Method, apparatus and system for directing access to content on a computer network

Abstract

Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing an on-line user to predetermined information. Preferred embodiments of the instant invention interface with the user's browser to utilize the functions of the browser for directing user "traffic" on a network. In preferred embodiments, when a user accesses a web site page, a traffic control program is executed for the page, wherein the traffic control program controls the transmission (downloading) of data to the user computer and further creates a modified set of rules for at least one of the browser functions. Upon query (or other interaction) by the browser prior to closing page, the traffic control program interacts with the browser software to modify or control one or more of the browser functions, such that the user computer is further directed to a predesignated site or page (and displays a predesignated frame) upon execution of a browser function, instead of accessing the site or page typically associated with the selected browser function.

Description

[0001] This invention is directed to a method, apparatus and system for directing and diverting access to content on a computer network and, in preferred embodiments, for effectively directing on-line users to predetermined information, including, but not limited to, promotional, sales, advertising, safety, health, political or governmental information.[0002] Since their early development in the 1950's and 1960's, the use of computer networks for communication and sharing of information (or content) between multiple computers has become increasingly popular and diverse. In many modern businesses and organizations, computers are interconnected in a closed architecture, or intranet, to allow communication between defined computers within the business or organization. Open, public-access networks, typically referred to as internets, on the other hand, allow access to any computer that logs on (or otherwise connects) to the network. The largest open network is the Internet, which is com...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] An object of preferred embodiments is to direct the on-line user's attention to predetermined information so as to increase the possibility of the user's interest in such information.

[0015] A further object of preferred embodiments is to generate traffic for web sites and other Internet properties, and to provide advertising and purchasing opportunities to the user. An advantage to this object is that existing traffic on the web site can be leveraged such that traffic to one or more new destinations can be amplified.

[0029] The Back 24, Forward 26 and Home 28 functions allow a user to return to a previously viewed page (Back 24 and Forward 26) or a predesignated page (Home 28). The Back 24 function allows the user to return to the web site page initially viewed directly before the current page and the Forward 26 function allows the user to return to a page which was initially viewed after the current page. Thus, for example, if a user has already viewed pages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, and the user is currently reviewing page 4, the Back 24 function allows the user to return to page 3 and the Forward 26 function allows the user to return to page 5. The Home 28 function returns the user to the home or introductory page of the browser, such as that shown in FIG. 2. The Address Location Slot 30 allows the user to input an address of a specific web page and locate themself to that page. Both the Bookmark 32 and Favorite Links 34 functions allow the retrieval of a saved address of a web page.

Problems solved by technology

While the ability to quickly move from one page or site to another has significant advantages in many contexts, it can be difficult to obtain a user's attention for sufficient time to, for example, provide the user with important information.

Indeed, other than a link to an additional page of information, a typical web site operator may not be able to effectively direct the information accessed by a user such that a user's attention can be directed to particular information considered to be important by the web site operator, for example, warning, health or safety information, advertising or promotional information, political or governmental information or the like.

Indeed, conventional links are ineffective in that the user can quickly effectively jump to another page or site before obtaining or viewing the information at the linked page, by merely activating a browser function, for example, to return them to the page originating the link, or to access a new site altogether.

Images