US7092926B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for identifying unique client users from user behavioral data
Assignee: Cox Communications Inc
•
Filing: 2002-04-05
•
Granted: 2006-08-15
•
Expires: 2022-04-05
Abstract
Abstract A method and system are provided for identifying a current user of a terminal device from a group of possible users. The method includes providing a database containing multiple user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to the terminal device. Each of the possible users of the group are associated with at least one of the user input pattern profiles. Current input patterns from use of the terminal device are detected. The current input patterns are combined and then dynamically matched with one of the user input pattern profiles, and the possible user associated with the matched user input pattern profile is selected as the current user. The system for identifying a current user of a terminal device from a group of possible users includes a database containing multiple user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to the terminal device. Each of the possible users is associated with at least one of the user input pattern profiles. The system detects current input patterns from use of the terminal device, and then combines the patterns and dynamically matches the patterns with one of the user input pattern profiles. The system selects the possible user associated with the matched user input pattern profiles as the current user.
Inventors
- 👤 Dean E. Cerrato
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:02
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G06F21/316; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; H; H04; H04H; H04H60/00; H04H60/35; H04H60/45
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 112
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A method, comprising: providing a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a group of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and identifying a current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
A method, comprising: providing a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a group of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and identifying a current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said at least one current input pattern comprises a plurality of different input patterns, and wherein dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern comprises combining said plurality of different patterns and matching a combination of said different input patterns with one of said user input pattern profiles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising retraining said plurality of user input pattern profiles in said database with said at least one current input pattern.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a personal user profile associated with the current user.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 4 further comprising transmitting targeted content to said current user in accordance with said personal user profile.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said clickstream data relates to particular Web sites visited by the user or the duration of visits to the Web sites.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said current input pattern comprises user keystroke data.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said keystroke data comprises digraph interval data.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said current input pattern comprises user mouse usage data.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said current input pattern comprises user remote control usage data.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said terminal device comprises a computer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said terminal device comprises a television set top box.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said steps are implemented in a computer, and said computer communicates with said terminal device over a network.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said network comprises the Internet.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said network comprises a nodal television distribution network.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said clickstream pattern relates to particular programs or channels selected by the user or the duration of viewing of said programs or channels.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
119 words
A system, comprising: a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a group of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; means for detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; means for dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and identifying a current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
119 words
A system, comprising: a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a group of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; means for detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; means for dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and identifying a current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said at least one current input pattern comprises a plurality of different input patterns, and wherein said means for dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern combines said plurality of different patterns and matches a combination of said different input patterns with one of said user input pattern profiles.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 17 further comprising means for retraining said plurality of user input pattern profiles in said database with said at least one current input pattern.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 17 further comprising means for determining a personal user profile associated with the current user.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 20 further comprising means for transmitting targeted content to said current user in accordance with said personal user profile.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said clickstream data relates to particular Web sites visited by the user or the duration of visits to the Web sites.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said current input pattern comprises user keystroke data.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 23 wherein said keystroke data comprises digraph interval data.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said current input pattern comprises user mouse usage data.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said current input pattern comprises user remote control usage data.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said terminal device comprises a computer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said terminal device comprises a television set top box.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said system is implemented in a computer, and said computer communicates with said terminal device over a network.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 29 wherein said network comprises the Internet.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 29 wherein said network comprises a nodal television distribution network.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said clickstream data relates to particular programs or channels selected by the user or the duration of viewing of said programs or channels.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
130 words
A computer system, comprising: memory for storing a program and a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a group of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; and a processor operative with the program to: (a) detect at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; (b) dynamically match said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and (c) identifying a current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
130 words
A computer system, comprising: memory for storing a program and a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a group of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; and a processor operative with the program to: (a) detect at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; (b) dynamically match said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and (c) identifying a current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
138 words
A method, comprising: providing a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a plurality of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; identifying a current user of said terminal device from said possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user; determining a personal user profile associated with the current user; and transmitting targeted content to said current user in accordance with said personal user profile.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
