(19) United States
`(12; Reissued Patent
`(10) Patent Number:
`US RE45,543 E
`
`Briggs et a].
`(45) Date of Reissued Patent:
`*Jun. 2, 2015
`
`USOORE45543E
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`SELECTIVELY SHARING AND msswELY
`TRACKING COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`EXPERIENCES
`
`(52) U.S. (.‘l.
`GQ6Q30X0256 (201301)
`CPC
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`Now:
`See application lile for complete search history.
`
`[71) Applicant:
`
`'l‘ena 'l‘eehnulogy, LLC. Wilmington,
`DE (US)
`
`{56)
`
`(72)
`
`_
`Inventors: Darren P. Briggs. Nashvtlle. TN (US);
`Brady 0. Bruce. San Francisco. CA
`(US); Nflchae] W_ Mitchell‘ Santa Cruz
`.
`-
`I
`I
`CA (US), Emu" 1" Reed‘ IV" De'wer’
`C0 (US)
`
`References Cited
`[1.5. PA’l‘l-lN'l‘ DOCUMliN'lS
`
`5,568,645 A
`5,7603” A '°‘
`5303613 A
`6,018,6 [9 A
`
`[011996 Morris el at.
`631998 Sheridan
`91998 Marrin Ct al.
`12000 Allard ct al.
`(Continued)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`'I‘ena 'l‘eehnology, LLC, Wilmington,
`DE (US)
`
`_
`l’ORlilGN PA'l‘lfiN'l‘ DOCUMI‘IN'IS
`
`n;
`
`‘ u.
`) Notice.
`
`(
`
`'
`
`'._
`.
`'
`.
`.
`.
`'.
`.
`.
`‘.
`lliis patent is subject to d [Lm'lll'ldl dis
`claimer.
`
`RP
`Fl"
`
`(21) APP]- N04 131394309
`
`7.52003
`[323318 A]
`43.20“
`231281l A]
`_
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICA’I‘IONS
`
`3535442
`
`(22)
`
`1"IilL‘dl
`
`May 14., 2013
`Related U.S. Patent Documents
`
`7,080,139
`Jul. 18, 2006
`091841.475
`Apr. 24, 2001
`
`Reissue of:
`(64)
`Patent No.:
`Issued:
`Appl. No.1
`Filed:
`US. Applications:
`l2f82(),579. filed on
`(63) Continuation of application No.
`Jun. 22, 2010, now Pat. No. Re. 44,324‘ which is a
`continuation of application No. 121172513, filed on
`Jul. 14, 2008, now Pat. No. Re. 41.450. Which is an
`application for the reissue ofPat. No. 7.080.139.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl-
`G06F 15/! 73
`(170612 30202
`(£0613 15/16
`
`(2006.01)
`(201 2 .0] J
`(2006.01)
`
`Non-Final Office Action for LLS. App]. No. 133893.992. mailed Sop.
`24' 20 [3‘ [9 pages‘
`‘
`_
`(Continued)
`
`Primer}P Examiner Wen-'[ai [.in
`(74) Attornev, Agent. or Finn Wilhrow & 'l‘erranova.
`PLLC
`
`v ‘
`1..
`ABS 1 RALI
`(57)
`The present invention includes methods and devices for pas-
`sively 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 ofthe present
`invention are described in the claims, specification and draw-
`ings.
`
`AMENDED
`
`45 Claims, 26 Drawing Sheets
`
`AUTMTY
`.1211
`
`FATBLEBLE
`1m
`
`
`WERELESS VETWDRK
`
`
`URL L030mm
`
` “TEENS
`
`
`
`1
`
`LYFT 1001
`
`LYFT 1001
`
`1
`
`

`

`US RE45,S43 E
`
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
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`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(71] [ER FIJI-31.,ICA'1‘10NS
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`Aulhor Unknown “Rhapsody Unlimited.” 1..islen.com. Subsidiary of
`RealNelworks. copyright 2001—2008. prinled Aug. 13. 2009.
`1 page.
`{InIp:771earn.rhapsodyeorm‘plan s7unl imil'erl?src= rcorn_aeclcrt_u1d
`&pcode—rn>.
