Multiple source proxy management system

• US 7,051,111 B1
• Filed: 04/25/2000
• Issued: 05/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Digeo Incorporated (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Inventors: Scullin, Will
• Primary Examiner(s): Najjar, Saleh
• Assistant Examiner(s): WANG, LIANG CHE A
• Application Number:
  US09/558,077
• Time in Patent Office: 2,219 Days
• Field of Search: 709/202, 709/229, 709/232, 725/32, 725/63, 345/778
• US Class Current: 709/232
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0281 Proxies

Abstract

A multiple source proxy management system is disclosed. Most Internet browsers communicate only with the global Internet. However, new data services may be created that can provide information to an Internet browser in a compatible form. Since Internet browsers only know how to communicate with the Internet, a new system was developed to handle communication with other data services. The system includes a personal proxy server that handles requests from the Internet browser. The personal proxy server directs requests to a proper data server handler. The personal proxy server respects all existing Internet settings such as direct connections, proxy servers, and autoconfig proxy servers.

Claims

1. A method for handling browser requests for more than one data service with a personal proxy program, said method comprising:

accessing a browser'"'"'s original Internet connection settings;

storing said browser'"'"'s original Internet connection settings;

updating the Internet connection settings of said browser to access said personal proxy program;

interfacing said personal proxy program with at least two different types of handlers including a broadcast media handler and an Internet handler;

accepting in said personal proxy program a request from said browser;

selecting one of the handlers to handle said request;

directing said request to said handler; and

receiving multimedia content from said handler for display in said browser.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein directing said request to said handler comprises directing said request to the Internet using said stored Internet connection settings if said Internet should handle said request.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein directing said request to said handler comprises directing said request to a second program running on a computer system that is running said personal proxy program.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said second program comprises a local cache server if said local cache server should handle said request.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein directing said request to said handler comprises directing said request to a broadcast media receiver.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said multimedia content is one of a terrestrial radio broadcast, a satellite television broadcast, and a cable television broadcast.

7. An apparatus for browsing data from more than one data service, comprising:

a browser program for browsing accessible data resources using data resource requests;

a first request handler for handling data resource requests;

a second request handler for handling broadcast media requests;

a personal proxy program, said personal proxy program accessing a browser'"'"'s original Internet connection settings, storing said browser'"'"'s original Internet connection settings, updating the Internet connection settings of said browser to access said personal proxy program, accepting a request from said Internet browser, selecting one of said request handlers to handle said request, and directing said request to a selected request handler.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first request handler comprises the Internet.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first request handler comprises directing said request to a second program running on a computer system that is running said personal proxy program.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first request handler comprises a local cache server.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said second request handler comprises a broadcast media receiver.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said broadcast media receiver is to receive one of a terrestrial radio broadcast, a satellite television broadcast, and a cable television broadcast.

13. A method for handling browser requests from a browser program for more than one data service with a personal proxy program, said method comprising:

accessing an original browser autoconfig file used by said browser program;

creating a modified autoconfig file from said original browser autoconfig file;

instructing said browser program to access said modified autoconfig file;

interfacing said personal proxy program with at least two different handlers including a broadcast media handler and an Internet handler;

accepting in said personal proxy program a request from said browser program;

selecting a handler to handle said request; and

,

directing said request to said handler.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein directing said modified autoconfig file directs requests to said personal proxy program.