WO2000072227A2 - Persona - Google Patents

Persona Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000072227A2
WO2000072227A2 PCT/IB2000/000822 IB0000822W WO0072227A2 WO 2000072227 A2 WO2000072227 A2 WO 2000072227A2 IB 0000822 W IB0000822 W IB 0000822W WO 0072227 A2 WO0072227 A2 WO 0072227A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
client
agent
computer
reporting
recited
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2000/000822
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2000072227A3 (en
Inventor
Eden Shochat
Original Assignee
Shells Interactive, Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shells Interactive, Ltd. filed Critical Shells Interactive, Ltd.
Priority to AU50972/00A priority Critical patent/AU5097200A/en
Publication of WO2000072227A2 publication Critical patent/WO2000072227A2/en
Publication of WO2000072227A3 publication Critical patent/WO2000072227A3/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/06Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to computer networks generally and more particularly to client-server interaction monitoring on computer networks.
  • a computer spyagent operative in a client-content server context having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks vis-a-vis the content server in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner and reporting its actions to an spyhandler, external to the client and to the content server.
  • a computer spyagent system operative in a client-content server context and including: a computer spyagent; and a computer spyhandler external to the client and to the content server, the computer spyagent having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks utilizing the content server in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner; and reporting its actions to the spyhandler.
  • the functionality of reporting actions includes reporting client inputs received by the spyagent.
  • the functionality of reporting actions includes content received from the content server associated with client inputs.
  • a computer agent having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner; and reporting its actions including both client inputs and content associated therewith to an external correlator.
  • a computer agent system including: a computer agent; and an external correlator, the computer agent having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner; and reporting its actions including both client inputs and content associated therewith to the external correlator, the external correlator having the following functionality: correlating client inputs with content to provide an indication of client behavior.
  • the content associated with the client inputs may include instructions to the agent.
  • These instructions may include instructions as to what information the agent is required to report.
  • the agent is responsive to non-preprogrammed commands from an external source, such as the spyhandler or correlator.
  • the functionality of reporting includes reporting e-commerce activities.
  • reporting includes reporting e-commerce activities and their relationship to client inputs and tasks carried out.
  • the functionality of reporting includes reporting learning activities carried out in response to client inputs and the relationship to thereof to pre-programmed learning tasks.
  • the agent also is operative for interactively licensing the client to carry out a task which requires a license.
  • the functionality of reporting includes licensed use reporting and reporting unlicensed use.
  • the agent also includes functionality for determining what activities are to be reported to the spymaster in order to maximize cost effectiveness of bandwidth and processing resource utilization.
  • reporting actions includes reporting client inputs received by the spyagent.
  • the functionality of reporting actions includes content received from the content server associated with client inputs.
  • the agent may report to the external correlator or spymaster client identification information for use in correlating other information reported by the agent.
  • the external correlator or spymaster prepares correlated client behavior reports based on information reported to it by the agent.
  • the client behavior reports are compiled to constitute statistical reports.
  • the external correlator or spymaster does not retain client identification information once it is no longer required for correlation of other information and does not export client identification information, thereby preserving client privacy.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a computer spyagent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a simplified flowchart illustration of part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a simplified flowchart illustration of another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 5 is a simplified flowchart illustration of yet another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
  • FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustration of still another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 7 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a further part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 8 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a computer over-the-shoulder agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 8;
  • Fig. 10 is a simplified flowchart illustration of part of the functionality illustrated in
  • Fig. 11 is a simplified flowchart illustration of another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 12 is a simplified flowchart illustration of yet another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 13 is a simplified flowchart illustration of still another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 14 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a further part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 15 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a computer licensing monitor agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 16 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 15;
  • Fig. 17 is a simplified flowchart illustration of part of the functionality illustrated in
  • Fig. 18 is a simplified flowchart illustration of another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16;
  • Fig. 19 is a simplified flowchart illustration of yet another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16;
  • Fig. 20 is a simplified flowchart illustration of still another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16;
  • Fig. 21 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a further part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a computer spyagent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the computer spyagent system of Fig. 1 preferably operates in a client-content server context.
  • a content server 10 such as an E-commerce server containing product catalog information and E-commerce transaction software, communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12.
  • server 10 provides content, including product catalog information and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client 12, in response to client inputs.
  • the transaction software resident in server 10 is also operative to enable a client to purchase selected products in response to client inputs in a conventional manner. For example, if the user seeks to possibly purchase a vehicle through E-commerce, he may interactively view various vehicles in various styles and colors and may interactively customize various vehicle features. Furthermore, the user may interact with various vehicles in various other ways, such as test-driving the vehicles in a virtual sense.
  • a computer spymaster server 20 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 10 and a client 12 via a computer network such as the Internet 14.
  • the computer spyagent server 20 preferably cooperates with a spyagent 22 which is resident on the client 12 in the form of software.
  • content from the content server 10, which is downloaded by the client 12 may contain all or part of spyagent 22 as well as operating instructions therefor.
  • an agent operating environment may already exist on the client inside or outside of a web browser, having been installed previously, for example, either by the computer manufacturer or as a result of a previous download or software installation.
  • the spyagent 22 is preferably operable to provide to the spymaster server 20, preferably via the Internet, information on client inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
  • the spymaster server 20 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from each spyagent 22, preferably with, but alternatively without, client identification information, to provide a client behavior report 24.
  • the spymaster server 20 is operative to correlate the client behavior reports of a multiplicity of clients into a statistically significant database 26 providing information on client preferences.
  • This database can be used alone or in combination with other information, such as transaction information obtained, for example, from content server 10, to provide commercially valuable client feedback.
  • Fig. 2 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 1.
  • the spyagent is initially installed at client 12 (step 30) using appropriate installation technologies, such as, for example, Microsoft ACTIVE X R and Netscape SMART UPDATE R.
