U.S. patent application number 09/923846 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for purchasing on-line using a parameter in a database.
This patent application is currently assigned to NetZero, Inc.. Invention is credited to Fujita, Nobuyuki, Itakura, Yuichiro, Tsutsui, Yuichiro.
Application Number | 20020095407 09/923846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26408464 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020095407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Itakura, Yuichiro ; et
al. |
July 18, 2002 |
Purchasing on-line using a parameter in a database
Abstract
In the communication network for distributing messages such as
advertisements to terminal users, an information providing system
provides the suitable information to each user. The system includes
a terminal connected to a communications network, a user database
for storing the characteristics of each user, a message database
for storing messages, and a transmittal condition database for
storing the user characteristics of the class of suitable
recipients for each message. A message searcher searches for
messages from the transmittal condition database based on the
characteristics read out from the user database. A reader reads the
retrieved messages from the message database and a transmitter
transmits the messages to the terminal. An adder increases the
value of a parameter associated with each user when the transmitted
message is displayed on the terminal. A detector detects whether
the user is active, and a stop means prevents the value of the
parameter from being increased when the user is inactive.
Inventors: |
Itakura, Yuichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Tsutsui, Yuichiro; (Tokyo, JP) ; Fujita,
Nobuyuki; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NETZERO INC.
2555 TOWNSGATE RD.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE
CA
91361
US
|
Assignee: |
NetZero, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26408464 |
Appl. No.: |
09/923846 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09923846 |
Aug 7, 2001 |
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09125894 |
Aug 27, 1998 |
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6351745 |
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09125894 |
Aug 27, 1998 |
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PCT/JP97/00564 |
Feb 26, 1997 |
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09125894 |
Aug 27, 1998 |
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08795397 |
Feb 4, 1997 |
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60022171 |
Jul 15, 1996 |
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60023577 |
Aug 19, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ; 705/26.1;
707/999.003 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 69/329 20130101;
G09G 2370/027 20130101; H04L 67/55 20220501; H04L 67/306 20130101;
H04L 67/14 20130101; G06Q 30/0283 20130101; G06F 3/14 20130101;
H04L 67/34 20130101; Y10S 707/99945 20130101; G06F 3/1423 20130101;
G09G 5/00 20130101; H04L 67/62 20220501; G06Q 30/02 20130101; H04L
9/40 20220501; H04L 67/535 20220501; G06Q 30/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/3 ;
705/26 |
International
Class: |
G06F 007/00; G06F
017/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 28, 1996 |
JP |
8-67278 |
May 10, 1996 |
JP |
8-139689 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A communication system comprising: a communications network; a
terminal connected to the communications network; a message
database which is connected to the communications network and which
stores messages including at least one of images, texts, sounds and
combinations thereof; a transmitter for reading out a message from
the message database and transmitting the message to the terminal;
a display for displaying the message transmitted to the terminal by
the transmitter; a storage for storing a parameter which indicates
an amount of messages transmitted to the terminal; an adder for
increasing a value of the parameter as the message is displayed on
the display; a detector for detecting whether a user of the
terminal is actively recognizing the message displayed on the
display; and a stop means for preventing the value of the parameter
from being increased by the adder when the detector detects that
the user is not actively recognizing the displayed message.
2. A communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a user database being connected to the communications network and
storing characteristics of each user in association with a user ID
of the user; a transmittal condition database which is connected to
the communications network and which stores, for each message, the
characteristics of a class of users to whom it would be appropriate
to transmit the message, in association with a message ID for
identifying that message; a means for reading out the
characteristics from the user database based on the user ID when
the user requests a message; a message searcher for retrieving
message IDs from the transmittal condition database based on the
characteristics read out from the user database; wherein the
transmitter reads out the message identified by the message ID,
which is retrieved by the message searcher and transmits the
message to the terminal.
3. A communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:
means for offering a good or service to the user through the
communications network; and means for determining prices of the
good or service depending on the value of the parameter; and means
for decreasing the value of the parameter when the user orders the
good or service.
4. A communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the
detector determines whether the user is actively recognizing the
displayed message by detecting whether an action has been performed
on the terminal within a predetermined period of time.
5. A communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:
means for displaying a manipulation area for manipulating the
displayed message, wherein: the detector determines whether the
user is actively recognizing the displayed message by detecting
whether the message is manipulated in the manipulation area.
6. A communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the
detector determines whether the user is actively recognizing the
displayed message by detecting whether the user has input an
appropriate response to the text in the message.
7. A communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the stop
means prevents the value of the parameter from being increased by
preventing the message from being displayed on the display.
8. A communication system according to claim 1, wherein: the
message database has a first message which increases the value of
the parameter when displayed on the display, and a second message
which does not increase the value of the parameter when displayed
on the display; and the stop means prevents the value of the
parameter from being increased by preventing the first message from
being displayed on the display.
9. A communication system according to claim 2, further comprising
means for connecting to Internet, wherein: Internet is further
connected to a host computer; and the terminal comprises: means for
establishing a first data link to the host computer through the
communications network and Internet; means for establishing a
second data link to the transmittal condition database through the
communications network; and means for transmitting data to the
transmittal condition database through the second data link.
10. A communication system according to claim 9, wherein: the
transmitter has a notification means for providing the terminal
with information which identifies the transmitter when the terminal
requests access to the host computer; and the terminal establishes
the first data link with the transmitter using this information,
and further establishes the second data link.
11. A communication system according to claim 1, wherein the adder
increases the value of the parameter when the user inputs a correct
answer to a question displayed in the message.
12. A communication system according to claim 1, further
comprising: an update information storage which is connected to the
communications network and which stores update information being
updated independently of the terminal; and an update information
transmitter for transmitting the update information to the terminal
a predetermined number of times through the communications
network.
13. A communication system according to claim 12, wherein: the
predetermined number of times is one; and the update information
transmitter has a determination means for determining whether the
update information has already been transmitted to the user, and
for transmitting the update information when the determination
means determines that the update information has not already been
transmitted.
14. A communication system according to claim 12, wherein: the
update information transmitter has a counter for counting, for each
user, the number times the update information has been transmitted,
and the update information transmitter transmits the update
information to a user when the update information has not been
transmitted to that user the predetermined number of times.
15. A communication system according to claim 14, wherein: the
update information transmitter has a comparison means for comparing
the time which has elapsed since the last transmission of the
update information with a predetermined period of time, and the
update information transmitter transmits the update information
when the time lapse is longer than the predetermined period of
time.
16. A communication system comprising: a communications network; a
terminal connected to the communications network; a message
database which is connected to the communications network and which
stores messages including at least one of images, texts, sounds and
combinations thereof, in association with a message ID for
identifying each message; a transmitter for reading a message out
of the message database and transmitting the message to the
terminal; a display for displaying the message transmitted from the
transmitter to the terminal; a user database which is connected to
the communications network and which stores characteristics of each
user of the terminal, in association with a user ID for identifying
each user; a receiver for receiving the user ID from the terminal
through the communications network; a characteristics reader for
reading the characteristics from the user database based on the
user ID received by the receiver; and a statistics recording means
for storing the characteristics read out by the characteristics
reader, in association with the message ID of the message being
displayed on the display by the user whose characteristics were
read out by the characteristics reader.
17. A communication system according to claim 16, wherein: the
statistics recording means has a storage; and when the user
operates a message transmitted to the terminal by the transmitter,
the storage stores the type of operation in association with the
message ID of the message transmitted to the terminal.
18. A communication system according to claim 16, wherein: the
statistics recording means has a storage; and when the user
operates a message transmitted to the terminal by the transmitter,
the storage stores the type of access in association with the
user's characteristics read out by the characteristics reader.
19. A communication system comprising: a communications network; a
terminal connected to the communications network a message database
which is connected to the communications network and which stores
multiple messages in association with respective a message ID for
identifying the messages, the messages including at least one of
images, texts, sounds and combinations thereof; a user database
which is connected to the communications network and which stores
characteristics of each user of the terminal in association with
respective user ID for identifying the users; a transmittal
condition database which is connected to the communications network
and which stores, for each message, the characteristics of the
class of users to whom it would be appropriate to transmit the
message, in association with a message ID for that message; a
receiver for receiving the user ID of the user from the terminal
through the communications network; a characteristics reader for
reading out the characteristics from the user database based on the
user ID; a message searcher for retrieving a message ID from the
transmittal condition database based on the characteristics read
out from the user database; a transmitter for reading out the
messages which are associated with the message ID retrieved by the
message searcher and transmitting those messages to the terminal;
and a display for displaying the messages transmitted to the
terminal by the transmitter.
20. A communication system according to claim 19, further
comprising: a user ID storage for storing the user ID of users who
operate a message transmitted to the terminal in association with
the message ID of the transmitted message, wherein: the transmittal
condition database stores the message ID in association with other
message ID of a related message; and the message searcher searches
for the message on a condition that the user ID storage stores the
user ID of the user in association with the message ID of a related
message.
21. A host computer connected to a terminal through a
communications network comprising: a transmittal condition database
for storing a message ID which identifies a message to be
transmitted to the terminal, the message including at least one of
images, texts, sounds and combinations thereof; a transmitter for
transmitting the message ID read out from the transmittal condition
database; a storage for storing a parameter which indicates an
amount of access made by a user of the terminal to the messages
transmitted to the terminal; an adder for increasing the value of
the parameter when a message transmitted by the transmitter is
displayed on the terminal; a detector for detecting whether the
user is actively recognizing a displayed message; and a stop means
for preventing the value of the parameter from being increased when
the user is not actively recognizing the displayed message.
22. A host computer according to claim 21, wherein: the transmittal
condition database stores the message ID in association with
characteristics of the class of users to whom it is appropriate to
transmit the message, the host computer further comprises; a user
database for storing the characteristics of each user of the
terminal connected to the communications network; and a message
searcher for retrieving the message ID from the transmittal
condition database based on the characteristics read out from the
user database, and the transmitter transmits the message ID
retrieved by the message searcher.
23. A host computer according to claim 21, further comprising:
means for selling a good or service to the user through the
communications network; means for determining the prices of the
good or service depending on the value of the parameter; and a
subtractor for decreasing the value of the parameter when the user
orders the good or service.