`Non—Final Office Action for US. App]. No. 097841.475. mailed Aug.
`12. 2004. 12 pages.
`Final Office Aeliun {'or US. App]. No. 097841.475. mailed Jun. 8.
`2005. [5 pages.
`Notice of Allowance for US. Appl. No. 097841.475. mailed Feb. 28.
`2006. 7 pages.
`Notice ol'Allowance for US. Appl. No. 127172.518. mailed Mar. 5,
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`Non-Final Office Action for US. App]. No. 127820.579. mailed May
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`Final Office Action for US. Appl. No. 127820.579. mailed Jun. 18.
`2012. 27 pages.
`Advisory Action for US. Appl. No. 127820.579, mailed Oct. 19.
`2012. 3 pages.
`Notice of Allowance for U.S.Appl. No. 127820.579. mailed Feb. 14.
`2013. 11 pages.
`Final Office Action for US. App]. No. 137893.992 mailed Feb. 21.
`20l4. 20 pages.
`Advisory Action forU.S. Appl. No. 137893.992 mailed May 8. 2014.
`3 pages.
`Aulhor Unknown. “Google Acquires Usenel Discussion Service and
`Significant Assets from Deja.com: Award-Winning Search Engine
`Launches Beta Version ostenet Newsgroup Search.“ Google News,
`Feb.
`12. 2001. Mountain View. California. 2 pages.
`hltp:77
`googlepresshlogspnl.com72001702.-’gougle—acqllires—usenet—discus—
`sion.html.
`Nun—Final Office Action for US. App]. No. 137893.992 mailed Sep.
`24. 2014, 23 pages.
`Notice of Allowance for 11.8. App]. No. 137893.992 mailed Nov. 13.
`2014. 6 pages.
`
`’3’ cited by examiner
`
`............................ 70 773
`
`............. 7097217
`
`Wachtel
`Mintz
`Olivier .......................... 7097207
`Essaian
`Fraccaroli
`Watanabe et a].
`Zilberstein et a].
`Dnltman et a1.
`Bliss el al.
`Drosset el al.
`Saylor el al.
`Briggs et 1].
`Thomas
`Briggs et a].
`Briggs et a].
`3757220
`Demello el al.
`
`706745
`Chuang at al.
`Kiln et al.
`..................... 7097217
`Uchiyama
`Brock
`'I'iburcio
`Stirpe et al.
`Gulta el al.
`Eya]
`.................... 4557422
`Chen el al.
`...................... 7097205
`Lee et al.
`Cleckler et a1.
`[Iagan et a1.
`.................. 7097203
`Lee el al.
`Sharpe et a].
`Thomas et al.
`
`..................... 706745
`
`72001
`67 2001
`] 172002
`172003
`472003
`672003
`872003
`972003
`1 172003
`| 27 2003
`572005
`77 2006
`472008
`772010
`72013
`1 I7 200 l
`47 2002
`572002
`572002
`672002
`772002
`772002
`1072002
`172003
`372003
`1272003
`572004
`572004
`1 27 2005
`77 2009
`1 07 2009
`
`Bl“
`B]
`B] "
`B]
`B]
`B2”‘
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`
`6. 1 95.6 54
`6.250.930
`6.480.885
`6.506.657
`6.549.768
`6.578.072
`6.606.657
`6.6 18.593
`6.654.789
`6.662.231
`6.895.084
`7.080. I 39
`7.366.522
`R154 1 .4 50
`R]:l44.324
`200 1700362 24
`200 270049686
`200 27005 2925
`200 270065802
`200 27007 2955
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`200370018799
`200370054810
`200 370225836
`20047008 8271
`2004700883 55
`200570271514
`200970183091
`200970271514
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.1P
`KR
`W0
`
`2002 1 96 778
`20020007934 A
`0221864 Al
`
`772002
`172002
`372002
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 26
`
`Us RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTANT
`MESSENGER
`ACL
`
`L33
`
`INTERNET
`ACTIVITY
`fl
`FATBUBBLE
`FATBUBBLE
`
`
`ACL
`VLD & VUD
`
`
`
`1_U_Q
`M
`
`
`
`WIRELESS NETWORK
`LOCATION TRACKING
`& INTERACTION
`121
`
`URL LOGO
`
`
`DATABASE
`
`[ULDI
`ACTIVITY VIEWER
`
`El
`
`
`
`
`
`133
`ENTERPRISE
`
`
`ENTERPRISE
`MOBIL
`INTRANET
`ACTIVITY
`LAN ACI'
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`SYNCH
`g
`m
`
`
`
`INSTANT
`M ESSAGE
`TOOL
`
`PHYSICAL
`REPORT
`
`351
`
`FIG. 1
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun.2, 2015
`
`Sheet 2 of 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`
`
`EDIMES
`
`mGE
`
`223v
`
`
`
`rmtpca.6mEo;
`
`nmhmxoz
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 3 of 26
`
`Us RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`473
`
`475
`
`_--—
`
` .n forthe r
`
`
`Provide IM tool inf
`you’re inviting.
