U.S. patent application number 09/172767 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for method to automatically fill entry items of documents, recording mediun and system thereof.
Invention is credited to MURAKAMI, KOICHI, NISHIYAMA, SOICHI, YASUKAWA, TAKEO.
Application Number | 20020023102 09/172767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 14523758 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020023102 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NISHIYAMA, SOICHI ; et
al. |
February 21, 2002 |
METHOD TO AUTOMATICALLY FILL ENTRY ITEMS OF DOCUMENTS, RECORDING
MEDIUN AND SYSTEM THEREOF
Abstract
An item data entry method by detecting a constituent element
which represents an entry item from among received Internet
documents, based on the document structure data of a document such
as an HTML document containing the entry item key, comparing the
entry item key of the detected entry item with the entry item key
registered in a database, thereby automatically entering in the
entry item the user's name, address, phone number, and the like
corresponding to the entry item key registered in the database
which has been matched as a result of comparison.
Inventors: |
NISHIYAMA, SOICHI;
(KAWASAKI-SHI, JP) ; YASUKAWA, TAKEO;
(KAWASAKI-SHI, JP) ; MURAKAMI, KOICHI;
(KAWASAKI-SHI, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STAAS & HALSEY
700 ELEVENTH STREET NW
SUITE 500
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
|
Family ID: |
14523758 |
Appl. No.: |
09/172767 |
Filed: |
October 15, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 40/174
20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/500 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 1998 |
JP |
10-109969 |
Claims
1. An item data entry method for entering specific data in an entry
item of a document for an item data entry when receiving the
document for an item data entry whose constituent element attached
with document structure data containing an entry item key
indicating an attribute of the specific data to be entered in the
entry item, said method comprising: a first step of registering an
entry item key and specific data in a database or updating contents
registered in said database; a second step of detecting a
constituent element which indicates an entry item from among the
received document, based on said document structure data; a third
step of comparing an entry item key of a detected entry item with
an entry item key registered in said database; and a fourth step of
restructuring said document for item data entry by attaching to
said entry item specific data corresponding to the entry item key
in said database which has been matched with the entry item key of
the detected entry item as a result of the comparison.
2. The item data entry method according to claim 1, wherein said
first step comprising a step of registering specific data to be
entered correspondingly to the entry item key in said database in
which an entry item key is registered.
3. The item data entry method according to claim 1 further
comprising: a step of, when the comparison result of said third
step indicates that an entry item key to be matched is not
registered in the database, requiring an input of said entry item
key and specific data, and a step of additionally registering in
said database the entry item key and the specific data
correspondingly which have been input in response to the
requirement.
4. The item data entry method according to claim 2 further
comprising: a step of, when the comparison result of said third
step indicates that an entry item key to be matched is not
registered in the database, requiring an input of said entry item
key and specific data, and a step of additionally registering in
said database the entry item key and the specific data
correspondingly which have been input in response to the
requirement.
5. The item data entry method according to claim 1, wherein said
first step is a step of additionally registering another entry item
key for specific data to which an entry item key having already
been registered in said database.
6. The item data entry method according to claim 2, wherein said
first step is a step of additionally registering another entry item
key for specific data to which an entry item key having already
been registered in said database.
7. The item data entry method according to claim 3, wherein said
first step is a step of additionally registering another entry item
key for specific data to which an entry item key having already
been registered in said database.
8. The item data entry method according to claim 4, wherein said
first step is a step of additionally registering another entry item
key for specific data to which an entry item key having already
been registered in said database.
9. The item data entry method according to claim 1, wherein said
fourth step is a step of restructuring a document with an entry
item containing specific data and an entry item attached with said
specific data and text data indicating an item to be entered to
said entry item as constituent elements.
10. The item data entry method according to claim 1, wherein said
fourth step is a step of restructuring a document which makes an
entry item containing an entry item attached with specific data to
be displayed in a manner different from other constituent
elements.
11. The item data entry method according to claim 1 further
comprising a step of selecting a database from among a plurality of
databases, and wherein said third step is a step of comparing the
entry item key of the detected entry item with an entry item key
registered in the selected database.