24. A host computer according to claim 21, wherein the stop means
determines that the user is actively recognizing the message when
the message is operated on.
25. A host computer according to claim 21, wherein the stop means
determines that the user is actively recognizing the message when
the user inputs an appropriate answer in response to the text in
the message.
26. A host computer according to claim 21, wherein the stop means
stops the value of the parameter from being increased by preventing
the message from being displayed on a display of the terminal.
27. A host computer according to claim 21 further comprising: a
message database which has a first message which increases the
value of the parameter when displayed on a display of the terminal,
and a second message which does not increase the value of the
parameter when displayed on the display; and the stop means
prevents the value of the parameter from being increased by
preventing the first message from being transmitted to the terminal
when the user is not actively recognizing the originally displayed
message.
28. A host computer according to claim 21, further comprising: an
update information storage which is connected to the communications
network and which stores update information updated independently
from the terminal; and an update information transmitter for
transmitting the update information to the user a predetermined
number of times through the communications network.
29. A host computer according to claim 28, wherein: the
predetermined number of times is one; and the update information
transmitter transmits the update information to those users to whom
the update information has not been transmitted.
30. A host computer connected to a terminal through a
communications network, comprising: a message database which is
connected to the communications network and which stores a message
in association with a message ID for identifying each of the
messages, the messages including at least one of images, texts,
sounds and combinations thereof; a transmitter for reading out a
message from the message database and transmitting the message to
the terminal; a user database which is connected to the
communications network and which stores characteristics of a user
of the terminal in association with a user ID for identifying the
user; a receiver for receiving the user ID from the terminal
through the communications network; a characteristics reader for
reading out the characteristics of the user from the user database
based on the user ID received by the receiver; and a statistics
recording means for storing the characteristics read out by the
characteristics reader, in association with the message ID of the
message transmitted to the terminal being used by the user whose
characteristics were read out by the characteristics reader.
31. A host computer according to claim 30, wherein: when the user
operates the message transmitted to the terminal by the
transmitter, the statistics recording means stores the type of the
access in association with the message ID of the message.
32. A host computer according to claim 30, wherein: when the user
operates the message transmitted to the terminal by the
transmitter, the statistics recording means stores the type of the
access in association with the characteristics of the user, read
out by the characteristics reader.
33. A host computer connected to a terminal through a
communications network comprising: a message database which is
connected to the communications network and which stores messages
in association with a message ID for identifying each message, the
messages including at least one of images, texts, sounds and
combinations thereof; a user database which is connected to the
communications network and which stores characteristics of users of
the terminal, in association with a user ID for identifying the
user; a transmittal condition database which is connected to the
communications network and which stores the message ID in
association with the characteristics of the class of users to whom
it would be appropriate to transmit the message; a receiver for
receiving the user ID from the terminal through the communications
network; a characteristics reader for reading out the
characteristics from the user database based on the user ID; a
message searcher for retrieving the message ID from the transmittal
condition database using the characteristics read out from the user
database by the characteristics reader; and a transmitter for
reading out the messages corresponding to the message ID retrieved
by the message searcher, from the message database and transmitting
the messages to the terminal.
34. A host computer according to claim 33, further comprising: a
user ID storage for storing the user ID of any user who operates a
message transmitted to the terminal, in association with the
message ID of the message, wherein: the transmittal condition
database stores the message ID of the message in association with
the message ID of related messages; and the message searcher
searches for the message ID stored in the transmittal condition
database in association with the message ID of related messages,
which is further stored in the user ID storage in association with
the user ID of the user who requested the message.
35. A recording medium storing a program to be executed by a
terminal connected to a communications network, the communications
network being further connected to a message database which stores
messages including at least one of images, texts, sounds and
combinations thereof and a user database storing a parameter for
each user, which represents the extent to which the user accessed
messages, the program comprising: a message ID receiving means for
causing the terminal to receive a message ID identifying a specific
message, from the communications network; means for causing the
terminal to request the specific message from the message database,
based on the message ID received by the message ID receiving means;
a message receiving means for causing the terminal to receive the
specific message read out from the message database; a display
means for causing the terminal to display the specific message
received by the message receiving means; means for causing the
terminal to instruct the user database to increase the value of the
parameter when the specific message is displayed on the terminal;
detection means for causing the terminal to detect whether the user
is actively recognizing the specific message; and stop means for
causing the terminal to prevent the parameter from being increased
when the detection means detects that the user is not actively
recognizing the specific message.
36. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the user
database stores characteristics of the users, the communications
network is further connected to a transmittal condition database
which stores the characteristics of the classes of users to whom it
would be appropriate to transmit the message, in association with
the message ID of the message; and the message ID receiving means
causes the terminal to receive the message ID retrieved from the
transmittal condition database, based on the characteristics read
out from the user database.
37. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the
detection means causes the terminal to determine that the user is
actively recognizing the message if the terminal has been operated
on within a predetermined period of time.
38. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the
detection means causes the terminal to determine that the user is
actively recognizing the message if the message has been
manipulated within a predetermined period of time.
39. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the
detection means causes the terminal to determine that the user is
actively recognizing the message if the user inputs an appropriate
answer in response to text in the message.
40. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the stop
means stops the value of the parameter from being increased by
preventing the message from being displayed by the display
means.
41. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the message
database has a first message which increases the value of the
parameter when displayed on the display, and a second message which
does not increase the value of the parameter when displayed on the
display; and the stop means prevents the value of the parameter
from being increased by preventing the first message from being
displayed when the user is not actively recognizing the original
message.
42. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the
communications network is further connected to a host computer
through Internet; and the program further comprises: means for
causing the terminal to establish a first data link to the host
computer through the communications network and Internet; means for
causing the terminal to establish a second data link to the
transmittal condition database through the communications network;
and means for causing the terminal to transmit data to the
transmittal condition database through the second data link.
43. A recording medium according to claim 35, wherein: the
communications network is further connected to an update
information storage for storing update information updated
independently of the terminal, and the program further comprises: a
receiving means for causing the terminal to receive the update
information a predetermined number of times from the update
information storage through the communications network.
44. A recording medium according to claim 43, wherein: the
predetermined number of times is one; and the program causes the
terminal to receive the update information from the update
information storage if the update information has not yet been
transmitted from the update information transmitter to the
user.
45. A recording medium according to claim 44, wherein: the update
information transmitter has a counter for counting the number of
times the update information is transmitted to each user, and the
program causes the terminal to receive the update information from
the update information storage if the update information has not
already been transmitted a predetermined number of times at the
time when communication with the terminal is established.
46. A recording medium according to claim 45, wherein: the update
information transmitter has a counter for measuring the time which
has elapsed from the last transmission of the update information,
and the program causes the terminal to receive the update
information from the update information storage if the time lapse
is longer than a predetermined period of time.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a communication system that
searches for messages suitable to individual users from, for
example, Internet, and provides the messages to the users. The
present invention is related to the following five Japanese patent
applications, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] Patent application No. 8-9521 filed on Jan. 23, 1996
[0003] Patent application No. 8-67278 filed on Feb. 28, 1996
[0004] Patent application No. 8-139689 filed on May 10, 1996
[0005] Patent application No. 8-139690 filed on May 10, 1996
[0006] Patent application No. 8-163679 filed on Jun. 5, 1996
[0007] Internet users can communicate with various host computers
within Internet through a host computer (which is called an
information provider) offered by an Internet provider. The terminal
connected to Internet reads out images, such as home pages, as
designated by the user, and displays the images.
[0008] Recently, many virtual shops have been established on
Internet, and users can purchase goods by mail-order through
Internet. Programs and data are also sold through Internet. Payment
for these goods or services is made by transmitting a credit card
number and expiration date over Internet.
[0009] Advertisement of such goods and services from virtual shops,
as well as advertisement of goods or services offered by ordinary
retailers are often seen on communications networks. For example,
the home page of Yahoo (trademark), which is a search engine for
home pages on Internet, displays advertisements as sidebars.
[0010] To sell goods or services efficiently using advertisements
and the payment system mentioned above, a counter system is also
used to count the number of times users access the home pages of
virtual shops which sell goods or services. Based on the counter
results, advertisers can estimate, to some extent, whether an
advertisement has been effective.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0011] However, a conventional counter system can not accurately
measure the number of times that users actually look at a
particular advertisement, because it is not known whether the users
are actually watching that advertisement when the advertisement is
displayed on users' terminals. In particular, when an advertisement
using moving pictures is displayed for a certain period of time,
users may stop watching the advertisement halfway through.
[0012] Furthermore, as the amount of information offered on
communications networks, such as Internet, increases, it becomes
difficult for a user to find appropriate information or
advertisements for goods or services, which the user is actually
interested in. It is also difficult for an information provider to
supply information to users for whom that information is suitable,
because the users who utilize Internet have become a highly diverse
group of consumers.
[0013] In addition, concerning payment for goods or services, there
is the possibility that a credit card number or expiration date may
be improperly used by a third party because the credit card number
or expiration date is transmitted on the communications network,
and many people can access the communications network. Since
information transmitted on Internet is recorded in several servers
(host computers), it is dangerous for users to transmit their
credit card information. This situation curbs the growth of sales
of goods and services via communications networks. While systems
for encoding credit card information and transmitting the encoded
information have been developed this information remains insecure
when transmitted over Internet because the codes can be
decoded.
[0014] If an advertisement is embedded in a home page on Internet,
the advertisement can not be offered to a user until the user
actually accesses the home page. Further, when the user scrolls
down the home page in the window, the advertisement disappears from
the window. Also, when another window is opened over the browser
window, or the browser window is moved off the screen, the
advertisement does not reach the user.
[0015] With the conventional counter system, the user easily
manipulates the number of times a home page is accessed, for
example, by repeatedly accessing the home page for the purpose of
increasing the number of times accessed. In such a case, the
counter result for that home page or its advertisement is deceptive
and not correct. Moreover, the conventional counter system can not
offer information about what types of users access what kinds of
home pages or advertisements. It is difficult to determine from the
counter results of the conventional system who the target customers
of a particular good or service are and how the good or service
should be marketed.
