Patent Application
20190190898
People access internet resources via many different devices such as smart phones, tablets, televisions (TVs), personal computers (PCs), laptops, etc. In addition to using different devices, people often use different web browsers such as Microsoft® Edge® (published by Microsoft Corporation, of Redmond, Wash.), Internet Explorer® (also published by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.), Firefox® (published by Mozilla of Mountain View, Calif.), Safari® (published by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), Chrome™ (published by Google, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.), etc. Internet bookmarks are a popular tool for providing quick access to web pages that users frequently visit. However, internet bookmarks are specific to a particular device or web browser. Thus, a person typically has access to different internet bookmarks on different devices, or even when accessing the web through a different web browser on the same device. It is inconvenient and time consuming to maintain multiple sets of internet bookmarks across different devices and platforms. These internet bookmarks cannot be easily managed and shared when crossing platforms and are dependent upon accessing the internet through a particular device or browser.
In addition, many internet websites or resources require a user to enter authentication data to obtain access to the content. Keeping track of numerous different user identifications and passwords among different devices is troublesome and difficult. While some web browsers save user names and authentication data, this information is only accessible when using that particular web browser. Like internet bookmark data, the storage of this authentication data is browser and device dependent. This can easily result in a user not having access to their information in some circumstances, which can be very inconvenient for the user.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for managing internet preferences are described herein. In accordance with embodiments, such methods, systems, and apparatuses include a personal portal web service with a preferred website uploader that uploads, from a remote device, internet preferences such as bookmark data that identifies preferred websites for a user of the remote device. A data store stores the internet bookmark data and a graphical user interface (e.g., in the form of a web page) is generated that enables the user to connect to the preferred websites specified by the internet bookmark data. In accordance with further embodiments, an authentication data store stores authentication data such as usernames and passwords for websites that the user accesses. In further accordance with such an embodiment, a credential applier may automatically enter the authentication data into an application accessed through the graphical user interface of the personal portal. In accordance with some embodiments, the personal portal web service can be set up to function as a home page for the user and accessed from any type of browser or device. In still further embodiments, restricted access is provided to data collected concerning usage of the service.
Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.
The features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.
The present specification and accompanying drawings disclose one or more embodiments that incorporate some of the features of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments merely exemplify the present invention, and modified versions of the disclosed embodiments are also encompassed by the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are defined by the claims appended hereto.
References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
In the discussion, unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as “substantially” and “about” modifying a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the disclosure, are understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended.
The embodiments are directed toward solving a number of issues and challenges facing internet users. The vast majority of internet users regardless of age and profession have preferred resources on the internet that they like to visit frequently. Most of the time people use internet bookmarks or index files to save a list of preferences for quick access. However, there are several challenges presented when managing these lists. As discussed above, browser dependency is one such problem. Each browser has its own set of bookmarks and there is currently no effective manner of synchronizing them between different browsers. Another such problem is device dependency. Most individuals have more than one type of device. Different types of devices such as PCs, mobile phones, tablets, are unable to share user preferences such as internet bookmarks. A similar problem exists between different models of the same device. The problem is that one bookmark or index file cannot be accessed from all the different devices and, thus, separate copies are stored in each device.
Internet users also often access or connect to multiple applications and services via various networks. None of the current bookmark platforms have features to support an easy or short access process to a local or remote resource that requires authentication. As a result of the need for security, most internet users also have a large number of different credentials to manage. Often, a user cannot remember their username and password for a particular website, especially if they are for website the user has not visited for a while. Prior to the present disclosure, there was not a single effective solution to managing these bookmarks, internet preferences, information and credentials.
The example embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. The examples described herein may be adapted to any type of web service. Further structural and operational embodiments, including modifications/alterations, will become apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein.
With the above objects in mind, an embodiment is directed toward a personal portal web service hosted in the cloud. The personal portal web service can be initiated by uploading a personal bookmark file or be created manually through the hosted web service if a user prefers to start with a blank page. Once the bookmark files have been uploaded to the personal portal web service, they can be accessed from any device or platform through the portal.