12. The item data entry method according to claim 1 further
comprising: a step of receiving and storing a document containing
said entry item; a step of entering and setting a transmission
timing of a document which has been restructured from the received
document; and a step of executing a detection of an entry item from
the received document, comparison of the entry item key, and
restructuring of a document at a timing in accordance with said
transmission timing and of transmitting the restructured document
at said transmission timing.
13. The item data entry method according to claim 12 further
comprising: a step of storing data on transmission results of a
document and data on an entry item in which specific data has not
been entered; and a step of outputting the stored data responsive
to a request to refer to the stored contents.
14. The item data entry method according to claim 13 further
comprising a step of extracting a feature of identification data of
a transmitting destination contained in data related to
transmission results of a document and/or a feature of stored
identification data of a transmitting destination when the data to
identify the transmitting destination of the document is stored,
and wherein said step of receiving and storing a document is a step
of selectively storing a document which agrees with the extracted
feature among the received documents.
15. The item data entry method according to claim 1 further
comprising: a step of a server receiving and storing a document
containing said entry item; and a step of transmitting the document
to a client.
16. The item data entry method according to claim 12 further
comprising: a step of a server receiving and storing a document
containing said entry item; and a step of transmitting the document
to a client.
17. The item data entry method according to claim 15 further
comprising: a step of, when identification data to identify a
transmitting destination of a document is registered at a client
and data related to transmission results of the document is stored
at the client, a server receiving the identification data of a
transmitting destination contained in the data related to the
transmission results of the document and/or registered
identification data of the transmitting destination from the
client; a step of the server extracting a feature contained in said
identification data; and a step of the server transmitting to the
client a document which agrees with the extracted feature from
among documents containing entry items received and stored by the
server.
18. The item data entry method according to claim 16 further
comprising: a step of, when identification data to identify a
transmitting destination of a document is registered at a client
and data related to transmission results of the document is stored
at the client, a server receiving the identification data of a
transmitting destination contained in the data related to the
transmission results of the document and/or registered
identification data of the transmitting destination from the
client; a step of the server extracting a feature contained in said
identification data; and a step of the server transmitting to the
client a document which agrees with the extracted feature from
among documents containing entry items received and stored by the
server.
19. The item data entry method according to claim 15 further
comprising a step of the server allowing the client to browse the
stored document in response to the client's request.
20. The item data entry method according to claim 16 further
comprising a step of the server allowing the client to browse the
stored document in response to the client's request.
21. The item data entry method according to claim 17 further
comprising a step of the server allowing the client to browse the
stored document in response to the client's request.
22. The item data entry method according to claim 18 further
comprising a step of the server allowing the client to browse the
stored document in response to the client's request.
23. The item data entry method according to claim 1 further
comprising: a step of calculating a degree of resemblance of an
entry item key as a comparison target which has partially matched
with an already registered entry item key as a result of the
comparison in said third step; and a step of considering that an
entry item key is matched as a result of the comparison when the
degree of resemblance is equal to or higher than a predetermined
value.
24. The item data entry method according to claim 23 further
comprising a step of setting said predetermined value.
25. The item data entry method according to claim 23 further
comprising a step of registering in said database the entry item
key as the comparison target having a degree of resemblance equal
to or higher than the predetermined value and specific data to be
entered correspondingly to said entry item key.
26. The item data entry method according to claim 24 further
comprising a step of registering in said database the entry item
key as the comparison target having a degree of resemblance equal
to or higher than the predetermined value and specific data to be
entered correspondingly to said entry item key.
27. A computer readable recording medium for causing a computer to
receive a document for item data entry with a constituent element
attached with document structure data containing an entry item key
indicating an attribute of specific data to be entered in the entry
item and causing said computer to enter said specific data in said
entry item of the document for item data entry, said recording
medium comprising: a database capable of registering said specific
data correspondingly to an entry item key or updating contents
registered in said database; a program code means for causing said
computer to detect a constituent element which indicates an entry
item from among the received document, based on said document
structure data; a program code means for causing said computer to
compare an entry item key of the detected entry item with an entry
item key registered in said database; and a program code means for
causing said computer to restructure said document for item data
entry by attaching to said entry item specific data corresponding
to the entry item key in the database which has been matched as a
result of the comparison.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an item data entry method
for automatically entering specific data specified at the
transmission destination such as a user's name, address, telephone
number in an entry item of a document in which a constituent
element disposed between tags "FORM" which are structure data of a
document like an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) document provided
by a World-Wide Web server of the Internet indicates that the
constituent element displays the entry item where data like text
data is allowed to be entered on the browser at the transmission
destination, and further relates to a recording medium where the
program of the method is stored.
