Methods and apparatus for delivering targeted information and advertising over the internet
US6442529B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/1091
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for subsidizing Internet access through advertising using a “portal provider” that supplies a “mini-portal” to the users of selected Internet service providers (ISPs). The mini-portal includes communications hardware, for connecting to the Internet, and display software, for displaying advertisements or other messages from local non-volatile storage during idle time, such as when the user's computer is connecting to the Internet. Advertisers are sold access to display their advertisements through the display software, and the revenue thus generated may be used to subsidize providing the mini-portal and Internet access fees. A validation mechanism is provided wherein a validation server operated by the portal provider sends data to the mini-portal that helps keep the advertisements current, and gives the portal provider an ongoing role in providing advertisements to mini-portal users.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.