Personal portal web service 102 is shown in
Personal portal web service 102 can connect to variety of different platforms such as a mobile phone 106, a laptop 108, a personal computer 110, etc. The content stored in personal portal web service 102 is in cloud 104 and not stored in remote devices 106, 108 and 110 and is not device dependent. While the embodiment of
The features of personal portal web service 102 of
As discussed in more detail herein, the user can manage and update the links and resources included within sections 202, 204, 206 and 208 displayed on graphical user interface 200. In one embodiment, an internet preferences graphical user interface 216 is provided in graphical user interface 200 that allows a user to manually enter internet preferences data that identifies preferred websites or remotely hosted applications for the user. An authentication data graphical user interface 218 may also be provided within graphical user interface 200 that allows a user to enter and modify user authentication data for a website or remotely hosted application. Although internet preferences graphical user interface 216 and authentication data graphical user interface 218 are shown in
The personal portal web service can be implemented through program logic that is executed by a processor. For example, the program logic could be stored in, and executed by, one or more processors of server 112 of
A log on routine 304 receives and verifies log on information for a user account associated with the user and logs the user into the user account. The log on information received by the log on routine 304 may include, for example and without limitation, a username and password that respectively identify and restrict access to a user account. If a user wants to use the personal portal service anonymously (i.e., without establishing a user account), a publicly accessible URL provider 318 can be used to generate a publicly accessible URL that can be used to access the personal portal service without the need to enter credentials. The anonymous user can then establish a set of internet preferences through the personal portal web service that can be accessed through the generated URL.
A preferred website uploader 308 uploads internet bookmark data containing internet preferences such as internet bookmark data for a user from a remote device and stores the internet bookmark data in data store 334. An updater 310 allows the user to make modifications and changes in the internet bookmark data directly through a graphical user interface. New bookmarks can be manually added to or deleted from the user's account (or publicly accessible URL) using the updater 310. In addition, a synchronizer 312 may be used to automatically synchronize the internet bookmark data stored in data store 334 with internet bookmark data stored on the user's remote device.
Program logic 300 may also be access an authentication data store 336 that stores user authentication data for the user. The graphical user interface provided by graphical user interface provider 302 may be operable to display the authentication data on demand when a user is logged on to their user account. If desired, a credential applier 314 can be configured to automatically enter authentication data into a remote application or website accessed by a user through the personal portal web service.
A group administration provider 316 enables a group administrator to provide group access to a particularly configured web portal through the graphical user interface. This enables enterprise or group administrative users to build a private portal page so that group members can easily access shared resources from any type of device or web browser. Access control can be switched on or off for whole or partial contents of the group portal depending on the user's nature and credentials and content can be entirely or partially shared among authorized users.
An access manager 326 provides restricted access to additional statistical and analysis data compiled by the personal portal to privileged users such as paying or advanced users. This group of users have access to personal portal statistics and other data collected by the personal portal service. This group of users also preferably have access to personal portal software developer kits or an application programming interface 332 that can help them build additional pages, features and reports. Application programming interface 332 can also be used to render reports generated based upon areas selected and/or defined by users. The data is generated by a data collector 328 that collects and stores statistical data concerning use of the personal portal web service that can then be accessed by advanced users with advanced access credentials. The statistical data may have any personal identification data removed by data collector 328 such that reports are rendered with only aggregated data. Machine learning logic 330 is used to analyze the data, provide trend information, make recommendations, and help generate potential feature requests.
The personal portal web service may be implemented through the performing of a number of operations or functions for a user of the service.
The uploaded internet bookmark data is stored in a data store in step 404 of flowchart 400. The data store preferably exists in the cloud (or other network-accessible location) and is used to maintain a list of internet preferences for a user that provides quick access to the resources and is consistent regardless of the device or platform from which the list is accessed. Step 404 of
A graphical user interface that allows the user to connect to preferred websites or other internet resources specified by the internet bookmark data stored in the user preferences data store is provided in step 406. The graphical user interface displays links and connections to the preferred websites and automatically connects the user to the associated websites when the user clicks on the link. The format or theme of the graphical user interface can be selected from one of a number of predefined themes or customized by the user to satisfy their individual tastes. Step 406 of
Users of the personal portal web service may want to create a verified user account that requires a username and password to access or an anonymous portal that does not require any identifying information to access.