[0002] With the spread of the Internet, more and more users have
come to receive HTML documents along with increasing program
downloads and accesses to home pages. These HTML documents have
download application pages, questionnaires, prize contests entry
pages provided with an entry item for a user who has received a
document to enter his/her personal data such as name, address, and
phone number.
[0003] In these documents, when a user enters the above-mentioned
personal data in an entry item on the browser and presses a
transmission button, errors of entered character types and
incomplete entry to necessary items are checked, and if the entry
is correct, then an HTML document restructured based on the entered
personal data is transferred to the transmitter as a mail or the
like.
[0004] Thus, a user must key-in his/her unique data such as name,
address, and phone number every time he/she transfers an answer to
a questionnaire, an application page, and an entry page, which not
only makes the entry operation troublesome, but also requires that
the user check with the eye before transmission whether the data
has been correctly entered or not.
[0005] Some browsers have their own formats of keywords for entry
items, for example, assigning the keyword "name" to the data on
names, and automatically enters data in the entry item when the
keyword matches the format.
[0006] However, the browser decides keywords independently so that
when the transmitting side and the receiving side of a document
apply different browsers from each other and their formats for
keywords do not match such as a case where one browser assigns the
keyword "name" to the data on names and the other assigns the
keyword "names", the data is not automatically entered in the entry
item. Consequently, a user must key-in the necessary data in the
entry item.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve these
problems and has an object of providing an item data entry method
and a recording medium in which the program of this method is
stored for automatically entering specific data in an entry item
even when the user at the transmitting side and the user at the
receiving side use browsers having different keyword formats from
each other or even when to the entry item is assigned a keyword out
of the format if the keyword is once registered to a database by
storing the specific data such as the user's name and address
specified at the transmission destination correspondingly to the
keyword of the entry item in which the specific data is to be
entered in a database, by searching the database for the specific
data with the keyword being matched, and by automatically entering
the specific data in the entry item or by allowing the keyword and
the specific data to be additionally registered to the
database.
[0008] The present invention is characterized by registering an
entry item key and specific data in a database or updating contents
registered in the database; detecting a constituent element
representing an entry item from among the received document, based
on the document structure data; comparing an entry item key of a
detected entry item with an entry item key registered in the
database; and restructuring the document for item data input by
attaching to the entry item specific data corresponding to the
entry item key in the database which has been matched with the
entry item key of the detected entry item as a result of the
comparison.
[0009] Consequently, when the user at the receiving side and the
user at the transmitting side use browsers having different keyword
formats from each other, specific data is automatically entered in
the corresponding entry item if the entry item key registered in
the database matches the keyword.
[0010] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by registering specific data to be entered
correspondingly to the entry item key in the database in which an
entry item key is registered.
[0011] Consequently, since the entry item key usually used is
registered in the database, specific data to be entered is known
which facilitates the setting of the database.
[0012] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by, when the comparison result indicates that an
entry item key to be matched is not registered in the database,
requiring an input of the entry item key and specific data, and
additionally registering in the database the entry item key and the
specific data correspondingly which have been input in response to
the requirement.
[0013] Consequently, when the user at the receiving side and the
user at the transmitting side use browsers having different keyword
formats from each other, or when to the entry item is assigned a
keyword out of the format, specific data is automatically entered
in the entry item.
[0014] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by additionally registering another entry item key
for specific data to which an entry item key having already been
registered in the database.
[0015] Consequently, when the user at the receiving side and the
user at the transmitting side use browsers having different keyword
formats from each other, or when to the entry item is assigned a
keyword out of the format, specific data is automatically entered
in the entry item.
