Showing papers on "Internet appliance published in 2001"

Internet telephony for ecommerce

Abstract: The universal Internet based telephony system is implemented as a process that is accessible via an Internet web page and executes on the web server that hosts the web page and/or a back-end Internet telephony server which is accessed and controlled by the web server. The customer accesses the universal Internet based telephony system via any existing Java Enabled Internet Browser software resident on the customer's personal computer, either as an adjunct process thereon, or as a dedicated Internet telephony process. When a customer accesses the Internet web page and clicks on the universal Internet based telephony system icon, the web server on which the web page resides executes the resident universal Internet based telephony system hyperlink script and transfers a newly opened browser session to the universal Internet based telephony system web site. The web server uploads an applet to the customer's personal computer to run on the client machine without disturbing the customer's existing web page access, by opening up a separate window on the customer's personal computer for the universal Internet based telephony system, to be seen and operated by the user. The universal Internet based telephony system web site then implements the Internet telephony communication connection between the customer's personal computer and the designated destination.

System providing internet access management with router-based policy enforcement

Abstract: A computing environment with methods for monitoring access to an open network such as the Internet, is described. The system includes one or more client computers, each operating applications (e.g., Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer) requiring access to an open network, such as a WAN or the Internet, and a router or other equipment that serves a routing function (e.g., a cable modem) for the client computers. A centralized security enforcement module on the router maintains access rules for the client computers and verifies the existence and proper operation of a client-based security module on each client computer. The router-side security module periodically sends out a router challenge via Internet broadcast to the local computers on the network. If the client-side security module is installed and properly operating, the client-side security module responds to the router challenge. The responses received by the router-side security module are maintained in a table. Each time the router receives a request from a client computer to connect to the Internet, the router-side security module reviews the table and analyzes whether or not the computer requesting a connection to the Internet properly responded to the most recent router challenge. If it determines that the computer has properly responded to the router challenge, then it permits the computer to connect to the Internet. If a computer has not properly responded or if a computer has not answered the router challenge, then the computer is not allowed to connect to the Internet as requested.

Internet protocol-based computer network service

Abstract: The system is an Internet Protocol-based computer network service that when installed, allows connected computers access Internet Protocol-based services if they are configured for any Internet Protocol-based network. This is different from a conventional Internet Protocol-based network in which connected computers must be configured specifically for that network to access Internet Protocol-based services or to have custom applications running on them to allow this access. These services include, but are not limited to, World-Wide-Web browsing, sending and/or receiving electronic mail, file transfer, and multimedia conferencing. The system supports any service that is Internet Protocol-based. The system is completely software-based. That is, it is a set of algorithms that are run on a computing platform. The platform that is executing the algorithms (the server) is a stand-alone system. No proprietary software is installed on the client.

Differentiated caching services; a control-theoretical approach

Abstract: The increasing diversity of Internet appliances calls for an architecture for performance differentiation on information access. The World Wide Web is the dominant interface for information access today. Web proxy caching is the key performance accelerator in the Web infrastructure. While many research efforts have addressed performance differentiation in the network and on Web servers, providing multiple levels of service in proxy caches has received much less attention. This paper has two main contributions. First, we describe, implement and evaluate an architecture for differentiated content caching services as a key element of the Internet infrastructure. Second, we describe a control-theoretical approach that lays well-understood theoretical foundations for resource management to achieve performance differentiation in proxy caches. We describe our experiences with implementing the differentiated caching services scheme in Squid, a popular proxy cache used by many Internet service providers today. Experimental studies and analyses prove that differentiated caching services provide significant better performance to the premium content classes.

System and method for a complete and convenient shopping experience

Abstract: A method and system in which a consumer creates a shopping list using a small wireless bar code scanner and an intelligent base station that gets related bar code information from a merchant's database via the Internet. The consumer uses this method to shop in a store, Mail Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) or on the Internet using the created shopping list. The consumer creates the shopping list by using a small wireless bar code scanner to scan in the merchandise Universal Product Codes (UPCs), which are available on product labels, and in product catalog. The consumer then transmits the scanned bar codes to an intelligent device owned by the consumer, which known as a base station. Examples of a base station are an Internet Appliance, or a PDA, or a PC or a cell phone. Data transmission between the bar code scanner and the base station is via radio frequency standards, such as Bluetooth. The bar code scanner uses the Bluetooth protocol to check to see if a registered base station is within its communications perimeter, and finding an available device transmits any available UPCs that it has stored. A process running on the base station stores the transmitted UPCs in a local database. The local UPC database eliminates duplicate UPCs, but records the date and time which it received the UPC, as well as any new additional information. The base station connects via the Internet to a UPC database stored at a merchant, or to a central UPC database and downloads the textual description of the UPC. Coupons and other information are also downloaded at this time. This data is known as the UPC's supporting information. Using Bluetooth, the base station transmits UPC supporting information to the bar code scanner, or other registered base stations within its communications perimeter. An advantage of this system is that copies of a shopping list can be resident and kept in synch on multiple base stations. This multiplicity of synchronized copies is maintained without the consumer's constant intervention. The consumer can print out the created shopping list on any printer available on a base station, or one that is Bluetooth enabled. The barcode scanner stores, and displays UPC descriptions on the device, that have been transmitted from the base station. This allows the consumer to take the barcode scanner on a shopping expedition, or simply reference the shopping list without having to access a base station. The consumer can then order the system's created shopping list items via the telephone (MOTO), on the Internet, or the consumer can go to a store and purchase the items. The system provides various ways for the consumer to the get the shopping list in hand, i.e. delivery, drive through pickup or in-store pickup.

Numeric/voice name Internet access architecture and methodology

Abstract: A system that provides users of both fixed and wireless Internet devices, a method of entering numbers instead of the text characters of Internet Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and other Internet identifiers to access Internet resources and functions, such as Web sites, e-mail services, individual documents or files, location services, etc. When the user enters a WebNum, the digits of the WebNum are sent to a database on a system that is accessible over the Internet. The database maps the WebNum back to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which contains a hostname in the Internet domain name structure. This would subsequently be resolved through the Internet Domain Name System (DNS) to an IP address to identify the IP address of the Web site. The cell phone provider or WID network provider would then retrieve the home page of the Web site over the Internet, to return content to the cell phone or WID display.

Architecture of a bridge between a non-IP network and the web

Abstract: Thin glue layers bridge a Non-IP network and the Internet Web. Existing services in both networks are used directly wherever feasible, thereby achieving simplicity and efficiency. A Non-IP-specific application can use a Non-IP API to access Internet services, and an IP-based Internet browser can use commands encoded in HTTP, XML, Java, or proprietary formats to access Non-IP services and to control Non-IP devices. In this manner, changes are not required to the Internet browser. The glue layers translate between the IP protocol and Non-IP API, but also allow commands and responses to tunnel between end applications in the Internet and the Non-IP network without interpretation.

System and method for using an internet appliance to send/receive digital content files as E-mail attachments

Abstract: A system for using an Internet appliance for sending and receiving digital content files as email attachments includes a system server and an Internet appliance both connected to a communications network such as the Internet. The Internet appliance and system server define communication and control protocols based on server maintained user interface display screens and Internet appliance received reduced keyset keystroke sequences. The protocols define text entry and editing, and option selection and navigation via hyperlinks embedded within the user interface display screens. An email protocol permits selection of server stored digital content files for attachment to outgoing emails and the receiving and viewing-of/listening-to video/audio digital content files that arrive as email attachments. All digital content files are maintained at the server and accessible at the Internet appliance only for viewing via browser and listening. Standard email protocols are used by the server to exchange emails and attachments with standard Internet email severs.

Systems and methods for automatically accessing internet information from a local application on a handheld internet appliance

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically accessing Internet information and local applications from another local application on a handheld Internet appliance is provided. The systems and methods of the present invention consist of a software solution that enables users of handheld Internet appliances to interact with the Internet and other local applications from any local application in the handheld Internet appliance. Each local application is equipped with a user interface to enable users quick and easy access to Internet information and other local applications.

System and method for internet appliance data entry and navigation

Abstract: A system for Internet appliance data entry and navigation includes a reduced keyset remote control unit transmitting a user input keystroke sequence. An Internet appliance receives and parses the keystroke sequence, placing the parsed data into an input buffer. An Internet appliance browser accesses user interface display screens from remote storage via a communications network. The buffer contents define a window within an accessed display screen. The Internet appliance converts the composite display screen for output to a standard television receiver. A user makes option choices and navigates the user interface display screens by activating hyperlinks within the accessed display screens. A standard telephone keypad arrangement is used to create the keystroke sequence, permitting use of a standard or wireless telephone and a hand-held remote control unit for system input and control. An alternative embodiment permits voice input of text, numbers, special symbols, and shortcuts in many languages.

Systems and methods for saving internet content into a handheld internet appliance

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring Internet content displayed on a web site in a handheld Internet appliance to a local database in the handheld Internet appliance are provided. The systems and methods of the present invention consist of a software solution that enables users of handheld Internet appliances to automatically transfer information displayed on web sites to local databases associated with handheld Internet appliance applications. A user interface is provided in the web sites for enabling users to automatically transfer the information displayed on the web sites into the handheld Internet appliance.

Method and apparatus for operating system and application selection

Abstract: A Set Top Box or other client/server device including an Internet appliance which runs an application and operates under any of several operating systems The Set Top Box boots from boot code stored, for example, in a ROM which permits a user to select an operating system and application The Set Top Box contacts a Master Server and obtains a URL for download of the operating system and application The URL is contacted and the application and operating system are downloaded The Set Top Box operates under the operating system to run the application until another application is selected

Digital image magnification for internet appliance

Abstract: A magnifying tool that enlarges a selected region of displayed image surrounding a cursor in a graphical user interface (GUI), and superimposes the enlarged region directly over the selected region (and a portion of the adjacent non-selected region). The location of the cursor relative to the enlarged region is co-located with the location of the cursor relative to the selected region such that the locations are identical.

Interstitial advertising display system and method

Abstract: A method of display as a user of the Internet uses a client machine during an Internet transaction (e.g., e-mail, file transfer, bulletin board, chat or browsing). The client machine supports a graphical user interface and mechanisms that provide such Internet services. The method locally stores information content served during idle periods when the user's connection to the network is live. During a given Internet transaction, the information content is retrieved and displayed to provide entertainment or information as the user waits for the Internet transaction to be completed.

Personal vehicular internet appliance

Abstract: A network appliance that may be installed in a vehicle transmits and receives information relating to interactions between a user and the vehicle, vehicle mechanics, information relating to the user, information relating the vehicle's physical location, information relating to business locations, etc. Furthermore, the appliance accesses and interacts via a network such as the Internet with remote servers to obtain and transmit information relating to the user's relative surroundings, thereby providing the user specific personalized information.

Network architecture for internet appliances

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and network architecture for a plurality of internet-enabled appliances to communicate with each other and with a plurality of users simultaneously in real time. In a preferred embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention allows any appliance with built-in internet connectivity, or retrofitted with an interface device containing said connectivity, to communicate with a central server over the internet without human intervention. Software means is provided at the central server to enable such communication. Firmware and hardware means are provided for each appliance to connect to and disconnect from the central server on demand either through a dial-up connection or a dedicated communication line. The present invention allows for each device to send data to the central server, receive data from said server, or send data to and receive data from another device via the central server under user-programmable control means residing in the central server.

Electronic mail (Email) Internet appliance methods and systems

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for implementing an improved electronic mail (email) Internet appliance. Improved capabilities include streamlined mechanisms for viewing and managing email messages and for accessing network services. An email Internet appliance obviates the conventional requirements of purchasing a personal computer and tying up a phone line for long periods of time in order to exchange email messages and to read on-line news updates.

Internet modem streaming socket method

Abstract: An Internet client communicates with an Internet server such as an HTTP server or SMTP server through a TCP streaming socket on the Internet device with the Internet client. The TCP streaming sockets can be established through an Internet ready command line interface. The Internet ready command line interface includes “IR” commands that can establish, resume, release and terminate TCP sockets.

Kitchen internet appliance

Abstract: A system and method for providing food-related information, including recipes, methods, hints and cooking instructions to a user via an interactive computer at a food-related location, such as a kitchen. The interactive computer includes a graphic-user interface (GUI) and one or more speakers, and the GUI is preferably a touch-screen capable of displaying interactive multimedia applications to the user, such as video cooking-step illustrations. The interactive computer alternately further includes a secondary storage device that provides food-related information to the user from a secondary storage media such as a CD-ROM or floppy disk.

Providing network connectivity for small appliances: a functionally minimized embedded Web server

Abstract: There is a strong trend toward embedding Internet capabilities into electronics and everyday appliances. We introduce the results from a research project where we have been working toward implementing a functionally minimized Web server on silicon. Although most embedded Internet appliances will use a microcontroller and software to enable TCP/IP and HTTP support, we argue that there are many applications where a hardware-based approach is more suitable. Our WebChip approach is a family of IPv6-compatible solutions toward the realization of embedded and minimized Web systems. The core parts of the implementation are a C-code library and VHDL code implementation. The solution is tested with an FPGA and can be later embedded into various ASIC chips. We argue that this approach is also commercially viable since the VHDL code can be delivered as an intellectual property block.

Wireless telephone call manager

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing automatic redirection of an incoming voice telephone call from a caller to a subscriber proxy when an attempt by the caller to connect to a subscribers mobile/wireless/cellular telephone is blocked due to either having the mobile phone off, on but not answered, or in use. The subscriber has further established communications between a subscriber's data communication terminal (DCT) (e.g. PC, Internet appliance, PalmTM handheld etc.) a computer network (e.g. the Internet). The subscriber proxy is connected to both the PSTN, CMTS and the Internet, and produces audio interaction with the caller. The subscriber proxy also notifies the subscriber of the incoming call via the subscriber's DCT. The subscriber's DCT can optionally be used by the subscriber to control and interact with the incoming call by communicating with the computer proxy while the subscriber continues to maintain the Internet connection.

System and method for intelligent merchandise indicator and product information provision

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a consumer through use of a number of common technologies, accessing a persistent data store of the consumer's preferences, comparing these preferences to articles for sale which are on display in the proximity of the consumer, and alerting the user to displayed sample products which match the consumer's preferences. The system and method may also query an inventory management system to determine if a matching product is in stock, as well as provide for the automatic transmission of detailed product data for said matching products to the consumer's e-mail address or other persistent computing device such as a wireless networked personal digital assistant, web-enabled wireless telephone or an Internet appliance.

Internet access to a home area network

Abstract: The AutoHan project implements a self-configuring software architecture for home area networks that offers an XML-based registry and HTTP-based service. The article begins by introducing the low-level architectures of the AutoHan project that enable different networking technologies to interoperate and define one logical IP network. It then describes the two core services that enable resources to export, discover and interoperate with AutoHan by using these low-level architectures. Finally, the article discusses naming and addressing issues for Internet access and shows how XML and HTTP allowed extension of the system to support Internet access through IHan (Internet home area network).

Internet based audio and video communication system using a virtual desktop

Abstract: An Internet-based computing and communications system includes a virtual desktop computer facility that resides on the Internet and is thereby available to its users at any time and from any location. The virtual desktop computer includes a suite of fully integrated web-based messaging, collaboration and personal information management applications. That system operates in conjunction with a buffer facility that can initiate simultaneous calls via multiple gateways anywhere on the Internet and which can, in turn, call regular telephone numbers as instructed over the Internet by users. An adaptive buffering technique reduces time delays and data-packet transmission over the Internet.

Internet appliances struggle for acceptance

Abstract: Internet appliances were conceived as simpler cousins of the PC with no hard drive and a minimal operating system that permitted almost instant bootup. Consumers could access their applications, such as e-mail and appointment calendars, via a Web browser. The simple browser interface was expected to make appliances more popular with technophobes. The paper discusses the three primary types of Internet appliances and their marketplace performance.

Scroll notification system and method

Abstract: If information in a display window is scrollable by a user-controllable element, a notification is generated to the device user. The scrollability notification function can be implemented in many different ways and in a variety of equipment, including an Internet appliance or a personal computer. In one embodiment, when a scrollable object is detected in a window on which the device user is focusing, a vertical and/or horizontal scroll wheel is illuminated to indicate that the window is scrollable in the corresponding direction(s). The scrollability notification function can be implemented in different ways, such as through the particular software application, through the operating system, or through a custom software module. A computer, a computer network, and methods for providing a scrollability notification to a computer user are also described.

Business method by internet connection information registration service, internet connection setting method, internet connection information registration method, and computer-readable recording medium which records application program

Abstract: A memory card is connected to a PC at a mass sales store, the store side makes a provider agreement for a user by exchanging information with the terminal of a provider selected by the user through a communication line by processing according to an application, information necessary for Internet connection is received from the provider terminal, and Internet connection information is generated on the basis of the information and registered on the memory card. When the memory card having the Internet connection information registered thereon is connected to an electronic device such as a PC or portable telephone, an application is automatically activated to load the Internet connection information from the memory card and execute connection setting for Internet connection in the electronic device on the basis of the information.

Use of internet web technology for wireless internet access

Abstract: Internet web technology is used to allow a wireless Internet customer to acquire a virtual subscriber identity module (VSIM) in an anonymous session connection and then transfer the VSIM to any other desired PC (personal computer).

Ensobox: an internet services provider appliance that enables an operator thereof to offer a full range of internet services

Abstract: The ensoBox™ is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) appliance. An Internet appliance can be classified as a ready-to-use device that supports a specific Internet requirement. The software to support this appliance is pre-installed in the factory, is typically proprietary in nature, and is purchased in conjunction with the associated hardware. An appliance supports a plug-and-play configuration to allow for easy installation and management by the appliance's owner. An Internet appliance does not require the separate purchase of hardware and software, and then the subsequent systems integration by the owner. An ISP appliance provides the functionality of an ISP into a device or cluster of devices where hardware and software are integrated in such a manner that the owner of the ISP appliance can be a fully functional, fully independent, self-supported ISP. An ISP appliance, at a minimum, should support basic ISP functions described in above specification.