WWWMMWMWW WMWMWW
`
`USOU?080139BI
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Briggs et 3].
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`(45} Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,080,139 Bl
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`SELECTIVELY SHARING AND PASSIVELY
`TRACKING COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`EXPERIENCES
`
`Inventors: Darren P. Briggs. Nashville. TN (US);
`Brady 0. Bruce. San I-Traiicisco. CA
`(US); Michael W. Mitchell. San
`['ir'dlicisco. CA (US); Emile L. Reed,
`IV. San Francisco, CA (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee:
`
`Fatbubble, Inc. San Francisco. (TA
`(US)
`
`(*J
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b} by 597 days.
`
`(21}
`
`Appl. No; 091841.475
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 24, 2001
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`G061” 15/173
`U.S. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`7091224: 709120317091’205;
`7091207: 70713
`709i’203—207.
`Field of Classification Search
`709l2l7-—219. 224; 7071’]. 3. 10: 706!45
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATliN'I‘ DOCUMI‘IN'I'S
`
`5360.91? A ‘V
`6.l95.654 Bl "‘
`6.480.885 Bl "‘
`6.578.072 Bl "‘
`200L0036224 Al *‘
`200250049686 Al *
`2002504052935 Al “V
`200230087496 Al ’“
`200310054810 Al“‘
`200350225836 Al "‘
`2004-0088355 Al ’9‘
`
`
`
`358-“442
`651998 Sheridan
`70733
`2f'200l Wachtcl
`1132002 Olivier .................... 709.320?
`652003 Walanabe ct al.
`..
`_. 709-“2l7
`ll-"200| Demello et al.
`3755220
`432002 (.‘huang ct a].
`TOG-'45
`532002 Kim et a].
`.. 709.32”
`712002 Stirpe el al.
`TBS-"45
`352003 Chen et al.
`455-422
`[252003- Lec ct al.
`7093205
`532004 Hagan el al.
`7’09-"203
`
`
`
`
`* cited by examiner
`Pririiary Examiner Wen—Tai Lin
`(74} Attorney, Agent. or Firm—Ernest J. Befl'el, J12; Haynes
`Bellel & Wolfeld UP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`invention includes methods and devices for
`The present
`passively tracking and selectively sharing user experiences
`with communication devices.
`including computers, web-
`enabled telephones. and PDAS. User rating or comments on
`their experiences can be captured. Particular aspects of the
`present invention are described in the claims. specification
`and drawings.
`
`32 Claims. 19 Drawing Sheets
`
`19M\
`
`
`
`LYFT 1011
`
`LYFT 1011
`
`1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`103
`
`“EV”,
`Instant
`Messenger ACL
`
`104
`
`130
`
`E Data
`fatElubble ACL
`
`- -......v.u
`
`Activixy Viewer
`
`Wireless
`Devices
`
`jg
`
`Physical Report
`
`Instant
`Message
`Tool
`
`135
`
`interns: Activity
`
`E
`
`Wireless [~201me
`Location Tracking 3.
`lnteracfiun
`
`
`fl
`
`URL LDC-.0
`
`DATABASE
`
`
`[UL-D]
`
`
`
`Enterprise Intranet
`
`“11‘2“?“
`
`
`LAN REL
`
`ENTERPRISE
`
`Figure ‘1
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`*You mus ha a raqislnra- user In Sign on to fatbubbh".
`
`Figure 2
`
`Figure 3
`
`Dnrzon': name.m
`
`Provide In ten} -
`vou'rE inviting.
`
`
`
`Dld yum Infllafinn gel 5:
`
`- sent. you an than“
`-
`If Wu! inuntabuu did not -
`to“
`nil“
`nu miorinvlu-Enem
`
`aqaln Inst."
`'chr InhtYJOI‘. m dmohmifi wil' be sated an
`hour Faflsubéla‘ imp}: her until dluoap. air-v jun-u
`Emmy».
`‘o ‘nu'ba H‘II! oat-sun aqain Inner,
`sim-‘w “in: 'fluade LA? from he ‘zubublie
`" m-u and cud-x "Imde again” near: 26 thS
`
`H ya.- 5m.._._r'lwm§nmlaw
`
`\552
`\éaa
`
`Figure 5
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`Sail-i3 bind» -to send this Renato.
`
`Did your item get sent?
`
`
`B www.mm
`
`IF your item did not get ant. you can choose to
`5.th onus: send the them
`again Barber.
`
`‘= he ‘ Mom minivan-uditmhhw
`
`ma9!.
`
`e —ma“"
`_'-
`maummneid
`”Wipcaume m sender: enigma
`'I'ra‘iflfli an: tuber in?! click
`”Send“; donamm Halc-
`---
`an! 9min ‘
`_
`_
`Mrs-xi. iwide‘l 4‘ itz-‘Afiafi w
`
`52
`
`
`
`
`Administer your list of buddies.