  • an initializing client input from the client 12 is received at the content server 10 (step 32).
  • one or more initial reports are supplied to the spymaster 20 from the client 12, the content server 10 or both of them (step 34).
  • the spyagent interactively carries out tasks utilizing the content server 10 in accordance with user inputs (step 36) at the client. These tasks may include interacting with the content in one or more interactive dimensions and may include possibly changing the content. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tasks may be incident to Ecommerce activity, such as for example, choosing the model, color and other parameters of an automobile, negotiating the price and determining the payment and delivery conditions.
  • the spyagent 22 reports to the spymaster 20 on some or all of the activities of the agent (step 38).
  • the spymaster 20 is operative to process the received information regarding the activities of the agent in conjunction with the information it has already received regarding the client (step 40), thus providing a report regarding client behavior.
  • the processing activities may be conducted off-line.
  • the spymaster preferably uses client information for correlation and statistical purposes alone and preferably does not release any report containing client information without prior client consent or as provided by law.
  • Fig. 3 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the installation of an agent at a client (step 30) illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • installation of the agent at the client preferably includes importing code having spyagent functionality into the client (step 42).
  • the code is registered with the client operating system (step 44) and is operative to cause basic client information to be collected (step 46) and stored at the client (step 48) as well as to be transmitted to the spyagent 22 (step 50).
  • Fig. 4 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the receiving initializing client input at content server (step 32) illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • the receipt of an initializing client at the content server is effected by client requests to view content stored on the content server 10 (step 52).
  • the requested content is preferably downloaded to the client (step 54).
  • the downloaded content may include instructions for collecting additional client information as specified by downloaded content (step 56). This additional client information may be stored at the client 12 (step 58) and transmitted to the spymaster 22 (step 60).
  • Fig. 5 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of supplying initial report(s) to spymaster 20 (step 34) illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • the provision of initial report to the spymaster 20 involves the step of processing content from the content server 10 to register agent/user interactions and events of interest at the client 12 (step 62).
  • the client 12 may communicate to the spymaster 20 information regarding expected events of interest (step 64).
  • the spymaster 20 takes steps necessary to receive, store and process information relating to the expected events of interest (step 66).
  • Fig. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustration of parts of the functionalities of steps 36 and 38 illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • the interactive operation of the agent vis a vis the content server in accordance with client inputs and the agent's reports to the spymaster 20 involve monitoring by the spyagent 22 of user inputs at the client 12 (step 68).
  • the spyagent 22 reports events of interest, such as a potential purchaser's extended viewing or other interaction with a product as well as his indicated preferences as to product parameters and his purchase decision to spymaster 20 (step 70).
  • the spymaster logs events of interest reported to it (step 72) and optionally communicates with the spyagent 22 to vary details or the scope of reported events of interest (step 74).
  • processing of the received information by the spymaster 20 may involve correlating received client information and content information with logged events of interest for one or preferably multiple clients (step 76).
  • statistical analyses of the correlated information are prepared in accordance with predete ⁇ riined or interactively determined criteria (step 78).
  • Spy reports which report client behavior at one and preferably more than one site during one and preferably more than one session are prepared.
  • the spy reports do not contain client identification information or any information, the dissemination of which is improper or prohibited by law (step 80).
  • the system of Fig. 1 may be used for purposes other than customer feedback in an E-commerce context.
  • the computer spyagent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used to provide learning feedback in a teaching environment.
  • content server 10 may be a remote learning server containing interactive remote learning software, which communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12.
  • server 10 provides content, including teaching materials and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client, in response to client inputs.
  • Learning monitoring software resident in server 10 is preferably operative to enable a student's learriing activities to be monitored.
  • the computer spymaster server 20 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 10 and a client 12 via a computer network such as the internet, serves to monitor the student's activities.
  • the computer spyagent server 20 preferably cooperates with spyagent 22 which is resident on the client 12 in the form of software.
  • the spyagent 22 is preferably operable to provide to the spymaster server 20, preferably via the Internet, information on student inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server 10, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
  • the spymaster server 20 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from the spyagent 22, preferably with, but alternatively without client identification information, to provide a student progress report 24.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a computer over-the-shoulder agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the computer over-the-shoulder agent system of Fig. 8 preferably operates in a client- content server context.
  • a content server 110 such as an Internet server containing web-site information and chat-room activity monitoring software, communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 112.
  • the monitoring software resident in server 110 is also operative to record a client to activities in response to client inputs in a conventional manner or in a chat-room.
  • a computer over-the-shoulder agent system server 120 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 110 and a client 112 via a computer network such as the Internet 114.
  • the computer over-the-shoulder server 120 preferably cooperates with a over-the- shoulder agent 122 which is resident on the client 112 in the form of software.
  • content from the content server 110 which is downloaded by the client 112 may contain all or part of over-the- shoulder agent 122 as well as operating instructions therefor.
  • an agent operating environment may already exist on the client inside or outside of a web browser, having been installed previously, for example, either by the computer manufacturer or as a result of a previous download or software installation.
  • the over-the-shoulder agent 122 is preferably operable to provide to the over-the- shoulder server 120, preferably via the Internet 114, information on client inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
  • the over-the-shoulder master server 120 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from each over-the-shoulder agent 122, preferably with, but alternatively without, client identification information, to provide a client operations report 124.
  • the over-the-shoulder master server 120 is operative to correlate the client operations reports of a multiplicity of clients into a statistically significant database 126 providing information on client searching or chatting preferences.
  • This database can be used alone or in combination with other information, such as transaction information obtained, for example, from content server 110, to provide parental or supervision monitoring information.
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the over-the-shoulder agent system of Fig. 8. As seen in Fig. 9, the over-the-shoulder agent is initially installed at client 112 (step 130) using appropriate installation technologies discussed above.
  • an initializing client input from the client 112 is received at the content server 110 (step 132).
