Method and apparatus for providing information regarding computer programs

• US 7,480,862 B2
• Filed: 11/27/2001
• Issued: 01/20/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gula Consulting Limited Liability Company (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Claria Corporation
• Inventors: Gilbert, Charles, Dahlstrom, Kevin V., Cowden, Jax B., Eagle, Scott G., Hollrah, Philip D., McFadden, Jeffrey A., Silverberg, Marc E., Pennell, Mark E., Martin, Anthony G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Follansbee; John
• Assistant Examiner(s): DIVECHA, KAMAL B
• Application Number:
  US09/993,904
• Publication Number:
  US 20030101241A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,611 Days
• Field of Search: 709/203, 709/217
• US Class Current: 715/700
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9535 Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04812 Interaction techniques based on cursor appearance or behaviour, e.g. being affected by the presence of displayed objects

Abstract

In one embodiment, a computer program blocks windows categorized as bad windows, while allowing windows categorized as good windows to be displayed. The computer program may categorize a window by consulting one or more lists. In one embodiment, a list may be updated from time to time to optimize the computer program and prevent program-obsolescence. Techniques for defeating a window-blocking mechanism are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a window is of a type that offers a product to a user. If so, the computer program provides a separate window containing information regarding the product. In one embodiment, a computer program detects if a user has a need for the computer program. If so, the user is informed of the efficacy of the computer program, which is then offered to the user.

Claims

1. A method of providing product information to a user, the method to be performed by computer-readable program code running in a computer, the method comprising:

detecting an occurrence of a first window in the computer;

determining if the first window includes an offer to download a computer program;

identifying the computer program, including looking up in a product list a class identification (CLSID) of the computer program to be downloaded; and

displaying a second window in the computer, the second window including third party information about the computer program.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first window is launched by a web browser.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the product list is updateable by downloading a new product list from a remote computer to the computer.

4. A computer memory comprising:

a listener, the listener including computer-readable program code for detecting opening of a new window;

a product list, the product list including a list of computer programs, unique identifiers for the computer programs and a description of each of the computer programs, the description of each of the computer programs comprising third-party information that helps users decide whether they should install a computer program being offered for download;

a window analyzer, the window analyzer including computer-readable program code for detecting whether the new window is offering a computer program listed in the product list for download;

a user interface manager, the user interface manager including computer-readable program code for displaying third party information about the computer program offered in the new window and listed in the product list.