[0016] For example, it is highly probable that those users who are
interested in the product "skis" will also take an interest in the
product "ski suit" or the service "ski tour". Several goods or
services are often related in this way, all appealing to the same
customers. However, the conventional counter system can not
identify such related goods or services that users would be
interested in, and therefore fails to efficiently market the
appropriate goods or services to users.
[0017] To use a communications network, such as Internet, users
have to pay a connection fee to Internet provider who owns the host
computer to which the user's terminal is connected. This fact
discourages users from accessing the communications network for a
long time, which presents an obstacle to expanding advertising,
sales or payment transactions via communications networks.
[0018] It is an object of this invention to provide a communication
system, which can overcome all of the problems, described
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In order to achieve the above object, the communication
system according to the first aspect of the invention has a message
database which stores an image, text, sound, or combination thereof
to transmit to a terminal. The message read out from the message
database is transmitted to a terminal, and displayed on the
terminal. The message database also stores a parameter for each
user, the parameter representing the amount of access by the
associated user. When a message is displayed on a terminal, the
value of the parameter for the user of that terminal is increased.
However, if the user is not actively recognizing the message, the
value of the parameter is not increased. In this configuration, the
value of the parameter is increased only when the user actively
views the message. Accordingly, the extent to which a user accesses
a message (the amount of access) can be measured more accurately
because apparent access by inactive users can be measured and
discounted.
[0020] The communication system according to the second aspect of
the invention has a user database, which stores characteristics of
the respective terminal users, and a transmittal condition
database, which stores a message ID in association with user
characteristics suitable for that message and which is used for
identifying messages based on those user characteristics. When a
user requests a message, the user's characteristics are read out
from the user database based on a user ID for identifying the user.
Then, a message ID is searched from the transmittal condition
database based on the user's characteristics read out from the user
database. The messages found by the message searcher are read out
from the message database, and transmitted to the user's terminal.
In this configuration, those messages that satisfy particular
search conditions, which correspond to certain user
characteristics, are searched for. As a result, users can readily
find advertisements for goods or services, which match their
interests, and advertisers can efficiently provide messages to
potential users who have a high probability of purchasing their
goods.
[0021] The communication system according to the third aspect of
the invention has a means for selling goods and services to users
through a communications network. The price of a good or service is
discounted according to the value of the aforementioned parameter
assigned to the user. When a good or service is sold to a user, the
value of the parameter for the user is decreased. In this
configuration, the price of a good or service is modified according
to the value of the parameter, which corresponds to the frequency
of accessing messages. Those users who have parameters with higher
values will pay less for the same goods or services. This
encourages users to operates messages frequently and actively.
[0022] The communication system according to the fourth aspect of
the invention determines whether or not a user is active by
detecting whether any actions are performed on the terminal within
a predetermined period of time. For example, if the user is away
from the terminal for a while, the aforementioned parameter is
prevented from being increased.
[0023] The communication system according to the fifth aspect of
the invention provides an operation window when displaying a
message on a terminal. The communication system determines if the
user is active by detecting whether or not the operation window has
been operated on. Even if a plurality of windows is opened on the
terminal, the aforementioned parameter is increased only when the
user is actually watching the operation window, which shows the
message.
[0024] The communication system according to the sixth aspect of
the invention determines if the user is active by detecting whether
or not the user returns an appropriate answer in response to the
text contained in a message. This prevents the situation in which
the parameter is increased even when the user gives an unreasonable
answer without reading the text displayed in the window.
[0025] The communication system according to the seventh aspect of
the invention stops increasing the value of the parameter by
interrupting the display of the message on the user's terminal.
This configuration prevents messages from being transmitted to
terminals in vain when the user is not actively recognizing the
message.
[0026] In the communication system according to the eighth aspect
of the invention, the message database has a first message for
increasing the value of the parameter when it is displayed on the
user's display, and a second message which does not increase the
value of the parameter even if it is displayed on the display. When
it is determined that the user is not active, the communication
system stops transmitting the first message in order to prevent the
value of the parameter from increasing. The second message is
continuously transmitted to the terminal without increasing the
value of the parameter.
[0027] The communication system according to the ninth aspect of
the invention further has a connection means for accessing Internet
which has host computers. The user's terminal establishes a first
data link with a host computer through a communications network and
Internet, and establishes a second data link to the transmittal
condition database through a communications network. The user
transmits data to the message-transmission database using the
second data link. Because two independent data links are
established, the terminal can transmit a request for a message to
the transmittal condition database and receive information for
identifying the message, while the user is accessing desired home
pages through the first data link.
[0028] In the communication system according to the tenth aspect of
the invention, when the terminal user requests access to a host
computer connected to Internet, the communication system transmits
an identification signal for identifying a transmitter for the
terminal. The terminal establishes a data link with the transmitter
using the identification signal, and further establishes the
aforementioned second data link. The terminal can identify the
transmitter using the identification signal promptly and
reliably.
[0029] The communication system according to the eleventh aspect of
the invention increases the value of the aforementioned parameter
on the condition that the user appropriately responds to the
question contained in the message displayed on the display. This
configuration urges users to respond to the question.
[0030] The communication system according to the twelfth aspect of
the invention stores update information, which is updated
independently of the terminal, and transmits the update information
to each terminal through a communications network a predetermined
number of times. This information, for example, information about
the updating of the communications software, is important to users.
Conventional Internet providers do not have a means for actively
notifying users of this information via Internet browser. However,
in the present invention, the communication system can display this
information on the terminal a predetermined number of times without
fail.
[0031] The communication system according to the thirteenth aspect
of the invention determines whether the update information has
already been transmitted to the user. If it has not, the
communication system transmits the update information to the user.
The update information is reliably transmitted to every user at
least once without fail.
[0032] The communication system according to the fourteenth aspect
of the invention counts the number of times the update information
was transmitted to each user. If the update information has not
been transmitted to the user the predetermined number of times,
then the communication system transmits the update information at
the time the terminal is connected to the communication system. As
soon as the communication starts up between the terminal and the
communication system, the update information is displayed on the
terminal.
[0033] In the communication system according to the fifteenth
aspect of the invention, new update information is transmitted to
the user when a predetermined period has passed since the last
transmission of the update information. If the predetermined time
is set to the time the information was updated last, the update
information is automatically transmitted to the user once, at the
next connection.
[0034] The communication system according to the sixteenth aspect
of the invention has a message database which stores at least one
of images, texts, sounds and combinations thereof. This data is
transmitted to a terminal connected to a communications network.
The communication system further has a display means for displaying
the message transmitted to the terminal, a user database which is
connected to the communications network and stores users'
characteristics, and a transmittal condition database which is
connected to the communications network and stores the message ID
in association with user characteristics suitable for that message
for identifying a message based on those user characteristics.
[0035] When the user requests a message, the user's characteristics
are read out from the user database based on the user ID for
identifying the user. Then, a message ID is searched from the
transmittal condition database based on the user's characteristics,
which were read out from the user database. The messages found by
the message searcher are read out from the message database, and
transmitted to the terminal. In this configuration, appropriate
messages are searched for based on users' characteristics, and
transmitted to the respective users. Thus users can find
advertisements for the goods or services in which they are
interested.
[0036] In the communication system according to the seventeenth
aspect of the invention, when the user operates a message, the
communication system stores the type of the operation (i.e. message
display, home page display, or materials request) and the user's ID
in association with the message ID for identifying that message.
This configuration allows for the determination of the types of
operations executed by each user. The conventional method was not
capable of extracting the number of times messages were operated or
the types of operations for each user. Moreover, the communication
system of the preferred embodiment searches each user's
characteristics from the user database using the recorded user ID,
and the searched user characteristics found and the type of
operation are stored in association with the message ID. Thus
message providers can know the characteristics of the user, such as
sex, age, etc.
[0037] The communication system according to the eighteenth aspect
of the invention stores a user ID for identifying a user who
operates a message, in association with the message ID for
identifying that message. The transmittal condition database stores
the message ID of a target message in association with message IDs
of other related messages. When users request a message, the
message searcher means searches all the messages and retrieves
those messages whose user ID is the same as that of the requested
message ID. The target messages are transmitted to only those users
who operated the messages that are associated with the target
message. For example, the advertisement message for the goods "ski
suit" is associated with the advertisement message for the goods
"skis". The advertisement message for "ski suit" is supplied to
only those users who operates the advertisement message for
"skis".
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the overall hardware
construction of the communication system according to the first
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the hardware construction of
the terminal 10.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the functional construction of the software
executed by the CPU 40 of the main body 14.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a display screen on the display 12.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the hardware construction of
the connection manager 23, the message manager 24, and the host
computer 30.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows the hardware construction of the message
distribution apparatus 39.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows part of the structure of the message user
database 34.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows part of the structure of the message user
database 34.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows part of the structure of the transmittal
condition database 36.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows part of the structure of the transmittal
condition database 36.
[0048] FIG. 11 shows a connection log 3 8.
[0049] FIG. 12 shows a message access log 37.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows a connection sequence among the terminal 10,
Internet 32, and the message distribution apparatus 39.
[0051] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the connection process of the
terminal 10, which is performed by the connection module 78.
[0052] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the connection process of the
connection manager 23.
[0053] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the connection process of the
message manager 24.
[0054] FIG. 17 is a flow chart of the connection process of the
message distribution apparatus 39.
[0055] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the input process of the terminal
10 after the connection sequence.
[0056] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the event process of the terminal
10 after the connection sequence.
[0057] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the log statistic process of the
message distribution apparatus 39.
[0058] FIG. 21 shows a sequence of purchasing goods using
parameters assigned to users.
[0059] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the statistical process for
the message access log 37.
[0060] FIG. 23 illustrates a message user file indicating the users
who has operated messages.
[0061] FIG. 24 is a statistics file indicating the statistics of
the operations to messages.
[0062] FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the input process of the terminal
10.
[0063] FIG. 26 is a flow chart of the event process of the terminal
10 in the second embodiment.
[0064] FIG. 27 is a connection sequence in the third
embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 28 is a connection sequence in the fourth
embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 29 illustrates an example of the update information
displayed on the display 12 according to the fourth embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the detailed process of
update determination in the message distribution apparatus 39.
[0068] FIG. 31 is a part of a connection sequence in the fifth
embodiment.