  • one or more initial reports are supplied to the over-the- shoulder master 120 from the client 112, the content server 110 or both of them (step 134).
  • the over-the-shoulder agent interactively carries out tasks utilizing the content server
  • tasks 110 in accordance with user inputs (step 136) at the client.
  • These tasks may include interacting with the content in one or more interactive dimensions and may include possibly changing the content.
  • the tasks may be incident to chatting activity, such as for example, the party or parties involved in the chat-room, subject of chatting, etc.
  • the over-the- shoulder agent 122 reports to the over-the-shoulder master 120 on some or all of the activities of the agent (step 138).
  • the over-the-shoulder master 120 is operative to process the received information regarding the activities of the agent in conjunction with the information it has already received regarding the client (step 140), thus providing a report regarding client activities.
  • the processing activities may be conducted off-line.
  • the over-the-shoulder master preferably uses client information for correlation and statistical purposes alone and preferably does not release any report containing client information without prior client consent or as provided by law.
  • Fig. 10 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the installation of an agent at a client (step 130) illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • installation of the agent at the client preferably includes importing code having over-the-shoulder agent functionality into the client (step 142).
  • the code is registered with the client operating system (step 144) and is operative to cause basic client information to be collected (step 146) and stored at the client 112 (step 148) as well as to be transmitted to the over-the-shoulder agent 120 (step 150).
  • Fig. 11 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the receiving initializing client input at content server (step 132) illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • the receipt of an initializing client at the content server is effected by client requests to view content stored on the content server 110 (step 152).
  • the requested content is preferably downloaded to the client 112 (step 154).
  • the downloaded content may include instructions for collecting additional client information as specified by downloaded content (step 156). This additional client information may be stored at the client 112 (step 158) and transmitted to the over-the-shoulder master 122 (step 160).
  • Fig. 12 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of supplying initial report(s) to over-the-shoulder master 120 (step 134) illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • the provision of initial report to the over-the-shoulder master 120 involves the step of processing content from the content server 110 to register agent/user interactions and events of interest at the client 112 (step 162).
  • the client 112 may communicate to the over-the-shoulder master 20 information regarding expected events of interest (step 164).
  • the over-the-shoulder master 120 takes steps necessary to receive, store and process information relating to the expected events of interest (step 166).
  • Fig. 13 is a simplified flowchart illustration of parts of the functionalities of steps 136 and 138 illustrated in Fig. 9.
  • the interactive operation of the agent utilizes the content server in accordance with client inputs and the agent's reports to the over-the-shoulder master 120 involve monitoring by the over-the-shoulder agent 122 of user inputs at the client 112 (step 168).
  • the over-the-shoulder agent 122 reports events of interest, such as parties involved in a chat-room or subject of chatting to over-ther-shoulder master 120 (step 170).
  • the over-the-shoulder master 120 logs events of interest reported to it (step 172) and optionally communicates with the over-the-shoulder agent 122 to vary details or the scope of reported events of interest (step 174).
  • processing of the received information by the over-the-shoulder master 20 may involve correlating received client information and content information with logged events of interest for one or preferably multiple clients (step 176).
  • statistical analyses of the correlated information are prepared in accordance with predetermined or interactively determined criteria (step 178).
  • Over-the-shoulder reports which report client behavior at one and preferably more than one site during one and preferably more than one session are prepared.
  • the over-the- shoulder reports do not contain client identification information or any information, the dissemination of which is improper or prohibited by law (step 180).
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a computer licensing monitor agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the computer licensing monitor agent system of Fig. 15 preferably operates in a client-content server context.
  • a content server 210 communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 214, with a plurality of clients 212.
  • server 210 provides content, including licensing related information and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client 12, in response to client inputs.
  • the transaction software resident in server 210 is also operative to enable a client to conduct activities provided with the license in response to client inputs in a conventional manner.
  • a computer licensing monitor master server 220 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 210 and a client 212 via a computer network such as the Internet 214.
  • the computer licensing monitor server 220 preferably cooperates with a licensing monitor agent 222 which is resident on the client 212 in the form of software.
  • content from the content server 210 which is downloaded by the client 212 may contain all or part of licensing monitor agent 222 as well as operating instructions therefor.
  • an agent operating environment may already exist on the client inside or outside of a web browser, having been installed previously, for example, either by the computer manufacturer or as a result of a previous download or software installation.
  • the licensing monitor agent 222 is preferably operable to provide to the licensing monitor master server 220, preferably via the Internet 214, information on client inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
  • the licensing monitor master server 220 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from each licensing monitor agent 222, preferably with, but alternatively without, client identification information, to provide a client behavior report 224.
  • the licensing monitor master server 220 is operative to correlate the client behavior reports of a multiplicity of clients into a statistically significant database 226 providing information on client preferences. This database can be used alone or in combination with other information, such as transaction information obtained, for example, from content server 210, to provide commercially valuable client feedback.
  • Fig. 16 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 15.
  • the licensing monitor agent 222 is initially installed at client 212 (step 230) using appropriate installation technologies, such as, for example, Microsoft ACTIVE X R and Netscape SMART UPDATE R.
  • an initializing client input from the client 212 is received at the content server 210 (step 232).
  • one or more initial reports are supplied to the licensing momtor master 220 from the client 212, the content server 210 or both of them (step 234).
  • the licensing monitor agent interactively carries out tasks utilizing the content server 210 in accordance with user inputs (step 236) at the client. These tasks may include interacting with the content in one or more interactive dimensions and may include possibly changing the content. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tasks may be incident to licensed activity.
  • the licensing monitor agent 222 reports to the licensing monitor master 220 on some or all of the activities of the agent (step 238).
  • the licensing monitor master 220 is operative to process the received information regarding the activities of the agent in conjunction with the information it has already received regarding the client (step 240), thus providing a report regarding client behavior.
  • the processing activities may be conducted off-line.
