WO2002017097A1

WO2002017097A1 - Knowledge management system

Info

Publication number: WO2002017097A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/001065
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Tomalin; Molly Linton; Peter Burton
Original assignee: Simon Tomalin; Molly Linton; Peter Burton
Priority date: 2000-08-25
Filing date: 2001-08-27
Publication date: 2002-02-28
Also published as: WO2002017097A9

Abstract

A knowledge management system including a user configurable portal page for a web browser or the like; said page comprising. (a) an assembly zone for assembly by said user of user-selected links; (b) a selection zone comprising a plurality of link zones; each link zone providing access to a plurality of links which each offer access to a predetermined grouping of knowledge-providing links.

Description

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a knowledge management system and, more particularly, to such a system suitable for implementation over a computer network such as the Internet or a corporate Intranet .

BACKGROUND

There presently exist various kinds of data management tools for using the power of computers to assist users to make sense of or otherwise manage the vast volumes of data which those same computers are now capable of generating and storing.

One well known corporate tool for so doing is Lotus Notes (Trade Mark of IBM Corporation) . The problem with proprietary knowledge management tools often revolves around the very fact that they are proprietary - their usage is carefully controlled and propagation of the system is effectively controlled thus constituting in itself an impediment to the very knowledge management process which the system seeks to provide .

It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or at least provide a useful alternative. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Refer to Claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1_*1 illustrates a representative portal screen according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig.1-2 is a block diagram representing steps in the construction of a customized portal screen of Fig.1-1;

Fig.J-1 illustrates a web page incorporating an amended or customized portion; Fig._<-3_..2 illustrates a template function by which the customized or amended web page of Fig.f-1 can be communicated to others in accordance with a £i_st embodiment of the present invention;

Fig_^i'3 is a flowchart relating to exemplary steps of operation of the template function of Fig.f^-

Fig. *1 illustrates a browser window in accordance with the prior art;

Fig '2 illustrates a browser window in accordance with a ^{^J"} t. embodiment of the present invention; Fig-B"³ illustrates a state mark function for use in association with the browser window of Fig _'2; and

Fig *4 illustrates operation of a state mark function in the present invention.

is a block diagram of usage of a token pass function in accordance with a "riist embodiment of the present invention;

Fig Lμ 2 is a block diagram of propagation of the portals

Fig.C'3 is a representation of an embodiment of a token

suitable for use with the arrangement of FigjCpl;

Fig.5^"' 1 is a block diagram of usage of a characterization function in association with a web portal page in accordance with a xiscst embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.S>*2 is a block diagram of propagation of the portals of Fig5^"»l;

Fig.S^".3 is a representation of an embodiment of a characterization token suitable for use with the arrangement of Fig^l; and Fig.5-4 is a block diagram of characterization by colour of token applied to the system of Fig ^"-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Customised Portal

With reference to Fig. (-1 there is illustrated an exemplary screen display 11 of a customized portal 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this instance the screen display 11 is open within a browser screen such as that supported by, for example, Microsoft Explorer.

The screen display 11 is divided into a portal assembly zone 12 and a selection zone 13. The selection zone 13 includes a plurality of icons, each of which comprises a link to a plurality of links which each offer competing products/services in a predetermined product/service category. In this instance selection zone 13 comprises first category icon 14A, second category icon 14B, third category icon 14C, fourth category icon 14D through to Nth category icon 14N.

Each category relates to a particular product/service category and can, for instance, include an Internet Service Provider (ISP) category, a mail provider category, a chat service category, a channel provider category and so on.

In this specification a reference to a "category" is a reference to a grouping of product or service providers who provide competing products and/or competing services which can be categorized under a single category heading.

In use, and with reference to Fig.|-2, a user will user a mouse pointer (not shown) or like raster-scan pointing device with associated clickable switch whereby a user can "click" the switch on the mouse when the mouse pointer as shown on the screen display 11 is located over an icon or other area which is to be signaled to the computer driving the screen display as a selected icon or other selected area.

With reference to Fig.|>2 a user can assemble a portal in the portal assembly zone 12 by selecting icons representing links to desired product/service providers from within the selection zone 13. To do so a user first clicks on the icon representing a specified category such as, for example, first category icon 14A as a first step. This will cause a plurality of links in the form of category specific icons 16A, 16B ... 16N to be displayed in the selection zone 13 of screen display 11.

The user then selects one of the category specific icons 16A-16N, in this example icon 16N and clicks and drags the icon across from selection zone 13 into portal assembly zone 12 as a third step in the selection process.

The user then repeats this process for other categories until, finally, the user has assembled within the portal assembly zone 12 a plurality of category specific icons, one for each general category of personal interest to the user. The user has thereby constructed a customized portal in the portal assembly zone. This customized portal is then saved as a template 17 whereby that particular customized portal will open on future access to screen display 11.

Template Function

Fig«3.«l illustrates a customized web page 110 comprising, in this instance, a first zone comprising an assembly zone j 11 surrounded by a second zone comprising a selection zone ]12. The details of the construction of a web page such as this are more fully explored in the applicant's

Australian Provisional Patent Application No. PQ9674, the specification and drawings of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference.

In this instance customized web page J 10 is customized by a user (not shown) dragging one or more icons | 13 from selection zone J 12 into assembly zone (11 thereby to form a user-specific selection of icons (13A. Fig_*J«2 illustrates first computer (20 connectable via internet|21 to second computer (22.

First computer | 20 displays customized web page j 10 including assembly zone ^11 and selection zone | 12. When a user (not shown) desires to export assembly zone

(11 and selection zone (12 to a second user operating second computer (22 the user invokes template function (23 comprising a routine executable on first computer (20 whereby the HTML code comprising assembly zone (11 and selection zone (12 is encapsulated by template function (23 so as to form a transmittable message packet (24.

The user can then transmit transmittable message packet

( 24 including assembly zone (11 and selection zone (12 via internet (21, for example using an email program or equivalent to second computer (22. Similarly, assembly zone (11 is extracted and displayed as a facsimile (11A of assembly zone

|11.

