Method of controlling an Internet browser interface and a controllable browser interface
First Claim
1. A method of increasing the frequency with which an Internet user visits a predetermined Internet site using an Internet browser, the Internet browser having a bounded user interface area containing at least one Internet browser toolbar having at least one browser 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:
- making available user toolbar software associated with the predetermined Internet site; and
providing the user toolbar software to the Internet user, the software, when installed on a user computer, causing a user toolbar to be added to and remain within the bounds of the user interface area of the Internet browser as part of the user interface area of the Internet browser regardless of any subsequent Internet site to which the Internet browser is caused to navigate after being added.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method of increasing the frequency with which an Internet user visits a predetermined Internet site using an Internet browser, the Internet browser having a bounded user interface area containing at least one Internet browser toolbar having at least one browser 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:
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making available user toolbar software associated with the predetermined Internet site; and
providing the user toolbar software to the Internet user, the software, when installed on a user computer, causing a user toolbar to be added to and remain within the bounds of the user interface area of the Internet browser as part of the user interface area of the Internet browser regardless of any subsequent Internet site to which the Internet browser is caused to navigate after being added. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of increasing the frequency with which an Internet user visits a predetermined Internet site using an Internet browser, the Internet browser having a bounded user interface area containing at least one Internet browser toolbar having at least one browser 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:
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making available user interface element software associated with the predetermined Internet site; and
providing the user interface element software to the Internet user, the software, when installed on a user computer, causing a user interface element to be added to and remain within the bounded user interface area of the Internet browser as part of the user interface area of the Internet browser regardless of any subsequent Internet site to which the Internet browser is caused to navigate after being added. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of increasing the frequency with which an Internet user accesses an Internet site using an Internet browser and a computer, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) causing the browser to establish a connection to the Internet site when the Internet user activates the browser; and
(b) receiving, from the Internet site, and storing on the computer in a file, instructions for the browser to periodically re-establish a connection to the Internet site. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification