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

0013] The displayed destination is dependant upon the executed browser function. In preferred embodiments, the software (or browser script) associated with the hidden frame includes routines for controlling which further content, site or page (further HTML frames) that will be downloaded to the user computer, based on which browser function is selected by the user. Any suitable script language that is compatible with browser software, such as Java Script, may be employed for interaction with the browser to effect such control of content dow

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

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