`
`
`
`
`:: Send invitation! | Done
` 476
`
`Screen name
`
`FIG. 4
`
`581
`
`lnvite Budd - Confirmation —
`Did your invitation get sent?
`©
`
`If your invitation did not get nt, you can choose
`to send the invitation via email or invite them
`again later*.
`
`3 El No... l’ll invite them later
`
`*Your invitation to drcroopaim will be saved in
`our fatbuobble° People list until drcroopaim joins
`atbubble . To invite this person again later,
`simply select “Buddy List" from the fatbubble°
`menu and click "lnwte a ain" next to this
`person’s name. More In 0
`
`FIG. 5
`
`5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 4 of 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`691
`
`592
`
`693
`
`Send Item _—
`
`Select buddy to sed this item to.
`
`
`
`
`
`0
`who 0 R
`
`@-
`
`
`
`*Personal
`
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`Note
`
`
`
`populate the sender‘s outgoing
`
`messa 9 area (after they click
`
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`
`are sending.
`
`
`*Optional, included in lMlemail message.
`
`:: Send item ima
`
`
`696
`
`597
`
`694
`
`695
`
`FIG. 6
`
`7'98
`
`Send Item - Confirmation—
`Did your item get sent?
`©
`
`i: E | No... I’ll try to send it again later
`
`If your item did not get nt. you can choose to
`send the item via email or just send the item
`again later.
`
`799
`
`FIG. 7
`
`6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 5 0f26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`Buddy List
`
`Administer your list of buddies.
`
`352
`
`Invite a new Buddy!
`853
`
`/851
`
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`
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`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 6 of 26
`
`Us RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`Edit fatbubble" Profile - friskyriggs
`
`867
`
`View [ Edit
`
`fig
`To '
`8 arm fihgrmg
`
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`\\ 868
`
`869
`
`IM Accounts
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`.
`.
`\8T1
`
`FIG. 83
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 7 of 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`Edit fatltiubbleo Profile - friskyriggs
`
`Buddy
`Ovewlew
`
`Contact
`Information
`
`To ic
`Sharing
`
`Use the checkboxes below to select which topic areas you want
`to share by default. You‘ll be able to turn these toplc areas on
`or off for each user. More Info
`
`I: Save Changes
`
`881
`
`882
`
`Topics SBWDBSG
`El szfatbubblefsharedi
`
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`
`[2| )(:l’sharedi’music,l
`
`+ Add FilelFolder\ 883
`
`FIG. BC
`
`9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 8 of 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`Edit fatbubble" Profile - friskyriggs
`
`Buddy
`
`Contact
`Information
`
`Use the checkboxes below to select which topic areas you want
`to share by default. You'll be able to turn these topic areas on
`or off for each user. More Info
`
`891
`
`892
`
`3 Save Changes
`
`El Arts
`
`E] News
`
`I] Computers& Internet
`
`I] People
`
`|2| Food
`
`I] Games
`
`12] Reference
`
`El Science&Technology
`
`El Health 8; Fitness
`
`[2| Shopping
`
`I] Home
`
`El Money
`
`l] Music
`
`E] Sports
`
`El Travel
`
`+ Add Topic Area \ 893
`
`FIG. 80
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 9 of26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
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`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 10 of 26
`
`US REE-45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 12 0f 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`USER VISITS URL
`VIAANY BROWSER
`(PC. PHONE‘ PDA, etc.)