`/851
`
`Invite a new Budd!!!
`
`
`
`Figure 8A
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 19
`
`Us 7,080,139 B1
`
`Prauide flue: user IDs Far each 1596] you use to‘cm-nmunicata
`with this budd lg. Mom Info
`
`: INM Screen NE EFL—MInfu
`"” 5‘3;13.33%”;535-é :
`‘ w;‘1“
`:f!:2“:‘_';.'$
`NextToonD 55%-5..__
`- gig-L
`\073
`
`\:871
`
`Figure BB
`
`‘5 Save l:harnge-.-=\3
`" .5339. mamas
`
`Use the checkboxes below 1:0 select which tapic arias you want
`to share by default. You'll be able to tum these topic areas on
`or ofFfor each user.M
`
`99mg: M
`£93111
`Overview Information
`Sh aring
`
`E 1: :fs haredfimus‘ig‘
`+
`Fil Fold r
`
`\883
`
`Figure SC
`
`5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18,2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`Us: 131: chad-moms below to select which tapic area: 9w want
`to share by defauflz. You‘ll be able to turn these topic areas on
`Dr IDf'F for each user. More Info
`
`-.<
`.fi.
`.n'
`. v
`.
`‘ >1.
`..
`Tapjcsia‘s'gg ‘ .
`Arts 3! Entertainment
`om utar; 3. Inbarne
`m:
`a
`
`as
`
`HEEEEEEH
`
`a: Save changes
`
`al 11
`
`It as
`
`Hams
`one
`usic
`
`4.
`
`A dTo icfiu’ 3
`
`N93
`
`Figure SD
`
`'71
`
`‘3 72
`
`973
`
`-‘ 74
`
`"('5
`
`976
`
`"-162‘53 S'b "
`
`965
`
`”-6
`
`3 7
`
`_'_SF: 8A:__ltalian; Enema": -.
`
`Bamesfifloble .ém'n-Computers
`
`_
`
`Figure 9
`
`6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`mme
`
`Figure 10
`
`my
`
`t
`
`..
`
`.,.
`
`._ --
`
`Eg‘fiFWWB
`
`as!
`
`- is
`ۤ
`7:2?5 :35;
`
`1152
`
`1154
`
`1156
`
`1151
`
`1153
`
`1155
`
`1157
`
`1158
`
`Figure 11
`- any“ Mann albéhh‘mid re. m and. ham? dun
`T-m any.
`- xllh unu- enuswn arm be «m: Ills-pm,» pad nan-hm-
`9 ..
`
`{- wuu :45 113: my a )0 "Mt Hark-A akin-align. Chan- flan:M: d
`hum: rd kin? and“;
`“mmmuu—L‘k -
`~511flk£fls§
`
`
`‘-~%5M~WW
`
`
`”mmkyuwmmn mmmmnmmuuuehm
`wm w ma rum mo-m- mmm a»: a an:- arc an" an....
`
`'1"m 3M1
`
`
`m evm'fi uNthWi-o-QI
`
`:‘IUM‘rn-fli with: :Vl‘a ”mud _.
`nunwmn mam mum". an Mimi IIIIIIIII mule“. an' I”. Want
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`
`
`System caplures URL
`8. Page Title (if present)
`via Browser Plug-in. creates
`temporary URL entry & adds
`Timestemp & UserID to entry.r
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1202—
`
`1203\
`
`1204__
`
`
`
`System sets
`
`
`
`tempPageTttle=
`value held in Page
`
`
`
`Title field or:
`corresponding
`
`
`
`
`
`Page Title velue
`VUD with vatue in
`on VUD
`lempPage‘fitle
`
`
`
`
`
`System sets
`
`tempStatus =
`'Pmrate'
`
`
`
` System sets
`tempStatus =
`
`"Publlc'
`
` Category for
`URL exists
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`
`1207_
`
`present within
`
`No
`
`
`
`
`_
`System sets
`
`
`120% tempPaQeTitle-
`tempPageTitle=
`
`Null
`
`
`
`compares
`U RL l0 VU D
`
`
`
`
`
`System 5945
`System eels
`tempCategory=
`
`lempCategory=
`*Uncategoflzed“
`
`eorrespondlng
`categerfls)
`
`
`_
`
`checlts If URL
`exerts an
`Logo
`
`Database
`[UL-D]
`
`
`
`URL on Lego
`
`Database?
`
`1231
`/
`System sets
`
`
`tempLogU=
`System sets
`
`
`
`corresponding
`tempLogo=
`
`
`
`Null
`logo image
`
`
`
`
`
`Figure 12
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 8 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`1341
`
`1342
`
`1343
`
`1345
`
`1347
`
`1349
`
`1351
`
`1353
`
`Monitor IIO
`
`Activity
`
`Emoticon
`
`Process
`
`Add Old URL
`Process
`URI. to VUD
`
`Send 8: URL
`
`Bookmark 8:
`
`Figure 13
`
`1344
`
`1346
`
`1348
`
`1350
`
`1352
`
`1354
`
`9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 9 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`AV Piayer &
`Item to VU D
`
` 1462
`1466
`
`1453
`
`1465
`
`1464
`
`Download &
`
`Item to VUD
`
`Purchase 8:
`
`Item to VUD
`
`1467
`
`1469
`
`Y
`
`
`
`Wish List &
`item to VUD
`
`
`
`
`
`Item to VUD
`
`Mobile &
`
`1470
`
`1472
`
`Figure 14
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 10 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`1521\
`
`Exceptions Report
`
`'
`K’F'F'
`
`,
`3‘5"
`
`
`AM it?!
`
`URL MATCH
`3,—1505
`-‘
`
`DATABASE
`[amen]
`
`EXCEPTIONS
`>2
`
`
`
`1512\
`
`1514\
`
`Unmatched
`
`f— Enfias
`l
`
`
`
`. System utilizes URL Spider
`& External Search Engine-
`fifigfigfi
`UPDATE
`.
`index to gather URL
`ROUTENE
`Indtces. keywords & meta—
`
`data for each WD entry
`
`
`
`1
`i
`
`1511\
`
`Intemet
`
`M/
`
`152
`
`
`AUTOMATED
`VUD U?DATE
`ROUTINE
`
`TOPICS
`UPDATE
`
`
`
`ROUTINE
`
`‘51
`
`\
`
`1506
`/
`! System compares all VUD |
`
`entries against external
` External database
`URL ntegorizafion
`database entries and adds '
` OfURL
`matched oorrespondlng
`
`categorizations to the VUD
`
`entries. All VUD entries
`that are not matcl'nabie are
`
`marked as 'Uncatagorized'
`
`
`l l
`
`*
`
`11
`
`,_.______
`
`
`
`.i$1507
`i
`h
`a.
`TOPIC MATCH '-'
`”Ems” F EXCEPTiONS
`as;
`
`:
`DATABASE
`
` Exceptions Report
` Figure 15
`
`1523/
`
`11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 11 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`ACTIVITY
`DISPLAY
`POPULATION
`R0 UTiNE
`
`----------
`
`VISFI'ED URLs i
`
`LOCATIONS
`DATAEASES
`
`UDNLD
`=
`System keys on the
`N
`]
`UserioeToptcof
`(Store: URLS iLocations
`'f
`each VUD Entry
`
`Visited by fatBubbie
`(also actions for
`Members. Against each
`VLDs) 8. finds alt
`vis‘rt date stared may
`matching entries on
`
`include is held the Page
`*
`the UAD
`Title, Address,
`
`Description, Categorfls}.
`
`Metadata. Usemamefis).
`'i'ImestamMs), Ratings],
`Emoticon{s}. Commenfie)
`
`8. assuming);
`System cheeks If
`
`each Matched
`Entry‘s URULocation
`Address exists on
`
`Lecatlon Logo
`
`_
`1:4
`
`1609
`
`-
`"
`.;_-"“-'““ ‘
`
`(3/
`__ USER AOL
`\
`_:._
`_
`
`-
`. DATABASE .\ g;-
`
`
`-
`‘
`[UADI- 5- _
`_
`'
`-,
`
`WW=L~
`'
`"
`
`Figure 16
`
`
`
`Systern 5m tempLogiF
`
`mrresponding logo image
`
`162-
`
`System adds each matched
`Activity Entry to the
`conesponding Shared User(e)
`file within the Activity Viewer
`
`
`
`Each Logged—In {with Sharing setting On)
`Users Activity Viewer is populated by pulling
`the entries from the AVD. The displayed data
`may be filtered by UseriD. Actlon. Item.
`Location. Category. Rating. Emoticon.
`Comment 0! Time
`
`162k
`
`.
`.
`.
`-
`
`
`
`peeved:
`'3
`5% aamkguwanm.mmem 3mm
`.
`
`
`
`1-4:} -g'r.c§.-nam-'s='ciu‘x g,
`' U“ ' "
`g} 32.15.; _ 'ijelqigejs‘f
`"
`'
`13111113915
`
`
`
`12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 12 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`ERROR:
`
`You must invite
`
`at least one
`buodytoyour
`-
`b dd I
`t
`
`y '5
`"'
`
`/1728
`
`£3.deI
`Edit
`
`Yes
`
`1 723\
`Buddy Lis
`his current
`
`N°
`falBuhbie
`empty?
