Patent US5999971A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5999971A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for identifying clients accessing network sites
Assignee: Inforonics Inc
•
Filing: 1998-06-23
•
Granted: 1999-12-07
•
Expires: 2018-06-23
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for identifying a client accessing a first network site utilizes a control site to maintain information relating to the client. To that end, in response to receipt of a request from the client to access the first network site, it is determined if the client includes a first site data block. If it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, then the control site is controlled to produce a control site data block having both control site identification data and a client identifier. The control site data block then is transmitted from the control site to the client In a similar manner, the client identifier is transmitted from the control site to the first network site. Upon receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, the first network site is controlled to transmit the first site data block to the client. The first site data block may have both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce H. Buckland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:46
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L67/00; H04L67/2866; H04L67/30; H04L67/306; H04L61/00; H04L67/01; H04L67/02; H04L69/00; H04L69/06; H04L9/00; H04L9/40; H04L67/50; H04L67/535; H04L69/30; H04L69/32; H04L69/322; H04L69/329
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 105
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the method comprising: A. receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; B. in response to receipt of the request, determining if the client includes a first site data block; C. if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, then controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier; D. transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; E. transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and F. upon receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the method comprising: A. receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; B. in response to receipt of the request, determining if the client includes a first site data block; C. if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, then controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier; D. transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; E. transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and F. upon receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the first network site is a World Wide Web site in a first network site domain and the first site data block is a cookie.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined by claim 2 wherein the control site is a World Wide Web site in a control site domain and the control site data block is a cookie.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined by claim 3 wherein step D comprises: D1. directing the client to the control site domain.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined by claim 3 wherein step F comprises: F1. directing the client to the first network site domain.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the client identifier includes in IP address of the client.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the client includes a browser.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as defined by claim 1 further including: G. transmitting client information between the first network site and the control site.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
103 words
The method as defined by claim 1 further including: H. if it is determined at step B that the client includes the first site data block, then retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client; I. extracting the client identifier from the first site data block; J. transmitting the client identifier from the first network site to the control site; K. retrieving client information from a storage medium associated with the control site, the client information being retrieved by utilizing the received client identifier; L. transmitting the retrieved client information from the control site to the first network site.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the first network site is in a first domain, and the control site is in a control domain, the first domain being distributed across at least two servers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method as defined by claim 10 wherein the control site is implemented on a server, the server further including the first network site, the control data block being transmitted when the client is in the control domain, the first site data block being transmitted when the client is in the first domain.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method as defined by claim 1 further including: M. if it is determined at step B that the client includes the first site data block, then controlling the first network site to retrieve a copy of the first site data block from the client, the first site data block including client information; N. extracting the client identifier and client information from the first site data block.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein a second network site is in communication with the network, the method further comprising: J. receiving a request from the client to access the second network site; K. in response to receipt of the request, determining if the client includes a second site data block; L. if it is determined that the client does not include the second site data block, then transmitting a message to the control site with the client identifier; M. controlling the control site to utilize the client identifier to locate client information; N. transmitting the located client information from the control site to the second network site.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined by claim 1 wherein the first site identification data includes an address of the first network site.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
176 words
An apparatus for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the apparatus comprising: a receiver for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; means for determining, in response to receipt of the request, if the client includes a first site data block; means for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block; means for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; means for transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and means for controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client after receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
176 words
An apparatus for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the apparatus comprising: a receiver for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; means for determining, in response to receipt of the request, if the client includes a first site data block; means for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block; means for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; means for transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and means for controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client after receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein the first network site is a World Wide Web site in a first network site domain and the first site data block is a cookie.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 16 wherein the control site is a World Wide Web site in a control site domain and the control site data block is a cookie.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 17 wherein the means for transmitting the control site data block comprises: means for directing the client to the control site domain.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 17 wherein the means for controlling comprises: means for directing the client to the first network site domain.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein the client identifier includes in IP address of the client.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein the client includes a browser.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 further including: means for transmitting client information between the first network site and the control site.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
