an additional new browser window has been opened, determining whether to add the interface object to a user interface area of the additional new browser window.

20. A method as recited by claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

determining if the browser has opened an additional new browser window;

if no additional new browser window has been opened, determining whether to close the browser; and

if the browser is to be closed, closing all browser windows, including the initial browser window.

31. A method as recited by claim 15, wherein said interface object enables the user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

42. A method as recited by claim 15, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including a user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to the user of the computer and browser from the predetermined Internet site to the file, and wherein all or part of displaying the interface object in said step (f) is dependent upon the information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

47. A method as recited in claim 15, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

21. A method of causing a user to access a predetermined Internet site via an Internet browser having a user interface area and a display area for displaying Web pages that is separate from the user interface area, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing for downloading a file comprising a definition of an interface object;

(b) providing, via the file, instructions such that upon activation of the browser by the user of the Internet browser, and in response to the instructions in the file, the browser displays said interface object in said user interface area and establishes a connection to the predetermined Internet site.

22. A method as recited by claim 21, further comprising the step of receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object.

32. A method as recited by claim 21, wherein said interface object enables a user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

43. A method as recited by claim 22, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including the user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step of receiving comprises downloading information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, from the predetermined Internet site to the file.

48. A method as recited in claim 21, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

23. A method for delivering information to an Internet user from a predetermined Internet site via an Internet browser having a user interface area and a display area for displaying Web pages that is separate from the user interface area, said method comprising the steps of:

communicating to the user the availability of a control program; and

providing the control program to the user, said control program

(a) instantiating an interface object displayed in the user interface area of the browser;

(b) causing said interface object to continue to be displayed by the browser as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site;

(c) establishing a link between the predetermined Internet site and said interface object through which information may be provided for visual display via said interface object; and

(d) causing said information to remain visible as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site and after said link between the predetermined Internet site and said interface object is terminated.

33. A method as recited by claim 23, wherein said control program permits a user customizable interface object to be created.

34. A method as recited by claim 23 wherein said interface object enables the Internet user to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the Internet user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

44. A method as recited by claim 23, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including the Internet user, and wherein said control program causes downloading of information specific to the Internet user from the predetermined Internet site, and wherein all or part of displaying the interface object is dependent upon the information, specific to the Internet user, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

49. A method as recited in claim 23, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

24. A method for delivering a software program to an Internet user from a predetermined Internet site, said method comprising the steps of:

providing to the Internet user a control program that permits an interface object to be created for display in a browser having a user interface area and a display area for displaying Web pages that is separate from the user interface area, said interface object being continuously displayed in the user interface area as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site; and

establishing a link between the predetermined Internet site and said interface object through which a software program may be provided via said interface object, said software program being executable as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site and after said link between the predetermined Internet web site and said interface object is terminated.

35. A method as recited by claim 24, wherein said control program permits a user customizable interface object to be created.

36. A method as recited by claim 24, wherein said interface object enables the Internet user to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the Internet user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

50. A method as recited in claim 24, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

25. A method for delivering information to an Internet user from a predetermined Internet site, comprising:

providing to the Internet user, from the predetermined Internet site, a control program that causes an interface object to be created for display in a browser having a user interface area and a display area for displaying Web pages that is separate from the user interface area, the program executable to cause said interface object to continue to be displayed in the user interface area of the browser as the Internet user traverses the Internet to an Internet site different from the predetermined Internet web site.

37. A method as recited by claim 25, wherein said control program causes a user customizable interface object to be created.

38. A method as recited by claim 25, wherein said interface object enables the Internet user to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the Internet user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

51. A method as recited in claim 25, wherein said interface object comprises a search input object through which the user can enter a search term and initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

52. A method of controlling an Internet browser interface displayable by a browser on a display of a computer, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing access to a controlling program for controlling the Internet browser interface;

(b) using the controlling program to create a file that is stored on the computer and that defines an interface object; and

(c) causing the file to open when the browser is activated so as to establish a link between the computer and a predetermined Internet site and provide a browser user with access to the defined interface object.

