Personalized page modules

#The present invention is related to the field of online content, and is more specifically directed to personalized page modules.

#Computer and computing device usage increases each year. Much of the increase in usage is spurred by internetworking of devices such as by using the Internet. With each new user and/or site coming online, the amount of information that is stored and accessible by computer systems around the world further increases. At the same time, the number, variation, and sophistication of computer users escalates, and user expectations also rise, regarding the functionality of tools, interfaces, and the user experience.

#The Internet and other networks interconnect computers and computing devices to allow for transport of data over network connections. Computers and computing devices are often organized into client-server relationships. One type of server is a web server and an example of a client is a web client such as a personal computer running a web browser program. Some web servers provide portal services that collect information from various sources and upon request generate a portal page for the web client. An example of such a portal page is at the web site www.yahoo.com provided by Yahoo Inc. This web site also has facilities that support personalized pages. See, for example, my.yahoo.com.

#The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following figures.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a page and several modules according to some embodiments of the invention.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a page with expanded modules.

#In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

#Embodiments of the invention include architectures for presenting information, including web pages. The web pages preferably include aggregate and/or full page views for presenting breadth of information, while reducing irrelevant or untimely information. These embodiments are referred to herein as collapsed views or states. Further embodiments include expanded views or states that provide additional depth of information. The views and information are provided through a user customizable interface. Preferably, the interface is segmented into discrete modules. The modules are conveniently added, edited or customized, reordered, hidden, and/or removed. Moreover, the interface has advantageous features for the selective presentation of content. The content of these embodiments, and the tools for obtaining and/or customizing the content, is said to be just in time and/or on demand.

#For instance, within each of the expanded and collapsed states, some implementations include a roll over state. This state is achieved by positioning a cursor over a selected module by using a pointing device such as a mouse, track ball, track pad, or other device. When the roll over state is achieved, certain previously hidden information and/or navigation tools appear for use by the user. Some examples of the information and/or tools that optionally appear include click buttons and/or sliding mechanisms for scrolling. Particular implementations include a horizontal scrolling means for the selective display of a variable amount of content. The content is optionally user configured and/or automatically configured. For instance, the content often includes data that is crawled from several sources by using application programming interfaces (API's) and/or really simple syndication (RSS) feeds.