[0069] FIG. 32 is a part of a connection sequence in the fifth
embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 33 illustrates an example of the update information
displayed on the display 12 according to the fifth embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 34 is a flow chart of the update determination and the
update process executed by the message distribution apparatus
39.
[0072] FIG. 35 is a block diagram of the overall system
construction in the sixth embodiment.
[0073] FIG. 36 is a block diagram of the overall system
construction in the seventh embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 37 is a block diagram of the overall system
construction in the eighth embodiment.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OT THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0075] 1. First Embodiment
[0076] 1.1 Construction
[0077] 1.1.1 System Construction
[0078] FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of the communication
system of the first embodiment. One or more terminals 10 are
connected to each of the information providers 20 through the
modems 16 and 18, public network (communications network) 17 and a
public network gateway 19. The information provider 20 is
administered by Internet provider, and is connected to a plurality
of host computers 30 through Internet 32. The information provider
20 is also connected to the pay system 35 through a dedicated line
29.
[0079] In the pay system 35, the message distribution apparatus 39
is connected to the computer of a credit card company through a
closed network 27, such as CAFIS.TM.(a preliminary communications
network: a network for connecting the host computer of the credit
card company with the user terminal). The message distribution
apparatus 39 is also connected to a plurality of information
providers 20 by a dedicated line. The message distribution
apparatus 39 transmits information (i.e., messages) regarding
goods, such as advertisements, which are offered by a store selling
goods on the network. Messages may include still images, dynamic
images, sound images or combinations thereof. Each message contains
data, which represents the home page address of the store on the
World Wide Web (WWW). The message manager 24 of the information
provider 20 stores messages received from the message distribution
apparatus 39 in association with an ID, such as the message URL,
which it assigns to each message.
[0080] The host computer 30 stores a home page of each of the
stores and its lower pages. The terminal 10 can receive
information, such as home pages, from Internet 32 through Internet
gateway 22 of the information provider 20. The user can order goods
by accessing the home page of a store and its lower pages. The
terminal 10 can also receive messages from the message manager 24.
The message manager 24 reads a message from the message database 26
based on a request from the terminal 10, and transmits the message
to the terminal 10. Each user has an Internet provider's user ID
and a password for connecting to Internet gateway 22 through the
public network gateway 19, as well as a message user ID and a
password for obtaining a message from the message manager 24.
[0081] 1.1.2 Main Body 14
[0082] FIG. 2 shows the hardware block diagram of the main body 14
of the terminal 10. The CPU 40 operates based on a program stored
in the RAM 44 and the ROM 42. The timer 46 counts a predetermined
period of time. The user inputs data though the input device 48.
The hard disk drive 50, which is an example of the storage media,
stores data (e.g. image data), user information, and programs to be
operated by the CPU 40.
[0083] The calendar IC 51 is backed up by the battery, and provides
the current time and date to the CPU 40. The floppy disk drive 52
reads data or programs from the floppy disk 56 and provides them to
the CPU 40. The CD-ROM drive 54 reads data or programs from the
CD-ROM 58 and provides them to the CPU 40. The main body 14 has an
interface for connecting to the modem 16 and the display 12.
[0084] 1.1.3 Software of Terminal 10
[0085] FIG. 3 shows the functional structure of the software, which
is executed by the CPU 40. The software is provided to the user
from the recording medium, such as a floppy disk 56 or CD-ROM 58,
in which it is stored. The software stored in the recording medium
may be compressed or uncompressed. The software is installed in the
hard disk drive 50 from the recording medium, and is read out by
the RAM 44 to be executed by the CPU 40.
[0086] The software stored in the recording medium and provided to
the user (that is, the software to be installed in the hard disk
drive 50) contains the communication module 73 including the PPP
driver 70, the TCP/IP driver 72, the browser 74 and the message
viewer 76. The PPP driver 70 creates a data link on one physical
line to the public network gateway 19 (FIG. 1). The browser 74
communicates with Internet gateway 22 through the TCP/IP driver 72
on the data link created by the PPP driver 70. The browser 74
receives and displays images on the display 12. Suitable examples
of the browser 74 include NETSCAPE.TM. and MOSAIC.TM..
[0087] The message viewer 76 communicates with the message manager
24 through the TCP/IP driver 72 on the data link created by the PPP
driver 70. The message viewer 76 receives and displays images on
the display 12. The message viewer 76 contains the connection
module 78 for connecting to the message manager 24, the input
processing unit 82 for processing the user input, and the event
process module 84 for processing events, which occur due to the
request inside or on the communication line.
[0088] 1.1.4 Display 12 of Terminal 10
[0089] FIG. 4 is an example of the screen on the display 12 of FIG.
1. The window (browser window) 60 of the browser 74 and the window
(message viewer window) 62 of the message viewer 76 are opened on
the display 12. The browser window 60 displays the information
received from Internet 32. The message viewer window 62 displays
the message received from the message manager 24. The message
viewer window 62 displays a new message once every predetermined
time interval, for example, once every minute.
[0090] The message viewer window 62 has a home page button 64, a
material request button 66, a halt/resume button 68, and a quit
button 69. When the home page button 64 is selected, the browser
window 60 displays the home page corresponding to the message in
the message viewer window 62. When the material request button 66
is selected, the message manager 24 transfers informational
materials concerning the goods advertised in the message displayed
in the message viewer window 62. The message viewer window 62
displays these informational materials. Within the display of the
message and the informational materials there is a button for
ordering the displayed goods.
[0091] 1.1.5 Connection Manager 23, Message Manager 24, and Host
Computer 30
[0092] FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram of the connection manager
23, the message manager 24, and the host computer 30 of FIG. 1. The
CPU 90 operates based on the program stored in the RAM 94 and the
ROM 92. The timer 96 counts a predetermined time. The communication
interface 98 processes inputs and outputs from the communication
lines. The user inputs the data through the input device 100. The
database interface 102 connects various databases comprising the
hard disk drive. The floppy disk drive 104 reads data or programs
from the floppy disk 106 and provides them to the CPU 90. The
calendar IC provides the date and time to the CPU 90. The display
108 displays the communication status for the operator.
[0093] 1.1.6 Message Distribution Apparatus 39
[0094] FIG. 6 shows the construction of the message distribution
apparatus 39 of FIG. 1. The explanations of the reference numerals
already explained are eliminated because the same reference
numerals are assigned to the corresponding elements. The message
distribution apparatus 39 has a message user database 34 storing
the message user information, a transmittal condition database 36
storing the transmittal conditions for each message, and a
connection log 38 storing communication records. A first
communication interface for connecting to the closed network 27 and
a second communication interface for connecting to the information
provider 20 may be employed, instead of the communication interface
98.
[0095] 1.1.7 Message User Database 34
[0096] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the construction of the message user
database 34 of FIG. 6. The message user database 34 stores the ID
and password of each message user, Internet provider IDs for
identifying the respective information providers 20, and a user ID
(Internet provider's user ID) assigned to each user by an Internet
provider and used when the user accesses Internet through that
Internet provider. The message user database 34 also has, for each
message display period, information about the user (user
information) such as date of birth 312, sex 314, marital status
316, occupation 318, and address 320.
[0097] In FIG. 8, the message user database 34 further has the
user's credit card number, credit card expiration date, name, and
the last communication date. Each user is assigned a parameter
whose value is determined by the number of times the message is
displayed in the message viewer window 62. The message user
database 34 stores parameters 336,334, and 332 representing the
number of times the message is displayed for the current month, the
previous month, and the month before that, respectively.
[0098] For example, the user inputs his user information in
terminal 10 when using message viewer 76 for the first time or when
installing message viewer 76 in the terminal 10. The terminal 10
stores the input user information in the hard disk drive 50, and
sends the user information to the message manager 24. The message
manager 24 transmits the user information received from the user to
the message distribution apparatus 39. The message distribution
apparatus 39 stores the user information in the message user
database 34. Age, occupation, marital status, income level and
hobbies can also be stored as user information.
[0099] 1.1.8 Transmittal Condition Database 36
[0100] FIGS. 9 and 10 explain the construction of the transmittal
condition database 36. The transmittal condition database 36 stores
the message URL which identifies each message and the corresponding
communication conditions for each message. The transmittal
condition database includes such information as the frequency of
display for an individual user, the frequency of display for all
users, the message display period, the age range of the users, the
sex, marital status, occupation and address of an individual user,
and the ID numbers of other messages which are closely related to
the message.
[0101] In FIG. 10, every time a message is displayed in the message
viewer window 62 of the user, the message provider of that message
is charged a fee. Thus, each information provider 20 has a charge
limit 210 and an absolute limit 220. The charge limit 210 stores
the limit for each message displayed for each user. The absolute
limit 220 stores the total charge limit for each message being
provided to the all users of the information provider 20.
[0102] The charge limit 210 has a message unit price 212 which is
charged for a message when the message is displayed for the
information provider 20 user, a button unit fee 214 which is
charged for the message when the button is clicked in the message,
a term 216 which indicates a predetermined time period, a term
limit 217 which is a limit of total charges for the period
determined by the term 216, and a total limit 218 which is a limit
of total charges for each message displayed to the users of the
same information provider 20.
[0103] When receiving a request from the terminal 10, the message
distribution apparatus 39 reads the user information from the
message user database 34 and searches for a message from the
transmittal condition database 36 using the user information. Then,
the message distribution apparatus 39 sends the URL of the messages
it has found to the terminal 10. Thus, the URL of messages suitable
for each user (for example, advertisements for goods which are
suitable for the user based on his characteristics and which are
related to goods the user has already shown an interest in) can be
transmitted to each terminal 10.
[0104] FIG. 11 shows an example of connection log 38. The
connection log records, for each provider user ID, the provider ID,
events, such as a logon or charge stop, and the date and time of
occurrence of the events. While the user is not charged for
accessing the information provider, a message is displayed on the
terminal 10, and the message distributor charges the message fee to
the message provider. The user connection fee is paid to Internet
provider by the message distribution apparatus 39. In other words,
users of Internet provider can access Internet for free on the
condition of recognizing messages. For example, FIG. 11 indicates
that the charge on the user XXX, who uses an Internet provider, was
stopped after logon. The message distribution apparatus 39
determines the period of time between logon and charge stop based
on the connection log 38, and pays the connection fee corresponding
to that time period to Internet provider.