`
`1201
`
`1202
`
`1203
`
`SYSTEM CAPTURES URL &
`PAGE TITLE IF PRESENT)
`VIA BROWS R PLUG-IN,
`CREATES TEMPORARY URL
`ENTRY &ADDS TIMESTAMP 8:
`USERID T0 ENTRY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
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`
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`“PUBLIC”
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`"PRIVATE"
`
`
`
`
`1207
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`
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`
`1209
`
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`
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`
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`
`1210
`
`SYSTEM COMPARES
`URL TO vun
`
`1211
`
`@ NO
`
`TO9 FIG. 128
`
`14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 13 0f 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`1224
`
` SYSTEM OVERWRITES
`
`
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`VALUE HELD IN PAGE
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`
`
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
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`
`
`
`1233
`
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`TRACK
`
`FIG. 123
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 14 0f 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`
`
`Add Old URL
`to VUD
`
`.
`Emoticon
`Process
`
`Comment
`Process
`
`Monitor IfO
`
`Activity
`
`1341
`
`1342
`
`1343
`
`1345
`
`1347
`
`1349
`
`Rating
`Process
`
`Send a URL
`to VUD
`
`URL to VUD
`
`Bookmark &
`
`Figure 13
`
`16
`
`1344
`
`1345
`
`1348
`
`1350
`
`1
`
`352
`
`1354
`
`16
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 15 of 26
`
`Us RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`1461
`
`1463
`
`1465
`
`AV Player &
`Item to VUD
`
`Download &
`
`Item to VUD
`
`Item to VUD
`
`Purchase &
`
`
`Wish List &
`Item to VUD
`
`
`Mobite &
`Item to VUD
`
`
`
`
`Figure 14
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun.2,2015
`
`Sheet 16 01' 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`85
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 1'? 01'26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
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`US RE45,543 E
`
`
`
`Mm....Gm
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`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 19 0f 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`h is cu rrenl
`ls User New?
`
`fatBubble
`
`buddies 'ist
`
`
`
`l:HRUR:
`
`
`You must invite
`
`at Eaasl one
`
`buddy lo your
`
`buddy Hal
`
`0
`
`/1723
`
`Add Buddy
`
`
`PROMPT:
`
`
`
`You were invited by
` Add inviting
`XXX. Would you
`
`Usef?
`like to add him to
`your buddy list?
`
`user's 1M 1001 flag
`
`display available
`to dynamically
`
`‘1"
` 1735\\ User optionall
`
`
`sets ACL by
`seleciing tick
`
`System adds
`
`
`1738\ User must press More
`buddy and
`Infn, Cancel 0R
`associated
`selem 1} AIM user or 2}
`informatlon in
`
`
`ISO user or 310digo
`
`users
`
`user or “Yahoo IM
`falBubble
`
`user 8. press "OK"
`
`buddy list
`
`
`
`IM Accounls
`Shared
`IM field
`
`
`
`
`Info?
`completed?
`'l'opics Info?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IM Accounts
`Shared Topics
`
`
`Info Screen
`Info Screen
`
`
`
`F-
`IQUFB
`
`.1 ?
`
`ysem
`1751— displays ICQ
`
`User enters the
`1753— buddy‘s ICQ or
`_
`
`0digo user
`displays MM
`numb”
`or Yahoo lM
`
`User optionally
`User enters [he
`
`
`1?55— sets ACL by
`buddy’s AIM or
`selecting lick
`Yahoo {M name
`
`
`
`21
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 20 of 26
`
`Us RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`Go to
`1 862K
`
`
`Previous
`
`
`Screen
` Selected? N“
`
`
`
`
`Yes
`
`186%
`System
`tit buddies
`should
`
`in list >1?
