Computer network system and method for efficient information transfer

Claim 2

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 3

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the means for transmitting a user report includes means for obtaining another reference to new target information.

Claim 4

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the means for displaying includes means for notifying the user when the target information is ready for display.

Claim 5

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the means for displaying the target information includes means for disabling user control of the display while displaying the target information.

Claim 6

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the means for receiving user request includes means for enabling the user to obtain further information related to the displayed target information.

Claim 7

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the means for receiving target information further includes means for receiving a target information reference for the current user, and means for requesting target information using the target information reference.

Claim 8

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the user information includes user id, reference to a segment list corresponding to the user profile, and reference to a target information list corresponding to the segment list, and wherein the master program module includes means for accessing the reference to the segment list, and the reference to the target information list.

Claim 9

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the transferring means include means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent.

Claim 10

The computer network of claim 1 wherein the storing means of the master program module includes means for updating the master database in response to the user report, and means for generating a report of updated user report to target information providers.

Claim 11

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for notifying the user when the target information is ready for display, means for monitoring a predetermined time period during which the user may trigger the display of the target information, and means for displaying the target information to the user upon expiration of the predetermined time period, means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 12

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for notifying the user when the target information is ready for display, means for monitoring a predetermined time period during which the user may trigger the display of the target information, and means for displaying the target information to the user upon expiration of the predetermined time period, means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 13

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent, the sending means including a shift register to receive each bit of non-target information packets, a detector to detect an identification bit pattern of non-target information packets in the shift register, a flow controller to control transfer of target information packets by opening and closing a gate in response to the detected identification bit pattern, and means for delaying a start signal initiating transfer of target information packets in response to a detected trailer bit until transfer of non-target information packet is complete; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 14

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent, the sending means including a shift register to receive each bit of non-target information packets, a detector to detect an identification bit pattern of non-target information packets in the shift register, a flow controller to control transfer of target information packets by opening and closing a gate in response to the detected identification bit pattern, and means for delaying a start signal initiating transfer of target information packets in response to a detected trailer bit until transfer of non-target information packet is complete; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 15

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent the sending means including means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet, and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time to minimize additional delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 16

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent the sending means including means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet, and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time to minimize additional delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 17

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent the sending means including means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet, the monitoring means including means for estimating amount of network traffic by measuring length of time between transmittal of target information packet by the master node and a message of receipt by the user node, and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time to minimize additional delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 18

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent the sending means including means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet, the monitoring means including means for estimating amount of network traffic by measuring length of time between transmittal of target information packet by the master node and a message of receipt by the user node, and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time to minimize additional delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 19

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent, the sending means including means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet, the monitoring means including means for recording when each target information packet is transmitted by the master node, means for receiving acknowledgment of receipt from the user node, and means for estimating amount of network traffic by determining length of time between the transmittal and the receipt, and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time to minimize additional delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 20

A computer network for connecting information providers and users through a network service provider that assigns network addresses to the users comprising: a user node including means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node, means for receiving and displaying target information, the displaying means including means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information, and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information; a master database containing user information, including user profile information and target information references; a master node, coupled to the user node over a transmission medium capable of supporting communications between the master node and the user node, the master node including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the network service provider, means for monitoring the traffic on the transmission medium between the user node and the master node, means for transferring information to the user node minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node, the transferring means including means for sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent, the sending means including means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet, the monitoring means including means for recording when each target information packet is transmitted by the master node, means for receiving acknowledgment of receipt from the user node, and means for estimating amount of network traffic by determining length of time between the transmittal and the receipt, and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time to minimize additional delay between the master node and the user node; and a master program module, coupled to the master node and the master database, including means for receiving the user id and the respective network address from the master node, means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id, means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile, and means for storing in the master database the user report from the user node.

Claim 21

A network traffic monitor for transferring target information packets while minimizing additional communication delay between a user node and a master node comprising: a shift register to store each bit of non-target information packets; a detector to detect an identification bit pattern of non-target information packets in the shift register; a flow controller to control a transfer gate in response to the detected identification bit pattern; and means for delaying a start signal initiating transfer of target information packets in response to a detected identification bit pattern until transfer of non-target information packet is complete.

Claim 22

A network traffic monitor for transferring target information packets while minimizing additional communication delay between a user node and a master node comprising: a shift register to store each bit of non-target information packets; a detector to detect an identification bit pattern of non-target information packets in the shift register; a flow controller to control a transfer gate in response to the detected identification bit pattern; and means for delaying a start signal initiating transfer of target information packets in response to a detected identification bit pattern until transfer of non-target information packet is complete.

Claim 23

The network traffic monitor of claim 15 wherein the identification bit pattern of non-target information is a header bit pattern.

Claim 24

The network traffic monitor of claim 15 wherein the identification bit pattern of non-target information is a trailer bit pattern.

Claim 25

A network traffic controller for transferring target information packets while minimizing additional communication delay between a user node and a master node comprising: means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet; and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time.

Claim 26

A network traffic controller for transferring target information packets while minimizing additional communication delay between a user node and a master node comprising: means for monitoring length of time necessary for transfer of each target information packet; and means for adjusting the rate of target information transfer in response to the monitored transfer time.

Claim 27

A network traffic controller of claim 18 wherein the monitoring means include means for estimating amount of network traffic by measuring length of time between transmittal of target information packet by the master node and receipt by the user node.