[0016] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by restructuring a document with an entry item
containing specific data and an entry item attached with the
specific data and text data indicating an item to be entered to the
entry item as constituent elements.
[0017] Consequently, users can easily check the specific data which
has been automatically entered in the entry item and the entry item
in which the specific data has not been automatically entered, and
enter the specific data.
[0018] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by restructuring a document which makes an entry item
containing an entry item attached with specific data to be
displayed in a manner different from other constituent
elements.
[0019] Consequently, users can easily check with the eye the
specific data which has been automatically entered in the entry
item and the entry item in which the specific data has not been
automatically entered.
[0020] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by selecting a database from among a plurality of
databases and comparing the entry item key of the detected entry
item with an entry item key registered in the selected
database.
[0021] Consequently, when different databases are provided for
example, for Japanese language, for English language, for a certain
person, and for business, the databases as the comparison target of
the entry item key are narrowed down, which reduces the time to be
required for the comparison.
[0022] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by receiving and storing a document containing the
entry item; entering and setting a transmission timing of a
document which has been restructured from the document received;
and executing a detection of an entry item from the received
document, comparison of the entry item key, and restructuring of a
document at a timing in accordance with the transmission timing and
of transmitting the restructured document at the transmission
timing.
[0023] Consequently, if only users set the transmission timing of
application pages, answers to questionnaires, entry pages, or the
like, they are automatically transmitted at the set timing, without
being forgotten to transmit.
[0024] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by storing data on transmission results of a document
and data on an entry item in which specific data has not been
entered; and outputting the stored data responsive to the request
to refer to the stored contents.
[0025] Consequently, users can additionally register the entry item
key of the entry item in which specific data has not been entered
and the specific data thereof to the database so as to complete the
database.
[0026] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by extracting a feature of identification data of a
transmission destination contained in data related to transmission
results of a document such as log data and/or a feature of stored
identification data of a transmitting destination when the data to
identify the transmitting destination of the document such as
history data or bookmark is stored, and selectively storing a
document which agrees with the extracted feature among the received
documents.
[0027] Consequently, documents which suit the users' tastes and
objects are stored.
[0028] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by a server receiving and storing a document
containing the entry item; and transmitting the document to a
client.
[0029] Consequently, the number of documents to be stored by the
client increases.
[0030] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by, when identification data to identify a
transmitting destination of a document is registered at a client
and data related to transmission results of the document is stored
at the client, a server receiving the identification data of a
transmitting destination contained in the data related to the
transmission results of the document and/or registered
identification data of the transmitting destination from the
client; the server extracting a feature contained in the
identification data; and the server transmitting to the client a
document which agrees with the extracted feature from among
documents containing entry items received and stored by the
server.
[0031] Consequently, the documents which suit the users' tastes and
objects are provided from the server.
[0032] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by the server allowing the client to browse the
stored document in response to the client's request.
[0033] Consequently, the client can receive desirable documents
from the documents he has browsed.
[0034] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by calculating a degree of resemblance of an entry
item key as comparison target which has partially matched with an
already registered entry item key as a result of the comparison in
the third step; and considering that an entry item key is matched
as a result of the comparison when the degree of resemblance is
equal to or higher than a predetermined value.
[0035] Consequently, even when an uncertain entry item key is
entered, the specific data is automatically entered in the entry
item.
[0036] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by setting the predetermined value.
[0037] Consequently, the user can arbitrarily set the level at
which the entry item keys are regarded as being matched.
[0038] The item data entry method of the present invention is
characterized by registering in the database the entry item key as
the comparison target having a degree of resemblance equal to or
higher than the predetermined value and specific data to be entered
correspondingly to the entry item key.
[0039] Consequently, the entry item key similar to an already
registered entry item key and specific data can be additionally
registered to the database so as to customize the database for the
user.