A corresponding template function 123A executable on second computer (22 operates to extract selection zone 12 from its transmittable message packet (24 and display selection zone J12 as a facsimile (12A of selection zone J12 on a monitor of second computer(22.

In this manner a user of first computer (20 is able to communicate a customized web page 1_.10, in this instance comprising assembly zone (11 and selection zone (12 to another user.

With reference to Fig. -3 there is illustrated a flowchart for the template function | 23 previously described with reference to Figj>2.

The template function ) 23 invokes the following steps during execution:

A user (not shown) of first computer|20 initiates export of customized web page ( 10 by means of "initiate export" step (25 for example by clicking on an icon designated "initiate export" within assembly zone 11 or selection zone (12 with reference to Figύ'l.

A program on first computer (20 then encapsulates the subject matter of both assembly zone (11 and selection zone (12 in an "encapsulate" step | 26 following which the program initiates transmission of the encapsulated web page | 10 over

Internet \ 21 by means of "transmit" step/27.

The target computer, in this case second computer ( 22 receives data comprising the customized, encapsulated web page (10 from Internet j 21 in a "receive" step (28. A counterpart program to the export program on first computer

120 then unencapsulates the encapsulated web page by means of an "unencapsulate" ste ( 29 followed by an "instantiate" step 30 wherein the program installs the customized web page! 10 as assembly zone ( 11A within selection zone ( 12A on second computer 122 for subsequent use and/or modification by a user of second computer (24 in a "use/modify" step) 31.

In this instance the template function (23 transmits all of customized web page) 10 including both assembly zone/ 11 and selection zone ( 12. It also encapsulates for transmission provide a trace of the history of the creation of the assembly zone (11 and selection zone \ 12. In one form this is performed by a state mark function as described in more detail in the applicant's co-pending Australian Provisional Patent Application No. PR1076, the disclosure and drawings of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference.

The second user (not shown) operating second computer/ 22 can now, if desired, modify and customize assembly zone ( 11A with reference to the icons available in selection zone(12A and, indeed, then export to others their customized web page.

State Mark Function

In this specification, with particular reference to the embodiments, the context of implementation of embodiments of the state mark function is the World Wide Web. In current terminology the World Wide Web comprises a portion of the

World Wide interconnected network of computers currently known as the Internet wherein communication is performed utilizing a language called HTML which permits communication of relatively simple yet graphically rich images, one page (or "web" page) at a time. The web pages of HTML text or language are readable by a program commonly known as a "browser" . The browser is adapted to interpret the HTML code and render corresponding graphically rich images, one page at a time, within a browser window.

Fig .3*1 illustrates a prior art browser window^lO which could be, for example, a window available under Microsoft Explorer or Netscape Navigator. In this instance the browser windovϋ^lO shows a list of "favourites" which comprises a list

«_211 of addresses 1...N. Each address^ 11-1, ^ 11-2, ^ 11-N represents the Web address of a Web page accessible over the

Internet or like interconnected computer network. Should a user look up one of the

for example by clicking with a mouse pointer device on a selected one of the addresses from the listen then the browser accesses that address via the Web and presents within the browser window 10 the Web page accessed at that address. With reference to Fig 3 '2 there is illustrated a browser

of the present invention which displays a list7lll of state marks

-2.111-1 ... 111-N. State Mark^lll-1 is illustrated in greater detail in Fig .^_'3 and comprises a Web page address storage means^H2, in this case in the form of 4 consecutive memory addresses 113, ^114,^ 115,^116 all associated with each other and with a state mark header^H7.

The storage means-3,112 is constructed on a user's personal computer (not shown) or like Web access device by a state mark function ,_3118 which tracks consecutive Web addresses accessed by the user, in this case comprising addresses ll3 ,J 114,^.115,.2,116 and then stores those addresses o? 113...116 in storage means ,2.112 associated in order of access 4.113,4,114, J,115, JJL16 and associated with a state mark header

0117, in this instance entitled "State Mark 1".

The header,3117 is then made available in a list^λlll of state marks within the browser window^HO and is also made available as a data file which can be transmitted to others. If either the current user accesses state marklll-1 or a third party to whom the user has transmitted the file, either one may recreate and call up Web pages associated with the

_<3116 in the order in which they were originally accessed by the user thus recreating the Web experience of the user .

With refe mark function

the present invention. In this instance a user operating on screen templatet3_,211 may choose to access a banking site via banking icon^212. Clicking on icoκΛ.212 leads the user (not shown) down banking path.4213 wherein the user may, at a first state.3,214, enter 5 password and user information before progressing further down path2.213.

Having entered the user information^14 (which is stored as a first state mar =3215) the user may then, for example, access a "pay bills" facility^216 (which is recorded as 10 second state mark^217) .

The user may then perform a pay bill transaction^218

(which is recorded as third state mark^ 219) . This user experience following path2,213 is stored as a linked list of ordered state marksJ.215,4.217,^.219 via state mark function

The user can then, for example, export the experience comprising path3.213 to a colleague.

In some embodiments the exported function , 220 , on export, is stripped of information which is confidential to 20 the user.

Alternatively the linked list of ordered state marks comprising state mark function^220 can be thought of as a "macro" by which all commands, web addresses, user name entries and other input information comprising a contiguous portion of a user's web experience is stored as a "macro" for replay by the user or by a third party to whom the user sends or exports the state mark functior 220.

Token Pass Function

With reference to Fig.U-1 there is illustrated a token pass function 3l0 for use across an interconnected network of computers such as Internet or Intranet^11.

In this instance a first userj 12 operating a first network communication device in this instance in the form of first personal computer^l3 has available on PC13 a web page in the form of a first portal page^l4.

