System and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data
One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one to many configuration where each recipient can customize the data to be received in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control over the content and revenue generated from each deployment.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/621,016 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTANEOUSLY DEPLOYING PACKETIZED DATA” and filed on Oct. 20, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to the field of communication oriented computer software. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the computer software described herein enables the instant deployment of alert data across disparate systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various systems for deploying message data. A commonly used term for this type of real-time exchange is instant messaging. Instant messaging is inexpensive, with most vendors giving away the product and others charging nominal licensing fees. Such instant messaging systems are powerful in that they allow users to communicate in one window while, for example, looking over a document in another. Team members in different locations can set up impromptu conversations, bouncing ideas and strategies off each other.
Some examples of instant messaging systems capable of deploying message data across a network include systems such as Internet Relay Chat (IRC), AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger provide mechanisms for instantaneously transporting data between client computers. Generally speaking these systems provide a plurality of client systems with the ability to transmit data between each client system by transporting the data through a server system. Each of these systems identified above utilizes its own protocol to transport data and message data from one system cannot currently cross over to another system. The best-known instant messaging system is America Online's Instant Messenger (AIM). AIM is software that anyone with an Internet connection can download, whether they are an AOL member or not. After registering a screen name, the user can maintain lists of AOL members and other AIM users, and be alerted whenever one of those in the list comes on-line. When one of those in the list comes on-line, the corresponding screen name appears in an AIM interface window on the screen. By clicking on the name appearing in the AIM interface window, the user may then send an instant message and initiate a conversation session. Users can also sort their buddies into groups.
There are a number of patented system relating to the deployment of data. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. ______ (TO BE PROVIDED) describes an information and advertising distribution system. A data server stores and updates a database of information items and advertisements. The information items and advertisements are each categorized so that each has an associated information category. Workstations remotely located from the data server each include a display device, a communication interface for receiving at least a subset of the information items and advertisements in the data server's database and local memory for storing the information items and advertisements received from the data server. An information administrator in each workstation establishes communication with the data server from time to time so as to update the information items and advertisements stored in local memory with at least a subset of the information items and advertisements stored by the data server. An information display controller in each workstation displays on the workstation's display device at least a subset of the information items and advertisements stored in local memory when the workstation meets predefined idleness criteria. At least a subset of the workstations include a profiler for storing subscriber profile data. The subscriber profile data represents subscriber information viewing preferences, indicating information categories for which the subscriber does and does not want to view information items. The information display controller includes a filter for excluding from the information items displayed on the display device those information items inconsistent with the subscriber profile data.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,415 describes a closed-loop message distribution system configured to accept documents from a variety or sources via a plurality of media, presenting the documents to a plurality of recipients through their preferred communications channel, document personalization, and suppressing delivery of follow-up documents to those recipients who have responded to an earlier related message.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,602 describes a method and system for interactively responding to queries from a remotely located user includes a computer server system configured to receiving an instant message query or request from the user over the Internet. The query or request is interpreted and appropriate action is taken, such as accessing a local or remote data resource and formulating an answer to the user's query. The answer is formatted as appropriate and returned to the user as an instant message or via another route specified by the user. A method and system of providing authenticated access to a given web page via instant messaging is also disclosed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one to many configuration where each recipient can customize the data to be received in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control over the content and revenue generated from each deployment. Systems enabling one or more aspects of the invention comprise a scalable set of server computers coupled through an interconnection fabric such as a computer network (e.g., wired or wireless) to a set of recipient computers. The server or set of servers is configured to interface with a plurality of independent publishing systems where each publisher can customize the content and interface within which a set of packetized alert data messages will be delivered. Through a message delivery interface tied into the publishing system an administrator has the ability to exercise control over the instantaneous deployment of messages contained within the packetized data. The functionality implemented by the message delivery interface is described and shown in
Communication modules located on each of the recipient computers are coupled to the server system and configured to function as a conduit for transporting packetized data to the recipient computer. The communication module remains active so long as predefined billing criteria are maintained. Data can be forwarded to an address (e.g., IP address, MAC address, email address, etc . . . ) at time increments determined by the publisher rather than queried or obtained from the server at the request of a client computer. At the destination address (e.g., recipient-user computer) software is configured to make use of a screen region representative of the output of communication module as displayed via delivery/display interface. The screen region is capable of displaying data received in various protocols and can, for instance, display HTML data, XML, data, image data, plug-in data and other data packaged as an atomic unit and sent to communication module for display via screen region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data in a one to many configuration where each recipient can customize the data to be received in a way that leaves a publisher with optimum control over the content and revenue generated from each deployment. In the following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. In other instances specific features well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention.
Communication module 200 is coupled to the server system and a conduit for transporting packetized data to the recipient computer remains active while predefined billing criteria are maintained. The communication module can utilize various transport mechanisms to obtain data from the server system. For instance, protocols such as HTTP, FTP, or instant messaging protocols such as IRC, AIM, or any other logical protocol for transmitting data between two points. The system can utilize presentation layer engines such as Gecko or IE to render and layout the packetized data in a format customized as per the publisher requirements. Different users may also set different publication preferences. Data is forwarded to an address (e.g., IP address, MAC address, email address, etc . . . ) at time increments determined by the publisher rather than queried or obtained from the server at the request of a client computer.