138 words
A method, comprising: providing a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, each of a plurality of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles said user input pattern comprising a clickstream; detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device; dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; identifying a current user of said terminal device from said possible users by selecting the possible user associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current user; determining a personal user profile associated with the current user; and transmitting targeted content to said current user in accordance with said personal user profile.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said targeted content comprises targeted advertising.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said targeted content comprises recommended program viewing choices.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said personal profile includes demographic or preference data on said current user.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 37 wherein said demographic or preference data includes data on at least one of user age, user sex, number of children, income, and geographic location.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said steps are implemented in a computer server.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said server comprises a video server.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said server comprises a Web server.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said terminal device comprises a set top box and a television monitor.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 34 wherein said terminal device comprises a personal computer.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
141 words
A method, comprising: detecting a plurality of different types of current input patterns from use of a terminal device by a current user, said input pattern including a clickstream; performing a soft match of each of said plurality of different types of current input patterns with a plurality of stored input patterns for each of said types of input patterns, said stored patterns representing input patterns for a group of possible users of said terminal device, said soft matches generating scored possible matches for each of said different types of data; determining possible combinations of said scored possible matches; determining a score for each said combination; and identifying said current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting a possible user associated with said combination as the current user for the combination having the highest score.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
141 words
A method, comprising: detecting a plurality of different types of current input patterns from use of a terminal device by a current user, said input pattern including a clickstream; performing a soft match of each of said plurality of different types of current input patterns with a plurality of stored input patterns for each of said types of input patterns, said stored patterns representing input patterns for a group of possible users of said terminal device, said soft matches generating scored possible matches for each of said different types of data; determining possible combinations of said scored possible matches; determining a score for each said combination; and identifying said current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting a possible user associated with said combination as the current user for the combination having the highest score.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 44 further comprising retraining said plurality of stored input patterns with said current input patterns.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 44 further comprising determining a personal user profile associated with the current user.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 46 further comprising transmitting targeted content to said current user in accordance with said personal user profile.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said clickstream pattern relates to particular Web sites visited by the user or the duration of visits to the Web sites.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said different types of current input patterns include a user keystroke pattern.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 49 wherein said keystroke pattern includes digraph interval data.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said different types of current input patterns include user mouse usage data.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said different types of current input patterns include user remote control usage data.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said terminal device comprises a computer.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said terminal device comprises a television set top box.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said steps are implemented in a computer, and said computer communicates with said terminal device over a network.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 55 wherein said network comprises the Internet.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 55 wherein said network comprises a nodal television distribution network.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 44 wherein said clickstream pattern relates to particular programs or channels selected by the user or the duration of viewing of said programs or channels.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
147 words
A system, comprising: means for detecting a plurality of different types of current input patterns from use of a terminal device by a current user, said input patterns including a clickstream; means for performing a soft match of each of said plurality of different types of current input patterns with a plurality of stored input patterns for each of said types of input patterns, said stored patterns representing input patterns for a group of possible users of said terminal device, said soft matches generating scored possible matches for each of said different types of data; means for determining possible combinations of said scored possible matches; means for determining a score for each said combination; and means for identifying said current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting a possible user associated with combination having the highest score as the current user.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
147 words
A system, comprising: means for detecting a plurality of different types of current input patterns from use of a terminal device by a current user, said input patterns including a clickstream; means for performing a soft match of each of said plurality of different types of current input patterns with a plurality of stored input patterns for each of said types of input patterns, said stored patterns representing input patterns for a group of possible users of said terminal device, said soft matches generating scored possible matches for each of said different types of data; means for determining possible combinations of said scored possible matches; means for determining a score for each said combination; and means for identifying said current user of said terminal device from said group of possible users by selecting a possible user associated with combination having the highest score as the current user.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 59 further comprising means for retraining said plurality of stored input patterns with said current input patterns.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 59 further comprising means for determining a personal user profile associated with the current user.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 59 further comprising means for transmitting targeted content to said current user in accordance with said personal user profile.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said clickstream pattern relates to particular Web sites visited by the user or the duration of visits to the Web sites.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said different types of current input patterns include a user keystroke pattern.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 64 wherein said keystroke pattern includes digraph interval data.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said different types of current input patterns include user mouse usage data.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said different types of current input patterns include user remote control usage data.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said terminal device comprises a computer.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said terminal device comprises a television set top box.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said system is implemented in a computer, and said computer communicates with said terminal device over a network.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said network comprises the Internet.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said network comprises a nodal television distribution network.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said clickstream pattern relates to particular programs or channels selected by the user or the duration of viewing of said programs or channels.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