In accordance with a of the present

invention first user3l2 can export portal page__?14 across the network of interconnected computers.^ 11 to second personal computer-3l5 operated by second user^lδ. The portal page.? 14A thus imported will be available for viewing on personal computer 15 by second user l6 and may, in some instances, be further modified by second user_^16 prior to further use, for example by the addition of new web page links to pages 14A and perhaps also the deletion of some of the existing links on page_sl4A. The result of the export by first useri?12 of portal page -?14 to second user__?16 is that first user.312 is credited with one reward token5l7. Without limitation the token_3l7 may be graphically depicted on a computer screen in the form illustrated in Fig. "3. More importantly a user token database_^18 maintained for the benefit of first user312 is updated so as to reflect a credit of one token to the credit or benefit of first user5l2 as a result of the transmission of first portal page^l4 to second user^lδ.

In a particular form a user token database^ 18A associated with and maintained for the benefit of second user

^ 16 can be credited with one token on receipt of and instantiation by second user_516 of portal page 14A onto his/her network communications device (in this case personal computer3l5) .

In addition, in a particular form, a group token

who become involved in export of or reception of portal pages

The group token database_$19 maintains a tally of all tokens credited by participating user. So, for example, with reference to Fig ^2, user 1 (being first user_5l2 of Fig.ty.-1) exports portal pagej14 to three users, namely users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 (and wherein user 2.1 is designated as second user3l6 from Fig jrl) .

The user token database^ 18 for user 1 will show a credit of three tokens as a result of the three transfers .

At the same time, in this instance, each of users 2.1,

2.2 and 2.3 will be credited with one token upon instantiation of the portal page_3l4 on their communication devices. Line 1 of user token database§18A illustrates this credit of 1 token for user 2.1.

If, subsequently, each of users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 themselves export a portal page to three new prospective users 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 they will each be credited with one token for each of those transfers as illustrated in the second line of user token database3l8A.

In this instance, because user 1 was responsible for entry into the group of users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 user 1 receives a credit of one token into user I's user token database^ 18 for each of the portal page transmissions initiated by each of users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 as is reflected in line 2 of user token database3-.18 in FigAt*2. In this instance group token database-? 19 is also updated, via communication over the same network of interconnected computerS-311 with information pertaining to the token credits of all participating users, 1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1 ... as is also illustrated in Fig<-f--2.

The tokens l7 can be utilized for simple record keeping as an indication of activity of each user in relation to export of portal pages. In more complex arrangements the record of tokens_217 can be utilized for rewarding the activity of users and/or may be designated as a tradable commodity amongst users .

Characterisation Function

With reference to Fig.S^"-l there is illustrated a characterization function U_10 for use across an interconnected network of computers such as Internet or Intranet 11.

The characterization function l 10 is intended to provide a means of characterizing at least a first user^i-12 according to pre-selected criteria. A mechanism in the form of tokens U-17 is also described by which the characterizations can be communicated with other usersU-16 and also, in one form with a group databased(19. A first user tι_12 operating a first network communication device in this instance in the form of first personal computer (PC) ^-13 has available on PC 13 a web page in the form of a first portal pageψ.4.

In accordance with embodiment of the present

invention first user( 12 can export portal page(il4 across the network of interconnected computers C^jfll to second personal computer UL5 operated by second user 416. The portal pageL^14A thus imported will be available for viewing on personal computer 015 by second user(16 and may, in some instances, be further modified by second user^lδ prior to further use, for example by the addition of new web page links to page(14A and perhaps also the deletion of some of the existing links on pageCp.4A.

The result of the export by first userU12 of portal pageM-14 to second userU-16 is that first userϋl2 is credited with one characterization token i7. Without limitation the tokenU-17 may be graphically depicted on a computer screen in the form illustrated in Fig 5-3. More importantly a user token database ^(-18 maintained for the benefit of first user 12 is updated so as to reflect a credit of one token to the credit or benefit of first user ^12 as a result of the transmission of first portal page 14 to second userCj-16. In a particular form a user token database 18A associated with and maintained for the benefit of second user -16 can be credited with one characterization token on receipt of and instantiation by second user .16 of portal page (Λ4A onto his/her network communications device (in this case personal computers 15) .

In addition, in a particular form, a group token database t£L9 is maintained for the benefit of all users p.2 , (ι_16 who become involved in export of or reception of portal

The group token database 19 maintains a tally of all tokens by token type credited to participating users.

The token(jl7 is selected so as to be representative of at least a first characteristic of first userU.12. The characteristic can be any pre-selected characteristic but, in particular forms of the present invention, will be a characteristic or group of characteristics which relate to the user's communications over the computer network. It may, for example, be characteristic of a particular pattern of communication activity of first user UL12. It may be characteristic of particular interests of first user l2 . In one alternative, particular form the characterization may be defined by first user ([,12 so as to define not the actual person but, in effect, a virtual person having characteristics selected by but not necessarily of themselves specifically characteristic of first userUJ.2.

In all instances, however, the intention is that the portal page(il4 of first userϋ.12 will directly or indirectly reflect these pre-selected characteristics for example with reference to the content of the web links on the portal pageU-14 or with reference to the pattern of communication activity entered into over the computer networkftll by way of portal pageι 4. In particular it is expected that those users to whom the portal page<+i4 is exported by first user ^(-16 will have some commonality or nexus with the preselected characteristics defined with reference to or to the use of the exported portal page whereby the recipients of the portal page take on or can otherwise be similarly characterized by the same pre-selected characteristics.

In the particular, but non-limiting, form of the present embodiment the token -17 is arranged to be representative of the pre-selected characteristic or pre- selected group of characteristics by the association of characteristic information 020 associated with it. In this particular instance colour is used as being representative of the characteristic information U-20 with the result that the group of users illustrated in Figζ* 2 , for example, are initially grouped by export of portal pages but, ultimately, become grouped by the passage of tokens U17 having the specified characteristic informationU20 as a common feature .

So, for example, with reference to Fig. 2, user 1 (being first userj.12 of FigS^"-l) exports portal page ιl4 to three users, namely users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 (and wherein user 2.1 is designated as second user-16 from Fig-∑T-1) .

The user token database ty.18 for user 1 will show a credit of three tokens as a result of the three transfers .

At the same time, in this instance, each of users 2.1,

2.2 and 2.3 will be credited with one token upon instantiation of the portal pageU.14 on their communication devices. Line 1 of user token database 1I8A illustrates this credit of 1 token for user 2.1.