104 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 further including: means for retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block; means for extracting the client identifier from the first site data block; means for transmitting the client identifier from the first network site to the control site; means for retrieving client information from a storage medium associated with the control site, the client information being retrieved by utilizing the received client identifier; means for transmitting the retrieved client information from the control site to the first network site.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein the first network site is in a first domain, and the control site is in a control domain, the first domain being distributed across at least two servers, the control data block being transmitted when the client is in the control domain, the first site data block being transmitted when the client is in the first domain.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined by claim 24 wherein the control site is implemented on a server, the server further including the first network site.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 further including: means for controlling the first network site to retrieve a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block, the first site data block including client information; means for extracting the client identifier and client information from the first site data block.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
114 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein a second network site is in communication with the network, the apparatus further comprising: means for receiving a request from the client to access the second network site; means for determining if the client includes a second site data block in response to receipt of the request; means for transmitting a message to the control site with the client identifier if it is determined that the client does not include the second site data block; means for controlling the control site to utilize the client identifier to locate client information; means for transmitting the located client information from the control site to the second network site.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein the first site identification data includes an address of the first network site.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
207 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code comprising: program code for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; program code for determining, in response to receipt of the request, if the client includes a first site data block; program code for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block; program code for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; program code for transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and program code for controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client after receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
207 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code comprising: program code for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; program code for determining, in response to receipt of the request, if the client includes a first site data block; program code for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block; program code for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; program code for transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and program code for controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client after receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 wherein the first network site is a World Wide Web site in a first network site domain and the first site data block is a cookie.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 30 wherein the control site is a World Wide Web site in a control site domain and the control site data block is a cookie.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 31 wherein the program code for transmitting the control site data block comprises: program code for directing the client to the control site domain.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 31 wherein the program code for controlling comprises: program code for directing the client to the first network site domain.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 wherein the client identifier includes in IP address of the client.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 wherein the client includes a browser.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 further including: program code for transmitting client information between the first network site and the control site.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
111 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 further including: program code for retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block; program code for extracting the client identifier from the first site data block; program code for transmitting the client identifier from the first network site to the control site; program code for retrieving client information from a storage medium associated with the control site, the client information being retrieved by utilizing the received client identifier; program code for transmitting the retrieved client information from the control site to the first network site.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 wherein the first network site is in a first domain, and the control site is in a control domain, the first domain being distributed across at least two servers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
55 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 38 wherein the control site is implemented on a server, the server further including the first network site, the control data block being transmitted when the client is in the control domain, the first site data block being transmitted when the client is in the first domain.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
69 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 further including: program code for controlling the first network site to retrieve a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block, the first site data block including client information; program code for extracting the client identifier and client information from the first site data block.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
123 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 wherein a second network site is in communication with the network, the computer program product further comprising: program code for receiving a request from the client to access the second network site; program code for determining if the client includes a second site data block in response to receipt of the request; program code for transmitting a message to the control site with the client identifier if it is determined that the client does not include the second site data block; program code for controlling the control site to utilize the client identifier to locate client information; program code for transmitting the located client information from the control site to the second network site.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 29 wherein the first site identification data includes an address of the first network site.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the control site receiving a first message from the first network site, the first message indicating that the client does not include a first site data block, the method comprising: after receipt of the first message, controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier; transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; and generating a second message for transmission from the control site to the first network site, the second message having the client identifier and commands for execution by the first to network site, the commands being selected so that after the commands are read by the first network site, the first network site transmits the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the control site receiving a first message from the first network site, the first message indicating that the client does not include a first site data block, the method comprising: after receipt of the first message, controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier; transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; and generating a second message for transmission from the control site to the first network site, the second message having the client identifier and commands for execution by the first to network site, the commands being selected so that after the commands are read by the first network site, the first network site transmits the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as defined by claim 43 wherein both the first network site and the control site are World Wide Web sites.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method as defined by claim 43 wherein the first network site is in a first domain, and the control site is in a control domain, the control site data block being transmitted to the client when the client is in the control domain.