If the user wants an anonymous portal, the method proceeds to step 504 and a publicly accessible URL is generated that can be used to access the graphical user interface of the anonymous portal. Anyone that has the URL address can the access the preferred websites identified by the links on the web page accessed through the URL address. Anonymous web pages that were set up but that have not been accessed within a set period of time can be automatically removed to conserve system resources. Publicly accessible URL provider 318 of
If the user wants or has a log on account, the method proceeds to step 506 wherein log on information for a user account from a user on remote devices is either created or received and verified. If the user does not yet have an account established, the user is prompted to enter their desired log on information such as a username and password or provided log on information by the personal portal web service. Requiring log in information prevents unauthorized individuals from seeing the preferred websites and any other data contained in the account of a verified user. Once the log in information has been received and verified in step 506, the method proceeds to step 508 wherein the user is logged into their personal portal account. Log on routine 304 of
Once the user has either generated a publicly accessible URL for an anonymous web page as shown in step 504 or logged into their account in step 508, the user can access a number of resources through the personal portal web services by simply clicking on a link displayed on the graphical user interface of the portal. In step 510, a graphical user interface is provided that allows the user to connect to preferred websites specified by the internet bookmark data stored in the data store. This data may have been uploaded from the user's device or directly entered into the personal portal by the user. The websites specified by the internet bookmark data stored in the data store will remain the same regardless of the type of device or web browser from which the portal is accessed. Graphical user interface provider 302 of
In step 512 of flowchart 500, a graphical user interface is provided that allows the user to connect to a remote resource feed specified by the user. The remote resource feed may be hosted on any suitable remote platform, including but not limited to cloud services platforms such as Microsoft® Azure®, Amazon Web Services™, or Google Cloud Platform™. The graphical user interface may contain links that a user can click on to access the remote resource feeds. Graphical user interface provider 302 of
In step 514 of flowchart 500, a graphical user interface is provided that allows the user to connect to a remote application specified by the user. The remote application may be hosted on any suitable remote platform, including but not limited to cloud services platforms such as Microsoft® Azure®, Amazon Web Services™, or Google Cloud Platform™. The graphical user interface may contain links that a user can click on to access the remote applications. Graphical user interface provider 302 of
Accordingly, once the user is connected to the personal portal web service, it is determined in decision step 602 if any differences exist between the internet bookmark data stored on the user's remote device and the internet bookmark data stored in the data store. This can be accomplished by comparing the internet bookmark file on the remote device with the internet bookmark file stored in association with the user's account. Updater 310 of
If there are any differences between the internet bookmark data stored on the remote device associated with the user and the internet bookmark data stored in the data store, the method proceeds to step 604 in which the internet bookmark data stored in the data store is automatically synchronized with the internet bookmark data on the remote device. The user can preferably set the synchronization parameters such as whether to simply match the data on the personal portal web service with the data on the device or to add any new internet bookmarks stored on the device to the internet bookmarks stored in the data store of the portal.
If there are no differences between the internet bookmark data stored on the remote device associated with the user and the internet bookmark data stored in the data store in step 602 or the internet bookmark data stored in the data store has been synchronized with the internet bookmark data on the remote device in step 604, the method proceeds to step 606 wherein the user is allowed to manually update the internet bookmark data stored in the data store. The user preferably can enter the updates through a graphical user interface that allows the user to view and modify the current internet bookmark data. Step 606 could, for example, be performed by updater 310 of
The personal portal web service also allows a user to store, access and manage the authentication data, such as usernames and passwords, required to access restricted access websites, services or resources. To ensure security of the authentication data, even a logged-in user may be required to verify their credentials again or validate their identity through multi-factor authentication to access the authentication data. When a user accesses a restricted web resource that requires authentication data through the personal portal web service, the personal portal web service may either display or automatically enter the required authentication data.
Flowchart 700 of
After the authentication data for a user has been stored in the data store, the user can proceed to step 704 of the flowchart 700 of
As shown in step 706 of flowchart 700, the user is provided access to the authentication data stored in the data store upon request. This allows the user to see their authentication data and manually enter the data if needed. As the authentication data is centrally stored and managed, the user can access the data from any type of device or browser. Even if a user purchases a brand new device, when they log on to the personal portal web service, their authentication data will remain unchanged and not need to be reentered. As an example, graphical user interface provider 302 and authentication data store 336 of
As shown in step 708 of flowchart 700, once the user has stored their authentication data in the data store, the personal portal web service can automatically enter the authentication data into a remote website or application accessed by the user through the portal if desired. The eliminates the need to reenter the authentication data every time a user visits a restricted website. Furthermore, if the user is logged into the personal portal web service, the authentication data is available and can be automatically entered regardless of the device or browser used to access the portal. As an example, credential applier 314 of
Statistical information concerning use of the personal portal web service is preferably collected and made available to advanced or paid users. This information may be used for functions such as targeted advertising, rendering reports, providing trend information, making recommendations, and generating potential feature requests. For example, if a user frequently visits certain websites, machine learning can be used to learn the user's interests and make recommendations for similar websites or related products based on the learned user interests. An example of a generating potential feature request is that user behaviors, like updating their bookmark data using non-English characters (e.g. DBCS or BIDI), can be used to indicate international users and markets that need to be supported if currently not. Thus, localizing the portal into different languages may be a new feature request generated. Another example is that, if most of the connections to certain web sites are coming from mobile devices, this statistical data may be used to direct more investment on mobile device support versus other device support.