128 words
A method, comprising: providing a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, various subsets of a set of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern including a clickstream; detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device by a current subset of users; dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and identifying said current subset of users of said terminal device from said set of possible users by selecting the subset of users associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current subset of users.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
128 words
A method, comprising: providing a database containing a plurality of user input pattern profiles of prior user inputs to a terminal device, various subsets of a set of possible users of said terminal device being associated with at least one of said user input pattern profiles, said user input pattern including a clickstream; detecting at least one current input pattern from use of said terminal device by a current subset of users; dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern with one of said user input pattern profiles; and identifying said current subset of users of said terminal device from said set of possible users by selecting the subset of users associated with the one of said user input pattern profiles as the current subset of users.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said at least one current input pattern comprises a plurality of different input patterns, and wherein dynamically matching said at least one current input pattern comprises combining said plurality of different patterns and matching a combination of said different input patterns with one of said user input pattern profiles.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 74 further comprising retraining said plurality of user input pattern profiles in said database with said at least one current input pattern.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 74 further comprising determining a personal user profile associated with the current subset of users.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 77 further comprising transmitting targeted content to said terminal device in accordance with said personal user profile.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said clickstream data relates to particular Web sites visited by the current subset of users or the duration of visits to the Web sites.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said clickstream data relates to particular programs or channels selected by the subset of users or the duration of viewing of said programs or channels.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said current input pattern comprises user keystroke data.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 81 wherein said keystroke data comprises digraph interval data.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said current input pattern comprises user mouse usage data.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said current input pattern comprises user remote control usage data.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said terminal device comprises a computer.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said terminal device comprises a television set top box.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 74 wherein said steps are implemented in a computer, and said computer communicates with said terminal device over a network.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 87 wherein said network comprises the Internet.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 87 wherein said network comprises a nodal television distribution network.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
153 words
A method, comprising: detecting a plurality of different types of current input patterns from use of a terminal device by a current subset of users, said input patterns including a clickstream; performing a soft match of each of said plurality of different types of current input patterns with a plurality of stored input patterns for each of said types of input patterns, said stored patterns representing input patterns for various subsets of a set of possible users of said terminal device, said soft matches generating scored possible matches for each of said different types of data; determining possible combinations of said scored possible matches; determining a score for each said combination; and identifying said current subset of users of said terminal device from said set of possible users by selecting a subset of users associated with said combination as the current subset of users for the combination having score indicating a substantial match.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
153 words
A method, comprising: detecting a plurality of different types of current input patterns from use of a terminal device by a current subset of users, said input patterns including a clickstream; performing a soft match of each of said plurality of different types of current input patterns with a plurality of stored input patterns for each of said types of input patterns, said stored patterns representing input patterns for various subsets of a set of possible users of said terminal device, said soft matches generating scored possible matches for each of said different types of data; determining possible combinations of said scored possible matches; determining a score for each said combination; and identifying said current subset of users of said terminal device from said set of possible users by selecting a subset of users associated with said combination as the current subset of users for the combination having score indicating a substantial match.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 90 further comprising retraining said plurality of stored input patterns with said current input patterns.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 90 further comprising determining a personal profile associated with the current subset of users.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 92 further comprising transmitting targeted content to said terminal device in accordance with said personal profile.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said clickstream pattern relates to particular Web sites visited by the current subset of users or the duration of visits to the Web sites.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said clickstream pattern relates to particular programs or channels selected by the subset of users or the duration of viewing of said programs or channels.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said different types of current input patterns include a user keystroke pattern.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 96 wherein said keystroke pattern includes digraph Interval data.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said different types of current input patterns include user mouse usage data.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said different types of current input patterns include user remote control usage data.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said terminal device comprises a computer.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said terminal device comprises a television set top box.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said steps are implemented in a computer, and said computer communicates with said terminal device over a network.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 102 wherein said network comprises the Internet.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 102 wherein said network comprises a nodal television distribution network.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-08-14 | 2010-02-13 | 2010-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-08-14 | 2014-02-13 | 2014-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-08-14 | 2018-02-13 | 2018-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |