Method and apparatus for optimizing client responsiveness and server performance
First Claim
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1. An on-line assistance system, comprising:
- a first computer of one who may require assistance that includes;
a display;
a monitoring unit loaded on the first computer; and
a browser loaded on the first computer and configured to request establishment of an on-line session with a second computer of one in a position to grant assistance when the browser is enabled, said browser leaving behind a Cookie or other record or pertinent user information,wherein the monitoring unit, guided by information obtained from this Cookie or other record, periodically monitors the second computer for any messages destined for the first computer when the browser is closed.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing on line assistance to an end user who is experiencing a problem with a computer. The computer includes a display, a monitoring unit, and a browser. The browser is loaded on the computer and is configured to establish an on-line session with another computer when the browser is enabled. The monitoring unit periodically monitors the other computer for any messages destined for the computer when the browser is closed.
22 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An on-line assistance system, comprising:
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a first computer of one who may require assistance that includes; a display; a monitoring unit loaded on the first computer; and a browser loaded on the first computer and configured to request establishment of an on-line session with a second computer of one in a position to grant assistance when the browser is enabled, said browser leaving behind a Cookie or other record or pertinent user information, wherein the monitoring unit, guided by information obtained from this Cookie or other record, periodically monitors the second computer for any messages destined for the first computer when the browser is closed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A computer program product that provides for on-line assistance to an end user, the end user having a first computer for communicating with a second computer of one who can offer assistance to the end user over a network, the computer program product comprising:
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a first computer program unit configured to cause a browser object to open a network browser on the first computer; a second computer program unit configured to request establishment of an on-line session with the second computer when the network browser is open on the first computer;
saving pertinent user information in the form of a Cookie or other record, anda third computer program unit guided by the user information obtained from the Cookie or other record and configured to periodically cause the first computer program unit to open the network browser to check for any messages originating from the second computer, coming from one who can offer assistance to the end user, and destined for the first computer when the network browser is closed. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for obtaining on line help for a first computer, comprising:
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opening a browser loaded on the first computer of one seeking assistance to request establishment of an on line session between the first computer and a second computer of one in a position to offer assistance; assigning a unique case number for the requested session, the unique case number also being assigned to a particular problem to be resolved on the first computer; sending at least one message between a first user of the first computer and a second user of the second computer, in order to try to resolve the problem; saving pertinent user information on the first computer in the form of a Cookie or other record, determining, at the first computer, when the browser is closed, a time from when the on line connection was first established; and periodically reopening, at the first computer, when the browser is closed, the browser in order to check for any messages having the unique case number assigned thereto at a server that is utilized by the second computer for storing messages, guided by the user information obtained from the Cookie or other record. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An apparatus for providing on-line assistance to an end user, the end user having a first computer for communicating with a second computer of one in a position to offer assistance over a network, the apparatus comprising:
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means for causing a browser object to open a network browser on the first computer; means for requesting the establishment of an on-line session with the second computer when the network browser is open on the first computer, saving pertinent user information in the form of a Cookie or other record; and means for periodically causing the first computer program unit to open the network browser to check for any messages from the second computer destined for the first computer when the network browser is closed, guided by the pertinent user information obtained from the Cookie or other record.
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Specification