If, subsequently, each of users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 themselves export a portal page to three new prospective users 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 they will each be credited with one token for each of those transfers as illustrated in the second line of user token database

In this instance, because user 1 was responsible for entry into the group of users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 user 1 receives a credit of one token into user I's user token database UJ.8 for each of the portal page transmissions initiated by each of users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 as is reflected in line 2 of user token databasel±18 in Fig^^"- 2.

In this instance group token database O19 is also updated, via communication over the same network of interconnected computersUll with information pertaining to the token credits of all participating users, 1, 2.1, 2.2,

2.3, 3.1 ... as is also illustrated in Fig-fT-2.

The tokens 1 7 can be utilized for simple record keeping as an indication of activity of each user in relation to export of portal pages. In more complex arrangements the record of tokens ^17 can be utilized for rewarding the activity of users and/or may be designated as a tradable commodity amongst users .

In the instance of Fig^2 all tokens ⁽p.7 are of the same colour, in this instance a green colour with the result that all of the users 1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1 ... illustrated in Fig.V2 are characterized by the same token colouring of green and are, in effect, grouped by that colour and therefore by characteristic information^0. In alternative embodiments any given user can be characterized by more than one characteristic and this can be reflected in any given user having attributed to him/her tokens of different characteristic information types. In one simple form these different characteristic information types can be represented by different colours of the tokens. So, for example, first userUi2 may ultimately have attributed to him/her tokens of the colour green, orange and red.

With reference to Fig5^*- a simple example of multiple characteristic information categorization can involve first userLj-12 maintaining three separate portal pages 0.14G, i40 and -14R, each one having a different collection of web links associated with it. For example portal page^(-14G may reflect first usertl2 ' s business interests, portal pagedil40 may reflect first user^-12's sporting interests and portal page £L4R may reflect first userΛ12's cultural interests. In this instance the respective interests comprise respective characteristic information reflected in respective associated characteristic informationϋ20G,<-200 and -2OR reflected in respective tokens of colour green, orange and red. Should first userU12 export portal paget_LlG to a second user 2.1 then the token L20G reflected back will be of colour green reflecting that corresponding characteristic information. Similarly, communication by first user(ιl2 of portal page(LI0 to user 2.2 will reflect back tokenϋL20O of colour orange and, finally, export of portal pageLilR by first user (12 to a second user 2.3 will be reflected in transmission of tokenCL20R of colour red back from second user 2.3.

The corresponding group token database _19 in this instance includes token information further subdivided by characteristic informationCl20 in the form of colour columns green, red and orange with the token credits as illustrated in Fig.ζj-4 following the portal page transmissions previously described with reference to Fig.- -4 by first user 12 to respective second users 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.

Sot-"-

The above describes only~~-one embodiment-* of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

( Wo ^"ti-ΛtfvV .

The invention pertains to computer networks and more particularly to apparatus and methods for enabling users of a network to be characterised and matched accordingly.

Methods and apparatus are proposed which allow a user of a computer network to identify and contact other users according to user characteristics which are captured and recorded by a network administrator. The invention does not require that users overtly compile information relating to their own characteristics. Rather, the characteristics are compiled and stored centrally, by a network administrator, based on the way a user transmits information to other users. This methodology creates a network wherein users are connected to one another and characterised objectively according to their use of the network resources.

Accordingly, he-invent &n provides software which enables a first user to transmit a workspace to a second user. The workspace comprises links to networked resources which are selected by the first user. At least some of the links can be related to one or more topics. A user is assigned a characteristic based on the topics expressed in a workspace transmitted by them.

In some embodiments, a topic is associated with a weight which reflects the intensity of the user's interest or expertise in the topic. In preferred embodiments, a user's topics and weights are compiled objectively and stored by a network administration A user may be characterised according to a compilation of their topics and weights, together referred to as a spectrum

In other embodiments the network permits a search of user's spectrums so that a user may identify another user according to the other user's spectrum In some preferred embodiments, a user may limit the way spectral information is compiled, stored or disseminated in order to protect their own

T-foe applicant'o-ee-pe-nding-^βp^ateR-P 0€6τ.' discloses a workspace which is constructed by a user to suit their individual needs, preferences and usage habits The workspace comprises a collection of icons to resources accessible over a network The workspace may be portable as to any variety of hardware devices which are used on the network The work space may be transmitted to other users In preferred embodiments an icon in a user's workspace may comprise a state mark

A state mark not only identifies a resource, such as a page of a www site, but also contains information which is used, in the nature of a script to make requests, supply data and otherwise automatically interact with a resource so as to cause transmittal, to the state mark user, of a particular resource in a particular state (U1) browsing the www encounters a site of

interest, for example, a site devoted to cooking They enter the site through the home page (P1) and select from a drop-down menu, another page (P2) within the site dealing with recipes From P2 they press a graphic button using their mouse which allows them to join a mailing list devoted to wine and directs them to a subscription page (P3) where they enter their user name and e-mail address as text in a form appearing within P3 Knowing that a friend, (U2) would also like to participate in this same list, U1 creates a state mark using software and transmits the state mark to U2, oerhaps with an explanation The state mark appears upon U2's graphic display (e g video screen), preferably as part of a workspace transmitted by U1 When the state mark is activated by U2 it has the effect of navigating U2 to P3 (through P1 and P2 if required). In preferred embodiments, U2's software will insert U2's stored user name and e-mail address into the form in P3 so that U2 will in effect become subscribed to the same mailing list as U1.

In order to network to

which both U1 and U2 are connected compiles objective spectral information about the exchange of information between U1 and L⁾2 as well as the use, by U2, of information or statemarks transmitted by U1. The invention requires that the administrator assign one or more topics to the U1 's transmission or be informed of topics by some action taken by U1 , for example, U1 submitting a form to the administrator when the workspace is transmitted to U2.