`buddies list
`
`
`”0
`
`PROMPT:
`Add Buddyr
`
`You were invited by
` Add inviting
`
`XXX. Wooéd you
`Pike to Add him to
`
`
`your buddy list?
`
`
` r’s IM tool flag
`
`to dynamically
`
`display available
`
`
` selecting tick
` System adds
`173K User must press More
`Info. Cancel 0R
`select 1) AIM user or 2)
`ICQ user or 3)Odigo
`user or 4)‘r’ahoo IM
`
`Users
`New&ln\rited
`flags 1.0 'ND"
`
`buddy and
`associated
`infon'nation In
`user’s
`fatBubble
`buddy list
`
`user 8: press 'OK“
`
`
`Shared
`
`Topics into?
`
`
`IM Acoounls
`Shared Topics
`
`Info Screen
`Info Screen
`
`
`
`
`
`1 752\
`
`AIM or
`YahoolM?
`
`
`
`User enters the
`1753—— bocldy's lCCl or
`
`
`
`Figure ‘l?
`
`1 755—
`
`
`
`
`User optionally
`User enters the
`
`
`sets ACL by
`budst AIM or
`selecting tick
`Yahoo IM name
`
`
`
`
`13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 13 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`Go to
`
`Previofls
`
`Screen
`
`System
`shouid
`activate the
`Edit button
`
`1865\
`
`RETURN TO
`START
`
`
`
`
`
`should
`activate the
`Edit and
`Remove
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Remove User
`Confirmation
`Screen
`
`
`
`of the fields of the
`seiected buddy
`and dick 'Submtt"
`or “Cancel“
`
`fat Bubble
`
`
`
`ERROR
`
`Mandatory
`fieic‘s cannot
`be empty
`
`
`
`
`astem
`updates
`buddy and
`associated
`information in
`user’s
`fatBubble
`buddy Iist
`
`Figure 18
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 14 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`
`
`
` System
`queues
`
`
`invited buddy
`in pending
`
`member file
`
`System
`checks if
`buddy is a
`fatBubble
`
`
`
`PROMPT:
`"Your buddy is
`already a flu
`
`
`
`
`System stores
`buddy name
`
`with extensions
`(9.9., .aol, jcq,
`
`System adds
`buddy and
`associated
`information to
`user's
`fatBubble
`buddy list
`
`1991
`
`System allows user
`to notify buddy by
`\ evoking user's lM
`tool and poputeting
`the message fiatd
`with standard text
`
`and links
`flags to 'NO'
`
`1992\
`
`System sets
`User's
`New&|nvited
`
`Figure 19
`
`15
`
`
`
`
`System
`invites buddy
`by evoking
`user's IM
`tool and
`poputating
`the message
`field with
`standard text
`and links
`
`\ R
`
`ETURN TO
`START
`
`1981
`
`1933\
`
`1986\
`
`198
`
`9\
`
`System marks
`user's buddy list
`as not empty &
`sets User's
`New&invited
`flags to "N0"
`
`15
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 15 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`2051
`
`AC L
`ADMINISTRATION
`SCREEN START
`
`AOL By Topic
`Screen
`
`2052 —/
`
`2054
`
`2050
`
`Go to /—Previous :.
`Screen
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2054
`
`Update
`
`Buddy
`
`access flags
`
`2053
`
`2055
`
`2059
`
`2061
`
`2063
`
`Topic
`older?
`
`
`
`
`Ieselecte
`
`
`Y
`
`N
`
`No
`
`2056
`
`Y
`
`Prom
`
`System shows
`corresponding
`Budy List
`access level
`
`System alters
`Buddy Name
`display to
`normal text and
`
`marks page as
`
`System alters
`Buddy Name
`display to grey
`text and marks
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`page as
`
`® Yes
`
`2065 /
`
`2066
`
`Figure 20
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 16 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`2176
`
`Prompt Save
`Changes?
`
`2175
`
`
` System shows
`corresponding
`Topic List
`access level
`
`2179
`
`
`
`
`
`2181
`
`‘
`
`I eselecte
`
`2183
`
`2185
`
`System alters
`Topic Name
`display to
`normal text and
`
`marks page as
`amended
`
`System alters
`Topic Name
`display to grey
`text and marks
`
`page as
`amended
`
`2186
`
`Figure 21
`
`17
`
`Update
`Buddy
`access flags
`
`17
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 1'? of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`BATCH
`QUERY
`
`PROCESS
`
`VISITED URL
`
`
`wsrren LOCATIONS
`
`DATABASE [VUD]
`
`mums: [VLD]
`
`
` System performs
`(Stores fatEiubbte user-
`:3
`ore-defined
`(Stems Location
`
`8969586111 URLs 8:
`'
`
`queries against the
`
`Address.
`URLs with actions
`VUD & VLD.
`
`
`Location Description,
`Results are sent to
`taken against them.