[0040] The above and further objects and features of the invention
will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description
with accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0041] FIG. 1 is a principle drawing of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 1 of a
communication device which performs the method of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a conceptual drawing of an example of a modified
specific data database;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 2 of the
communication device which performs the method of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 3 of the
communication device which performs the method of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 4 of the
communication device which performs the method of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 5 of the
communication device which performs the method of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a structural example of an
entry item comparison unit;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a concrete
example of the method of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing another
concrete example of the method of the present invention; and
[0051] FIG. 11 is another conceptual drawing of another concrete
example of the specific data database.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] FIG. 1 is a principle drawing of the present invention and
shows a functional block diagram of a communication device
performing the item data entry method of the present invention
(hereinafter referred to as the method of the present
invention).
[0053] An entry item detection unit 1 detects a tag
<FORM>(-</FORM>) as document structure data from among
HTML Internet documents received via the Internet, thereby to
detect the entry item to enter specific data unique to the user
such as his/her name and address at the receiving side of the
document.
[0054] In an HTML document, a tag <INPUT TYPE="text" option>
for forming a text field is disposed between <FORM> and
</FORM>. The options defined for the tag are NAME="character
string" (definition of the field corresponding to entry item key
such as "name" or "address" of the present invention), SIZE="n"
(size of the input field: n byte), VALUE="character string" (first
entered character), and MAXLENGTH="n" (the number of characters
allowed to be entered: n byte).
[0055] In a specific data database 2, entry item keys to indicate
attributes of the entry items such as "name" and "address" are
registered, and specific data such as the user's name, address, and
the like which have been keyed-in by the user correspondingly to
these entry item keys are registered.
[0056] An entry item comparison unit 3 compares the entry item key
of an entry item detected by the entry item detection unit 1 with
the entry item key registered in the specific data database 2. The
entry items which have been matched as the comparison results are
transferred to a restructuring unit 4 with attaching corresponding
specific data registered in the specific data database 2, whereas
the entry items which have been unmatched are transferred as they
are to the restructuring unit 4.
[0057] The restructuring unit 4 combines the constituent elements
other than the entry items detected by the entry item detection
unit 1 and the constituent elements consisting of either the entry
items with the specific data being attached by the entry item
comparison unit 3 or the entry items only, so as to restructure an
HTML Internet document. As a result, an Internet document in which
the specific data registered in the specific data database 2 has
been automatically entered in the entry item is formed. When the
user presses the transmission button, the Internet document is
transferred to the determined address.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of Embodiment 1 of
the communication device which performs the method of the present
invention.
[0059] The same units as those shown in the principle drawing of
FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numbers and their
explanation is omitted.
[0060] In the present embodiment, a specific data addition unit 5
additionally registers to the specific data database 2 either an
entry item key and specific data keyed-in by the user
correspondingly or an entry item key unmatched as the result of the
comparison by the entry item comparison unit 3 with the contents
registered in the specific data database 2 and the specific data
keyed-in by the user for the entry item key correspondingly.
[0061] As will be explained in detail later (refer to FIG. 8), the
entry item comparison unit 3 may additionally register to the
specific data database 2 the entry item key which does not
completely match the entry item key already registered in the
specific data database 2 but partly matches and has a degree of
resemblance equal to or higher than a predetermined value and the
specific data keyed-in by the user for this entry item key
correspondingly.
[0062] A data selection unit 6 requires the user to select the
entry item key and the specific data to be registered by, for
example, opening a pop-up menu when the entry item key and the
specific data additionally registered to the specific data database
2 are equal to those already registered in the specific data
database 2. As a result, register errors such as double register of
an entry item key and a specific data or the register of a
plurality of specific data for a single entry item key can be
prevented.
[0063] FIG. 3 shows a conceptual drawing of an example of a
modified specific data database.
[0064] As shown in the drawing, a plurality of entry item keys can
be registered for a single piece of specific data. For example, for
the specific data of name "Fujitu Taro", entry item keys such as
"name" and "namae" can be registered. It is impossible to register
a plurality of pieces of specific data for a single entry item
key.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of Embodiment 2 of
the communication device which performs the method of the present
invention.