[0105] FIG. 12 shows the structure of the message access log 37.
The message access log 37 records the user's operations to
messages. The message distribution apparatus 39 stores the message
user ID of the user who displays the message, the message ID of the
displayed message, the date and time when the message is operated,
and the operation type. When the operation is to display a message,
operation type "1" is stored. If the operation is to display a home
page linked to that message, then operation type "2" is stored. If
the operation is to request materials, operation type "3" is
stored. The message distribution apparatus 39 can charge the
message fee for displaying the message on the message viewer window
62 to the message provider.
[0106] 1.2 Connection Operation
[0107] 1.2.1 Connection Sequence
[0108] In reference to FIG. 13, the connection sequences among the
terminal 10, the connection manager 23, the message manager 24, the
message distribution apparatus 39, Internet gateway 22, and
Internet 32 are explained. When the communication module 73 of the
terminal 10 requests a PPP connection (S102), the connection
manager 23 inquires of the provider user database 25 whether the
received provider user ID and the provider user password have been
already registered (S104).
[0109] If the user ID and the password have been registered, the
connection manager 23 sends a PPP connection allowance to the
terminal 10 (S106) and informs the message manager 24 of the
provider user ID (S108). If the PPP connection is allowed, the
browser 74 of the terminal 10 connects to Internet gateway 22 by a
TCP/IP connection (S110), and communicates with Internet 32 through
Internet gateway 22 (S112). The connection module 78 of the message
viewer 76 also connects to the message manager 24 by a TCP/IP
connection (S114). Then, the message manager 24 requests approval
information (identification) from the message viewer 76 of the
terminal 10 (S118).
[0110] Upon receiving the request for approval information
(identification), the connection module 78 of the message viewer 76
sends the message user ID and the password as the approval
information to the message manager 24 (S120). The message manager
24 sends the provider user ID received from the connection manager
23, the message user ID and the password received from the message
viewer 76, and the provider ID of the information provider 20 to
the message distribution apparatus 39 (S121). Then, the message
distribution apparatus 39 determines whether the received message
user ID and the password are stored in the message user database 34
(S122). If the message user ID and the password are stored, the
message distribution apparatus 39 sends the connection allowance to
the message viewer 76 (S124).
[0111] Since separate data links are established between the
browser 74 and Internet 32, and between the message viewer 76 and
the message manager 24, each link can communicate independently.
The communication method between the browser 74 and Internet 32 is
known. Thus, the explanation of this is not given here. The message
viewer 76 requests the message URL periodically from the message
distribution apparatus 39 using the timer 46 (S134). When the
message viewer 76 receives the message URL searched by the message
distribution apparatus 39, the message viewer 76 requests the
message corresponding to the message URL from the message manager
24 (S136).
[0112] The message manager 24 searches for the corresponding
message from the message database 26, and sends the message to the
message viewer 76 (S136). The transmitted message includes, for
example, advertisements of goods. Users can order the goods
advertised. The communication between Internet 32 and the browser
74 is inexpensive but unreliable because the communication is made
through multiple computers within Internet. On the other hand, the
communication between the message viewer 76, the message manager
24, and the message distribution apparatus 39 is highly reliable
because of the dedicated line.
[0113] 1.2.2 Connection Operation of Terminal 10
[0114] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
terminal 10 in the connection sequence shown in FIG. 13. The
connection module 78 of the message viewer 76 performs this
process. First, the connection module 78 starts the communication
module 73 (S210). Then, the communication module 73 makes a PPP
connection to the public network gateway 19 by using the provider
user ID and the provider user password (S210). After the PPP
connection is confirmed (S212), the connection module 78 starts the
browser 74 (S214). Then, the browser 74 makes a TCP/IP connection
to Internet gateway 22. Then, the connection module 78 makes a
TCP/IP connection to the message manager 24 by using an independent
TCP/IP port number of the message viewer 76 (S216).
[0115] The browser 74 and the message viewer 76 can communicate
with Internet gateway 22 and the message database 26 respectively
and independently, by theoretically independent links using
separate TCP/IP port numbers. Thus, the message viewer 76 can
display messages without the terminal losing the function of the
existing browser. Afterwards, when the message manager 24 requests
confirmation (S218), the message user ID and the message user
password are sent as the confirmation (S220).
[0116] If the message manager 24 allows the connection (S222), a
simple information request is sent out (S224). The simple
information request is a signal requesting the terminal 10 to send
a message quickly. When the simple information request is received,
the message manager 24 selects an appropriate message URL from the
message database 26 and sends it to the terminal 10. The terminal
10 receives the URL (S226) and requests the corresponding image
(S228). The terminal 10 stores the received image in the image
buffer provided in the RAM 44 of the terminal 10.
[0117] In the case of a simple information request, messages
corresponding to the user data stored in the message user database
34 are not searched for. Therefore, the time required for the first
message display is shortened, and the period in which no image is
displayed in the message viewer window is shortened. However, in
other embodiments, messages may be searched for based on a part of
the user data when a simple information request is received.
Messages can be searched for quickly by employing less strict
message search conditions.
[0118] Next, the connection module 78 activates the timer 46
(S230). The timer 46 shows the time at which a new message is to be
displayed. Then, the connection module processes the inputs from
the user and the public network 17 by starting the input processing
unit 82.
[0119] 1.2.3 Connection Operation of the Connection Manager 23
[0120] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of the connection manager 23 in the
connection sequence shown in FIG. 13. When a PPP connection is
requested from the terminal 10 through the public network gateway
19 (S310), the connection manager 23 requests the provider user ID
and the password from the terminal 10 and receives them (S312).
Then, the connection manager 23 inquires of the provider user
database 25 whether the provider user ID and the password, which
have been received, are registered (S314).
[0121] The provider user database 25 stores each provider user ID
and corresponding provider user password. When the provider user ID
and the password received are not registered in the provider user
database 25, the connection manager 23 disconnects (S318) and
finishes the process (S330). When the provider user ID and the
password are registered in the provider user database 25, the
connection manager 23 allows the PPP connection to the terminal 10
(S322) and sends the connection allowance to the message manager 24
(S324), and then finishes the process (S330).
[0122] 1.2.4 Connection Operation of the Message Manager 24
[0123] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the operation of the message
manager 24 in the connection sequence shown in FIG. 13. When the
connection allowance is received from the connection manager 23,
the message manager 24 stores the received provider ID in the RAM
94 (S812). Then the timer 96 starts (S814) and the message manager
24 determines whether a TCP/IP connection is established (S816). If
a TCP/IP connection is not established, the message manager 24
waits (S816, S818). The process ends if the timer 96 runs out
(S818) while waiting (S820).
[0124] When a TCP/IP connection is established, the message manager
24 requests approval information from the message viewer 76 (S822).
The timer 96 is reset to start a new count (S824). If the timer 96
runs out before the approval information is received (S828), the
process ends (S830). When the approval information is received
(S826), the message manager 24 reads the provider user ID from the
RAM 94 and sends it to the message distribution apparatus 39 along
with the provider ID which identifies the provider, the message
user ID and the message user password received from the message
viewer 76 (S834). Then, the message manager 24 communicates with
the message viewer 76 and the message distribution apparatus 39
(S836).
[0125] 1.2.5 Connection Operation of the Message Distribution
Apparatus 39
[0126] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the operation of the message
distribution apparatus 39 in the connection sequence shown in FIG.
13. When the message distribution apparatus 39 receives the message
user ID and the message user password from the message manager 24
(S410), the message distribution apparatus 39 asks the message user
database 34 whether the message user ID and the password have been
registered (S412). If the message user ID and the password have not
been registered, the message distribution apparatus 39 asks the
message viewer 76 whether to register a new user is to be
registered (S414). To register a new user, the user information is
received through the message viewer 76 and stored in the message
user database 34 (S416). The message user ID and message user
password are given to the new user (S418).
[0127] When a new user is not to be registered (S414), the message
distribution apparatus 39 requests approval information, such as
the message user ID and the password, from the message viewer 76
again (S420), waits until the approval information is received
(S422), then returns to S412. If the message user ID and the
password are approved (S422), a connection allowance is sent out
(S424). Then the provider ID received from the message manager 24
is read (S428). The message user ID and the provider user ID are
set independently. Thus, even when the message user has contracts
with multiple providers, the information provider 20 which the user
is currently using can be distinguished. The connection manager 23
charges the information provider 20 indicated by the provider user
ID for the message.
[0128] 1.3 Operations After Connection
[0129] 1.3.1 Operations of Terminal 10 After Connection:
[0130] FIG. 18 shows the operation flow chart of the input process
of the terminal 10 after the connection sequence. The
input-processing unit 82 of the message viewer 76 executes this
operation. If the home page button or the material request button
is selected (S512), the timer 46 is cleared (S514). This prevents
the message from being changed during the user's operation. The
terminal 10 displays the user's address in the message viewer
window to obtain the user's confirmation (S516). When the address
is confirmed (S518), the terminal 10 directs the message
distribution apparatus 39 to mail the material to the user's
address (S520).
[0131] If the material request button is not selected at S512, it
is determined whether the home page button has been selected
(S522). If the home page button has been selected, the timer 46 is
cleared (S524), and the URL of the home page is transferred to the
browser 74 (S526). The fact that the home page button has been
selected is transmitted to the message distribution apparatus
39.
[0132] If it is determined at S522 that the home page button has
not been selected, an inquiry is sent to the operations system
about whether the user is active (S532). If there is no action from
the user for a predetermined period of time, the operation system
determines that the user is not active. If there is action from the
user within the predetermined period of time, the operation system
determines that the user is active. Alternatively, if any
operation, such as scrolling, occurs, or any response is made to
the displayed message within the predetermined period of time, it
may be determined that the user is active.
[0133] The RAM 44 has an activity flag, which indicates whether the
user is active or inactive. If the user is active (S532), and if
the activity flag is still indicating NO ("0") (S534), this means
that the user's state has changed from inactive to active. In this
case, a restoration event notice is sent to the message
distribution apparatus 39 (S536) to change the activity flag to YES
("1") (S538).