53. A method as recited by claim 52, further comprising the step of:

(d) downloading information to the file from the predetermined Internet site.

54. A method as recited by claim 52, wherein said step (b) comprises creating a file on the computer including an ActiveX control that defines an interface object.

55. A method as recited by claim 52, wherein said step (b) comprises creating a file on the computer including a Plug-in that defines an interface object.

76. A method as recited by claim 54, wherein said ActiveX control enables user-customization of the interface object.

77. A method as recited by claim 55, wherein said Plug-in enables user-customization of the interface object.

78. A method as recited by claim 52, wherein said interface object enables a user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

89. A method as recited by claim 53, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, and wherein said step (d) comprises downloading information specific to a user of the browser from the predetermined Internet site to the file.

56. A method of dynamically controlling an Internet browser interface displayable by a browser on a display of a computer, a file being located on a data storage device of the computer and defining an interface object, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) causing the file to open when a user of the computer and browser activates the browser;

(b) causing the browser to establish a connection to a predetermined Internet site;

(c) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object; and

(d) displaying the interface object along with the Internet browser interface on the computer display while the browser is activated.

57. A method as recited by claim 56, further comprising the steps of:

(e) periodically causing the browser to establish a connection to the predetermined Internet site; and

(f) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, additional information for defining all or part of the interface object.

58. A method as recited by claim 56, wherein said step (d) further comprises:

determining if the interface object is displayed along with the Internet browser interface when the Internet user is not connected to the predetermined Internet site; and

if the interface object is not displayed with the Internet browser interface, re-displaying the interface object along with the Internet browser interface.

59. A method as recited by claim 56, wherein said step (b) comprises automatically causing the browser to establish the connection to the predetermined Internet site.

79. A method as recited by claim 56, wherein said interface object enables the user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

90. A method as recited by claim 56, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including the user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to the user of the computer and browser from the predetermined Internet site, and wherein all or part of displaying the interface object in said step (d) is dependent upon the information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

60. A method of dynamically controlling an Internet browser interface displayable by a browser on a display of a computer, a file being located on a data storage device of the computer and defining an interface object, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) causing the file to open when a user of the computer and browser activates the browser;

(b) causing the browser to establish a connection to a predetermined Internet site;

(c) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object;

(d) displaying the interface object along with the Internet browser interface on the computer display while the browser is activated; and

(e) preventing the file from closing while the browser is activated.

61. A method as recited by claim 60, further comprising the steps of:

(f) periodically causing the browser to establish a connection to the predetermined Internet site; and

(g) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, additional information for defining all or part of the interface object.

62. A method as recited by claim 60, wherein said step (e) further comprises executing a program loop to prevent the file from closing.

63. A method as recited by claim 62, further comprising the step of terminating the program loop when the browser is no longer activated.

64. A method as recited by claim 60, wherein said step (b) comprises automatically causing the browser to establish the connection to the predetermined Internet site.

80. A method as recited by claim 60, wherein said interface object enables the user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

91. A method as recited by claim 60, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including the user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to the user of the computer and browser from the predetermined Internet site to the file, and wherein all or part of displaying the interface object in said step (d) is dependent upon the information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

65. A method of dynamically controlling an Internet browser interface displayable in an initial browser window by a browser on a display of a computer, a file being located on a data storage device of the computer and defining an interface object, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) causing the file to open when a user of the computer and browser activates the browser;

(b) causing the browser to establish a connection to a predetermined Internet site;

(c) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object;

(d) causing the browser to create a new browser window;

(e) preventing the initial browser window from being displayed by the browser; and

(f) displaying the interface object along with the Internet browser interface in the new browser window.

66. A method as recited by claim 65, further comprising the steps of:

(g) periodically causing the browser to establish a connection to the predetermined Internet site; and

(h) receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, additional information for defining all or part of the interface object.

67. A method as recited by claim 65, wherein said step (b) comprises automatically causing the browser to establish the connection to the predetermined Internet site.