  • the licensing monitor master preferably uses client information for correlation and statistical purposes alone and preferably does not release any report containing client information without prior client consent or as provided by law.
  • Fig. 17 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the installation of a licensing monitor agent at a client (step 230) illustrated in Fig. 16.
  • installation of the agent at the client preferably includes importing code having licensing momtor agent functionality into the client (step 242).
  • the code is registered with the client operating system (step 244) and is operative to cause basic client information to be collected (step 246) and stored at the client (step 248) as well as to be transmitted to the interactive licensing monitor agent 222 (step 250).
  • Fig. 18 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the receiving initializing client input at content server (step 232) illustrated in Fig. 16.
  • the receipt of an initializing client at the content server is effected by client requests to view content stored on the content server 210 (step 252).
  • the requested content is preferably downloaded to the client (step 254).
  • the downloaded content may include instructions for collecting additional client information as specified by downloaded content (step 256). This additional client information may be stored at the client 212 (step 258) and transmitted to interactive licensing monitor master 222 (step 260).
  • Fig. 19 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of supplying initial report(s) to licensing monitor master 220 (step 234) illustrated in Fig. 16.
  • the provision of initial report to the licensing monitor master 220 involves the step of processing content from the content server 210 to register agent/user interactions and licensed activities at the client 212 (step 262).
  • the client 212 may communicate to the interactive licensing monitor master 220 information regarding expected licensed activities (step 264).
  • the licensing monitor master 220 downloads licensing terms and conditions from the interactive licensing master 220 to client 212 (step 266).
  • Fig. 20 is a simplified flowchart illustration of parts of the functionalities of steps 236 and 238 illustrated in Fig. 16.
  • the interactive operation of the agent utilizes the content server in accordance with client inputs and the agent's reports to the licensing monitor master 220 involve monitoring by the licensing monitor agent 222 of user inputs at the client 212 (step 268).
  • the licensing monitor agent 222 reports for authorization for licensed activities to licensing monitor master 220 (step 270).
  • the licensing monitor master logs licensed activities and license violations reported to it (step 272) and optionally interactively with interactive licensing monitor vary details or the scope of licensed activities (step 274).
  • processing of the received information by the licensing monitor master 220 may involve correlating received client information and content information with logged licensed activities for one or preferably multiple clients (step 276).
  • statistical analyses of the correlated information are prepared in accordance with predetermined or interactively determined criteria (step 278).
  • Licensing monitor reports which report licensing activities at one and preferably more than one site during one and preferably more than one session are prepared.
  • the licensing momtor reports do not contain client identification information or any information, the dissemination of which is improper or prohibited by law (step 280).
  • the system of Fig. 1 may be used for purposes other than customer feedback in an E-commerce context.
  • the computer licensing monitor agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used to provide learriing feedback in a teaching environment.
  • content server 10 may be a remote learning server containing interactive remote learning software, which communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12.
  • server 10 provides content, including teaching materials and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client, in response to client inputs.
  • Learning monitoring software resident in server 10 is preferably operative to enable a student's learning activities to be monitored.
  • the computer licensing monitor master server may be a remote learning server containing interactive remote learning software, which communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12.
  • server 10 provides content, including teaching materials and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client, in response to client inputs.
  • Learning monitoring software resident in server 10 is preferably operative to enable a student's learning activities to be monitored.
  • the computer licensing monitor master server may be a remote learning server containing interactive remote learning software, which communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12.
  • server 10 provides content,
  • the computer licensing monitor agent server 20 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 10 and a client 12 via a computer network such as the internet, serves to monitor the student's activities.
  • the computer licensing monitor agent server 20 preferably cooperates with licensing monitor agent 22 which is resident on the client 12 in the form of software.
  • the licensing monitor agent 22 is preferably operable to provide to the licensing monitor master server 20, preferably via the Internet, information on student inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server 10, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
  • the licensing monitor master server 20 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from the licensing monitor agent 22, preferably with, but alternatively without client identification information, to provide a student progress report 24.

Abstract

A client (12)-server (10) interaction monitoring system on computer networks is disclosed. A computer agent system having a client device (12) and a content server (10) for analyzing client behavior (24) in accessing the client device (12) having an external correlator for correlating client (12) inputs with content to provide an indication of client behavior (24); and a computer agent (20) for carrying out tasks in response to client (12) inputs in a pre-determined manner, and reporting its actions (24) including both client inputs and content associated therewith to said external correlator.

Description

PERSONA
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
Reference is made to an priority claimed from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/135,815, filed May 24, 1999, titled "Persona." BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer networks generally and more particularly to client-server interaction monitoring on computer networks.
It is well known to monitor the performance of computer networks for bandwidth management purposes. The following U.S. Patents represent the state of the art: 5,732,218; 5,584,025; 5,553,235; 5,544,359; 5,544,303; 5,537,542; 5,459,837; 5,371,889; 5,303,166; 5,086,386 & 4,849,879.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a computer spyagent operative in a client-content server context having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks vis-a-vis the content server in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner and reporting its actions to an spyhandler, external to the client and to the content server.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a computer spyagent system operative in a client-content server context and including: a computer spyagent; and a computer spyhandler external to the client and to the content server, the computer spyagent having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks utilizing the content server in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner; and reporting its actions to the spyhandler. Preferably, the functionality of reporting actions includes reporting client inputs received by the spyagent.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the functionality of reporting actions includes content received from the content server associated with client inputs. There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a computer agent having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner; and reporting its actions including both client inputs and content associated therewith to an external correlator.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a computer agent system including: a computer agent; and an external correlator, the computer agent having the following functionalities: carrying out tasks in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner; and reporting its actions including both client inputs and content associated therewith to the external correlator, the external correlator having the following functionality: correlating client inputs with content to provide an indication of client behavior.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content associated with the client inputs may include instructions to the agent.