[0134] If the user is active (S532), and if the activity flag is
indicating YES (S534), this means that the user's state has
remained active without change. In this case, no restoration event
notice is issued (S536). If the user is active at S532, terminal
event processing is executed, regardless of the state of the
activity flag (S540).
[0135] If the user is inactive (S532), it is detected whether the
user's state has changed (S542). If the user's state has changed, a
restoration event notice is transmitted to the message distribution
apparatus 39 (S544) to change the activity flag to NO (S546). If
the user's state has not changed, the activity flag is not changed.
If the user is inactive (S532), terminal event processing is not
executed (S540).
[0136] 1.3.2 Event Process of Terminal 10
[0137] FIG. 19 shows the details of the event processing (S540) of
the terminal 10. The event process module 84 of the message viewer
76 performs this process. If there are more than a predetermined
number of empty spaces in the queue (S554), a URL request is
transmitted (S556). Upon receiving the URL (S558), the terminal 10
stacks the URL in the queue (S560). If there is an empty space in
the message buffer (S562), the terminal 10 requests the message
manager 24 to send the message, using the URL which has been
stacked at the head of the queue 84 (S564). Upon receiving the
message (S566), the terminal 10 stores the message in the message
buffer (S588).
[0138] When the timer 46 runs out (S570), the message which was
received earliest in the image buffer is displayed (S574). The
terminal 10 transmits data indicating the URL of the displayed
message and the fact that the message was displayed, to the message
distribution apparatus 39 (S578), and resets the timer 46 (S580).
The operation returns to S512 of FIG. 18 to process the input
(S590). If the user is inactive, the terminal event processing
(S540) is not executed.
[0139] When the user is inactive, no request for a URL is
transmitted to the message distribution apparatus 39, nor is a
request for a message transmitted to the message manager 24.
Furthermore, when the user is inactive, any received URL or message
is not stored in the memory. Even when a message has been received,
the message is not displayed. Therefore, when the user is inactive,
no notice that a message has been displayed is transmitted to the
message distribution apparatus 39.
[0140] 1.3.3 Operation of Message Distribution Apparatus 39 after
Connection
[0141] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operations of the message
distribution apparatus 39 after the connection sequence. Upon
receiving a URL request from the terminal 10 (S710), the message
distribution apparatus 39 reads the provider ID and the provider
user ID of the user who transmitted the URL out of the connection
log 38 (S712). Next, the message distribution apparatus 39 searches
for and reads out the user information from the message user
database 34 based on the provider user ID (S714).
[0142] Then, the message distribution apparatus 39 searches the
transmittal condition database 36 for message URLs based on the
user information (S716). In this manner, messages are retrieved for
each user that are suitable to the user based on his
characteristics as indicated by his user information. If other
messages are designated in the "relevant message" field in the
transmittal condition database 36, the provider user IDs of those
users who read the home page associated with the message or who
requested the material of the message, is read out from the message
user file.
[0143] Then, appropriate messages are searched for on the condition
that the provider user ID read out in S712 is registered in the
message user file. Therefore, messages are efficiently transmitted
to precisely those users whose characteristics are appropriate for
the messages. Of the retrieved messages, those messages for which
the amount charged to the information provider 20 for the current
term does not exceed the term limit 217, the total amount charged
to the information provider 20 does not exceed the total limit 218,
and the sum of the amounts charged to all the information providers
20 does not exceed the absolute limit 220, are selected (S718).
[0144] If the URL search makes a hit (S720), the message URL is
transmitted to the terminal 10 (S724). If the search does not make
a hit (S720), a message URL whose parameter value is "0" is
selected from the message data transmittal condition database 36
(S722), which is then transmitted to the terminal 10 (S724). When
the message distribution apparatus 39 receives a message display
report from the terminal 10 (S730), the message distribution
apparatus 39 searches for that message, based on the message URL
contained in the message display report (S732), and charges the
message unit price 212 for that message (S734). The message
distribution apparatus 39 further reads out the parameter value of
the message to add it to the user's parameter 336 for the current
month (S736).
[0145] When a material request is sent from the message viewer 76
(S740), the message distribution apparatus 39 instructs the message
provider to send the material to the user (S742). The message
distribution apparatus 39 also reads the button unit charge 214 for
that message out of the transmittal condition database 36 to charge
for the message (S744).
[0146] When a home page request is sent from the message viewer 76
(S750), the message distribution apparatus 39 reads the button unit
charge 214 for that message out of the transmittal condition
database 36 to charge for the message (S752). Every time the user
operates a button within the message viewer window to request
material or open a home page, the message provider is charged.
Alternatively, button unit charging rates for material requests and
home page displays may be established in the transmittal condition
database 36, and the amount corresponding to the selected button
may be charged to the message provider.
[0147] 1.4 Usage of Parameters 332, 334, and 336
[0148] FIG. 21 shows how to use the parameters 332, 334 and 336
assigned to the user. A parameter is assigned to each user. The
user can increase the value of the parameter every time he displays
the message on the display screen, and can make payment for goods
on the host computer 30 using the parameter. The user orders goods
from the host computer 30 on Internet 32 through the browser 74
(S150). Examples of such goods include image data, document data
and sound data which are to be delivered on-line, and products
which are to be delivered off-line, for example, by mail. The user
may also purchase a subscription to a magazine, etc. In response to
an order request from the user (S150), the host computer 30 sends
back an order receipt response (SI 52).
[0149] The order receipt response (S152) requires the message
viewer 76 as a helper application device. The order receipt
response received at the message viewer 76 (S154) is transferred to
the message manager 24 (S156). Then, the message manager 24
requests the message distribution apparatus 39 to pay for the order
(S158). The message distribution apparatus 39 checks the remaining
value of the user's parameter based on the user ID (S160).
[0150] If the value of the user's parameter is sufficient to pay
for the goods, the message distribution apparatus 39 transmits a
payment acceptance response to the message manager 24 (S162). The
message manager 24 then sends ordering data to the host computer 30
(S164). The host computer 30 stores the ordering data in the RAM 94
to be used for the process of transmitting or mailing the goods
(S166). The host computer 30 transmits a purchase notice to the
message manager 24 (S168).
[0151] The message manager 24 compares the ordering data and the
payment amount which were contained in the order receipt response
received at S 156 with the ordering data and the payment amount
which were sent from the host computer 30 at S168, to determine
whether they are in agreement with each other (S169). If they
match, the message manager 24 determines that the ordering process
has been appropriately executed, and transmits the purchase notice
to the message distribution apparatus 39 (S170). Then, the message
distribution apparatus 39 subtracts the amount necessary to pay for
the goods from the value of the user's parameters, in the order of
the parameter 332 (of two months prior), 334 (of the prior month),
and 336 (of the current month) (S170). The message distribution
apparatus 39 also records the requirement for payment in the user's
log (S172).
[0152] If the data do not match at S169, the message manager 24
determines that there is an error in the order receipt response of
S156, and transmits a specification of the goods ordered and the
payment amount received at S168 to the message viewer 76. If the
message manager 24 receives a confirmation of the goods ordered and
the payment amount from the message viewer 76, the message manager
24 transmits a purchase notice to the message distribution
apparatus 39 (S170). If the message manager 24 does not receive a
confirmation, the message manager 24 instructs the host computer 30
to cancel the order.
[0153] Upon receiving a purchase notice from the message manager 24
(S170), the message distribution apparatus 39 records the goods and
the price in the user's log to execute the payment (S172). Then,
the message distribution apparatus 39 notifies the message manager
24 of the completion of recording in the log (S174). The message
manager 24 further notifies the message viewer 76 that the purchase
of the goods has been recorded in the log (S176). The message
viewer 76 records the list of the purchased goods in the RAM 44 and
in the hard disk drive 50.
[0154] When the user wishes to check the goods that he has already
purchased, the message viewer 76 reads out the list of the goods
from the hard disk drive 50 and displays the list on the display
12. If the user selects goods, which can be delivered on-line, the
message viewer 76 checks whether the goods have already been stored
in the hard disk drive 50. If the goods are in the hard disk drive
50, the message viewer 76 reads out the goods to output. If the
goods have not been stored in the hard disk drive 50 yet, the
message viewer 76 downloads the goods from the host computer 30
through the browser 74 to store them in the hard disk drive 50, and
at the same time, the message viewer 76 outputs the data on the
display 12.
[0155] When the host computer 30 receives a request for downloading
the goods, for which a purchase notice was issued at SI 66, the
host computer 30 transmits the goods, for example, image data,
sound data, text data, etc. to the message viewer 76. In the
preferred embodiment, if the value of the user's parameters 332,
334, 336 is sufficient, the user can purchase goods from the host
computer 30. Since the value of the parameter is increased by
displaying the message on the message viewer 76, or by selecting a
button in the message viewer window, the user can obtain goods from
the host computer 30 for free by having the message frequently
displayed on the message viewer 76 or by operating a button within
the message viewer window.
[0156] If the value of the user parameters is not sufficient for
purchasing the desired goods, the message distribution apparatus 39
informs the message viewer 76 that the balance is to be charged to
the user's credit card account. If an approval is sent from the
message viewer 76, the message distribution apparatus 39 reads out
the user's credit card number and the expiration date from the
message user database 34. These data are transmitted through the
closed network 27 to the credit card corporation, and the balance
is charged by the credit card corporation. When a credit card is
used, the credit card number and the expiration date are
transmitted only within the closed network, where the data is more
secure than in Internet.
[0157] The information provider 20 may charge a user's information
fee to the message distribution apparatus 39. In this case, the
message distribution apparatus 39 would subtract the information
fee from the value of the user's parameters. If the value of the
user's parameters is not sufficient, the balance is charged to the
user's credit card account by the credit card corporation through
the closed network 27. When the user displays a message on the
message viewer 76 or operates a button within the message viewer
window, the value of the user's parameter is increased. Therefore,
the user can access the information provider 20 for free when the
value of his parameters is sufficiently high. In other words, the
user may access Internet 32 for free by opening the message viewer
76 frequently.
[0158] In this embodiment, if a user is inactive, no message is
displayed on the message viewer 76. This prevents an access fee
from being charged to the message provider when the user does not
view the display.