`activate the
`Edit button
`
`RET U R N TO
`
`1355\
`
`
`START
`
`
` System
`should
`
`activate the
`Edit and
`
`Remove
`buttons
`
`Remove User
`
`Confirmation
`Screen
`
`of the fieids of the
`selected buddyr
`and click ‘Submit"
`or "Cancel"
`
` 187k User may edit any
`
`removes
`buddy from
`usefs
`tatBubble
`buddy iist
`
`Mandatory
`
`tie-Ids cannot
`be empty
`
`
`
`
`
`1878\
`
`updates
`
`buddy and
`
`
`associated
`information in
`
`user's
`fatBubble
`
`
`buddyr list
`
`
`Figure ‘18
`
`22
`
`22
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 21 0f 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`1981
`
`\
`RETURN TO
`
`START
`
`1983\\\
`
`1 986\
`
`No
`
`System
`invites buddy
`by evoking
`user‘s IM
`tool and
`populating
`the measage
`field with
`Standard text
`
`and links
`member file
`
`System
`queues
`invited buddy
`in pending
`
`1989\
`
`System marks
`user's buddy list
`as not empty {it
`sets Use f5
`New&lnyiled
`
`flags to 'NO“
`
`AMENDED
`
`
`
`
`
`checks ll‘
`buddy Is a
`fatBubble
`member
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` System
`
` : uddy is
`fatBubblc
`
`member?
`
`
`Yes
`PROMPT:
`
`“Your buddy is
`
`
`atrnady a ll)
`member..."
`
`
`1937
`
`1983\
`
`System stores
`buddy name
`with extensions
`(e_g., .aol. .icq.
`
`1990\
`
`System adds
`buddy and
`associated
`information to
`user's
`fatBubble
`buddy llst
`
`1991
`
`\
`
`System allows user
`to notify buddy by
`evoking user's IM
`tool and populating
`the message field
`with standard text
`and links
`
`
`
`1 992\\
`
`
`
`System sets
`Users
`Newalnvitad
`flags to "NO"
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Figure 19
`
`23
`
`23
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 22 0f 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`2051
`
`ACL
`ADMINISTRATION
`S ('3 RE EH STA RT
`
`AOL By Topic
`Screen
`
`2052 —/
`
`2054
`
`
`
`
`hangs View
`
`
`2050
`
`Save
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2053
`
`2055
`
`2059
`
`2061
`
`2063
`
`Screen
`
`System shows
`corresponding
`Budy List
`access level
`
`System alters
`.
`Buddy Name
`display to
`normal text and
`
`marks page as
`amended
`
`System atters
`Buddy Name
`display to grey
`text and marks
`
`page as
`
`u
`B dd
`Name tick
`oox?
`
`Y
`
`No
`
`Ieselecte
`
`Y
`
`N
`
`2065 W/
`
`Update
`Buddy
`access flags
`
`Yes
`
`2066
`
`Figure 20
`
`24
`
`24
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 23 0f 26
`
`Us RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`Go to
`Previous
`Screen
`
`2176
`
`Prompt Save
`Changes?
`
`System shows
`corresponding
`Topic List
`access level
`
`System alters
`Topic Name
`display to
`normal text and
`
`marks page as
`amended
`
`
`
`
`
`2173
`
`2175
`
`2179
`
`2181
`
`2133
`
`2172
`
`
`
`System alters
`Topic Name
`display to grey
`text and marks
`
`
`
`
`Update
`Buddy
`access flags
`
`page as
`
`
`
`2186
`
`Figure 21
`
`25
`
`25
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 24 of 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`A
`
`MENDED
`
`2251
`
`
`BATCH
`
`QUERY
`
`PROCESS
`SYSJFEEILPEEFFISESMS
`
`
`QUERIES AGAINST THE
`
`RESLTLLITESfiAREESENT
`TO THE 800.
`
`
`
`
`VISITED LOCATIONS
`DATABASE [VLD]
`
`LOCATION ADDRESS,
`L CATION DESCRIPTION,
`LOCATION CATEGORYIS),
`USERNAME S ,
`TIMESTAMP S ,
`RATING 3 I
`EMOTICO 8],
`COMMENT
`&
`BOOKMAR S)
`
`INDEX(S).)
`
`VISITED URL DATABASE
`
`W”
`U ESOEECSEE’GQEAJBELLE &
`URLs WITH ACTIONS
`TAKEN AGAINST THEM.
`AGAINST EACH URL
`ENTRY IS HELD PAGE
`TITLE, USERNAME &
`TIMESTAMP. CATEGORY S).