These instructions may include instructions as to what information the agent is required to report. Preferably, the agent is responsive to non-preprogrammed commands from an external source, such as the spyhandler or correlator.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functionality of reporting includes reporting e-commerce activities.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the functionality of reporting includes reporting e-commerce activities and their relationship to client inputs and tasks carried out.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the functionality of reporting includes reporting learning activities carried out in response to client inputs and the relationship to thereof to pre-programmed learning tasks. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the agent also is operative for interactively licensing the client to carry out a task which requires a license.
Preferably, in the licensing context, the functionality of reporting includes licensed use reporting and reporting unlicensed use.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the agent also includes functionality for determining what activities are to be reported to the spymaster in order to maximize cost effectiveness of bandwidth and processing resource utilization.
Preferably, the functionality of reporting actions includes reporting client inputs received by the spyagent.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the functionality of reporting actions includes content received from the content server associated with client inputs. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the agent may report to the external correlator or spymaster client identification information for use in correlating other information reported by the agent.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the external correlator or spymaster prepares correlated client behavior reports based on information reported to it by the agent. Preferably, the client behavior reports are compiled to constitute statistical reports.
Preferably, the external correlator or spymaster does not retain client identification information once it is no longer required for correlation of other information and does not export client identification information, thereby preserving client privacy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a computer spyagent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a simplified flowchart illustration of part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a simplified flowchart illustration of another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a simplified flowchart illustration of yet another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustration of still another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a further part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 2;
Fig. 8 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a computer over-the-shoulder agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a simplified flowchart illustration of part of the functionality illustrated in
Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a simplified flowchart illustration of another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9;
Fig. 12 is a simplified flowchart illustration of yet another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9;
Fig. 13 is a simplified flowchart illustration of still another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9;
Fig. 14 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a further part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 9; Fig. 15 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a computer licensing monitor agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a simplified flowchart illustration of part of the functionality illustrated in
Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a simplified flowchart illustration of another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16;
Fig. 19 is a simplified flowchart illustration of yet another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16;
Fig. 20 is a simplified flowchart illustration of still another part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16; and
Fig. 21 is a simplified flowchart illustration of a further part of the functionality illustrated in Fig. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which illustrates a computer spyagent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The computer spyagent system of Fig. 1 preferably operates in a client-content server context. A content server 10, such as an E-commerce server containing product catalog information and E-commerce transaction software, communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12. In normal operation, server 10 provides content, including product catalog information and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client 12, in response to client inputs. The transaction software resident in server 10 is also operative to enable a client to purchase selected products in response to client inputs in a conventional manner. For example, if the user seeks to possibly purchase a vehicle through E-commerce, he may interactively view various vehicles in various styles and colors and may interactively customize various vehicle features. Furthermore, the user may interact with various vehicles in various other ways, such as test-driving the vehicles in a virtual sense.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a computer spymaster server 20 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 10 and a client 12 via a computer network such as the Internet 14. The computer spyagent server 20 preferably cooperates with a spyagent 22 which is resident on the client 12 in the form of software.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, content from the content server 10, which is downloaded by the client 12 may contain all or part of spyagent 22 as well as operating instructions therefor. In one embodiment of the invention, an agent operating environment may already exist on the client inside or outside of a web browser, having been installed previously, for example, either by the computer manufacturer or as a result of a previous download or software installation. The spyagent 22 is preferably operable to provide to the spymaster server 20, preferably via the Internet, information on client inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
The spymaster server 20 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from each spyagent 22, preferably with, but alternatively without, client identification information, to provide a client behavior report 24. Preferably, the spymaster server 20 is operative to correlate the client behavior reports of a multiplicity of clients into a statistically significant database 26 providing information on client preferences. This database can be used alone or in combination with other information, such as transaction information obtained, for example, from content server 10, to provide commercially valuable client feedback. Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 1. As seen in Fig. 2, the spyagent is initially installed at client 12 (step 30) using appropriate installation technologies, such as, for example, Microsoft ACTIVE X R and Netscape SMART UPDATE R.
Thereafter, an initializing client input from the client 12 is received at the content server 10 (step 32). At this stage one or more initial reports are supplied to the spymaster 20 from the client 12, the content server 10 or both of them (step 34).
The spyagent interactively carries out tasks utilizing the content server 10 in accordance with user inputs (step 36) at the client. These tasks may include interacting with the content in one or more interactive dimensions and may include possibly changing the content. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tasks may be incident to Ecommerce activity, such as for example, choosing the model, color and other parameters of an automobile, negotiating the price and determining the payment and delivery conditions.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spyagent 22 reports to the spymaster 20 on some or all of the activities of the agent (step 38). The spymaster 20 is operative to process the received information regarding the activities of the agent in conjunction with the information it has already received regarding the client (step 40), thus providing a report regarding client behavior. The processing activities may be conducted off-line. In order to respect the privacy of the user, the spymaster preferably uses client information for correlation and statistical purposes alone and preferably does not release any report containing client information without prior client consent or as provided by law.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the installation of an agent at a client (step 30) illustrated in Fig. 2. As illustrated in Fig. 3, installation of the agent at the client preferably includes importing code having spyagent functionality into the client (step 42). Preferably, the code is registered with the client operating system (step 44) and is operative to cause basic client information to be collected (step 46) and stored at the client (step 48) as well as to be transmitted to the spyagent 22 (step 50).
Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the receiving initializing client input at content server (step 32) illustrated in Fig. 2. As seen in Fig. 4, the receipt of an initializing client at the content server is effected by client requests to view content stored on the content server 10 (step 52). The requested content is preferably downloaded to the client (step 54). The downloaded content may include instructions for collecting additional client information as specified by downloaded content (step 56). This additional client information may be stored at the client 12 (step 58) and transmitted to the spymaster 22 (step 60).
Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of supplying initial report(s) to spymaster 20 (step 34) illustrated in Fig. 2. As seen in Fig. 5, the provision of initial report to the spymaster 20 involves the step of processing content from the content server 10 to register agent/user interactions and events of interest at the client 12 (step 62). Optionally, the client 12 may communicate to the spymaster 20 information regarding expected events of interest (step 64). In such a case, the spymaster 20 takes steps necessary to receive, store and process information relating to the expected events of interest (step 66).
Reference is now to Fig. 6, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of parts of the functionalities of steps 36 and 38 illustrated in Fig. 2. As seen in Fig. 6, the interactive operation of the agent vis a vis the content server in accordance with client inputs and the agent's reports to the spymaster 20 involve monitoring by the spyagent 22 of user inputs at the client 12 (step 68). The spyagent 22 reports events of interest, such as a potential purchaser's extended viewing or other interaction with a product as well as his indicated preferences as to product parameters and his purchase decision to spymaster 20 (step 70). The spymaster logs events of interest reported to it (step 72) and optionally communicates with the spyagent 22 to vary details or the scope of reported events of interest (step 74).
Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of step 40 illustrated in Fig. 2. As seen in Fig. 7, processing of the received information by the spymaster 20 may involve correlating received client information and content information with logged events of interest for one or preferably multiple clients (step 76). Preferably, statistical analyses of the correlated information are prepared in accordance with predeteπriined or interactively determined criteria (step 78). Spy reports, which report client behavior at one and preferably more than one site during one and preferably more than one session are prepared. Preferably, the spy reports do not contain client identification information or any information, the dissemination of which is improper or prohibited by law (step 80).
According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the system of Fig. 1 may be used for purposes other than customer feedback in an E-commerce context. For example, the computer spyagent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used to provide learning feedback in a teaching environment.
In such an application, content server 10, may be a remote learning server containing interactive remote learning software, which communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12. In normal operation, server 10 provides content, including teaching materials and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client, in response to client inputs. Learning monitoring software resident in server 10 is preferably operative to enable a student's learriing activities to be monitored.
In accordance with this embodiment, the computer spymaster server 20, which may communicate with either or both of the content server 10 and a client 12 via a computer network such as the internet, serves to monitor the student's activities. The computer spyagent server 20 preferably cooperates with spyagent 22 which is resident on the client 12 in the form of software.
The spyagent 22 is preferably operable to provide to the spymaster server 20, preferably via the Internet, information on student inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server 10, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
The spymaster server 20 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from the spyagent 22, preferably with, but alternatively without client identification information, to provide a student progress report 24. Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which illustrates a computer over-the-shoulder agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The computer over-the-shoulder agent system of Fig. 8 preferably operates in a client- content server context. A content server 110, such as an Internet server containing web-site information and chat-room activity monitoring software, communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 112. The monitoring software resident in server 110 is also operative to record a client to activities in response to client inputs in a conventional manner or in a chat-room.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a computer over-the-shoulder agent system server 120 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 110 and a client 112 via a computer network such as the Internet 114. The computer over-the-shoulder server 120 preferably cooperates with a over-the- shoulder agent 122 which is resident on the client 112 in the form of software.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, content from the content server 110, which is downloaded by the client 112 may contain all or part of over-the- shoulder agent 122 as well as operating instructions therefor. In one embodiment of the invention, an agent operating environment may already exist on the client inside or outside of a web browser, having been installed previously, for example, either by the computer manufacturer or as a result of a previous download or software installation.
The over-the-shoulder agent 122 is preferably operable to provide to the over-the- shoulder server 120, preferably via the Internet 114, information on client inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
The over-the-shoulder master server 120 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from each over-the-shoulder agent 122, preferably with, but alternatively without, client identification information, to provide a client operations report 124. Preferably, the over-the-shoulder master server 120 is operative to correlate the client operations reports of a multiplicity of clients into a statistically significant database 126 providing information on client searching or chatting preferences. This database can be used alone or in combination with other information, such as transaction information obtained, for example, from content server 110, to provide parental or supervision monitoring information. Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the over-the-shoulder agent system of Fig. 8. As seen in Fig. 9, the over-the-shoulder agent is initially installed at client 112 (step 130) using appropriate installation technologies discussed above.
Thereafter, an initializing client input from the client 112 is received at the content server 110 (step 132). At this stage one or more initial reports are supplied to the over-the- shoulder master 120 from the client 112, the content server 110 or both of them (step 134). The over-the-shoulder agent interactively carries out tasks utilizing the content server
110 in accordance with user inputs (step 136) at the client. These tasks may include interacting with the content in one or more interactive dimensions and may include possibly changing the content. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tasks may be incident to chatting activity, such as for example, the party or parties involved in the chat-room, subject of chatting, etc.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the over-the- shoulder agent 122 reports to the over-the-shoulder master 120 on some or all of the activities of the agent (step 138). The over-the-shoulder master 120 is operative to process the received information regarding the activities of the agent in conjunction with the information it has already received regarding the client (step 140), thus providing a report regarding client activities. The processing activities may be conducted off-line.
In order to respect the privacy of the user, the over-the-shoulder master preferably uses client information for correlation and statistical purposes alone and preferably does not release any report containing client information without prior client consent or as provided by law.
Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the installation of an agent at a client (step 130) illustrated in Fig. 9. As illustrated in Fig. 10, installation of the agent at the client preferably includes importing code having over-the-shoulder agent functionality into the client (step 142). Preferably, the code is registered with the client operating system (step 144) and is operative to cause basic client information to be collected (step 146) and stored at the client 112 (step 148) as well as to be transmitted to the over-the-shoulder agent 120 (step 150).
Reference is now made to Fig. 11, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the receiving initializing client input at content server (step 132) illustrated in Fig. 9. As seen in Fig. 11, the receipt of an initializing client at the content server is effected by client requests to view content stored on the content server 110 (step 152). The requested content is preferably downloaded to the client 112 (step 154). The downloaded content may include instructions for collecting additional client information as specified by downloaded content (step 156). This additional client information may be stored at the client 112 (step 158) and transmitted to the over-the-shoulder master 122 (step 160).