In one or more embodiments of the invention data is forwarded to a recipient upon initiation of a publisher who may optionally choose to secure the communication link (115) via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or via any other suitable encryption technology. Users at the recipient computer may respond to the publisher by providing information such as survey data, purchase data or any desired data. A publisher may, for instance, instantaneously transmit data such as news or survey questions along with an accompanying response form. Users may complete the form and submit that information back to the publisher via the same conduit used for transmission of the data. The invention contemplates the inclusion of a mechanism that allows recipient users to authenticate the identity of the publisher and hence, prior to providing requested data, the user can take steps to ensure the data is being provided to a proper party. For instance, authentication may occur through entry of a user or publisher defined password or security phrase. In cases where the publisher is communicating with a known recipient, complementary encryption keys may provide a method for verifying the identity of each respective party. Other checks or verification procedures are also feasible and contemplated as being within the scope and spirit of the invention, but not described here for purposes of brevity.
It is also possible to use embodiments of the invention to instantaneously broadcast form data to a plurality of users for purposes of completion. This form data may be transmitted in numerous contexts and provides a way for users to submit a response to server 110n or third-party server 120n. News entities could, for instance, embedded surveys in stories being pushed to their readers and obtain immediate feedback about the story for any suitable purpose. Executives can broadcast surveys to employees of customers for purposes of addressing a specific issue and obtain instantaneous feedback. Members of a group can obtain information from other members for purposes of a vote or other need by instantaneously broadcasting a form to the members for completion. Advertisers can deploy ads to a known test market that has a well-defined set of characteristics and seek specific feedback by accompanying the advertisement with a form asking for feedback.
It is possible to utilize the system for instantaneously deploying packetized data described herein as a stand-alone communication channel or as a complement to an existing communication methodology. In instances where a pre-existing relationship exists between the publisher and the recipient (e.g., company/customer) the system can be used in place of technologies such as email to provide a structure to send and receive data. If a customer is contacting technical support to ask a question, the publisher (in this case the entity providing technical support) may affirmatively transmit basic questions to the inquirer while that person is on hold or during the phone call. Hence the system provides a secure conduit for sending and fetching select information from a distinct group of identifiable recipients.
In one embodiment of the invention publishing users may also define an SMS version of the alert which is to be transmitted simultaneous with the version formatted for screen region 300 or independent of the screen region 300 version. The SMS version is formatted in the SMS region 411 of alert interface 400 and typically created in a way where it is formatted for display on wireless computing devices such as cell phones or PDAs. When an SMS version is formatted it is also posted via post mechanism 410.
In one embodiment of the invention data is forwarded in accordance with criteria defined by the publisher so long as appropriate billing or other criteria are maintained. For instance, in some cases packetized alert data may only be transmitted to paying customers. When maintenance of the billing requirements ceases the conduit is terminated and transmission of the packetized data stops. The incremental revenue generated from the transmission of packetized data to the recipient computers is proportionally shared with the operator of the publishing system. Once a connection is established with a recipient billing constraints are setup to ensure a relatively predictable revenue stream.
Once an alert is created, the functions and conditions for viewing and controlling the alert are defined via an alert control interface 500 which is depicted in
One embodiment of the invention comprises an administration interface configured to initiate a process for auto billing all accounts associated with one or more recipient computers. Billing information such as credit card or other payment information (which is typically collected during registration) is batched and sent to an approval gateway 150 for processing. The validity of the payment information is verified at approval gateway 150 and payment is recorded when an approval is provided. In instances where the payment information is declined, the approval gateway determines the reason for the declination (e.g., lack of funds or an expired card) and automatically generates notification requesting the recipient-user provide an alternative means of payment or update their payment information. These notification messages can be sent via e-mail or transmitted to select users through the publishing system described herein. If the user responds by providing payment information with a period of time set by the publisher, that information is again submitted to the approval gateway for processing. If the payment information is approved, payment is recorded. If payment information is not received within the appropriate timeframe or payment is again declined, the conduit 160 between the publishing system and the recipient computer is terminated.
When recipient-users access third-party server(s) 120n and the transaction to be performed at third-party server(s) 120n requires the processing of payment information the third-part server may make use of the information provided by the recipient-user to publishing system 120 (e.g., during registration) and use that information to process payments for its own services. In such cases the entity associated with the third-party server is able to avoid having to collect payment information from the recipient-user that is already on file with the publishing system. In cases where third-party server is associated with an entity independent of publishing system(s) 120, the entity providing the payment information may draw a commission for the transaction and/or a referral fee for directing recipient-users to third-party server 120n. Hence the entity broadcasting messages can be compensated for driving sales to a third-party server. In other cases the entity associated with third-party server 120n pays a monthly fee to publishing system 120.
Hence a method and apparatus for instantaneously deploying packetized alert data is described. The claims however and the fill scope of any equivalents are what describe the metes and bounds of the invention.
Claims
1. In a computer system, a method for instantaneously deploying packetized data comprising:
- obtaining identifying information from a plurality of recipients, where said identifying information comprises content preferences, hardware specific information and payment information associated with said plurality of recipients;
- storing said identifying information on a set of at least one servers where said at least one server is configured to initiate a conduit for instantaneously transporting packetized data to a plurality of recipient computers via a communication network;
- registering each of said plurality of recipient computers with a publishing system, where said publishing system comprises an interface able to modify said content preferences and define a presentation layer interface configured to display said packetized data; and
- an approval gateway associated with said publishing system where said approval gateway is configured to periodically process said payment information, automatically identifying potential problems with said payment information, and if necessary transmit messages to said plurality of recipients to obtain corrections to said payment information.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 20, 2005
Publication Date: Jun 1, 2006
Inventor: Jess Dolgin (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 11/256,243
International Classification: H04N 7/16 (20060101); H04N 7/10 (20060101); H04N 7/025 (20060101);