`METADATA. & KEYWOR
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BAT
`CH QUERY
`RESULTS
`DATABASE
`[BOD]
`
`
`
`2254
`
`
`
`
`2253
`USER SELECTS
`
`FROM PRE-
`
`
`
`JNQEERTT
`DEFINED
`
`PROCESS
`QUERIES LIST
`OR BUILDS
`
`CUSTOM QUERY
`
`2255
`
`WIRELESS
`
`WIRELESS
`USER SELECTS
`2258
`
`NETWORK
`FROM pRE.
`
`
`RRHEESS
`DEFINED
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`
`QUERIES LIST
`PERFORMS REAL-
`
`
`TIME QUERY
`
`
`
`AGAINST VUD
`
`
`& VLD
`USER SUBMITS
`
`
`SYSTEM
`QUERY REQUEST
`
`
`
`RETURNS QUERY
`TO FATBUBBLE
`
`
`RESULTS TO
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`USER
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`RETRIEVES
`
`
`QUERY RESULTS
`
`FROM BATCH
`QUE RY
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 22
`
`26
`
`26
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 25 0f 26
`
`US RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`2351
`
`START
`
`
`2352
`USER ACTIVATES
`
`WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
`
`DEVICE AND LOCATION
`
`2353
`
`USER ACTIVATES
`FATBUBBLE SOFTWARE
`MIA WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`
`DETECTION SERVICE
`
`INFORMATION
`
`
`2359
`
`EBBEI‘ISTI?
`
`2360
`
`YE
`
`S
`
`2351
`NO
`
`LOSER?
`
`2363
`NO
`
`ADD
`EMOTICON?
`
`ADD COMMENT
`
`2362
`
`YES
`
`2364
`
`YES
`
`2356
`
`USERID TO VLD
`
`SYSTEM ADDS
`EMOTICON. LOCATION
`ADDRESS, LOCATION
`DESCRIPTION,
`TIMESTAMP AND
`
`SYSTEM ADDS
`LOCATION ADDRESS,
`LOCATION
`DESCRIPTION,
`TIMESTAMP AND
`USERID T0 VLD
`
`BSSETIENSEEEG
`LOCAEEJA‘AAEJWSS:
`Tfifiégfiiflflgflb
`USERID To VLD
`
`SYSTEM ADDS
`RATING‘ LOCATION
`ADDRESS. LOCATION
`DESCRIPTION.
`TIMESTAMP AND
`USERID TO VLD
`
`FIG. 23
`
`27
`
`2355
`
`SYSTEM MONITORS
`FOR USER IIO
`AGAINST LOCATION,
`LOCATION
`B0 KMARK, RATE
`LOCATION, ADD AN
`EMOTICON TO
`LOCATION, ADD
`COMMENTS ABOUT
`LOCATION}
`
`W NO
`
`YES
`
`FATBUBBLE SYSTEM
`PERIODICALLY
`PINGS THIRD
`PARTY LOCATION
`DETECTION SERVICE
`FOR USER’S
`LOCATION
`
`2312
`
`2353
`
`THIRD PARTY
`LOCATION
`DETECTION
`NETWORK
`DIRECTORY
`
`
`
`FATBUBBLE SYSTEM
`
`RECEIVES USER'S
`LOCATION ADDRESS,
`LOCATION DESCRIPTION
`
`
`ADDS TIMESTAMP &
`
`
`USERID, SETS ACTION =
`
`
`VISIT & LOGS THE
`
`
`ENTRY INTO THE VISITED
`
`
`LOCATION DATABASE
`
`[VLD]
`2365
`NO
`
`27
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`Sheet 26 of 26
`
`Us RE45,543 E
`
`AMENDED
`
`2451
`
`
`AUTOMATED
`
`IIfLD TOPICS 8:
`
`
`DESCRIPTIONS
`
`
`UPDATE ROUTINE
`
`
`
`2413
`
`
`
`EXTERNAL
`LOCATION CATEGORIZATION
`DATABASE
`& DESCRIPTION DATABASE
`0F LOCATION
`ENTRIES AND UPDATES
`
`CATEGORIZATIONS
`THE VLD ENTRIES WITH
`
`AND DESCRIPTIONS
`MATCHED CORRESPONDING
`
`
`DESpg-Elgglgfigflql'glés
`I?!" SEE[$83
`
`ALL VLD ENTRIES THAT
`AUTODESK. etc.