Reference is now made to Fig. 12, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of supplying initial report(s) to over-the-shoulder master 120 (step 134) illustrated in Fig. 9. As seen in Fig. 12, the provision of initial report to the over-the-shoulder master 120 involves the step of processing content from the content server 110 to register agent/user interactions and events of interest at the client 112 (step 162). Optionally, the client 112 may communicate to the over-the-shoulder master 20 information regarding expected events of interest (step 164). In such a case, the over-the-shoulder master 120 takes steps necessary to receive, store and process information relating to the expected events of interest (step 166).
Reference is now to Fig. 13, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of parts of the functionalities of steps 136 and 138 illustrated in Fig. 9. As seen in Fig. 13, the interactive operation of the agent utilizes the content server in accordance with client inputs and the agent's reports to the over-the-shoulder master 120 involve monitoring by the over-the- shoulder agent 122 of user inputs at the client 112 (step 168). The over-the-shoulder agent 122 reports events of interest, such as parties involved in a chat-room or subject of chatting to over-ther-shoulder master 120 (step 170). The over-the-shoulder master 120 logs events of interest reported to it (step 172) and optionally communicates with the over-the-shoulder agent 122 to vary details or the scope of reported events of interest (step 174).
Reference is now made to Fig. 14, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of step 140 illustrated in Fig. 9. As seen in Fig. 14, processing of the received information by the over-the-shoulder master 20 may involve correlating received client information and content information with logged events of interest for one or preferably multiple clients (step 176). Preferably, statistical analyses of the correlated information are prepared in accordance with predetermined or interactively determined criteria (step 178). Over-the-shoulder reports, which report client behavior at one and preferably more than one site during one and preferably more than one session are prepared. Preferably, the over-the- shoulder reports do not contain client identification information or any information, the dissemination of which is improper or prohibited by law (step 180). Reference is now made to Fig. 15, which illustrates a computer licensing monitor agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The computer licensing monitor agent system of Fig. 15 preferably operates in a client-content server context. A content server 210 communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 214, with a plurality of clients 212. In normal operation, server 210 provides content, including licensing related information and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client 12, in response to client inputs. The transaction software resident in server 210 is also operative to enable a client to conduct activities provided with the license in response to client inputs in a conventional manner.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a computer licensing monitor master server 220 which may communicate with either or both of the content server 210 and a client 212 via a computer network such as the Internet 214. The computer licensing monitor server 220 preferably cooperates with a licensing monitor agent 222 which is resident on the client 212 in the form of software.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, content from the content server 210, which is downloaded by the client 212 may contain all or part of licensing monitor agent 222 as well as operating instructions therefor. In one embodiment of the invention, an agent operating environment may already exist on the client inside or outside of a web browser, having been installed previously, for example, either by the computer manufacturer or as a result of a previous download or software installation.
The licensing monitor agent 222 is preferably operable to provide to the licensing monitor master server 220, preferably via the Internet 214, information on client inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
The licensing monitor master server 220 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from each licensing monitor agent 222, preferably with, but alternatively without, client identification information, to provide a client behavior report 224. Preferably, the licensing monitor master server 220 is operative to correlate the client behavior reports of a multiplicity of clients into a statistically significant database 226 providing information on client preferences. This database can be used alone or in combination with other information, such as transaction information obtained, for example, from content server 210, to provide commercially valuable client feedback.
Reference is now made to Fig. 16, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the general functionality of the system of Fig. 15. As seen in Fig. 16, the licensing monitor agent 222 is initially installed at client 212 (step 230) using appropriate installation technologies, such as, for example, Microsoft ACTIVE X R and Netscape SMART UPDATE R.
Thereafter, an initializing client input from the client 212 is received at the content server 210 (step 232). At this stage one or more initial reports are supplied to the licensing momtor master 220 from the client 212, the content server 210 or both of them (step 234).
The licensing monitor agent interactively carries out tasks utilizing the content server 210 in accordance with user inputs (step 236) at the client. These tasks may include interacting with the content in one or more interactive dimensions and may include possibly changing the content. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tasks may be incident to licensed activity.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the licensing monitor agent 222 reports to the licensing monitor master 220 on some or all of the activities of the agent (step 238). The licensing monitor master 220 is operative to process the received information regarding the activities of the agent in conjunction with the information it has already received regarding the client (step 240), thus providing a report regarding client behavior. The processing activities may be conducted off-line. In order to respect the privacy of the user, the licensing monitor master preferably uses client information for correlation and statistical purposes alone and preferably does not release any report containing client information without prior client consent or as provided by law.
Reference is now made to Fig. 17, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the installation of a licensing monitor agent at a client (step 230) illustrated in Fig. 16. As illustrated in Fig. 17, installation of the agent at the client preferably includes importing code having licensing momtor agent functionality into the client (step 242). Preferably, the code is registered with the client operating system (step 244) and is operative to cause basic client information to be collected (step 246) and stored at the client (step 248) as well as to be transmitted to the interactive licensing monitor agent 222 (step 250).
Reference is now made to Fig. 18, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of the receiving initializing client input at content server (step 232) illustrated in Fig. 16. As seen in Fig. 18, the receipt of an initializing client at the content server is effected by client requests to view content stored on the content server 210 (step 252). The requested content is preferably downloaded to the client (step 254). The downloaded content may include instructions for collecting additional client information as specified by downloaded content (step 256). This additional client information may be stored at the client 212 (step 258) and transmitted to interactive licensing monitor master 222 (step 260).
