On-line directory service through the internet

Details On-line directory service through the internet On-line directory service through the internet

1998-12-08

2001-03-27

Black, Thomas (Department: 2171)

Data processing: database and file management or data structures

Database design

Data structure types

C707S793000, C707S793000, C707S793000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06208998

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to on-line directory services, and more particularly to altering the content of a record in the on-line directory services.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various types of commercial on-line directory services are available for access by the general public. These services are generally structured to include both “yellow pages” information as well as “white pages” information. By accessing the directory service through the Internet via particular web pages, a user can typically enter information about a third party, including such items as first name, last name, address, etc. The user then selects a search, or go, type button to initiate the search. Once initiated, the on-line directory service provider performs a computer search of various databases to determine whether a match is available. If so, the information is then displayed to the user.
It often occurs that a person listed in the directory service becomes aware that information displayed in his or her listing is in error. To correct the error, the user needs some type of editing capability, or way to inform the directory service that the listing is wrong and the details of the correct information.
One on-line directory system, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,769, provides a method in which a person can register with the directory service provider as an authorized user. Once the user has been registered, he or she may access a log-in option which allows the user to be authenticated as a registered user. Once logged in to the database system as a registered user, the user may update his or her informational record in the database via an update screen In this manner, registered users can change their own listing without intervention or action by the database system.
The '769 registration system for altering the information in a person's listing has a number of disadvantages. A first disadvantage is that it is cumbersome. The person must first register with the directory service, and then once registered the user must take additional time to be authenticated by the system. Once that is complete, the user is finally allowed the opportunity to describe the changes required to their listing. Most users would like more immediate action, or at least the ability to immediately send the directory service the desired changes before they are forgotten.
Thus, a need exists for an on-line directory service that has an improved system for allowing a person to update their listing information. The present invention is directed to fulfilling this need and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a method for altering content of a record in a database over Internet is provided. The method includes receiving a request generated over the Internet by a requester that requests records in the database. Searching the records for a requested record corresponding to the request and, upon finding the requested record, displaying the requested record content and an alter record indicator. The requester generating an alter record request over the Internet by selecting the alter record indicator and providing a verification address. If the alter record request contains the verification address, displaying a confirmation message to the requester. The confirmation message comprising a reply address and a reference code. The requester sending an alter record message containing the reference code to the reply address. After receipt of the alter record message at the reply address, determining whether the alter record message contains the reference code. If the alter record message contains the reference code, updating the requested record according to the alter record message.
In accordance with other aspects of this invention, the reference code includes a randomly generated number, the alter record indicator includes a button on a Web browser, the verification address includes an email address associated with the requester, the requested record content includes a name, an address, and a phone number, and the reply address includes an email address.
In accordance with further aspects of this invention, an on-line director service accessible over Internet is provided including a database of information including records and a processing system. The processing system receives a request generated over the Internet by a requester requesting records in the database, searches the records for a requested record corresponding to the request and, upon finding the requested record, displays the requested record content and an alter record indicator. The processing system further receives an alter record request generated by the requester over the Internet by selecting the alter record indicator and providing a verification address. If the alter record request includes the verification address, the processing system displays a confirmation message to the requester. The confirmation message includes a reply address and a reference code. If the processing system receives an alter record message containing the reference code, the processing system updates the requested record according to the alter record message.


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NYNE Launches Online Business Directory In U.S. Market, IDP Report, Feb. 21, 1992.

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