`
`
`Location Categoryfis).
`the BOD.
`
`Against each URL entry __
`=
`Usemame(s},
`- =5
`
`
`is held Page Title,
`’
`=
`
`
`Times‘tamp(s).
`5
`-
`Usemame a.
`
`
`Rating(s]. Emctioonis}.
`Timestamp.
`
`
`
`Commems} 8.
`Categoryts}. Metadata,
`
`
`Keyword l
`
`
`
`
`
`System
`psrfan'ns real.
`time query
`against VUD
`8: VLD
`
` System
`
`retums Query
`
`resuits to
`
`User
`
`
`
`User submits
`
`
`query request
`to fatBubble
`System
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2253\\
`User setects
`
`from pre-
`
`defined
`queries List
`or hutids
`
`custom query
`
`2255\\
`
`
`
`Figure 22
`
`MMa
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 18 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`2351
`
`\\
`
`START
`
`2352\
`
`
`
`
`User activates
`wireless
`communication
`device am Location
`Detection Service
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2353\
`
`User activates
`fatBubble soflware
`via wireless
`communication
`
`device
`
`2356-\
`
`2355\
`System monitors
`for user ”0
`against Lomtion.
`(Lowtion
`Bookmark, Rate
`Location, Add an
`Emoticon to
`Location, Add
`Comments about
`
`Location)
`
`
`
`Party Location
`Detection Service for
`User’s location
`lnfonnation
`
`
`
`
`
`_
`
`_ Third Party. -
`
`_-'_-2 Location
`‘ Detection _
`,
`‘*'Netiiiiollé --
`
`
`latfiubble System periodically pings Third
`
`
`fetBubbie system
`receives User's
`
`Location Address.
`
`Looali'on Description.
`
`adds Timestamp 8:
`UserID. sets Action =
`
`Watt 8. logs the entryr
`
`Into the Visited Location
`Database MD]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`System adds
`
`System adds
`System adds
`SyStem adds
`location address,
`Emoticon. location
`£33153:r:d222,;
`Rating, location
`
`
`
`_
`'
`address, location
`address, location
`location
`
`
`mfgfiigm
`description.
`description.
`description,
`
`
`
`.
`flmeslarnp and
`timestamp and
`timestamp and
`
`
`
`““3th and
`userid to VLD
`userid to VLD
`userid to VLD
`
`
`
`
`
`Figure 23
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 18, 2006
`
`Sheet 19 of 19
`
`US 7,080,139 B1
`
`2451
`
`AUTOMATED
`
`
`VLD TOPICS &
`
`
`DESCRIPTIONS
`
`
`UPDATE
`ROUTINE
`
`
`2452
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Enema! database
`:2:
`
`of Location
`
`
`Categorizations 8:
`
`
`Descriptions
`
`
`9.9., Yellow
`
`Pages‘CorI-I.
`
`
`
`
`System compares ali VLD
`
`entries against external
`
`Location Categorization a.
`Description database entries
`and updates the VLD entries
`with watched corresponding
`categorizations &
`descriptions entries. All VLD
`entries that are not
`matchable are marked as
`"Unknown"
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:'--anaunt"maimwKanw-w-Mhewan,:fimfyz.«9425.3!»‘1'““"%-.a_.m.,_,.
`Bookmarfls}
`
`Exceptions Report
`
`LOCATION
`TOPIC i‘
`DESCRIPTION
`MATCH
`EXCEPTIONS
`DATABASE
`[LTMED]
`
`
`
`
`____ Unmatched
`Entries
`
`VISITED LOCATIONS f'
`DATABASE [VLD]
`
`‘_
`
`(Location Address.
`Lomtion Description,
`Location Categorym.
`Usernamefls).
`Timestamp(s).
`Rating(s). Emofioonrs},
`Comment(s} 8.
`
`Figure 24
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`US ?,080,139 B1
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`SELEC'I‘IVELY SHARING AND PASSIVELY
`TRACKING COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`EXPERIENCES
`
`BACKGROUND OF 'l‘l-lli INVliN'l'ION
`
`The Internet has opened up new channels of communiu
`cation and vectors of influence over decision-making. Web
`sites. peer-to-peer technologies. e-mail and instant messen-
`gers are new communication technologies, which have
`major impacts.
`Advertisers and marketers have shown great interest in
`the influence of these new technologies. However.
`it
`is
`difficult to observe the channels of conununication or vec-
`
`tors of influence using traditional market research methods.
`Users of the new conununication technologies have been
`particularly quick to embrace instant messengers. Users
`desire new ways of sharing with friends the experiences they
`have and discoveries they make using the new communica-
`tion technologies.
`Therefore. there is an opportunity to introduce a new
`technology, a method and device which provide a new way
`of sharing experiences, potentially allowing advertisers and
`marketers to study channels of communication and vectors
`of influence at the same time.
