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  Method and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systemsUSPTO Application #: 20060242587Title: Method and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systems Abstract: In one embodiment, a client computer receives messages from a server computer over a computer network. The messages are displayed in the client computer based on preference settings that may be configured by end-users. This advantageously gives end-users some control over messages provided to them. In one embodiment, end-users configure the preference settings to specify the number of messages they can be shown within a period time, when to display messages relative to the loading of a web page, and/or where to display messages. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications including in the delivery of advertisements over the Internet. (end of abstract) Agent: Okamoto & Benedicto, LLP - San Jose, CA, US Inventors: Scott G. Eagle, David L. Goulden, Anthony G. Martin, Eugene A. Veteska USPTO Applicaton #: 20060242587 - Class: 715747000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Data Processing: Presentation Processing Of Document, Operator Interface Processing, And Screen Saver Display Processing, Operator Interface (e.g., Graphical User Interface), For Plural Users Or Sites (e.g., Network), Interface Customization Or Adaption (e.g., Client Server), End User Based (e.g., Preference Setting) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060242587. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/152,204, filed on May 21, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field Of The Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systems. [0004] 2. Description Of The Background Art [0005] The general availability of large computer networks such as the Internet has enabled end-users to readily access vast amounts of information. On the Internet, for example, there are web sites that provide news, educational and scientific materials, maps, on-line shopping, voice-over-IP service, music, etc. In fact, the types of information that are available on the Internet are limited only by the imagination of web site operators. [0006] Web site operators can generate revenue by displaying advertisements to end-users who visit their web sites. An advertisement may be displayed on a web page, or on a separate window such as a pop-up or a banner. A window containing advertising typically includes an icon for manually removing the window, and a handle for dragging the window to a desired location on the computer screen. However, for the most part, end-users do not have much control over the window. The web site operator dictates how a window (and its advertisement) is displayed to end-users. SUMMARY [0007] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systems. The present invention may be used in a variety of applications including in the delivery of advertisements over the Internet. [0008] In one embodiment, a client computer receives messages from a server computer over a computer network. The messages are displayed in the client computer based on preference settings that may be configured by end-users. This advantageously gives end-users some control over messages provided to them. [0009] In one embodiment, end-users configure the preference settings to specify the number of messages they can be shown within a period time, when to display messages relative to the loading of a web page, and/or where to display messages. [0010] These and other features of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings and claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a computer network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0012] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the components of a client computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0013] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the components of a message server computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 4 shows a pop-up in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0015] FIG. 5A shows a preference panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 5B shows an intermediate panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 6A shows a slider in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D schematically illustrate the movement of a sliding panel of the slider of FIG. 6A. [0019] FIG. 7 shows a banner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 8 shows the banner of FIG. 7 being displayed on top of a web page. Continue reading... Full patent description for Method and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systems Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systems patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Method and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systems or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Scenario specialization of file browser Next Patent Application: Searchable task-based interface to control panel functionality Industry Class: Data processing: presentation processing of document ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Method and apparatus for displaying messages in computer systems patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 5.70536 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Daimler Chrysler , DirecTV , Exxonmobil Chemical Company , Goodyear , Intel , Kyocera Wireless , |
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