[0159] 1.5 Processing Message Access Log 37
[0160] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the statistical process for
the message access log 37, which is executed by the message
distribution apparatus 39. The message distribution apparatus 39
executes the operations shown in this flowchart periodically, for
example, once a month. First, one of the messages is selected
(S610), and the first item in the message access log 37 is selected
(S620). If the message ID of the item selected in S620 is different
from the message ID of the message selected in S610 (S630), the
item does not correspond to that message, and therefore, the
process returns to S620 to select the next item.
[0161] FIG. 23 illustrates a message user file indicating the users
who accessed a particular message. One message file is created for
each message. The message file records the number of times a user
displayed a message, the number of times the user displayed the
home page which is linked to that message, and the number of times
the user requested material offered in that message, in association
with the message user ID of the user who accessed the message. If
the message ID of the item selected in S620 is the same as the
message ID of the message selected in S610 (S630), then the
distribution apparatus 39 determines whether or not the message
user ID of the item selected in S620 has already been registered in
the message user file (S640).
[0162] If the message user ID has not been registered yet, a record
of that message user is added to the file, and the number of times
the message image is displayed, the number of times the relevant
home pages are displayed, and the number of times the material is
requested are set to zero (S650). Then, based on the item's access
type (i.e., display of the message, display of relevant home pages,
or request for material), the value of the corresponding field in
the message user file is increased (S660). The steps S620 through
S660 are repeated until all of the items in the message access log
37 are checked (S670), and the obtained message user files are
output (S675).
[0163] FIG. 24 is a statistics file showing the access statistics
for each message. One statistics file is created for each message.
The statistics file stores the access statistics for each group
(e.g., male) represented by the user characteristics in the message
user database. The statistic file stores, for example, for the
group of male users, the number of times a message was displayed,
the number of times the home page linked to the message was
displayed, the number of users who displayed the home page, and the
number of users who requested material.
[0164] Upon outputting the message user file (S675), the message
distribution apparatus 39 sums up the field of the message display
numbers and the field of the home page display numbers to calculate
the total number of times the message was displayed and the total
number of times users accessed the home page. The number of users
who displayed the message is counted. The number of users who never
displayed the home page (users whose home page display number is
zero) is subtracted from the number of users who displayed the
message to obtain the number of users who displayed the home page.
The number of users whose material request numbers are other than
zero is counted.
[0165] The message distribution apparatus 39 searches the user
characteristics of each of the listed users from the message user
database, based on the message user IDs. The message distribution
apparatus 39 creates a statistical table for each of the user
characteristics, which contains the number of times the message was
displayed, the number of times the home page was displayed, the
number of users who displayed the message, the number of users who
displayed the home page, and the number of users who requested
material (S680). The table is output to a file (S690). The steps
S610 through S695 are repeated for every message (S695), and the
process terminates. The reaction of message users to each message
can be recorded in terms of the user characteristics.
[0166] 2. Second Embodiment
[0167] The network system structure of the second embodiment is the
same as that of the first embodiment. The overall operation is also
similar to that of the first embodiment. Therefore, only different
operations will be explained.
[0168] 2.1 Operation of Terminal 10 After Connection
[0169] FIG. 25 shows the input process of the terminal 10. The
operation flow from S512 through S528 is the same as in the first
embodiment. However, in this embodiment, event processing by the
terminal 10 is performed regardless of whether the user is active
(S522, S540).
[0170] 2.2 Event Process of Terminal 10
[0171] FIG. 26 shows the details of the event processing (S540) of
the terminal 10. The steps S544 through S570 and the steps S578 and
S580 are the same as in the first embodiment. When the timer 46
runs out (S570), it is determined whether the user is active
(S574). If the user is inactive, those messages whose parameter
value is zero ("0") are searched for from the message database and
displayed (S576). If the user is active, messages are successively
displayed in the order of receipt (S574).
[0172] In this embodiment, a message is displayed even when the
user is inactive. However, because only those messages that have a
parameter value of "0" are selected when the user is inactive, no
value is added to user's parameter in the user database. The
message provider is not charged for the message display when the
user does not actively view the display screen.
[0173] 3. Third Embodiment
[0174] The network system construction of this embodiment is the
same as that of the first embodiment. The connection operation of
the whole system is also similar to that of the first embodiment.
However, the connection sequences among the terminal 10, the
connection manager 23, and the message manager 24 are different
from those of the first embodiment. Thus, only these points of
difference are explained.
[0175] FIG. 27 shows a connection sequence of this embodiment. The
processes from S102 to S112 are the same as the corresponding
processes of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, when
the connection manager 23 allows the PPP connection, the connection
module 78 of the message viewer 76 searches for a message manager
24 to which the TCP/IP connection can be made. For example, the
connection module 78 searches the message managers 24 of all the
information providers 20 to find one to which the connection module
78 can connect, using the IP addresses and port numbers
corresponding to the message managers.
[0176] In this embodiment, when the user is to access Internet 32
through the connection manager 23, the connection manager 23
notifies the message manager 24 that a data link has been
established from the terminal 10 (S108). After receiving the
provider user ID sent from the connection manager 23 (S108), the
message manager 24 sends its own IP address and port number to the
connection module 78 of the message viewer 76 (S113).
[0177] Based on the received IP address and the port number, the
connection module 78 can immediately specify an appropriate
information provider 20 and its message manager 24 to connect to.
Then, the connection module 78 makes a TCP/IP connection to the
message manager 24 using the received IP address and port number
(S114). The IP address specifies a specific information provider
from among the many information providers 20. The port number
specifies one message manager from among the several communication
modules in the information provider 20.
[0178] According to this embodiment, the IP address and port number
are given by the message manager 24. Therefore, the connection
module 78 can connect the terminal 10 to the appropriate message
manager 24 quickly and correctly. Because the message viewer 76 can
connect itself to the message manager 24 and execute subsequent
operations independently of the browser 74, existing general
browsers (e.g., NETSCAPE.TM., MOSAIC.TM. and so on) can be used as
the browser 74.
[0179] 4. Fourth Embodiment
[0180] The network system construction of this embodiment is also
the same as the system construction of the first embodiment. Thus,
its explanation is eliminated. In the connection sequence of this
embodiment, the IP address and the port number are sent from the
message manager 24 to the connection module 78 as in the third
embodiment. The update information is sent from the message
distributor 39 to the message viewer 76 and displayed on the
terminal. The display operation of the update information is
explained in detail below.
[0181] FIG. 28 shows the connection sequence in this embodiment. As
shown in S113, the IP address and the port number are sent from the
message manager 24 to the connection module 78. Other operations up
to S124 are the same as those of the first embodiment. In this
embodiment, the message distributor 39 decides whether the update
information should be sent (S126) after transmitting the connection
allowance at S124 (S126). If the update information needs to be
sent, the message distribution apparatus 39 sends the update
information to the message viewer 76 (S128).
[0182] FIG. 29 shows examples of the update information. The update
information includes information about new services, such as newly
available goods, and new software programs available by
communication between the message viewer 76 and the message manager
24. The update information is updated at irregular intervals by the
message provider, the providers of the message distributor, or
Internet providers, and is stored in the message distribution
apparatus 39. The condition for the message distribution apparatus
39 to send update information (S126) is, for example, that update
information which has never been sent to the user exists. In order
to determine if this condition is satisfied, the message
distribution apparatus 39 compares the last communication time with
the last update time in the message user DB 34. When the last
communication time is before the last update time, the message
distributor 39 determines that there is update information, which
has not been sent and sends this update information.
[0183] FIG. 30 shows in detail the process wherein the message
distributor determines whether to send the update information
(S126). First, the message distribution apparatus 39 reads the last
communication time from the message user DB 34 (S910). Then, the
message distribution apparatus 39 determines whether the last
communication time is within two hours of the present time (S920).
Specifically, the last communication time is compared with the time
two hours before the present time. If the last communication time
is more than two hours before the present time, then the process
S930 is executed. On the other hand, if the last communication time
is within 2 hours of the present time, the process ends (S970) in
order to avoid displaying the update information too frequently. In
this case, the time at which the message viewer 76 and the message
manager 24 connect is not recorded as the last communication time.
Thus, repeated displays of the update information within a
predetermined time interval may be avoided.
[0184] When the user frequently repeats connecting and
disconnecting the message viewer 76 and the message manager 24, the
user may feel that update information does not need to be displayed
at every connection. Thus, if the user reconnects within a
predetermined time from the last communication time, the update
information is not displayed. Thus, too frequent displays of the
update information may be avoided.
[0185] In S930, the last update time and the last communication
time are compared. If the last update time is later than the last
communication time, the update information provided at the last
update time is selected (S940). The selected update information is
sent to the message viewer 76 from the message distribution
apparatus 39 (S950). When the update information is sent, the last
communication time in the message user DB 34 is reset to the
current time (S960), and this process ends (S970).
[0186] As a modification of this embodiment, the update information
may be sent a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times)
to the user. In this case, the last several communication times are
recorded into the memory. Then, the oldest communication time in
the memory is compared to the update time of the update
information. All update information, which was updated after the
oldest communication time, is sent to the users.
[0187] 5. Fifth Embodiment
[0188] The network system construction of this embodiment is also
the same as that of the first embodiment. Thus, its explanation is
omitted. In the connection sequence of this embodiment, the IP
address and the port number are sent from the message manager 24 to
the connection module 78. The update information is sent from the
message distributor 39 to the message viewer 76, and displayed on
the message viewer 76. In this embodiment, a new message viewer can
be obtained when information about the new message viewer module is
transmitted as update information.
[0189] FIG. 31 shows a part of the connection sequence in this
embodiment. The process up to S128 is basically the same as that of
the fourth embodiment. However, in this embodiment, an upgraded
message viewer 76 is sent to the terminal 10. For this purpose, in
addition to the message user ID and the password, the version of
the message viewer 76 and the OS type of the terminal 10 are
transmitted at the time approval is transmitted at S120.
[0190] FIG. 32 shows the rest of the connection sequence. When the
update information about the upgraded message viewer 76 is
transmitted (S128), the update information is displayed on the
terminal 10.
[0191] FIG. 33 shows an example of this update information. In the
update information window, there is a button to download the
software for upgrading the message viewer 76. The user sends an
update response, indicating whether he wishes to obtain the message
viewer 76, to the message distribution apparatus 39 (S130). The
message distribution apparatus 39 determines whether to download
the software according to the update response (S131: update). If
the message distribution apparatus 39 determines that the software
is to be downloaded, the software is sent to the connection module
78 of the message viewer 76 (S132: download).