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as defined by claim 45 wherein the commands in the second message control the first network site to transmit the first site data block when the browser is in the first domain.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method as defined by claim 43 wherein a second network site is in communication with the network, the control site receiving a third message indicating that the browser does not include a second data block, the method comprising: controlling the control site to confirm that the client includes the control site data block; if it is confirmed that the client includes the control site data block, transmitting client information from the control site to the second network site.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method as defined by claim 47 further comprising: if it is confirmed that the client includes the control site data block, generating a forth message for transmission to the second network site, the forth message including commands that are selected so that after received by the second network site, the second network site transmits the second site data block to the browser, the second site data block having both the client identifier and second site identification data.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method as defined by claim 43 wherein a fifth message is received by the control site, the fifth message including the client identifier and a request for client information from the first network site, the method comprising: utilizing the client identifier to locate the client information; and transmitting the located client information to the first network site.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
179 words
An apparatus for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the control site receiving a first message from the first network site, the first message indicating that the client does not include a first site data block, the apparatus comprising: means for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier after receipt of the first message; means for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; and means for generating a second message for transmission from the control site to the first network site, the second message having the client identifier and commands for execution by the first network site, the commands being selected so that after the commands are read by the first network site, the first network site transmits the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
179 words
An apparatus for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the control site receiving a first message from the first network site, the first message indicating that the client does not include a first site data block, the apparatus comprising: means for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier after receipt of the first message; means for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; and means for generating a second message for transmission from the control site to the first network site, the second message having the client identifier and commands for execution by the first network site, the commands being selected so that after the commands are read by the first network site, the first network site transmits the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 50 wherein both the first network site and the control site are World Wide Web sites.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 50 wherein the first network site is in a first domain, and the control site is in a control domain, the means for transmitting the control site data block to the client including means for transmitting the control site data block when the client is in the control domain.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 52 wherein the commands in the second message control the first network site to transmit the first site data block when the browser is in the first domain.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
83 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 50 wherein a second network site is in communication with the network, the control site receiving a third message indicating that the browser does not include a second data block, the apparatus comprising: means for controlling the control site to confirm that the client includes the control site data block; means for transmitting client information from the control site to the second network site if it is confirmed that the client includes the control site data block.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 54 further comprising: means for generating a forth message for transmission to the second network site if it is confirmed that the client includes the control site data block, the forth message including commands that are selected so that after received by the second network site, the second network site transmits the second site data block to the browser, the second site data block having both the client identifier and second site identification data.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 50 wherein a fifth message is received by the control site, the fifth message including the client identifier and a request for client information from the first network site, the apparatus comprising: means for utilizing the client identifier to locate the client information; and means for transmitting the located client information to the first network site.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
208 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the control site receiving a first message from the first network site, the first message indicating that the client does not include a first site data block, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code comprising: program code for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier after receipt of the first message; program code for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; and program code for generating a second message for transmission from the control site to the first network site, the second message having the client identifier and commands for execution by the first network site, the commands being selected so that after the commands are read by the first network site, the first network site transmits the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
208 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the control site receiving a first message from the first network site, the first message indicating that the client does not include a first site data block, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code comprising: program code for controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier after receipt of the first message; program code for transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; and program code for generating a second message for transmission from the control site to the first network site, the second message having the client identifier and commands for execution by the first network site, the commands being selected so that after the commands are read by the first network site, the first network site transmits the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 57 wherein both the first network site and the control site are World Wide Web sites.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
59 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 57 wherein the first network site is in a first domain, and the control site is in a control domain, the program code for transmitting the control site data block to the client including program code for transmitting the control site data block when the client is in the control domain.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 59 wherein the commands in the second message control the first network site to transmit the first site data block when the browser is in the first domain.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
89 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 57 wherein a second network site is in communication with the network, the control site receiving a third message indicating that the browser does not include a second data block, the computer program product comprising: program code for controlling the control site to confirm that the client includes the control site data block; program code for transmitting client information from the control site to the second network site if it is confirmed that the client includes the control site data block.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