Flowchart 800 of
Machine learning is used in step 804 of flowchart 800 to provide trend information concerning usage of the system, make recommendations and generate feature requests. The trend information may be a list of the most commonly visited websites in a certain time period (e.g., during the last week) or a computation of an average amount of time spent on the personal portal web service by users. Machine learning can also be used to monitor users' behavior on the personal portal web service to identify potential new features that may be useful to users of the service and make recommendations regarding websites that may be of interest. Step 804 can, for example, be performed by machine learning logic 330 of
The method of flowchart 800 includes step 806 wherein user specified reports are rendered. These reports may contain user-specified categories of information and may be rendered upon the request of the user. An application programming interface may be provided by to allow application developers and other users to specify the content of the reports and customize their generation. Step 806 could, for example, be performed using application programming interface 332 of
In step 808 of the method of flowchart 800, restricted access is provided to the extended data and features provided by steps 802, 804 and 806. Access can be limited to paid customers or subscribers to a data plan that have the appropriate credentials. As noted above, an application programming interface can be provided to these advanced users to enable such users to build applications that access the data, compile reports and/or apply new or customized themes to their portal page. Step 808 could, for example, be performed by graphical user interface provider 302 and log on routine 304 of
As shown in
System 1400 also has one or more of the following drives: a hard disk drive 1414 for reading from and writing to a hard disk, a magnetic disk drive 1416 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 1418, and an optical disk drive 1420 for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk 1422 such as a CD ROM, DVD ROM, BLU-RAY™ disk or other optical media. Hard disk drive 1414, magnetic disk drive 1416, and optical disk drive 1420 are connected to bus 1406 by a hard disk drive interface 1424, a magnetic disk drive interface 1426, and an optical drive interface 1428, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer. Although a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk and a removable optical disk are described, other types of computer-readable memory devices and storage structures can be used to store data, such as flash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like.
A number of program modules or components may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, ROM, or RAM. These program modules include an operating system 1430, one or more application programs 1432, other program modules 1434, and program data 1436. In accordance with various embodiments, the program modules may include computer program logic that is executable by processing unit 1402 to perform any or all the functions and features of server 112 as described above in reference to
A user may enter commands and information into system 1400 through input devices such as a keyboard 1438 and a pointing device 1440. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game controller, scanner, or the like. In one embodiment, a touch screen is provided in conjunction with a display 1444 to allow a user to provide user input via the application of a touch (as by a finger or stylus for example) to one or more points on the touch screen. These and other input devices are often connected to processing unit 1402 through a serial port interface 1442 that is coupled to bus 1406, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB). Such interfaces may be wired or wireless interfaces.
A display 1444 is also connected to bus 1406 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1446. In addition to display 1444, system 1400 may include other peripheral output devices (not shown) such as speakers and printers.
System 1400 is connected to a network 1448 (e.g., a local area network or wide area network such as the Internet via cable/fiber/cellular networks such as Long-Term-Evolution (LTE)) through a network interface or adapter 1450, a modem 1452, or other suitable means for establishing communications over the network. Modem 1452, which may be internal or external, is connected to bus 1406 via serial port interface 1442. As used herein, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer-readable medium,” and “computer-readable storage medium” are used to generally refer to memory devices or storage structures such as the hard disk associated with hard disk drive 1414, removable magnetic disk 1418, removable optical disk 1422, as well as other memory devices or storage structures such as flash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like. Such computer-readable storage media are distinguished from and non-overlapping with communication media (do not include communication media). Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Embodiments are also directed to such communication media.
As noted above, computer programs and modules (including application programs 1432 and other program modules 1434) may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, ROM, or RAM. Such computer programs may also be received via network interface 1450, serial port interface 1442, or any other interface type. Such computer programs, when executed or loaded by an application, enable computer 1400 to implement features of embodiments of the present invention discussed herein. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the system 1400.