[0192] The user can obtain the software to upgrade the message
viewer 76 by the above process. In this way, the message viewer 76
is switched (S133), and the upgraded message viewer 76 controls the
communication and image display. The user may also obtain other
software by communication between the message viewer 76 and the
message distribution apparatus 39. After the software is sent from
the message distribution apparatus 39, it is stored in the hard
disk drive 50 of the terminal 10.
[0193] FIG. 34 shows the process of determining whether to send
update information (S126) and the update process (S131), which are
performed by the message distribution apparatus 39. First, it is
determined whether the received message viewer module version is
the newest (S1010). If the version is the newest, this process ends
(S1070). If the version is not the newest, the update information
about the new message viewer module is selected (S1020) and sent
(S1030). Then it is determined whether there is a downloading
request in response to the update information (S1040). If
downloading is not requested, this process ends (S1070). If
downloading is requested, the newest message viewer module is
selected (S1050) according to the OS type of the terminal 10, and
the selected message viewer module is sent to the terminal 10
(S1060). By the above process, users may easily obtain desired
software.
[0194] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, as described above, the
message distribution apparatus 39 determined whether to send the
update information. However, as an alternative, the message manager
24 may carry out this process. In such a case, the message manager
24 uses the last communication time and the last update time
received from the message distribution apparatus 39, and decides
whether to send the update information. When the message manager 24
controls sending the update information, the burden on the message
distribution apparatus 39 is reduced.
[0195] 6. Sixth Embodiment
[0196] FIG. 35 shows the structure of the overall system in
accordance with the sixth embodiment. Unlike the first and second
embodiments, the message database 26 is here connected to the
message distribution apparatus 39, instead of being connected to
the message manager 24. Accordingly, in this embodiment, message
requests from the message viewer 76 are transmitted through the
message manager 24 to the message distribution apparatus 39. The
message manager 24 performs merely connection and communication
between the message distribution apparatus 39 and the message
viewer 76.
[0197] In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a message
database 26 for each of the plurality of information providers 20.
This embodiment can also simplify the structure of the message
manager 24. These factors lead to a less expensive system
structure. Furthermore, since only a single message database 26 is
provided in the overall system, maintenance of the message database
26 can be facilitated. Even if the message distribution apparatus
39 and the information provider 20 are located physically apart far
from each other, for example, in different countries, the message
database 26 is maintained in the location where the message
distribution apparatus 39 is established. This results in reduced
maintenance costs.
[0198] On the other hand, in the first and second embodiments, the
load on the message distribution apparatus 39 and on the dedicated
line 29 is lightened. Therefore, in a situation where the frequency
of access to the message database 26 is higher, the structure of
the first or second embodiment can operate more effectively.
[0199] 7. Seventh Embodiment
[0200] FIG. 36 shows the overall structure of the system according
to the seventh embodiment. Unlike the sixth embodiment, the message
distribution apparatus 39 is connected to the information provider
20 through Internet 32, instead of via the dedicated line 29. Also,
the system of this embodiment does not include message managers 24.
Accordingly, message requests sent from the message viewers 76 are
forwarded to the message distribution apparatus 39 through Internet
gateways 22.
[0201] In this structure, the information providers 20 do not need
message managers 24, resulting in less expensive system structure.
The system is established by utilizing existing Internet providers
as information providers 20. Even if the message distribution
apparatus 39 is provided in only a limited number of countries, the
service can be provided wherever Internet exists anywhere in the
world.
[0202] On the other hand, the structure of the first and second
embodiments can reduce the burden on the message distribution
apparatus 39 and the dedicated line 29. Therefore, in a situation
where the frequency of access to the message database 26 is higher,
the system of the first or second embodiment can operate more
effectively.
[0203] 8. Eighth Embodiment
[0204] FIG. 37 shows the overall structure of the system according
to the eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, a BBS, such as
COMPUSERVE.TM., NIFTY-SERVE.TM., AOL.TM., etc., is used as an
information provider 20, instead of connecting to Internet 32. The
information provider 20 charges the BBS information fee for each
user to the message distribution apparatus 39. The message
distribution apparatus 39 determines whether the value of the
user's parameter is sufficiently high to pay the information fee.
If the value of the user's parameter is adequate, the message
distribution apparatus 39 pays the information fee to the
information provider 20, deducting from the value of user's
parameter. If the value of the user's parameter is too low to pay
the information fee, the balance is charged to the user's credit
card account via the closed network 27.
[0205] The user may access such a BBS for free by frequently
displaying a given message on the message viewer 76, as explained
above.
[0206] 9. Ninth Embodiment
[0207] In the above-described embodiments, every time a message is
displayed on the user's message viewer 76, the value of the user's
parameter is increased, and an information fee for the message is
charged. However, as an alternative embodiment, the value of the
user's parameter may be increased and an information fee for the
message may be charged only when the user takes some action with
regard to the displayed message. This can prevent the situation
where the value of the user's parameter is increased and an
information fee for the message is charged even though the user has
not viewed the message.
[0208] Alternatively, the value of the user's parameter may be
increased and an information fee for the message may be charged,
only when the user's response to the content of the message is
proper. For example, a question, to which the user can certainly
give a correct answer based on the content of the displayed
message, may be displayed in an area of the message. The value of
the user's parameter would be increased only when the user inputs a
correct answer. In other words, the value of the user's parameter
would be increased and an information fee for the message would be
charged only when the user reads the message.
[0209] Either the message viewer 76 or the message distribution
apparatus 39 may be used to determine whether the user's response
is correct. If the message viewer 76 is used for the determination,
this does not make traffic on the communications network heavier,
and no extra burden is put on the message distribution apparatus
39. If the message distribution apparatus 39 is used for the
determination, no extra burden is put on the message viewer 76, and
the determination sequence for deciding whether the user's response
is correct can easily be changed simply by updating the software of
the single message distribution apparatus 39.
[0210] 10. Tenth Embodiment
[0211] The method of increasing the value of the user's parameter
of the ninth embodiment may be combined with that of embodiments 1
through 5. For example, the value of the parameter is increased by
a first predetermined amount when the message is displayed, by a
second predetermined amount only when a button in the message
viewer window is operated, and by a third predetermined amount only
when the user's response to the message is correct. The amount of
increase in the value of the parameter is charged to the message
provider. The charge for the message is determined according to an
expectation value, which indicates the extent to which the message
attracts the user's attention.
[0212] 11. Eleventh Embodiment
[0213] Although, in the above-described embodiments the payment
system 35 pays for the goods by using a credit card, the payment
system of the invention covers any system which has the function of
paying the bill for the goods to the store. For example, the system
may transfer money from the user's bank account to the store, or
withdraw money from the user's account and transfer it to the bank
account of the payment system, and then, further transfer it to the
store.
[0214] Although, in the above-described embodiments the browser 74
displays home page information of Internet 32, the browser 74 may
be an Internet telephone or Internet TV phone which communicates by
voice with Internet 32.
[0215] Although the message user database 34, the transmittal
condition database 36 and the connection log 38 are shown as
separate disc devices, they may be stored in a single device. The
relationships among the data of the respective fields can be made
in various file structures. For example, the message user database
34, the transmittal condition database 36 and the connection log 38
may be arranged in different areas of a single file.
[0216] The floppy disk 56 or the CD-ROM 58, as examples of the
recording media, can store a portion or all of the functions of the
operation flow of the terminal 10. If a portion of the function of
the information provider 20, the host computer 30 or the payment
system 35 is to be executed by the terminal 10, the portion that is
executed by the terminal 10 can be stored in the floppy disk 56 or
the CD-ROM 58. The floppy disk 106 may store a portion or all of
the functions of the devices other than the information provider
20, the host computer 30 and the payment system 35. The stored
programs may be read out from the recording medium directly to the
RAM for execution, or may be installed in the hard disc drive
first, and then read out to the RAM for execution. The programs may
be stored in a single recording medium, or in a plurality of
recording media. The programs may be stored in an encoded form.
[0217] In addition to floppy disks and CD-ROM, the recording media
used in the invention may include optical recording media, such as
DVDs, magnetic recording media, such as MDs, magneto-optical
recording media, such as PDs, tape media, and semiconductor memory,
such as IC cards and miniature cards. Also, the storage, such as a
hard disc drive or the RAM provided in the information provider 20,
the message distribution apparatus 39, or the host computer 30, may
be used as the recording medium. If this is the case, the programs
are supplied to the terminal 10 through the communications network.
All such recording media are used exclusively to manufacture the
terminal 10, the message manager 24 or the message distribution
apparatus 39. Therefore, it is obvious that the manufacture and
sale of such recording media will constitute infringement of the
patent rights based on the present invention.
[0218] Although the present invention has been described in
connection with specific embodiments, the present invention is not
limited to the scope of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art
can make various modifications and substitutions without departing
from the spirit and the scope of the present invention, which is
defined by the appended claims.
[0219] For example, a portion of the function of the information
provider 20, the message distribution apparatus 39, or the host
computer 30 can be executed by the terminal 10 to reduce the load
on the information provider 20, the message distribution apparatus
39, or the host computer 30. Alternatively, a portion of the
function of the terminal 10 may be executed by the information
provider 20, the message distribution apparatus 39, or the host
computer 30 to reduce the burden on the terminal 10. It is clear
that these modifications are also included within the scope of the
present invention.
[0220] The value of the parameter assigned to the user increases as
the user displays or operates on a message. If the value of the
user's parameter is sufficiently high, the message distributor pays
the user's connection fee or the price of the goods purchased by
the user to Internet or the BBS using the value of the user's
parameter. The user may access the communications network, such as
Internet or a BBS for free, or buy goods from the communications
network for free, by frequently displaying messages on the
terminal.
Industrial Utilization
[0221] According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a message provider can acquire a number of subscribers
by offering the service of Internet or a BBS for free. The message
provider can provide each message to those for whom the message is
suitable. Therefore, an information fee is charged only for those
messages, which attract the user's attention. Furthermore,
according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the system providers can reliably provide update information to
users.
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