83 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 61 further comprising: program code for generating a forth message for transmission to the second network site if it is confirmed that the client includes the control site data block, the forth message including commands that are selected so that after received by the second network site, the second network site transmits the second site data block to the browser, the second site data block having both the client identifier and second site identification data.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
68 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 57 wherein a fifth message is received by the control site, the fifth message including the client identifier and a request for client information from the first network site, the computer program product comprising: program code for utilizing the client identifier to locate the client information; and program code for transmitting the located client information to the first network site.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the method comprising: receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; in response to receipt of the request, determining if the client includes a first site data block; if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, then generating an initial message with control commands for execution by the control site, the control commands being selected so that when executed by the control site, the control site first produces a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier, and then transmits the control site data block to the client; receiving the client identifier from the control site; and upon receipt of the client identifier, transmitting the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
171 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the method comprising: receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; in response to receipt of the request, determining if the client includes a first site data block; if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, then generating an initial message with control commands for execution by the control site, the control commands being selected so that when executed by the control site, the control site first produces a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier, and then transmits the control site data block to the client; receiving the client identifier from the control site; and upon receipt of the client identifier, transmitting the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as defined by claim 64 wherein when executed by the control site, the commands cause the control site to determine if the client includes the control site data block.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as defined by claim 64 wherein the control site is in a control site domain, and the first network site is in a first domain, the first domain and control site domain being different, further wherein the client is in the browser domain when the control site transmits the control site data block.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined by claim 66 wherein the client is in the first domain when the first site data block is transmitted to the client.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as defined by claim 64 wherein the network is the World Wide Web.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined by claim 64 further including: coupling with the control site; receiving client information from the control site.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
104 words
The method as defined by claim 64 further including: if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block, then retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client; extracting the client identifier from the first site data block; transmitting a client identifier message to the control site, the client identifier message having the client identifier and retrieval commands, when executed, the retrieval commands causing the control site to utilize the client identifier to retrieve client information from a storage medium; and receiving an information message from the control site, the information message including the retrieved client information.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as defined by claim 64 further comprising: retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block, the first site data block including client information; extracting the client identifier and client information from the first site data block.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
180 words
An apparatus for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; means for determining if the client includes a first site data block in response to receipt of the request; means for generating an initial message with control commands for execution by the control site if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, the control commands being selected so that when executed by the control site, the control site first produces a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier, and then transmits the control site data block to the client; means for receiving the client identifier from the control site; and means for transmitting the first site data block to the client upon receipt of the client identifier, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
180 words
An apparatus for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; means for determining if the client includes a first site data block in response to receipt of the request; means for generating an initial message with control commands for execution by the control site if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, the control commands being selected so that when executed by the control site, the control site first produces a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier, and then transmits the control site data block to the client; means for receiving the client identifier from the control site; and means for transmitting the first site data block to the client upon receipt of the client identifier, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 72 wherein when executed by the control site, the commands cause the control site to determine if the client includes the control site data block.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 72 wherein the control site is in a control site domain, and the first network site is in a first domain, the first domain and control site domain being different, further wherein the client is in the browser domain when the control site transmits the control site data block.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 74 wherein the client is in the first domain when the first site data block is transmitted to the client.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 72 wherein the network is the World Wide Web.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 72 further including: means for coupling with the control site; and means for receiving client information from the control site.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
113 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 72 further including: means for retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block; means for extracting the client identifier from the first site data block; means for generating a client identifier message for transmission to the control site, the client identifier message having the client identifier and retrieval commands, when executed, the retrieval commands causing the control site to utilize the client identifier to retrieve client information from a storage medium; and means for receiving an information message from the control site, the information message including the retrieved client information.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 72 further comprising: means for retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block, the first site data block including client information; and means for extracting the client identifier and client information from the first site data block.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code comprising: program code for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; program code for determining if the client includes a first site data block in response to receipt of the request; program code for generating an initial message with control commands for execution by the control site if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, the control commands being selected so that when executed by the control site, the control site first produces a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier, and then transmits the control site data block to the client; program code for receiving the client identifier from the control site; and program code for transmitting the first site data block to the client upon receipt of the client identifier, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
211 words