`
`SUMMARY OF 'l‘IIlE INVENTION
`
`The present invention includes methods and devices for
`sharing communication device usage experiences. including
`computer usage experiences. Particular aspects of the
`present invention are described in the claims. specification
`and drawings.
`
`BRIEF DIiSCRll-rl‘lON Ol’ ‘l‘l-lli DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of interrelated components of
`systems practicing aspects ofthe present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a user interface for logging in or creating a new
`account.
`
`FIG. 3 is a user interface for providing access to system
`features.
`
`FIGS. 4 and 5 are user interfaces for inviting a “buddy”
`to join in practicing aspects of the present invention.
`FIGS. 6 and 7 are user interfaces for sending a buddy an
`item.
`
`FIGS. 8A 81) are aspects of a user interface for admin-
`istration of a buddy list.
`FIG. 9 is a user interface for viewing activity of buddies.
`The interface illustrated applies as well to viewing of other
`item or location related data.
`
`FIG. 10 is a user interface for viewing a so-called hits list.
`combined with a user interface for viewing activity. The
`interface illustrated applies as well to viewing of other item
`or location related data.
`
`FIG. 11 is a user interface for viewing details regarding
`particular items. This user interface is combined. like FIG.
`10, with a user interface for viewing activity.
`FIGS. 12—44 is llowcharts illustrating the capture of URL
`related data from a user. The actions illustrated by these
`flowcharts apply as well to capture of other item or location
`related data.
`
`FIG. 15 is a flowchart of automated updating of a visited
`URI. database (“VUD”). with exception processing. The
`
`2
`
`to
`actions illustrated by these liowcharts apply as well
`updating of databases reflecting captures of other item or
`location related data.
`
`FIG. 16 is a flow chart of an activity viewer. The actions
`illustrated by these flowcharts apply as well to viewing of
`other item or location related data.
`FIGS. 17—19 are flow charts of buddy list and access
`control list (“ACL”) administration.
`l-‘IGS. 20—2] is flow charts of access control list interface
`actions.
`
`10
`
`FIG. 22 is a flow chart of the batch and custom query
`processes.
`invention to
`FIG. 23 extends aspects of the present
`wireless devices. such as cellular telephones and pagers.
`FIG. 24 is a flow chart of populating the visited location
`database (“V1.0“).
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The following detailed description is made with reference
`to the figures. Preferred embodiments are described to
`illustrate the present invention. not to limit its scope. which
`is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the an
`will recognize a variety of equivalent variations on the
`description that follows.
`A common theme among aspects of the present invention
`is collecting data regarding a user‘s computer usage expe-
`rience and sharing that data. So—called “buddies“ identified
`on buddy lists of instant messaging products can share
`selected aspects of their computer usage experiences.
`Administrative tools and processes can be provided to set up
`selective collection and sharing of data. Collection tools and
`processes operate on a variety of computer usage activities
`and user responses to their computer usage experiences.
`Processing tools and methods filter, integrate and correlate
`the collected data. Display tools and processes make por—
`tions of the data accessible on a pre—defined basis, such as
`according to defined rights of buddies. Aggregation tools
`and processes assemble statistics about user experiences
`across different bases, such as buddy lists. categories of
`use . and all service participants.
`
`DATA COMPILED
`
`Aspects of the present invention include building and
`making accessible various databases and combinations of
`databases. The databases specifically described below are
`illustrated in one or another of the figures; reference num-
`bers are provided for ease of reference. One database is a
`visited URL database (“VUD”) 100A. A VUD stores URLs
`visited by users. or by participants. More generally. a user
`could visit a web site, listen to or watch content, rate a site
`or content, assign an emoticon or quick comment to a site or
`content. send or bookmark a site or content or download
`
`data: 3 VIII) entry could result. A rating may be thumbs up
`or thumbs down or its equivalent. a scaled alpha or numeric
`rating or its equivalent. An emoticon is an icon conveying a
`reaction, such as: “:)”. “:(". “:\"_. “ l”. “ '(". etc. Quick
`comments may be user defined and later accessible through
`a menue. ush as a pull-down menu. In addition to U RLs, the
`database stores additional infonnation such as page title.
`address. description, categories applicable to the URh,
`metadata. names of users accessing the URL, timestamps of
`visits. ratings of the URL. emoticons evaluating the URL.
`comments on and bookmarks to the URL. or keywords for
`retrieval. The page title. address. description and metadata
`may be ascertained from visiting the URI.
`itself. With
`
`3t]
`
`4t]
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`21
`
`21
`
`

`

`3
`
`4
`
`US ?,080,l39 B1
`
`assistance of the URL’s author. metadata may include
`suggested categorisation. Altematively, categorization may
`be provided by an existing content analysis provider. such as
`Yahoo or the Open Source Directory Project at www.dmo-
`aorg 1506. A further alternative is that content could be
`categorized by a service provider or other sponsor, either for
`web content or for intranet. extranet or other network
`content.