Claim 28

The network traffic controller of claim 18 wherein the monitoring means include means for recording when each target information packet is transmitted by the master node, means for receiving acknowledgement of receipt from the user node, and means for estimating amount of network traffic by determining length of time between the transmittal and the acknowledgement of receipt.

Claim 31

The method of claim 21 wherein the step of transmitting a user report includes the step of obtaining another reference to new target information.

Claim 32

The method of claim 21 wherein the step of displaying the transferred target information includes the step of notifying the registered user when the target information is ready for display.

Claim 33

The method of claim 21 wherein the step of displaying the target information upon expiration of the predetermined time period includes the step of disabling user control of the display while displaying the target information.

Claim 34

The method of claim 21 wherein the step of transferring the requested target information includes the step of sending target information packets during times when information packets are not being sent.

Claim 35

The method of claim 21 wherein the step of storing the user report includes the steps of updating a master database in response to the user report, and generating a report of updated user report to target information providers.

Claim 52

The method of claim 34 wherein the identification bit pattern of non-target information packets is a header bit pattern.

Claim 53

The method of claim 34 wherein the identification bit pattern of non-target information packets is a trailer bit pattern.

Claim 56

A method of claim 37 wherein the monitoring step includes estimating amount of network traffic by measuring length of time between transmittal of target information packet by the master node and a message of receipt by the user node.

Claim 57

The method of claim 37 wherein the monitoring step includes recording when each target information packet is transmitted by the master node, receiving a message from the user node acknowledging receipt of the packet, and estimating amount of network traffic by determining length of time between the transmittal and the message receipt.

Claim 58

A master program module coupled to a master node and a master database for connecting information providers and user nodes for a computer network comprising: means for registering a first-time user of the computer network; means for receiving, through the master node, a user id and respective network address corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id; means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile; and means for storing a user report from the user node.

Claim 59

A master program module coupled to a master node and a master database for connecting information providers and user nodes for a computer network comprising: means for registering a first-time user of the computer network; means for receiving, through the master node, a user id and respective network address corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for accessing from the master database user profile information corresponding to the user id; means for transmitting to the user node, through the master node, a reference to target information corresponding to the accessed user profile; and means for storing a user report from the user node.

Claim 62

A user node for connecting information providers and users coupled with a master node, a master database, and a master program comprising: means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for requesting a transfer of target information from the master node; means for receiving the requested target information from the master node, wherein the master node transfers the requested target information while minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; means for displaying the received target information; means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information; and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information.

Claim 63

A user node for connecting information providers and users coupled with a master node, a master database, and a master program comprising: means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for requesting a transfer of target information from the master node; means for receiving the requested target information from the master node, wherein the master node transfers the requested target information while minimizing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; means for displaying the received target information; means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information; and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information.

Claim 64

The user node of claim 42 wherein the means for transmitting a user report includes means for obtaining another reference to new target information.

Claim 65

The user node of claim 42 wherein the means for displaying includes means for notifying the user when the target information is ready for display.

Claim 66

The user node of claim 42 wherein the means for displaying includes means for enabling the user to obtain further information related to the displayed target information.

Claim 67

The user node of claim 42 wherein the means for displaying includes means for receiving a target information reference for the current user, and means for requesting target information using the target information reference.

Claim 68

A user node for connecting information providers and users coupled with a master node, a master database, and a master program comprising: means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for requesting a transfer of target information from the master node; means for receiving the requested target information from the master node without causing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; means for displaying the received target information, the displaying means including means for timing a predetermined time period during which the user may trigger the display of the target information, and means for displaying the target information to the user upon expiration of the predetermined time period; means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information; and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information.

Claim 69

A user node for connecting information providers and users coupled with a master node, a master database, and a master program comprising: means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for requesting a transfer of target information from the master node; means for receiving the requested target information from the master node without causing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; means for displaying the received target information, the displaying means including means for timing a predetermined time period during which the user may trigger the display of the target information, and means for displaying the target information to the user upon expiration of the predetermined time period; means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information; and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information.

Claim 70

A user node for connecting information providers and users coupled with a master node, a master database, and a master program comprising: means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for requesting a transfer of target information from the master node; means for receiving the requested target information from the master node without causing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; means for displaying the received target information, the displaying means including means for timing a predetermined time period during which the user may trigger the display of the target information, and means for displaying the target information to the user upon expiration of the predetermined time period, the displaying means further including means for disabling user control of the display while displaying the target information; means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information; and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information.

Claim 71

A user node for connecting information providers and users coupled with a master node, a master database, and a master program comprising: means for sending a user id corresponding to a current user of the user node; means for requesting a transfer of target information from the master node; means for receiving the requested target information from the master node without causing additional communication delay between the master node and the user node; means for displaying the received target information, the displaying means including means for timing a predetermined time period during which the user may trigger the display of the target information, and means for displaying the target information to the user upon expiration of the predetermined time period, the displaying means further including means for disabling user control of the display while displaying the target information; means for receiving from the current user a request for certain user-selected information; and means for compiling and transmitting a user report identifying the displayed target information and user-selected information.

Claim 74

The method of claim 49 wherein the step of transmitting a user report includes the step of obtaining another reference to new target information.

Claim 75

The method of claim 49 wherein the step of displaying the transferred target information includes the step of notifying the user when the target information is ready for display.

Claim 76

The method of claim 49 wherein the step of displaying includes enabling the user to obtain further information related to the displayed target information.

Claim 77

The method of claim 49 wherein the step of displaying includes receiving a target information reference for the current user, and requesting target information using the target information reference.