Abstract: A web agent system automatically performs tasks for a computer user based upon the actions of the user. The web agent system includes a local assistant program stored on a user computer which performs various functions based upon rules and data. The local assistant program and rules are downloaded from a first local assistant server maintained by an application service provider. The data used with the rules by the local assistant program is downloaded from a second local assistant server maintained by an assisted merchant. The web agent monitors the user's actions and performs tasks related to the detected actions based upon the rules and data. The web agent also automatically updates the rules and data.

Abstract: A system for assisting a mobile client interact with associated computers includes a mobile device, a broker, a mini-server and a personal agent. The mobile device transmits requests which include identification information and security information. The requests are transmitted to the mini-server either directly or through the broker. The requests may also be transmitted to the personal agent. Public and restricted requests are transmitted to the mini-server which responds to the requests by providing information accessible through the internet. Private requests are transmitted to the personal agent. Secure connections between the mobile device, broker, mini-server and personal agent are used if required by the security level of the request. The mini-server or personal agent obtains the requested information and formats the requested information according to the requirements of the mobile client identification.

Abstract: A methodology and automated system are provided whereby a merchant presents timely and relevant information to customers. The system includes a client-side local assistant system and a server-side component. The client-side local assistant system, which is download installed on a customer's computer, implements an automated client-side system that is fully data driven. The data is partly downloaded data, called rulesets, and partly data that is collected and stored locally, called interaction data. The client-side system includes functionality for specifying and interpreting rulesets for observing, analyzing and storing information about, and relating to, computer-mediated customer interactions, such as viewing web pages or playing music. The client-side system also includes functionality for defining periodic tasks, such as gathering, analyzing and displaying information on topics of interest, and for direct interaction between the client-side system and the customer.

Abstract: A web agent system automatically performs tasks for a computer user based upon the actions of the user. The web agent system includes a local assistant program stored on a user computer which performs various functions based upon rules and data. The local assistant program and rules are downloaded from a first local assistant server maintained by an application service provider. The data used with the rules by the local assistant program is downloaded from a second local assistant server maintained by an assisted merchant. The web agent monitors the user's actions and performs tasks related to the detected actions based upon the rules and data. The web agent also automatically updates the rules and data.

Abstract: A system for assisting a mobile client interact with associated computers includes a mobile device, a broker, a mini-server and a personal agent. The mobile device transmits requests which include identification information and security information. The requests are transmitted to the mini-server either directly or through the broker. The requests may also be transmitted to the personal agent. Public and restricted requests are transmitted to the mini-server which responds to the requests by providing information accessible through the internet. Private requests are transmitted to the personal agent. Secure connections between the mobile device, broker, mini-server and personal agent are used if required by the security level of the request. The mini-server or personal agent obtains the requested information and formats the requested information according to the requirements of the mobile client identification.