`
`Another database used to practice aspects of the present
`invention is the visited location database (“VLD”) 1008. A
`VLD stores similar information for locations visited by users
`or participants carrying portable devices. For instance. a
`Bluetooth equipped cell phone or pager Could interact with
`a location that a user entered. Walking in the door of a
`popular restaurant. nightclub or other location could trigger
`an interaction between a Bluetooth device and a Bluetooth
`
`access point sponsored at the location. The Bluetooth device
`could learn the location visited and report that
`location
`immediately or later when the device returned to the prox-
`imity of a home access point or the device docked with a
`home access point. Alternatively, the Bluetooth device could
`disclose its identity to a Bluetooth access point at a particular
`location and the acceSs point could report the visit. The user
`of the Bluetooth device could have the same options for
`providing additional infonnation regarding the location, as
`for URLs. The VIJ) also could store geographic information
`regarding the location. such as geo-ctxied data. Several
`equivalent methods of associating a portable device with a
`location are available. Sophisticated networks may finger—
`print. triangulatc or otherwise locate a wireless device based
`on radio signal characteristics. Sophisticated devices may
`include circuits that determine the device‘s location: these
`circuits may utilizeGPS. DGPS. Loran or any other location
`fixing protocol. The physics of ‘now the device and the
`location are associated are relatively unimportant; an inde—
`pendent service may be used to track locations visited by a
`user based on any of the protocols identified above or any
`other protocol.
`The VUD and VLD databases are readily extended to a
`visited item database 100. which could include items on a
`
`intranet. extranet or any network. These items
`computer.
`may be data such as multimedia files, XML documents.
`database searches or virtually any other material. One dis—
`tinction between practicing aspects of the present invention
`and general database processing is storing user-based infor-
`mation. such as the user’s pattern of visiting and the user‘s
`rating, emoticon or comments regarding an item and making
`stored. user-based in'fomtation available to buddies. Collec-
`tively. VUDs. VLDs and visited item databases can be
`referred to as VXDs. Reference to one of the three VXDs is
`intended to refer to all three. unless the context makes it
`clear that only one of the three applies.
`Access control lists (“ACLs”) 102. 103, 104. 1609 also
`can be maintained as databases. An ACL identifies buddies
`and controls their access to VUI). V1.1), visited item and
`other activity—related data. A user could setup his or her own
`ACL via buddy list and access control list administration
`functions. An enterprise could set up ACLs for enterprise
`users. ACL-like data complied for instant messaging prod-
`ucts could be accessed and utilized to compile ACLs for
`users or enterprises.
`for
`A URL logo database (“ULD”) 101 can be useful
`associating logos with web sites. The logos may be sponsors.
`advertisers or others who provide support for operation of a
`service practicing aspects of the present invention.
`[tem categoriyation for VUI). VLD or visited items can
`generate exception databases. such as an item match excep-
`
`tions database (for instance. a URL match exceptions data
`base {“UMED”) 1505) or a topic match exceptions database
`(“TMED”) 1507. These exception databases record data
`which require further attention after initial processing to
`update the VUD. VLD or a visited item database.
`An activity viewer database (“AVD”) 1610 can store
`information associating. particular users with URLs,
`loca—
`tions or items. Raw data regarding user activity is filtered
`and matched with entries from the VUD. VLI) or visited
`item database to create the AVD. "I'he AVD holds users’
`
`.3
`
`IU
`
`activity parsed into a format for display via the Activity
`Viewer. It
`includes the activity. internal flag settings. the
`URL, the page title, the logo, the username. the limestamp
`& category for an entry. Ifa user filters the display of data
`on the Activity Viewer. data is pulled ii'om this database.
`Batch query results can be stored in a database, a “BOD”
`2211. Pre-defined queries can be run against the VUD. VLD
`or visited itern database. For instance, top 10 hits, top 50 hits
`or top 100 hits in a wide range of categories are most
`efficiently recalculated periodically on a batch basis. rather
`than in response to ad hoc inquiries.
`Third party location detection data can be stored in a
`detection network directory 2312. Third party data can be
`provided as received. on an interrupt-like basis. or in
`response to periodic requests. on a polling or batch basis.
`Location categoriaations and descriptions 2413, cg, Yellow
`PagesCom. AutoDesk. etc. can be used to provide supple-
`mental information about locations.
`
`Locationftopic entries which require further attention.
`after processing to update the VID, can be stored in another
`match exceptions database. a “‘lIl‘erlD" 2414.
`One aspect of practicing the present invention can include
`tying into a user’s instant messaging products or, more
`generally.