In one embodiment, the administrator is an intermediary in the transmission from U1 to U2 and parses the pages associated with the state mark. It can then ascertain that the state mark was concerned with food and more particularly with wine. The administrator then records, objectively in respect of U1 , a record of a transmission having a topic of "wine". Depending on the number of wine related state marks (or other data) taken from U1 's transmission, the administrator then assigns a weight to U s wine topic.

Together with the other topics associated with UTs transmission to U2, U1 is assigned a spectrum which is composed of a number of topics and a weight for each. IN may be assigned a singular spectrum which evolves over time based on their transmissions. In the alternative, U1 may have a plurality of spectra, each one having a particular domain such as season, time, type of recipient, origin place of UTs transmission, or other. In summary U1 can be characterised by one or more spectra which are compiled by the administrator. The state mark may also contain information which provides a provenance or indication of the path through which it was received and retransmitted by various users. For example, a state mark which has been retransmitted various times indicates (a) that it is useful or popular and (b) that its originator is astute, and (c) that its later recipients are receiving valuable information about a subject This information may have commercial value to the administrator. A statemark or an icon in a workspace may have a particular colour or be surrounded by an ornamental frame of a particular colour. This colour may be used to indicate a category to which an icon or statemark belongs.

Given that the administrator now has a record of one or more spectra associated with network users, searches may be conducted in respect of those users. In one example, a user might submit a query to an administrator that users be identified that have a deep interest in food and poetry and some interest in travel in the winter months and that live in Mexico The administrator could search its records accordingly and report back to the querying user based or stored spectra! data. It will be understood that a user may impose privacy constraints to their own information. A user may quarantine any or all of their stored information as well as information about them stored on or by the network. A user can thereby custom tailor what information they share according to flexible criteria such as when or where a request about them originates, or the purpose of it, or what compensation they receive for the information or according to subject matter sought or combinations of the above Subject to these privacy measures, the invention gives a user the ability to locate individuals, across the globe, according to highly refined, objective criteria. In another example, the querying user simply requests a list of other like-minded users, perhaps limited to a geographic region whereupon the querying user's spectrum is used as a basis for comparison with other users and a report generated accordingly. In a third example, a first user's query is based on the spectrum of a third party, even where the characteristics of that spectrum are not known to the querying user. In this example, a user U1 might ask that other users be identified that have a spectrum corresponding (to some degree) to U3. U3 might be a friend or business associate.

A vast array of information types are capable of being incorporated into a user's spectrum. For example, the point in time when a statemark for example within a given workspace is received or transmitted can be used to distinguish "early adaptors" from latecomers to a topic. The number of different people to whom a statemark or workspace is sent by an individual may be used to measure that individual's influence as a propagator, particularly if statemarks pertaining to particular commercial sites etc. are retransmitted. In another example the frequency of an individual's transmission may be used to deduce the degree to which they use a computer to communicate.

One of the benefits of the system described above is that a network user can locate other users without needing to know their specific identity. This gives network users the power to find and correspond with specific individuals according to shared interests, values and knowledge or expertise. Of course, the system also gives these same network users the option of not making public their spectra or identity and thereby maintaining their privacy. A user may custom tailor their privacy according to specific needs, for example, that their details about literary interests should always be concealed, that their spectra in relation to sports shall not be revealed to commercial vendors, that they shall remain entirely anonymous during the months of January and February and that they shall remain anonymous to users from the domain " to". These same features allow detailed marketing information to be compiled on a single user or on a population of users, subject to their consent and the privacy customisation referred to above. In this way, spectral information can be sold to advertising, marketing or retail organisations, for example. The sale of this information may be conducted directly between individual network user and the purchaser, or through an intermediate. The intermediate may be a specially appointed network administrator that acts as a broker of information and that passes proceeds of the sale on to individual users. The intermediate may also be a club or organisation representing users of a particular type.

Other benefits include the potential to allocate tokens, credits, virtual shares and the like to network users, according to their spectra. This goes toward the assignment of a monetary value to a spectrum, because the allocated tokens etc. may be used:

• to obtain discounts or products from merchants

• to trade among network users

• to obtain equity in the network

• to obtain access to network features. In alternative embodiments of the invention the transmission of icons, workspaces or statemarks, from one user to other users is moderated by a central authority. The central authority may be the same entity which provides the software to the users which enables the transmissions of statemarks and workspaces. Moderation entails acting as an intermediary between the sender and the recipient of a workspace, statemark or icon. This allows either (a) the monitoring of the transmissions for the purpose of accumulating information, or (b) modifying the transmission so that the recipient must electronically visit the moderator's chosen site in order to register or otherwise log the transmitted workspace, statemark or icon. Both (a) and (b) serve the purpose of

preserving, for the moderator's use, information which would otherwise be lost in a direct transmission from one user to another^. ^■The invention-pertains to the construction of and uses of a personal workspace in a networked environment.

New users of the Internet are presented with a bewildering array of choices and difficult decisions. Further, the types of devices a user may connect to the Internet are even increasing. The PC provides an entry point for many users. A user makes an investment of time in customising a PC interface for their particular use. Means are required for amortising the user's investment by providing means to transfer the user's customisation of the PC interface to other devices such as telephones, personal digital assistants, or other internet connected appliances.

Information about Internet users and their use habits is highly valuable marketing data. Means are required which transparently captures marketing data in a way which enlists user cooperation and participation rather than user resistance.

These needs are addressed by the presents iven- te-fuwhich in one embodiment provides a personal workspace comprising configurable graphical user interface to a network such as the Internet.

The workspace comprises a plurality of icons which serve as links to networked resources. Icons are constructed oy dragging and dropping icons or other images from a resource onto the works ace.