Reference is now made to Fig. 19, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of supplying initial report(s) to licensing monitor master 220 (step 234) illustrated in Fig. 16. As seen in Fig. 19, the provision of initial report to the licensing monitor master 220 involves the step of processing content from the content server 210 to register agent/user interactions and licensed activities at the client 212 (step 262). Optionally, the client 212 may communicate to the interactive licensing monitor master 220 information regarding expected licensed activities (step 264). In such a case, the licensing monitor master 220 downloads licensing terms and conditions from the interactive licensing master 220 to client 212 (step 266).
Reference is now to Fig. 20, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of parts of the functionalities of steps 236 and 238 illustrated in Fig. 16. As seen in Fig. 20, the interactive operation of the agent utilizes the content server in accordance with client inputs and the agent's reports to the licensing monitor master 220 involve monitoring by the licensing monitor agent 222 of user inputs at the client 212 (step 268). The licensing monitor agent 222 reports for authorization for licensed activities to licensing monitor master 220 (step 270).
The licensing monitor master logs licensed activities and license violations reported to it (step 272) and optionally interactively with interactive licensing monitor vary details or the scope of licensed activities (step 274).
Reference is now made to Fig. 21, which is a simplified flowchart illustration of the functionality of step 240 illustrated in Fig. 16. As seen in Fig. 21, processing of the received information by the licensing monitor master 220 may involve correlating received client information and content information with logged licensed activities for one or preferably multiple clients (step 276). Preferably, statistical analyses of the correlated information are prepared in accordance with predetermined or interactively determined criteria (step 278). Licensing monitor reports, which report licensing activities at one and preferably more than one site during one and preferably more than one session are prepared. Preferably, the licensing momtor reports do not contain client identification information or any information, the dissemination of which is improper or prohibited by law (step 280).
According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the system of Fig. 1 may be used for purposes other than customer feedback in an E-commerce context. For example, the computer licensing monitor agent system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used to provide learriing feedback in a teaching environment.
In such an application, content server 10, may be a remote learning server containing interactive remote learning software, which communicates via a computer network, such as the Internet 14, with a plurality of clients 12. In normal operation, server 10 provides content, including teaching materials and other information as will be described hereinbelow, to the client, in response to client inputs. Learning monitoring software resident in server 10 is preferably operative to enable a student's learning activities to be monitored. In accordance with this embodiment, the computer licensing monitor master server
20, which may communicate with either or both of the content server 10 and a client 12 via a computer network such as the internet, serves to monitor the student's activities. The computer licensing monitor agent server 20 preferably cooperates with licensing monitor agent 22 which is resident on the client 12 in the form of software. The licensing monitor agent 22 is preferably operable to provide to the licensing monitor master server 20, preferably via the Internet, information on student inputs, preferably in conjunction with content downloaded from the content server 10, which serves to provide a meaningful context to the client input information.
The licensing monitor master server 20 is preferably operable to correlate the information received from the licensing monitor agent 22, preferably with, but alternatively without client identification information, to provide a student progress report 24.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described herein as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art. What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method of a computer spyagent operative in a client-content server context, comprising: carrying out tasks utilizing the content server in response to client inputs in a pre- programmed manner; and reporting client actions to a spyhandler that is external to the client and to the content server.
2. A method of a computer spyagent as recited in claim 1 , wherein the reporting actions including reporting client inputs received by the spyagent.
3. A method of a computer spyagent as recited in claim 1, wherein the functionality of reporting actions including utilizing content received from the content server associated with client inputs.
4. A method of a computer agent as recited in claim 1, wherein the functionality of reporting includes reporting e-commerce activities.
5. A method of a computer agent as recited in claim 1 , wherein the functionality of reporting includes reporting e-commerce activities and their relationship to client inputs and tasks carried out.
6. A computer spyagent system operative in a client-content server context, comprising: a computer spyhandler external to the client and to the content server; and a computer spyagent for carrying out tasks utilizing the content server in response to client inputs in a pre-programmed manner and reporting its actions to the spyhandler.
7. A computer spyagent system as recited in claim 6, wherein the reporting actions including reporting client inputs received by said spyagent.
8. A computer spyagent system as recited in claim 6, wherein the functionality of reporting actions includes utilizing content received from the content server associated with client inputs.
9. A method of a computer agent in a computer network for monitoring client activities in a client computer system, comprising: carrying out tasks in response to client inputs in a pre-determined manner; and reporting its actions including both client inputs and content associated therewith to a correlator external to the client computer system.
10. A method of a computer agent as recited in claim 9, wherein the content associated with the client inputs including instructions to the agent.
11. A method of a computer agent as recited in claim 10, wherein the instructions to the agent including instructions as to the type of information the agent is required to report.
12. A method of a computer agent as recited in claim 10, wherein the agent is responsive to non-preprogrammed instructions from an external source.
13. A method of a computer agent as recited in claim 9, wherein the reporting including reporting learning activities carried out in response to client inputs and the relationship to thereof to pre-determined learning tasks.
14. A method of computer agent as recited in claim 9, wherein the agent is operative for interactively licensing the client to carry out a task which requires a license.
15. A computer agent system having a client device and a content server for analyzing client behavior in accessing the client device, comprising: an external correlator for correlating client inputs with content to provide an indication of client behavior; and a computer agent for carrying out tasks in response to client inputs in a pre- determined manner, and reporting its actions including both client inputs and content associated therewith to said external correlator.
16. A computer agent system as recited in claim 15, wherein the content associated with the client inputs including instructions to said agent.
17. A computer agent system as recited in claim 16, wherein the instructions to the agent including instructions as to the type of information the agent is required to report.
18. A computer agent system as recited in claim 16, wherein the agent is responsive to non-preprogrammed instructions from an external source.
19. A computer agent system as recited in claim 15, wherein the reporting including reporting learning activities carried out in response to client inputs and the relationship to thereof to pre-determined learning tasks.
20. A computer agent system as recited in claim 15, wherein the agent is operative for interactively licensing the client to carry out a task which requires a license.
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WO2000072227A3 (en) 2001-10-11

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