68. A method as recited by claim 65, wherein said step (e) further comprises:

identifying a handle for the initial browser window;

hiding and/or disabling the initial browser window;

creating a pointer to control the browser; and

creating a new browser window.

69. A method as recited by claim 65, further comprising the steps of:

determining if the browser has opened an additional new browser window; and

if an additional new browser window has been opened, determining whether to add the interface object to the additional new browser window.

70. A method as recited by claim 65, further comprising the steps of:

determining if the browser has opened an additional new browser window;

if no additional new browser window has been opened, determining whether to close the browser; and

if the browser is to be closed, closing all browser windows, including the initial browser window.

81. A method as recited by claim 65, wherein said interface object enables the user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

92. A method as recited by claim 65, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including the user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to the user of the computer and browser from the predetermined Internet site to the file, and wherein all or part of displaying the interface object in said step (f) is dependent upon the information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

71. A method of causing a user of a computer and Internet browser to access a predetermined Internet site, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a file on the computer including a definition of an interface object and instructions for the browser; and

(b) upon activation of the browser by the user of the computer and Internet browser, and in response to the instructions in the file, automatically causing the browser to establish a connection to the predetermined Internet site.

72. A method as recited by claim 71, further comprising the step of receiving in the file, from the predetermined Internet site, information for defining all or part of the interface object.

82. A method as recited by claim 71, wherein said interface object enables a user of the computer and browser to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the user has navigated at the time the search is initiated.

93. A method as recited by claim 72, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including the user of the computer and browser, and wherein said step of receiving comprises downloading information, specific to the user of the computer and browser, from the predetermined Internet site to the file.

73. A method for delivering information to an Internet user from a predetermined Internet site, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing to the Internet user a control program that permits an interface object to be created and displayed by a browser used by the Internet user to traverse the Internet;

(b) causing said interface object to continue to be displayed by the browser as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site;

(c) establishing a link between the predetermined Internet site and said interface object through which information may be provided for visual display via said interface object; and

(d) causing said information to remain visible as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site and after said link between the predetermined Internet site and said interface object is terminated.

83. A method as recited by claim 73, wherein said control program permits a user customizable interface object to be created.

84. A method as recited by claim 73, wherein said interface object enables the Internet user to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the Internet user is connected at the time the search is initiated.

94. A method as recited by claim 73, wherein the predetermined Internet site maintains user-specific information for a plurality of users, including the Internet user, and wherein said step (c) comprises downloading information specific to the Internet user from the predetermined Internet site and wherein all or part of displaying the interface object is dependent upon the information, specific to the Internet user, downloaded from the predetermined Internet site.

74. A method for delivering a software program to an Internet user from a predetermined Internet site, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing to the Internet user a control program that permits an interface object to be created and displayed by a browser used by the Internet user to traverse the Internet;

(b) causing said interface object to continue to be displayed by the browser as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site;

(c) establishing a link between the predetermined Internet site and said interface object through which a software program may be provided via said interface object; and

(d) causing said software program to be executable as the Internet user traverses the Internet from one Internet site to another Internet site and after said link between the predetermined Internet web site and said interface object is terminated.

85. A method as recited by claim 74, wherein said control program permits a user customizable interface object to be created.

86. A method as recited by claim 74, wherein said interface object enables the Internet user to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet sit regardless of an Internet site to which the Internet user is connected at the time the search is initiated.

75. A method for delivering information to an Internet user from a predetermined Internet site, comprising:

(a) providing to the Internet user, from the predetermined Internet site, a control program that permits an interface object to be created and displayed by a browser used by the Internet user to traverse the Internet; and

(b) causing said interface object to continue to be displayed by the browser as the Internet user traverses the Internet to an Internet site different from the predetermined Internet site.

87. A method as recited by claim 75, wherein said control program permits a user customizable interface object to be created.

88. A method as recited by claim 75, wherein said interface object enables the Internet user to initiate a search at the predetermined Internet site regardless of an Internet site to which the Internet user is connected at the time the search is initiated.