Precision Internet Alert System via Anonymous Mediator Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current internet alert systems lack precision, anonymity, and control, with email-based systems being prone to spam and slow, while RSS feeds are imprecise and require client software installation, and existing solutions fail to provide real-time, secure, and granular alerts suitable for complex applications.
Innovation Solution
A precision internet alerting system using an alert server that registers website alerts, sends anonymous notifications to client software, allowing users to select precise parameters and operators, and enables offline notifications without requiring email addresses or specific client software, utilizing HTML and JavaScript for self-provisioning by publishers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If email-based alert systems are used, then users can receive notifications about specific events, but the system loses anonymity and becomes prone to spam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alert server that acts as a mediator between websites and users. The server receives alert requests from websites, stores them anonymously without requiring user email addresses, and delivers notifications through the user's web browser. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for direct email communication, thereby preventing spam while maintaining reliable alert delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to receive alerts through their existing web browser without requiring additional client software installation or email address registration. The alert server communicates with the user's browser directly, allowing the user's own browser to serve as the notification mechanism. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on email infrastructure, removing spam vulnerabilities while maintaining anonymity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RSS feeds are used for web-based alerts, then users can receive site-based notifications, but the precision and selectivity of subscriptions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic alert parameters that can be adjusted and refined by users based on their specific needs. Unlike static RSS feeds, the system allows users to define multiple criteria for alert triggering, modify alert preferences, and receive notifications based on complex conditions. This dynamic approach enables precise control over what events trigger alerts, significantly improving subscription selectivity and alert precision.
3Productivity
If web spiders are used to analyze websites for changes, then automated alerts can be generated, but the alerts become imprecise and produce false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs preliminary action by having website publishers pre-define specific alert conditions and parameters before events occur. Instead of using web spiders to second-guess what changes are significant, the publisher establishes precise triggering criteria in advance. When events occur, the system simply checks whether they match the pre-defined conditions, eliminating false positives while maintaining automated alert generation efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RSS aggregators are used to subscribe to different sites, then users can access various alerts, but the client software must poll many sites which is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple alert subscription functions into a single centralized alert server. Instead of requiring client software to poll numerous individual websites, the system consolidates alert management at the server level. The alert server receives notifications from multiple websites and delivers them to the user through a single interface in the user's browser. This combining approach maintains multi-site alert coverage while dramatically reducing client software complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for providing a non-email based precision web alert for a website or web-based application (16) provided by a web publisher (12). The method involves the publisher (12) registering at least one alert at an alert server (14) and then presenting the alert on the related website or web-based application (16) for selection by a user (10). When the alert is selected, the user can define at least one alert variable, such as an alert parameter and/or operator and/or threshold. When an event associated with the alert occurs, an event notification is posted by the website publisher (12) at the alert server (14). Dedicated alert software at the user's terminal (10) polls the alert server (14) to identify any event notifications for selected alerts with the user-defined variables. When an event notification is identified, the alert software generates an alert notification at the user's terminal. In this way, non-email, precision alerts can be delivered to a user.