`
`ARE NOT MATCHABLE ARE
`MARKED AS “UNKNOWN”
`
`I
`LOCATION TOPICI
`ENTRIETSHED
`'
`
`
`
`DESCRIPTION
`IR ----------
`
`
`
`MATCH
`I
`EXCEPTIONS
`l MATCHED
`DATABASE
`I ENTR'ES
`1003
`
`
`[LTMED]
`
`
`2414
`
`“$3393
`
`2453
`
`
`
`
`
`VISITED LOCATIONS
`DATABASE [VLD]
`
`LOCATION ADDRESS,
`L CATION DESCRIPTION!
`LOCATION CATEGORY{S),
`USERNAME S},
`TIMESTAMP S .
`RATING 8 .
`EMOTICO 8},
`COMMENT 28:
`BOOKMAR 8)
`
`FIG. 24
`
`28
`
`28
`
`

`

`US RE4S,S43 E
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`SELECTIVELY SHARING AND PASSIVELY
`TRACKING COMMUNICATION DEVICE
`EXPERIENCES
`
`Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appears in the
`original patent but forms no part of this reissue specifica—
`titm; matter printed in italics indicates the additions
`made by reissue; a claim printed with strikethruugh indi-
`cates that the claim was canceled, disclaimed, or held
`invalid by a prior post-patent action or proceeding.
`
`Thepreseni appiicafion is a reissue application qu.S. Pat.
`No. 7,080. i 3 9 which issued on Jul. I8, 2006 and a comimr—
`aria}? ofappl'icaiiorr Ser. No. I2/820.579.fi1ed on Jim. 22.
`201' 0, which is a reissue eppiicaiiou of US. Pat. No. 7.080.
`139 which issued on Jul. 18. 2006 and a continuation of
`application Ser: No. 12/172,518,fiied onJui. I4, 2003. new
`US. Pat. No. Re. «H.450 which issued onJui. 20. 20“). it’hiciz
`is a reissue application of US. Pat. No. 7.080.139 which
`issued on Jul. I 8, 2006.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The lntemet has opened up new channels of communica-
`tion 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 ofthese new technologies. I Iowever, it is difficult to
`observe the channels of communication or vectors of influ—
`
`ence using traditional market research methods.
`Users of the new communication 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 tech—
`nology. a method and device which provide a new way of
`sharing experiences, potentially allowing advertisers and
`marketers to study channels ofcorrununication and vectors of
`influence at the same time.
`
`SUMMARY 0]" THE 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. speci fication and draw-
`ings.
`
`BRllil" DESCRIPTION ()1.‘ THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of interrelated components of
`systems practicing aspects of the 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
`“Bill.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`FIGS. 8A-8l) are aspects of a user interface for adminis-
`tration ofa 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 inter-
`face illustrated applies as well to viewing of other item or
`location related data.
`
`'0
`
`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—14 is] HA, I23. 13, and I 4 are flowcharts
`illustrating the capture of URL related data from a user. The
`'3 actions illustrated by these [lowcharts apply as well to capture
`of other item or location related data.
`FIG. 15 is a flowchart ofautomated updating of a visited
`URL database (“VUD”), with exception processing. The
`actions illustrated by these flowcharls apply as well to updat-
`ing ofdatabascs reflecting captures ofother item or location
`related data.
`[FIG. 16 is] FIGS. 16A and I63 present a [flow chart]
`flowchart of an activity viewer. The actions illustrated by
`these llowchans apply as well to viewing of other item or
`25 location related data.
`FIGS. 17—19 are flow charts ofbuddy list and access control
`list (“ACL”)ad1ninistration.
`FIGS. 20—21 is flow charts ofaccess control list interface
`actions.
`1:16. 22 is a [low char1 of the batch and custom query
`processes.
`FIG. 23 extends aspects ofthe present invention to wireless
`devices, such as cellular telephones and pagers.
`l-‘lG. 24 is a flow chart of populating the visited location
`35 database (“we“).
