Displaying content from multiple servers

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for integrating an on-line service community with a foreign service such as the Internet World Wide Web. To take advantage of the present invention, on-line service subscribers access a membership module to complete a membership process in which they join communities each of which represents a specific area of interest. The present invention operates as an extension to a user's preferred Web browser and is manifested as a toolbar comprised of control buttons and a viewer on a computer user's screen. By interacting with the control buttons of the toolbar and the menus of the viewer, on-line service content is delivered to the user in response to the URLs specified by the user as he or she browses the Web. In addition, control buttons on the toolbar present opportunities for interacting with other community members. Although the user may change URLs and Web sites frequently, the present invention maintains a context—via a persistent connection between a Community Server at the on-line service and a Community Client on the user's computer—for the user's interactions so that on-line service content may be presented and interactions with other community members facilitated. The benefit of the present invention for end-users is a transformation of the Web to a community.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 079,228 filed Feb. 20, 2002 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 455,652 filed Dec. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,795 issued Aug. 13, 2002, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 135,694 filed Aug. 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,884 issued Feb. 1, 2000, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 745,294 filed Nov. 8, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,393 issued Aug. 18, 1998.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to systems for human-computer interaction. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for enhancing a computer user's Internet browsing experience by determining a user's preferences and facilitating the user's interaction with a community of users (community members) sharing similar preferences via community content annotations ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a technology that enhances the user experience on the internet by creating a social network where users can connect with others who share similar interests or backgrounds. This is done through a set of tools and capabilities that allow users to communicate with each other in real-time through various methods such as chat, gaming, and voting. The technology also integrates with the user's browser, providing a seamless experience while browsing the internet. Overall, the invention helps users navigate the web and create meaningful connections with others.

Problems solved by technology

Few, if any opportunities for interacting with others are presented to Web users.

What is further confusing to many computer users is the fact that they must learn and use different user interface software for interacting with or navigating / browsing the information service (i.e., information service communication software) than they use for interacting with or navigating / browsing the Web.

Users' on-line experiences are compromised because they must switch between applications to access information service content and then Internet / Web content.

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