Browser Home Page Management via Rule-Based Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current web browser techniques for managing multiple home pages are inefficient, as they often require user action to view updated pages and rely on email notifications, which can be overwhelming, and do not allow for dynamic selection based on user preferences or changes in web content.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods and apparatus that allow users to define and select multiple home pages based on predefined rules, such as random selection, schedule, percentage change, or weighted importance, to automatically present relevant content upon browser initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single home page is specified, then the browser startup is simple and fast, but the user cannot access multiple frequently visited sites efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the home page concept into multiple independent home pages, each representing a different frequently visited site. Users can define and manage multiple home pages separately, allowing the browser to present different home pages for different purposes or sites without complicating the overall browser structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser's home page functionality is enhanced to support multiple home pages simultaneously. The system provides a universal home page management mechanism that can handle various scenarios (single home page, multiple home pages, random selection, scheduled selection) through a unified interface and control structure.
2Loss of information
If email notifications are used to notify users of web page changes, then users are informed of updates, but the notification system becomes overwhelming and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the notification function from the traditional email-based system and integrates it directly into the browser interface. Changed content is presented within the browser itself, allowing users to view updates without leaving the browser environment or dealing with email clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that monitors web page changes and automatically presents them to users within the browser. This intermediary layer filters and manages change notifications, presenting only relevant updates in a controlled manner rather than overwhelming users with all possible notifications.
3Loss of information
If users manually check for web page changes, then users can view updated content, but user time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically monitoring and detecting changes to web pages in the background before users need to view them. The browser proactively identifies updated content and prepares it for presentation, eliminating the need for users to manually check for changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors web pages for changes and automatically notifies users when updates are detected. This feedback loop operates in the background, keeping users informed of changes without requiring their active participation or time investment.
4Loss of information
If RSS feeds are used to track web site changes, then users can manage updates, but manual intervention is still required to view and manage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RSS feed functionality with the browser's native home page and navigation features. Instead of requiring users to separately manage RSS feeds in external readers, the system combines change tracking and content presentation within the browser itself, eliminating the need for manual intervention in RSS management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting, tracking, and presenting web page changes without requiring users to manually manage RSS feeds or subscriptions. The browser autonomously monitors for changes and presents updated content, freeing users from manual feed management tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for managing a plurality of home pages for a user. One or more web pages are presented to a user by identifying a plurality of home pages associated with the user; and selecting one or more of the home pages to present to the user based on one or more predefined rules. The home pages associated with the user can be selected by the user. A number of different predefined rules can be applied for selecting the home pages to be presented to the user.