Embodiments are also directed to computer program products comprising software stored on any computer useable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes a data processing device(s) to operate as described herein. Embodiments of the present invention employ any computer-useable or computer-readable medium, known now or in the future. Examples of computer-readable mediums include, but are not limited to memory devices and storage structures such as RAM, hard drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, DVD ROMs, zip disks, tapes, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, MEMs, nanotechnology-based storage devices, and the like.
In alternative implementations, system 1400 may be implemented as hardware logic/electrical circuitry or firmware. In accordance with further embodiments, one or more of these components may be implemented in a system-on-chip (SoC). The SoC may include an integrated circuit chip that includes one or more of a processor (e.g., a microcontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), etc.), memory, one or more communication interfaces, and/or further circuits and/or embedded firmware to perform its functions.
In an embodiment, a system includes at least one memory configured to store program logic and at least one processor configured to access the at least one memory and to execute the program logic. The program logic includes a preferred website uploader that uploads from a remote device internet bookmark data that identifies preferred websites for a user. A data store stores the internet bookmark data. A graphical user interface provider provides a graphical user interface that enables the user to connect to the preferred websites identified by the internet bookmark data stored in the data store.
In an embodiment, the graphical user interface functions as a home page for a web browser of the user.
In an embodiment, the program logic further comprises a log on routine that receives and verifies log on information for a user account associated with the user and logs the user into the user account.
In an embodiment, the graphical user interface further enables the user to access remotely-hosted applications associated with the user account.
In an embodiment, the program logic further comprises an authentication data store that stores user authentication data for the user.
In an embodiment, the graphical user interface is operable to display the authentication data when the user is logged into the user account.
In an embodiment, the program logic comprises a credential applier that automatically enters the authentication data into a remote application accessed by the user through the graphical user interface.
In an embodiment, the graphical user interface is organized in accordance with a graphical user interface theme that specifies a logical layout for the graphical user interface, the graphical user interface being selected by the user from among a plurality of graphical user interface themes.
In an embodiment, a synchronizer synchronizes the internet bookmark data stored in the data store with internet bookmark data stored on the remote device.
In an embodiment, the program logic further comprises an access manager that enables the user to provide group access to the graphical user interface.
In an embodiment, the program logic further comprises an updater that allows the user to make changes to the internet bookmark data.
In an embodiment, a method includes uploading internet bookmark data from a remote device associated with a user. The internet bookmark data is stored in a data store. A graphical user interface is provided that allows the user to connect to preferred websites specified by the internet bookmark data stored in the data store.
In an embodiment, log on information for a user account associated with the user is received and verified and the user is logged into the user account.
In an embodiment, user authentication data for a website is stored in the data store. Access to the user authentication data is provided to the user when the user is logged into the user account.
In an embodiment, access is provided through the graphical user interface to a remote application.
In an embodiment, a publicly accessible uniform resource locator is generated that can be used to access the graphical user interface.
In an embodiment, at least one difference is detected between internet bookmark data stored on the remote device associated with the user and the internet bookmark data stored in the data store. In response to detecting the at least one difference, the internet bookmark data stored in the data store is synchronized with the internet bookmark data stored on the remote device associated with the user.
In an embodiment, statistical data concerning use of the graphical user interface by the user and other graphical user interfaces by other users is collected and stored and restricted access is provided to the statistical data.
In an embodiment, usage data concerning use of the graphical user interface by the user and other graphical user interfaces by other users is collected and stored that can be accessed by users with advanced access credentials. Machine learning is used to process the usage data, provide trend information, make recommendations, and generate potential feature requests. An application programming interface is provided via which at least one applications can access the usage data.
In an embodiment, a system includes at least one memory configured to store program logic and at least one processor configured to access the at least one memory and to execute the program logic. The program logic includes a preferred website uploader that uploads from a remote device internet preferences data that identifies internet preferences for a user. A data store stores the internet preferences data. A graphical user interface provider provides a graphical user interface that allows the user to connect to at least one of a preferred website and a remotely hosted application identified by the internet preferences data and an authentication data graphical user interface that allows the user to enter authentication data for at least one of a preferred website and a remotely hosted application. An authentication data store stores the authentication data. A credential applier automatically enters the authentication data into a remotely hosted application or preferred website.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
