Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-15
2001-05-01
Coulter, Kenneth R. (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer-to-computer session/connection establishing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226677
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to networks, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for controlling interaction with a global computer network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Systems of various configurations are known to control access to a global computer network, such as the Internet. Typically, systems block access to predetermined content on the Internet, forward a user from the selected address to a new address on the Internet or present advertising or other information to the user before accessing the Internet.
Software which prevents access to predetermined web sites based upon a selected criteria is well known. The software may reside on the user's computer or elsewhere to detect requests for content from prohibited or restricted IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. Periodic updates of the software is required to keep the list of such IP addresses current. Once a prohibited request is noted, the software does not return the requested content, but instead returns an appropriate message. In this way, content on the Internet is blocked.
Modern browsers have the capability for a web site to redirect the browser to a new web site. This feature is useful when the name or IP address of a web site has changed. The user may have saved the former universal resource locator (URL) or its corresponding IP address into the user's browser. When the user attempts to return to the former URL, the desired content may no longer be located there and has moved to a different URL on the Internet. To redirect the user to the desired web page, the former web site can command the browser to point to the new URL where the web page currently resides. In this way, the user is able to browse the desired content at the new URL with only a small delay.
Although redirection of a web browser is useful in directing the user to the desired content, it has not been used to direct the user to content that is not sought by the user. It would be counterintuitive to redirect the user to undesired content. Even if redirection were performed to attempt to have the user view unwanted content, the user could change the URL and cause the browser to view another location on the Internet.
Even though most browsers support the ability to redirect a user to a different web site, some browsers do not support this capability. Notably, older browsers and less popular browsers may not support this capability. Additionally, some browsers allow disabling the ability to redirect a user to another web site. In order to provide content from a different web site regardless of the browser's capability or configuration, there is a need for a browser independent redirection which cannot be disabled.
Proprietary ISPs (Internet Service Providers), such as America Online™, CompuServe™ and Prodigy™, require subscribers of the ISP to access their service with proprietary access software. This software typically has the capability of presenting the subscriber with advertising or other potentially unwanted information. Additionally this software has the capability of browsing the Internet. However, once the user has used the proprietary access software to access the Internet, the user cannot be redirected to potentially unwanted content from the Internet. The proprietary access software can only present potentially unwanted or non-requested content before access to the Internet. In other words, once Internet browsing has begun, the subscriber may browse the Internet freely.
Although browsing the Internet freely may be desirable to users, directing the user to content not specifically requested by the user may be valued by advertisers. This may also be of benefit to the user since income to the ISP derived from the advertisers might help defray the costs of providing Internet access to the user. Over time, users may view this diversion from anticipated content as advantageous in reducing their costs for using the Internet.
In summary, it appears desirable to develop a system which: (1) redirects the browser to potentially unwanted content regardless of the capabilities or configuration of the browser, and (2) requires the user to view or interact with the potentially unwanted content before the user can freely interact with any other content on the Internet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system which controls access to a global computer network is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method related to controlling communication of a TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) packet from a user machine is disclosed. During a browser request from the user machine, the TCP packet is sent via the intranet to a forced proxy server. The TCP packet has a number of fields including a first field related to a first destination IP address. The TCP packet and its first destination IP address are received by the forced proxy server and analyzed. If the first destination IP address is not from a “sandboxed” domain, the first destination IP address is changed to a predetermined second destination IP address to effectively reroute the TCP packet to another IP address on the Internet. The rerouted IP address provides content to the user machine in which at least a majority of the content is different from that expected to be obtained by the user machine. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the content is different from that the first or requested destination IP address.
Relatedly, a system for controlling TCP packet transmissions relative to the Internet is disclosed. The system includes a user machine, a forced proxy server, and an intranet. Typically, the intranet is protected from intrusion by systems or individuals who access the Internet. The forced proxy server includes a first port for receiving TCP packets from the user machine or other machines attached to the intranet. The proxy server receives at least a first TCP packet from the user machine where the TCP packet includes a first destination IP address. IP addresses point to a location on the Internet which typically includes content. Upon receipt of the TCP packet, the forced proxy server ascertains whether the TCP packet is directed to the intranet or Internet. If the TCP packet is directed to the Internet, the TCP packet is passed to a forced proxying software program running on the proxy server. The software program may modify or leave unchanged the TCP packet based upon a predetermined criteria before the TCP packet is passed to the Internet. Based upon the predetermined criteria, the forced proxy server may return alternate content to the user machine from a source different from the first destination address. At least a majority of the alternate content is different from that expected to be obtained by the user machine.
Based upon the foregoing summary, a number of important advantages of the present invention are readily discerned. The browser can be controlled so that the user views potentially unwanted content regardless of the capabilities or configuration of the browser. Additionally, the user can be required to view or interact with the potentially unwanted content at times when the user may wish to freely interact with other content on the Internet. A system which achieves these goals is expected to help finance access to the Internet and thus reduce costs to users.
Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5781550 (1998-07-01), Templin et al.
patent: 5802320 (1998-09-01), Baehr et al.
patent: 5948061 (1999-09-01), Merriman et al.
patent: 6014698 (2000-01-01), Griffiths
patent: 6098172 (2000-08-01), Coss et al.
patent: 6119162 (2000-09-01), Li et al.
Coulter Kenneth R.
LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
LandOfFree
Controlled communications over a global computer network does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Controlled communications over a global computer network, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Controlled communications over a global computer network will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2537200