In preferred embodiments, an original .vorkspace is exported to another device, which displays in a second workspace some or all of the functional attributes of the original workspace. In other embodiments of the vβ-wθ-α, a workspace may be expressed as a data object or file and transmitted to ana jsed by a subsequent user In further embodiments, a remote server is notified of the transmission of a workspace from one user (the sender) to another Information about the transmitted workspace is stowed and compiled as a portion of a user profile of at least the sender. In other embodiments, a token is allocated or distributed to the sender and recipient of a workspace Tokens may be traded among users regardless of whether or not they have inherent value

Workspace A workspace, within the context of the present iwβfl- αα_*. comprises a graphical user interface to network A worksoace may reside on a PC or other device A workspace, such as a Windows^1"'-' desktop, is customised, composed or arranged by a user to suit the user's needs

An Internet user may benefit from a workspace which is dedicated to their particular needs as they relate to the Internet Most users require one or more of each of the following

• an Internet service provider (ISP)

• e-mail application and connection tc e-mail server

• web browser • chat application and connection to ciat server

« link to a search engine

« links to Internet resources such as soecific sites, documents, streams, services or portals

A user's desktop might have some or a ' of the above presented as icons within a window However, the compile- on of such a workspace represents an investment of time spent obta nmg and installing applications, trial and error, research and learning

This investment in time is prohibitive to some users, particularly new users. Some users will simply lack the time or expertise required to build a useful workspace.

The presentirros rt θfl-includes a software application for building a personal workspace (workspace builder or ' VVB") The WB allows a user to construct a workspace which is a software object, itself composed of objects The WB allows a user to select icons from a variety of sources and transfer them into their workspace using the drag-anc-drop process built into most PC operating systems In the alternative the WB allows a user to select an image or portion of an image and turn that image or Dortion into the graphic component of an icon which is then associated with a URL, either of the user's choice or, for example, the URL of the image source In other embodiments, icons are provided to users as discrete files comprising a collection from which they may select

The workspace constructed this way is stored locally as an object or as a file and is therefore capable of being transrr ited to other users in any way in which digital information may be transmitted Examples of transmission methods include e-mail, any of the direct clier-to-client protocols or file transfer protocols

User Profiles

The present iπventies- provides a serve or netwoik servers which compile database of details regarding the transmission of workspaces among users Details captured in a central database nay include the identity of the sender and recipient, the identity of the icons

and the frequency of their use, and the location of sender, recipient and resources identified by the icons.

Units

In one embodiment of the iiwet^€fi, the identification by the server of a transmission of a workspace cause a credit or token or share together ("units") to be allocated to or distributed to both the sender and recipient of the workspace. Subsequent re-transmissions of a workspace (or a modified version) by a recipient are credited to the original sender, the re-transmitting sender and the re-transmitting sender's recipient. In one example of this method, the token, credit or share bears a category or theme which may be expressed as a colour. For example, where a workspace is dominated by links to music related resources, the token, credit or share might be identified with a particular colour, say green. In particular embodiments, units lack any face value, but may be traded among users at their discretion. These units may also be offered as inducements to other e-commerce or conventional transactions In other embodiments, the units have a face value, even if it is very small, say 1 cent to 0.1 cent or alternately may represent some small fractional ownership in a company which owns, administers or is affiliated with the subject matter of this disclosure. It is expected that the widespreac distribution and use of units will result in an appreciation of the value of those units. This mechanism creates an environment in which the conduct that results in new allocations of units is encouraged. Portable Workspace

The present ifwerti fLalso allows that a user's workspace, once constituted, may be transmitted from one of the user's devices to another, for example, a user may wish to implement their PC workspace to a personal digital assistant (PDA). As previously mentioned, the workspace is an object composed of other objects such as icons. The user wishing to transmit the workspace uses software to export it from one device to another The export software packages the necessary data and optionally edits or alters the data to account for the type of device that will import the data, the user having indicated this to the export software. The export software might therefore, having been told of the export from PC to PDA, eliminate certain objects or alter their properties to suit PDA's in general or the particular PDA identified by the user.

Once workspace data is received by the importing PDA, it may also add, remove or alter objects, to suit. For example a PDA lacking a sound card might edit out icons that link to resources which provide only an audio output, such as streaming Internet radio.

Workspace Characteristics As previously mentioned, a workspace s a window or other graphic device in which is displayed a collection of icons or links networked resources Such a workspace will also have certain other features The workspace may display a list of pre-set links to "channels" grc oed according to category such as sport, travel, shopping etc. The workspace may also serve as a launching point to sponsors by providing space for active or passive advertisements It is expected that the workspace and its commerc al provider will be branded and links will be displayed to like-branded produces or services The workspace may also display links to or have tools or menus to operate commonly used functions, for example, a unit counter, tools required to obtain new drag-and- drop icons, and the tools required to transmit or export workspaces. Icon with Script In some embodiments an icon is an object which has the property of running a script. Whereas a conventional icon may serve as a link to a particular URL or to an Internet application such as a browser which is opened to a particular URL when the icon is run, the present invention provides an alternative. In the present invention, a scripting software application can be run which logs or otherwise tracks a users interaction with an Internet resource For example, a user may open a browser, enter a URL, go to a particular HTML page, then select one or more items from a drop-down menu, enter text into a text box an finally submit a request to the URL based on those actions The scripting software of the present invention creates a record of the aforementioned user activity and creates a script which defines the activity in a sequence of discrete steps, actions or inputs The scripting software then associates or appends the script to a user selected icon so that the icon becomes a symbolic link not just to the URL, but to the URL plus the user's inputs and requests etc , so that running the icon also causes the script to run In this way, not only does the user create an icon which eliminates subsequent repetitive forms of interaction with the URL, but also creates an icon or object which can be transmitted to other users It may be transmitted alone OF as part of a collection of icons or as part of a workspace As such the icon and its associates script comprise a "state mark" rather than a book mark The icon represents a particular state within a continuum of interactive possibilities and not just a location In some embodiments an icon as discssed above may have a drop down menu or other selection means, (for e> ample accessible with the right mouse button) which allows a user to select ^;'om a number of different states or scripts associated with an icon of the present invention.

In other embodiments, a script may be automatically edited by a recipient. A recipient's software may, upon recognising a newly received script, excise data in selected fields and replace that data with data which is relevant to the recipient. For example, a scπct sent from user A to user B, may indicate or have a data field which identifies user A to a URL. The recipient's software parses the scπpt, removes the reference to user A and substitutes the identity of user B In this way the icon and it's script are personalised for user B, by user B's own software.

Claims

CLAIMS Knowledge Management

1. A knowledge management system including a user configurable portal page for a web browser or the like; said page comprising:

(a) An assembly zone for assembly by said user of user- selected links;

(b) A selection zone comprising a plurality of link zones; each link zone providing access to a plurality of links which each offer access to a predetermined grouping of knowledge-providing links . Customised Portal L. A user configurable portal page for a web browser or the like; said page comprising:

(a) An assembly zone for assembly by said user of user- selected links;

(b) A selection zone comprising a plurality of link zones; each link zone providing access to a plurality of links which each offer competing products/services in a predetermined product/ service category.

2>. The user configurable portal page of Claim J wherein a user selects individual ones of said links for inclusion on said assembly zone by first accessing a link zone corresponding to a product/service category of interest to said user.

3 . The portal page of Claim 2\ wherein said user selects by

clicking at least once with a pointer device in order to select a link,

4»^ . The portal page of any one of Claims \ to ^-j wherein said user places said individual one of said links in said assembly zone by a click and drag action with said pointer device .

(_ . An assembly zone located on a Web browser page comprising a plurality of links in the form of icons assembled into said assembly zone by selection from a selection zone. ~ \. A method of assembly of a portal from category specific icons, said method comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a category specific icon by a clicking action with a mouse pointer; (b) selecting a category specific icon; and

(c) clicking and dragging the icon with the pointer device to a portal assembly zone .

Template Function

_< r A template function for transmission of at least a portion of a customized web page from a first user to a second user, said template function incorporating encapsulation means whereby said at least a portion of said customized web page is encapsulated for transmission to a remote computer or like device. Λ The template function of Claim ^ wherein said portion of said customized web page comprises a selection zone. \.'^ The template function of Claim i^ wherein said portion of said customized web page comprises an assembly zone. \ The template function of Claim wherein said portion of said customized web page comprises both an assembly zone and a selection zone.

/j^^S. The template function of Claim r^ comprising an

5 encapsulation portion and an unencapsulation portion. wherein said

encapsulation portion is adapted to encapsulate at least a portion of said customized web page and then transmit the encapsulated, customized web page over a computer 0 network. , ϋ

/ (j ^. The template function of Claim e^ wherein said unencapsulation portion of said template function includes means to receive said encapsulated customized web page, further means to unencapsulate said 5 encapsulated customized web page, means to instantiate the customized web page on said remote computer or like device whereby a user can use said customized web page.

The template function of Claim 7 \wherein use of said customized web page includes modification of said 0 customized web page. A computer or like device adapted to communicate web pages over a computer network, said computer incorporating a template function whereby a first user of a customized web page can export said customized web page to a remote computer or like device over said computer network.

State Mark Function ^* . A state mark function for storing a trace of at least a π, portion of a user's Web experience, said function including:

(a) Web page address storage means;

(b) Web address association means; whereby a trace of consecutively accessed Web page addresses and other entries forming a user rate comprising said user's web experience is stored for subsequent recall; thereby to recreate said user's web experience.

"i s- π

The state mark function of Claim ^" further including additional data storage means . wherein said

additional data storage means comprises storage means for storing information other than web page addresses which is entered by a user in the course of a user's web experience . . The state mark function of any one of claims ^ to 3^ wherein said web address association means comprises a linked list of memory locations, said memory locations storing consecutively accessed web page addresses and other entries forming said user route . ^. A method of storing a user's web experience for subsequent recall; said method comprising storing a contiguous list of web page addresses and other entries forming a user route .

Token Pass Function -_j . A method of rewarding transmission of data; said method comprising

(a) the election of a first user, said first user transmitting data to a second user by means of a network data transmission;

(b) said first user receiving a token as acknowledgement of said network data transmission

. The method of Claim wherein said data is a block of data comprising a portal page.

. The method of Claim Λ or Claim wherein said second user receives a token on receipt of said network data transmission; ζ ^ ^<& . The method of any one of Claims ^*\ to wherein said token is stored as an entry in a database. ^ . The method of Claim wherein said token is stored as

*k an entry in a database on a respective user's computer .

The method of any pee^ aβ—cla-i-m wherein information i pertaining to credits earned by each said user is transmitted to a group database for representation as a collated grouping on said group database.

Characterisation Function . A method of transmission of characterization data; said method comprising

(a) At the election of a first user, said first user transmitting data characteristic of said first user to a second user by means of a network data transmission;

. The method of Claim \ wherein said data is a block of data comprising a portal page.

"S The method of Claim \ or Claim ^ wherein links on said portal page are characteristic of said first user. \. The method of Claim 1. or Claim 2, wherein usage by said I first user of said data represents a characteristic of said first user.

X. The method of any p βs^iotts—e-1-a-arm wherein said token has associated with it characteristic information which represents said characteristic of said first user.

erein said characteristic information is represented as indicia on said token.

The method of Claim wherein said indicia comprises colour.

tJ_y The method of any one of Claims \^ to \^ wherein said second user receives a token on receipt of said network data transmission;

\. The method of any one of Claims \ to wherein said token is stored as an entry in a database.

said token is stored as

an entry in a database on a respective user's computer .

T The method of any g-r0λa33a£_-.cT cr±m wherein information pertaining to credits earned by each said user is transmitted to a group database for representation as a collated grouping on said group database.

>2. A method of characterizing a user on a computer network; said method comprising:

(a) defining at least a first characteristic of said user;

(b) Defining a first characterization representation for said first characteristic;

(c) Attributing said first characteristic representation to said user.

:t . The method of Claim ^ 2^_ wherein said first characteristic is defined by said user.

Pi,. The method of Claim l . wherein said first characteristic is defined with reference to interests of said user.

<* i

^*^ξι . The method of Claim -£4"~ wherein said first characteristic is defined with reference to interests of said user as reflected in activity patterns of said user on said computer network. said

first characterization representation is by way of colour.

wherein said characterization

representation is defined by the colour of a token.