[0066] The restructuring unit 4 of the present embodiment has a
function of restructuring a simple Internet document mainly
consisting of entry items including the entry items in which
specific data has been automatically entered and supporting the
user's check with the eye, in addition to the function shown in the
principle drawing of FIG. 1 for restructuring an HTML Internet
document by combining the constituent elements other than the entry
item detected by the entry item detection unit 1 and the
constituent element consisting of either the entry item and the
specific data attached thereto by the entry item comparison unit 3
or the entry item only. It is necessary to add text data such as
"name" and "address" to show the attribute of the entry item before
the entry item of the simple Internet document. In that case, text
data which exists immediately before <INPUT TYPE=TEXT is
extracted.
[0067] In the display of the simple Internet document mainly
consisting of entry items as described above, the entry items to
which specific data has been automatically entered and the other
entry items may be displayed in different colors from each other.
The entry items to which specific data have not been automatically
entered may be exclusively displayed together at one place.
[0068] It is also possible that an Internet document containing
other constituent elements other than entry items such as sentence
parts is restructured as shown in the principle drawing of FIG. 1,
and the display of the entry items is made conspicuous by, for
example, displaying the entry items in a color different from the
other constituent elements such as sentence parts, or using
different fonts or character types, or blinking the display of the
other constituent elements.
[0069] A user checks the simple Internet document and the Internet
document with the eye and pushes the transmission button. As a
result, the Internet document in which sentence parts and the entry
items to which specific data registered in the specific data
database 2 has been automatically entered are combined is
transmitted to the predetermined address.
[0070] FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of Embodiment 3 of
the communication device which performs the method of the present
invention. The same units as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated
by the same reference numbers and their explanation is omitted.
[0071] In the present embodiment, there are specific data databases
2a, 2b, and 2c provided for different categories or different users
such as for Japanese language, for English language, and for a
brother. A database selection unit 7 selects one of the databases
as the specific data database 2 for the comparison in the entry
item comparison unit 3, based on user identification data such as
user ID or password or based on the user's choice.
[0072] FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of Embodiment 4 of
the communication device which performs the method of the present
invention. The same units as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated
by the same reference numbers and their explanation is omitted.
[0073] An entry page editor 8 stores in a history management unit
10 the Internet document (page) which has been received via the
Internet containing entry items and transmission contents
designated by the user (URL, transmission time and date,
transmission repetition times, and the like).
[0074] The history management unit 10 stores communication record
(log file) including transmission results such as transmission
success or failure, the time required for transmission (the time of
starting or ending transmission) and the cause of transmission
failure, and stores the comparison results including the data of
the entry item key which has been unmatched as a result of the
comparison by the entry item comparison unit 3.
[0075] A bookmark storage unit 13 stores the URL of a site selected
by the click operation of the user and the site's name when the
site is accessed.
[0076] A start trigger unit 9 generates a reading timing of an
Internet document containing an entry item stored in a memory (not
shown), based on the transmission contents stored in the history
management unit 10, and successively makes the entry item detection
unit 1 detect an entry item in the document, the entry item
comparison unit 3 compare entry item keys, and the restructuring
unit 4 restructure the document. The restructuring unit 4 refers to
the transmission contents of the document stored in the history
management unit 10 and makes the Internet document restructured by
automatically entering specific data in an entry item to be
transmitted to a specified address at a specified time for
specified number of times.
[0077] A feature analysis unit 12 extracts features such as the log
file stored in the history management 10, the URL of a bookmark
stored in the bookmark storage unit 13, the frequency of appearance
of a character string contained in the site name, and the frequency
of appearance of a character string in an Internet document stored
in the history management unit 10 or the like, and analyses the
user's inclination such as tastes and objects in the transmission
of a document containing an entry item based on the extracted
features.
[0078] A history reference unit 11 outputs history data in response
to the instruction of the user so that the user can refer to the
history data.
[0079] FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram of Embodiment 5 of
the communication device which performs the method of the present
invention. The same units as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 are
designated by the same reference numbers and their explanation is
omitted.
[0080] In the present embodiment, a server analysis unit 15 of the
host server receives a log file stored in the history management
unit 10 of a client and a bookmark stored in the bookmark storage
unit 13 from the client and analyzes the user's inclination such as
tastes and objects in the transmission of a document containing an
entry item.
