Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling communication traffic
OwnerMichael Sullivan, Alan Sullivaninventors
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Abstract
Communication traffic monitoring and controlling systems and methods are disclosed that allow for controlling communication traffic over the Internet based on the identity of particular users using potentially volatile information, such as a dynamically assigned IP Addresses. The system and method allow a controller to personalize services for users without the need for the user to supply personal information, such as name, address, and the like, and without the need to have computer programs or code installed on the user's computer. Methods of doing business with a computer are provided based on the systems and methods of communication traffic monitoring and controlling.
Claims34
An Internet appliance comprising:
- a processor that receives information from a computer at a point of origin;
- a processor that analyzes the information for one or more unique identifiers;
- a processor that receives information from a computer that assigns an address in response to a request containing a unique identifier;
- and
- a processor that correlates the unique identifier with the address.
An Internet appliance comprising:
- means for receiving information from a computer at a point of origin;
- means for analyzing the information for one or more unique identifiers;
- means for receiving information from a computer that assigns an address in response to a request containing a unique identifier;
- and
- means for correlating the unique identifier with the address.
A method of dynamically monitoring communication traffic between a computer at a point of origin and a server that issues device identifiers, said method comprising:
- receiving a unique identifier from a computer at a point of origin;
- receiving a device identifier that has been issued by a computer server that issues device identifiers;
- correlating the unique identifier and the device identifier;
- and
- dynamically using the correlation information to control communication traffic.
A method of controlling communication traffic on the Internet, said method comprising:
- identifying a computer at a point of origin by an identifier that is unique to that computer;
- determining if the computer at the point of origin has elected to receive one or more services;
- and
- providing the services if the computer has elected to receive them, or not providing the services if the computer has elected not to receive them.
A method of doing business using a computer, said method comprising:
- identifying a computer at a point of origin by an identifier that is unique to that computer;
- determining if the computer at the point of origin has elected to receive one or more services that can be provided using the Internet;
- providing the services or services if the computer has elected to receive them, or not providing the service or services if the computer has elected not to receive them;
- and
- charging the user of the computer at the point of origin to participate in the service, charging suppliers of information to the service, or both.
An article of manufacture for use as a computer program transmission apparatus, said article comprising:
- at least one device comprising a substrate capable of storing electronic information that enables a computer to perform at least one function,
- wherein the function comprises a process for dynamically monitoring communication traffic between a computer at a point of origin and a server that issues device identifiers, and wherein the process comprises:
- receiving a unique identifier from a computer at a point of origin;
- receiving a device identifier that has been issued by a computer server that issues device identifiers;
- correlating the unique identifier and the device identifier;
- and
- dynamically using the correlation information to control communication traffic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.