`into the user’s messaging facilities. For instant
`messaging (“1M"), users or participants typically set up
`so-called buddy lists. Other users or participants agree to
`participate in instant messaging. One IM user can send an
`instant message to another IM user. if their 1M products are
`compatible. The two can carry on a dialog or a so-called
`“chat“. More than two users may be included in a real-time
`chat. when the instant messaging product allows multiple
`participants. Examples of
`instant messaging products
`include AOL’s Instant Messenger software, MSN Messen—
`ger software. Yahoo! Messenger software. America Online‘s
`ICQ sofiware. Odigo’s instant messenger sofiware and lab-
`ber’s instant messenger software. Reciprocal inclusion on
`buddy lists typically involves a closer relationship between
`participants than inclusion on an e-mail mailing list or
`directory. but this is not necessarily the case. Buddy lists
`sometimes are shorter and more selective than general
`messaging lists or directories.
`The present invention also may be applied to a user’s
`messaging facilities by selectively enabling others listed on
`a general e-mail or messaging list or directory to participate.
`Selectively enabling others limits the intrusion on a user‘s
`privacy and limits various administrative (e.g.. setup and
`administration) and responsive (e.g._. junk mail} burdens.
`Alternatively. group functions used for other e-mail or
`messaging purposes can be a basis for dcfming rights to
`sharing of activity data.
`
`OVERVIEW AND USER INTERFACES
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of interrelated components of
`systems practicing aspects of the present invention. Tracked
`activity may include Internet activity 120. wireless netwurk
`location track and interaction activity 121 and enterprise
`
`30
`
`4E]
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`22
`
`22
`
`

`

`5
`
`6
`
`US ?,080,139 El
`
`intranet activity 122. Activities tracked in these domains
`may include view, listen, rate, continent, assign emoticon,
`send, watch, download. bookmark or visit. A user views a
`URL. watches a visual presentation and listens to an audio
`presentation. A user visits a restaurant or other location. A
`user who views, watches, listens or visits may respond to
`their experience. Auser’s response tnay be to rate, comment,
`assign an etnoticon. send information to a buddy. download
`data or bookmark an item for later access.
`
`Data stored regarding an experience may include VUD.
`VLD or VXD databases 100, a logo database for URLs,
`locations or items 101 and a variety o f ACI. databases. The
`access control lists can be maintained at the service provider
`level 104, the enterprise level 102 or the individual user
`level 183.
`Data 1 30 reflecting individual experiences and aggregated
`experiences can be accessed or reported in a variety of ways.
`An activity viewer running on a user‘s system 131, either
`fixed or portable. can appear in a window. Reports on
`local ions, either the experiences of others visiting the loca-
`tion or the proximity of buddies or buddies of buddies can
`be reported automatically to Bluetooth enabled wireless
`devices 132 when such devices reach a location or are in
`
`contact with a location-sponsored Bluetooth access point.
`Wireless devices can be synchronized 133 when reasonable
`bandwidth is available to retain data that would be too
`voluminous to access via a low bandwidth connection. The
`interfaces of instant message tools 134 can serve as air
`output channel. as licensing arrangements become available.
`Physical reports 135 can be printed for analysis. These
`reports can cover analysis ofinteractions among participants
`and spreading of information from one user to others.
`FIG. 2 is a user interface for logging in or creating a new
`account. In one embodiment. separate fields can be provided
`for user natne 251 and password 254. In other embodiments,
`these fields could be combined. After filling in identification
`data. a user may select a sign on link 253 or press the enter.
`return key or other key or may take another action such as
`speaking a command or winking an eye, which triggers
`processing of the completed fields. A link is provided for
`creating a new user 252, which may be on detnand or subject
`to an approval process. A new user cart either be a new name
`for a registered user or a new registration. A user who forgot
`their password may use one of the commonly employed
`password recovery schemes, by selecting a forgotten pass-
`word link 255. An additional link for new user registration
`is provided 256. In one embodiment. the system implements
`a strict. anonymous access privacy policy and does not
`collect any inionnation about the user which could be used
`for identification of the user or compilation of a database of
`user—identified activities. In another embodiment. the user
`can chose the amount of information that the user provides
`and corresponding services that are enabled by providing
`information such as an e-maii address.
`[it
`this second
`
`the system can publish a range of privacy
`embodiment.
`policies. including a default, and ask the user to opt—in to a
`specific privacy policy, which may include providing the
`user‘s name or e—mail address to a handful of select vendors
`that have products rL‘SpODSiVC or keyed to the user‘s shared
`activities.
`
`FIG. 3 is a user interface for providing access to system
`features. The emboditnent
`illustrated is a relatively low
`profile access window. A lower profile access window can be
`provided via an icon that is visually accessible, such as a
`floating menu bar havi