A computer program product for use on a computer system for identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code thereon, the computer readable program code comprising: program code for receiving a request from the client to access the first network site; program code for determining if the client includes a first site data block in response to receipt of the request; program code for generating an initial message with control commands for execution by the control site if it is determined that the client does not include the first site data block, the control commands being selected so that when executed by the control site, the control site first produces a control site data block having control site identification data and a client identifier, and then transmits the control site data block to the client; program code for receiving the client identifier from the control site; and program code for transmitting the first site data block to the client upon receipt of the client identifier, the first site data block having both the client identifier and first site identification data.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 wherein when executed by the control site, the commands cause the control site to determine if the client includes the control site data block.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
57 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 wherein the control site is in a control site domain, and the first network site is in a first domain, the first domain and control site domain being different, further wherein the client is in the browser domain when the control site transmits the control site data block.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 82 wherein the client is in the first domain when the first site data block is transmitted to the client.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 wherein the network is the World Wide Web.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
30 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 further including: program code for coupling with the control site; and program code for receiving client information from the control site.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
119 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 further including: program code for retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block; program code for extracting the client identifier from the first site data block; program code for generating a client identifier message for transmission to the control site, the client identifier message having the client identifier and retrieval commands, when executed, the retrieval commands causing the control site to utilize the client identifier to retrieve client information from a storage medium; and program code for receiving an information message from the control site, the information message including the retrieved client information.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
64 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 further comprising: program code for retrieving a copy of the first site data block from the client if it is determined that the client includes the first site data block, the first site data block including client information; and program code for extracting the client identifier and client information from the first site data block.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 wherein the first network site is in a first domain, and the control site is in a control domain, the first domain being distributed across at least two servers.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
55 words
The computer program product as defined by claim 80 wherein the control site is implemented on a server, the server further including the first network site, the control data block being transmitted when the client is in the control domain, the first site data block being transmitted when the client is in the first domain.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the first network site receiving a request to access the first network site and responsively determining that the client does not include a first network site data block, the method comprising: A. determining if the client includes a control site data block; B. if it is determined that the client does not include the control site data block, then controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having a client identifier, and then transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; C. if it is determined that the client includes the control site data block, then extracting the client identifier from the control site data block; D. transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and E. upon receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having the client identifier.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the first network site receiving a request to access the first network site and responsively determining that the client does not include a first network site data block, the method comprising: A. determining if the client includes a control site data block; B. if it is determined that the client does not include the control site data block, then controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having a client identifier, and then transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; C. if it is determined that the client includes the control site data block, then extracting the client identifier from the control site data block; D. transmitting the client identifier from the control site to the first network site; and E. upon receipt of the client identifier by the first network site, controlling the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having the client identifier.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as defined by claim 90 wherein the first network site defines a first domain, and the control site defined a control domain, wherein step E comprises: E1. directing the client to the first domain.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as defined by claim 91 wherein step B comprises: B1. directing the client to the control domain.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the first network site receiving a request to access the first network site and responsively determining that the client does not include a first network site data block, the method comprising: A. determining if the client includes a control site data block; B. if it is determined that the client does not include the control site data block, then controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having a client identifier, and then transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; C. if it is determined that the client includes the control site data block, then extracting the client identifier from the control site data block; D. transmitting a message from the control site to the first network site, the message including the client identifier and commands that, when executed by the first network site, control the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having the client identifier.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
195 words
A method of identifying a client accessing a first network site, the client being in communication with the first network site and a control site via a network, the first network site receiving a request to access the first network site and responsively determining that the client does not include a first network site data block, the method comprising: A. determining if the client includes a control site data block; B. if it is determined that the client does not include the control site data block, then controlling the control site to produce a control site data block having a client identifier, and then transmitting the control site data block from the control site to the client; C. if it is determined that the client includes the control site data block, then extracting the client identifier from the control site data block; D. transmitting a message from the control site to the first network site, the message including the client identifier and commands that, when executed by the first network site, control the first network site to transmit the first site data block to the client, the first site data block having the client identifier.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as defined by claim 93 wherein the first network site defines a first domain, and the control site defined a control domain, wherein step B comprises: B1. directing the client to the control domain.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-06 | 2003-06-07 | 2003-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-06 | 2007-06-07 | 2007-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-06 | 2011-06-07 | 2011-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |