Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-15
2004-09-14
Meky, Moustafa M. (Department: 2153)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
C709S217000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06792464
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a computer system that allows a user to automatically connect to a network service provider, and more particularly, to a system and method which allows a user to automatically connect to a network service provider by using a data card (i.e., a “smart card”). A smart card is a card that is approximately the size of a credit card and stores electronic data on a microchip for use in a variety of applications. The present invention also relates to an online advertisement system that accesses user profile information stored on a smart card to provide advertisements specifically tailored to the user's profile.
BACKGROUND ART
With the increasing use of information technology to access and exchange information over a network, in addition to the emergence of commercial transactions which have been taking place over open networks such as the internet, it has become necessary to store information (particularly about a user) in a secure manner. One method of securing information is by a smart card. A smart card is approximately the size of a conventional credit card; however, instead of having a magnetic strip which stores data on the card, smart cards usually have a microchip embedded within their structure. The microchip stores information in the form of electronic data which may be of use to the smart card user.
Essentially, smart cards can be categorized into two distinct types, namely “contact smart cards” and “contactless smart cards.” Smart card readers are devices that read information contained in a smart card microchip. They are typically connected to a computer so that information in the smart card chip can be relayed to the computer.
“Contact” smart cards are typically inserted into a smart card reader. These cards have a microchip on one side of the card which makes contact with an electrical connector contained within the smart card reader. Data is exchanged between the chip on the smart card and the electrical connector of the smart card reader.
“Contactless” smart cards do not have an exposed chip on one side of the card, but have an antenna embedded within the card itself. The antenna transmits information to a coupler unit or “smart card reader” which is also fitted with an antenna. The antenna allows information to be exchanged without physical contact having to be made between the smart card chip and the smart card reader.
Typically when a smart card is inserted into a reader mechanism, the embedded chip transmits a message to the host machine on which the reader is attached. This message typically acknowledges card insertion into the reader mechanism.
Existing applications that utilize the smart card are launched by a human user after the smart card is inserted or before the smart card is inserted. In the general case of application launch before card insertion a prompt within a typical application requires users to insert and then acknowledge card insertion through a prompt. In the general case of application launch after card insertion a similar acknowledgment is also required.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or Internet Access Providers (IAPS) are companies that provide individuals and companies with access to the internet and to other related services, such as website building and hosting. A user of an internet service typically accesses the ISP from his or her computer via a telephone line so as to gain access to the internet. The ISP usually requires the user to enter particular information in relation to the user, such as a login name and password which is then checked against the ISP's database to verify that the user is registered with the ISP. Traditionally ISPs have been located within their own regional areas and therefore the user typically dials a local number to access the ISP.
Problems can occur when the user uses his or her computer to log on to the ISP (e.g., such as on a business trip using a laptop computer) and the number recorded in the computer for the ISP may be different (i.e., different area and/or country code). It is then necessary for the user to enter in the area code (or country number if he or she is overseas) for the ISP and pay for a long distance call. Alternatively, the same ISP may have a local number within the particular locale in which the user is located at a particular time. However, the user typically has to physically search for the local ISP number in the particular locale in which he or she is located. Furthermore, delays in the time it takes for a user to access the internet can result whenever the user is in a different geographic location or happens to use a different computer.
Moreover, there is a need for a simple way to provide advertisements to a user which are specifically directed to that user's tastes and characteristics.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed to overcoming the problems in the prior art regarding the inconvenience of the user having to physically search for the local ISP number in the particular locale in which he or she is located, or the increased cost in paying for a long distance call if this search is not performed, or the delays in time it takes for a user to access the internet when the user is in a different geographic location or happens to use a different computer.
The present invention is also directed to an online advertisement system that accesses user profile information stored on a smart card to provide advertisements specifically tailored to the user's profile.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a computer system for allowing a user to automatically access one of a plurality of network service providers which require information specific to the user and/or the network service provider to be accessed, the computer system comprising:
a data card which contains the information specific to either the user and/or the network service provider to be accessed;
a data card reader adapted to access at least part of the information contained on the data card when the data card is in communication therewith;
a data processor in communication with the data card reader and adapted to be connected to a network;
an application program resident on the data processor, the application program being configured to automatically retrieve at least part of the information contained on the data card when the data card is in communication with said data card reader and to use the information to gain access to one of the plurality of network service providers via the network by using one of a default access number indicating a designated network service provider and a local access number from a database containing a list of access numbers for the plurality of network service providers along with corresponding location information for each access number in the list,
wherein the application program is immediately triggered upon insertion of the data card into the data card reader.
The data card typically comprises a microprocessor for processing the information stored within the data card, a memory component which enables the information to be stored within the data card and a communications interface for transferring the information from the data card to the data card reader.
The communications interface may include an antenna embedded inside the data card so as to communicate the information between the data card and the data card reader. In such an embodiment, the data card reader also has an antenna embedded inside so as to receive/relay information from/to the data card.
Alternatively, the communications interface may include a contact connector and the data card reader may include electrical connectors so that information can be received/relayed from/to the data card when the contact and the electrical connectors are in physical contact. The communications interface of the data card may make contact with a communications interface located on the data card reader. In some embodiments of the invention, the data card is a smart card and the data card reader is a smart card reader
Cooper & Dunham LLP
Meky Moustafa M.
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