^ ^. The method of Claim^ f^" wherein said user can export a portal page across said computer network; said portal page representative of said at least a first characteristic of said user.

rS^ The method of Claim ^H5 wherein the content of said portal page is characteristic of said user.

2^. The method of Claim }^ wherein usage of said portal page by said user is characteristic of said user.

Customised Portal ~ . A user configurable portal page for a web browser or the ^■^~ like; said page comprising:

(c) An assembly zone for assembly by said user of user- selected links;

(d) A selection zone comprising a plurality of link zones; each link zone providing access to a plurality of links which each offer competing products/services in a predetermined product/ service category. - The user configurable portal page of Claim 3. wherein a user selects individual ones of said links for inclusion on said assembly zone by first accessing a link zone corresponding to a product/service category of interest to said user. D

The portal page of Claim S^ wherein said user selects by clicking at least once with a pointer device in order to select a link.

€.1 The portal page of any one of

said user places said individual one of said links in said assembly zone by a click and drag action with said

_ pointer device. rS^. An assembly zone located on a Web browser page comprising a plurality of links in the form of icons assembled into said assembly zone by selection from a

_ selection zone. rl. A method of assembly of a portal from category specific icons, said method comprising the steps of:

(d) selecting a category specific icon by a clicking action with a mouse pointer;

(e) selecting a category specific icon; and (f) clicking and dragging the icon with the pointer device to a portal assembly zone .

Template Function iS. A template function for transmission of at least a portion of a customized web page from a first user to a second user, said template function incorporating encapsulation means whereby said at least a portion of said customized web page is encapsulated for transmission to a remote computer or like device.

rein said portion of said customized web page comprises a selection zone i . The template function of Claim Jf Wherein said portion of said customized web page comprises an assembly zone,

TV The template function of Claim _J wherein said portion of said customized web page comprises both an assembly zone and a selection zone. ^. The template function of Claim J comprising an encapsulation portion and an unencapsulation portion. ^. The template function of Claim J wherein said encapsulation portion is adapted to encapsulate at least a portion of said customized web page and then transmit the encapsulated, customized web page over a computer network. ^vSfi. The template function of Claim f wherein said unencapsulation portion of said template function includes means to receive said encapsulated customized web page, further means to unencapsulate said encapsulated customized web page, means to instantiate the customized web page on said remote computer or like device whereby a user can use said customized web page.

The template function of Claim T wherein use of said customized web page includes modification of said customized web page. A computer or like device adapted to communicate web pages over a computer network, said computer incorporating a template function whereby a first user of a customized web page can export said customized web page to a remote computer or like device over said computer network.

State Mark Function

^l A state mark function for storing a trace of at least a portion of a user's Web experience, said function including :

(d) Web page address storage means;

(e) Web address association means; whereby a trace of consecutively accessed Web page addresses and other entries forming a user rate comprising said user's web experience is stored for subsequent recall; thereby to recreate said user's web experience . ,

X. The state mark function of Claim further including additional data storage means

T ^ The state mark function of Claim • j£ wherein said additional data storage means comprises storage means for storing information other than web page addresses which is entered by a user in the course of a user's web experience . .

Jr. The state mark function of any one of claims ^1. to wherein said web address association means comprises a linked list of memory locations, said memory locations storing consecutively accessed web page addresses and other entries forming said user route. f. A method of storing a user's web experience for subsequent recall; said method comprising storing a contiguous list of web page addresses and other entries forming a user route .

Token Pass Function A method of rewarding transmission of data; said

method comprising

8 The method of Claim \ wherein said data is a block of data comprising a portal page.

S. The method of Claim or Claim , wherein said second user receives a token on receipt of said network data transmission;

wherein said

~l \ token is stored as an entry in a database.

ri. The method of Claim ^ wherein said token is stored as an entry in a database on a respective user's computer .

^{^}rS, The method of any rcvieua₌₌&Lg_; m. wherein information pertaining to credits earned by each said user is transmitted to a group database for representation as a collated grouping on said group database . Characterisation Function

^"2-iL. A method of transmission of characterization data,-

I sai ^■d method comprising

~^2^ The method of Claim ^ wherein said data is a block of data comprising a portal page.

^~| ^ IS^"

—-2-3. The method of Claim or Claim ^"s^ wherein links on said portal page are characteristic of said first user.

4r> The method of Claim \ or Claim ^2 wherein usage by said first user of said data represents a characteristic of said first user.

^•S-5-S The method of «y—pe©vieu«—e-laim wherein said token has associated with it characteristic information which represents said characteristic of said first user. ^"ϊ-TξS. The method of Claim wherein said characteristic information is represented as indicia on said token.

^"~2 s, The method of Claim wherein said indicia comprises colour.

^≥ . The method of any one of Claims to wherein said second user receives a token on receipt of said network data transmission;

_ 8T The method of any one of Claims to said

token is stored as an entry in a database.

_ er. The method of Claim 9. wherein said token is stored as an entry in a database on a respective user's computer .

The method of any

wherein information pertaining to credits earned by each said user is transmitted to a group database for representation as a collated grouping on said group database .

_ 2~. A method of characterizing a user on a computer network; said method comprising:

(a) defining at least a first characteristic of said user; (b) Defining a first characterization representation for said first characteristic;

(c) Attributing said first characteristic representation to said user.

~. The method of Claim ^'^ 2 wherein said first characteristic is defined by said user.

? \±

The method of Claim _f sr" wherein said first characteristic is defined with reference to interests of said user.

y ξt . The method of Claim _ ^C wherein said first characteristic is defined with reference to interests of said user as reflected in activity patterns of said user on said computer network.

The method of any one of Claims fj£ to β wherein said first characterization representation is by way of colour .

. The method of Claim J^ wherein said characterization representation is defined by the colour of a token.

_ δ . The method of

said user can export a portal page across said computer network; said portal page representative of said at least a first characteristic of said user.

_> 7 The method of Claim "^~3>a wherein the content of said portal page is characteristic of said user.

δ. The method of Claim s wherein usage of said portal page by said user is characteristic of said user.