`
`3"
`
`3”
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`45
`
`The following detailed description is made with reference
`40 to the figures. Preferred embodiments are described to illus—
`trate the present invention. not to limit its scope. which is
`defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
`recognize a variety 0 fequivalent variations on the description
`that follths.
`A common theme among aspects ofthe present invention is
`collecting data regarding a user’s computer usage experience
`and sharing that data. So-called “buddies“ identified on
`buddy lists of instant messaging products can share selected
`aspects oftheir computer usage experiences. Administrative
`50 tools and processes can be provided to set up selective col—
`lection 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
`55 data. Display tools and processes make portions of the data
`accessible on a predefined 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 ofusers, and all service participants.
`
`60
`
`DATA C(JMPII .lil.)
`
`Aspects ofthe present invention include building and mak—
`ing accessible various databases and combinations of dat‘ —
`65 bases. The databases specifically described below are illus—
`trated in one or another of the figures; reference numbers are
`provided for ease of reference. One database is a visited URI.
`29
`
`29
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`

`

`US RE4S,S43 E
`
`3
`database (“V"Ul )"J 100A. A VUl) stores UR] ,s 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; a VUI.)
`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 conveyinga reaction, such
`as: “:)", “:(”, “9i", “ )”, “ ' (”, etc. Quick comments may be
`user defined and later accessible through a menue, ush as a
`pull-down menu. ln addition to URLs. the database stores
`additional information such as page title, address, descrip-
`tion, categories applicable to the U KL. 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 rnetadata may be ascertained
`from visiting the URL itself. With assistance of the Ules
`author, metadata may include suggested categorization.
`Altematively. categorization may be provided by an existing
`content analysis provider, such as Yahoo or the Open Source
`Directory Project at wwdmozorg 1506. A fithher alterna—
`tive is that content could be categorized by a service provider
`or other sponsor, either for web content or for intranet. extra-
`net or other network content.
`
`Another database used to practice aspects of the present
`invention is the visited location database (“VLD”) 100B. 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. nightcltlb or other location could trigger an inter—
`action between a Bluetooth device and a Bluetooth access
`
`I0
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`20
`
`30
`
`35
`
`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 proximity 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
`information regarding the location, as for U R[.s. The VLD
`also could store geographic information regarding the loca—
`tion, such as geocoded data. Several equivalent methods of
`associating a ponable device with a location are available.
`Sophisticated networks may fingerprint, triangulate or other-
`wise locate a wireless device based on radio signal character—
`istics. Sophisticated devices may include circuits that deter— '
`mine the device’s location; these circuits may utilize OPS,
`DUI-’3, Loran or any other location fixing protocol. The phys-
`ics of how the device and the location are associated are
`relatively unimportant; an independent service may be used
`to track locations visited by a user based on any of the proto—
`cols identified above or any other protocol.
`The VUD and V] ,l) databases are readily extended to a
`visited item database 100, which could include items on a
`computer, intranet, extranet or any network. These items may
`be data such as multimedia files, XML documents, database
`searches or vinually any other material. One distinction
`between practicing aspects ofthe present invention and gen-
`eral database processing is storing user—based ini'omiation,
`such as the user’s pattern of visiting and the user’s rating,
`emoticon or comments regarding an item and making stored,
`user-based information available to buddies. Collectively,
`VUl)s, VI..l.)s and visited item databases can be referred to as
`
`4
`V"X[)s. 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 ACI . identifies buddies and
`controls their access to VUI), Vl..|.). visited item and other
`act ivity-related data. A user could set up his or her own ACL
`via buddy list and access control list administration functions.
`An enterprise could set up AC Ls for enterprise users. ACL~
`like data complied for instant messaging products could be
`accessed and utilized to compile ACLs for users or enter-
`prises.
`logo database [“Ul,.l)") 10] can be useful for
`A URI.
`associating logos with web sites. The logos may be sponsors,
`advertisers or others who provide support tor operation of a
`service practicing aspects of the present invention.
`[tern categorivation for VI”). VT.” or visited items can
`generate exception databases, such as an item match excep-
`tions database (for instance, a UR]. match exceptions data-
`base (“UMED”) 1505] or a topic match exceptions database
`(“TMED”) 1507. These exceptio