[0081] The host server collects Internet documents containing entry
items, stores them in a server database 14, and provides the user
with the Internet document which matches the analysis results of
the server analysis unit 15 namely, the user's tastes, objects, and
the like from among the stored documents.
[0082] A server data browsing unit 16 which allows the browsing of
an Internet document stored in the server database 14 of the host
server, receives an Internet document selected by the user from the
host server and stores it in the history management unit 10.
[0083] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the
structure of the entry item comparison unit 3.
[0084] In the present embodiment, the entry item comparison unit 3
is provided with a resemblance degree calculation means 31 in the
entry item comparison unit 3, which extracts an entry item key part
of which matches the entry item key registered in the specific data
database 2 from among the entry item keys detected by the entry
item detection unit 1, calculates the degree of resemblance to the
entry item key already registered, and considers the entry item key
to be matched when the calculated degree of resemblance is equal to
or larger than the threshold value set in a threshold setting means
32. The resemblance degree calculation means 31 can be embodied by
applying a spell check function which is provided in an English
word processor software or the like, a keyword partial matching
retrieval function, a synonym thesaurus database reference
function.
[0085] An entry item key whose degree of resemblance is equal to or
higher than the predetermined value is considered to be matched
with a registered entry item key and given to the restructuring
unit 4.
[0086] An entry item key which has been partly matched with a
registered entry item key is given to the specific data addition
unit 5 (refer to FIG. 2), and additionally registered to the
specific data database 2 together with the specific data keyed-in
by the user for the entry item key.
[0087] As the threshold value, the user can externally set any
value to the threshold setting means 32.
[0088] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a concrete
example of the method of the present invention. The same units as
those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numbers
and their explanation is omitted.
[0089] When an HTML browser has four entry items: "address",
"name", "age", and "job" (entry item keys have the same names), the
entry item detection unit 1 detects entry items through a browser
stored API (Application Programming Interface) 17. The entry item
keys of the detected four entry items are compared with the entry
item keys in the specific data database 2 by the entry item
comparison unit 3, and obtains specific data: "Akashi-city, Hyogo
prefecture", "Fujitu Taro", "30", and "programmer" corresponding to
the entry item keys which have been matched as a result of the
comparison. The restructuring unit 4 recombines and transmits an
entry item attached with the specific data obtained by the entry
item comparison unit 3, an entry item not attached with specific
data because it has not been matched as a result of the comparison,
and the constituent elements other than the entry items. In the
entry item of the HTML browser of the transmitted HTML document,
specific data is entered through the browser stored API 17 at the
transmission destination.
[0090] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing another
concrete example of the method of the present invention. The same
units as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference
numbers and their explanation is omitted.
[0091] In the present embodiment, the access of the HTML browser to
the network is conducted via an HTTP Proxy 18. The HTTP Proxy 18
constantly detects whether a page transmitted to the HTML browser
contains an entry item (entry form) by using the entry item
detection unit 1. When an entry item (entry form) is detected, the
entry item comparison unit 3 compares the entry item key of the
entry item with the entry item key in the specific data database 2,
and obtains the specific data: "Akashi-city, Hyogo prefecture",
"Fujitu Taro", "30", and "programmer" corresponding to the entry
item key which has been matched as a result of the comparison.
[0092] The restructuring unit 4 recombines an entry item attached
with the specific data obtained by the entry item comparison unit
3, an entry item not attached with specific data because it has not
been matched as a result of the comparison, and the constituent
elements other than the entry items, and restructures a page
embedded with specific data. The output of the HTTP proxy 18 makes
specific data be displayed in a manner to be filled in the entry
item on the HTML browser. If the entry item key has not been
registered in the specific data database 2, it is displayed as a
blank.
[0093] The specific data database 2 can control specific data and
entry item keys in a one-to-one correspondence as shown in FIG. 11,
besides the one-to-many correspondence shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0094] The above-described program of the method of the present
invention can be provided by being incorporated in the browser or
by itself.
[0095] The program may be pre-installed in a communication
device.
[0096] The program can be provided by a portable recording medium
such as CD-ROM or through communication line.
[0097] As this invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the
present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive,
since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that
fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such
metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by
the claims.
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