WO2001060021A2

WO2001060021A2 - Internet content download

Info

Publication number: WO2001060021A2
Application number: PCT/GB2001/000475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Michael Gaffney; Jane Lesley Aldridge
Original assignee: Internet-Extra Ltd.
Priority date: 2000-02-08
Filing date: 2001-02-06
Publication date: 2001-08-16
Also published as: AU3200401A; WO2001060021A3

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method of transferring preselected data from a communications network (2) to an end station (1). This is achieved by monitoring the communications network (2) so that the end station (1) need only be connected to the network (2) when preselected data is ready or available. Accordingly, preselected data can be made available to the user as though a permanent connection were present whilst the technique allows the simplicity and reduced cost of a temporary connection to be utilised. E-mail and specific information content can be provided by an ISP (3) and delivered directly to the user's computer (1) by means of a connection initiated from the ISP (3) so that there is no necessity for the user's computer to be able to initiate a connection. The subscriber's administrator can specify the information content to be transferred by configuring parameters held at the ISP (3). Furthermore, the subscriber's administrator may, or may not, set configuration parameters at the ISP (3) to control the extent of E-mail communication permitted to the individual user.

Description

INTERNET CONTENT DOWNLOAD

Background to the Invention

It is a function of an Internet terminal to obtain information from the Internet, whether relating directly to Internet pages or email or other information content.

Internet terminals are connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which is able to provide onward connection to the Internet and which also stores regularly used information locally. In addition to this, the ISP will typically provide other services such as access to news groups and electronic mail (E-mail) services. Connection to an ISP from an Internet terminal can be achieved in two main ways . Firstly, a continuous connection can be provided between the ISP and the Internet terminal, using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) , Broadband or Cable modems, or the like. This allows any information to be downloaded to the user's Internet terminal as soon as it is updated at the ISP. For example, as soon as an E-mail is received at the ISP, it is transferred to the relevant user's Internet terminal. However, the use of such permanent connections can be costly, as well as straining the bandwidth capabilities of the telecommunications companies and the ISPs.

Secondly, the Internet terminal can be provided with a temporary connection to the ISP which must be activated by the user of the Internet terminal. This is usually achieved using an Internet terminal formed from a computing device coupled to the ISP using a standard telephone line and a computer modem.

In order to operate this temporary connection, computer programs exist that contain the functionality to dial the appropriate telephone number and establish a data connection with similar equipment at the ISP.

Further computer programs exist that can utilise this data connection to interchange information between the user's computer and the ISP using the accepted and agreed data protocols.

Accordingly, in this second case, information can only be passed in either direction when the user, or user's computer equipment, has initiated the connection with ISP. In this case, the user may be interested in certain changes in the information available from the ISP, such as the availability of new E-mails, but has no means of knowing that such changes have occurred without initiating repeated connections and downloading such information that may, or may not, have changed.

It would be considered as normal operation for a user to check for the presence of E-mail messages at the ISP to initiate a connection to an ISP using a standard telephone line with a computer modem device attached. It is only after this connection has been made and a log-on procedure completed that the computer can establish the presence of E-mail on the server. This process can take around 1 or 2 minutes to complete and is likely to incur a minimum charge for the telephone connection even if there is no E-mail to collect.

Accordingly, if the user only receives E-mail intermittently then the use of a temporary connection becomes wasteful of both the user's time and money if performed frequently. The apparent cost may be further increased if the telephone service provider charges a minimum charge or connection charge for each call . The cost is further multiplied when the user has multiple E- mail or ISP accounts and is required to make multiple telephone calls to access each one in turn. The cost is again multiplied where connection is being made over a network with higher charges, for example a mobile network .

The process becomes very wasteful and inefficient if the user wishes to check for E-mail on a frequent basis and can result in needless expenditure for both the user and/or the ISP, as well as needlessly using bandwidth on the telecommunications network used for the connection.

It is a major characteristic of Internet based E- mail and browsing connection services offered by ISPs that access to content is almost universal and unrestricted. Whilst this unrestricted access is mostly welcomed by users there are situations where this lack of restriction may be regarded as a disadvantage. It is also understood that provision of such unrestricted service may lead to many distractions and significant wasted time and money due to the attractiveness of the content available to the user, the technical complexities of the systems required to view such content, and the costs of the telephone calls to the ISP. Whilst this may be of little concern to a private user it may be of more significant concern to corporate and business users and is likely to cause such organisations to forgo the provision of E-mail and web browsing services to employees . Programs exist that can control the access to web pages based on parameters that can be set at the user's computer. These programs are primarily designed for the purpose of introducing parental control over access to information content by children. It is not practicable to use these means to control the time spent accessing information content as the controls are intended to specifically allow for access to the majority of information content and the frequency and extent of the connection is still controlled by the user.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, we provide a method of transferring preselected data from a communications network to an end station, the end station being selectively connectable to the communications network, the me -hod comprising the steps of : monitoring the communications network to determine the status of the preselected data; connecting the communications network and the end station; transferring preselected data to the end station; and, disconnecting the communications network and the end station.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, we provide an apparatus for transferring preselected data from a communications network to an end station, the apparatus comprising a monitoring system coupled to the communications network and selectively connectable to the end station, the monitoring system being adapted to: monitor the communications network to determine the status of the preselected data; cause the connection of the monitoring system to the end station; transfer the preselected data to the end station; and, cause the disconnection of the monitoring system and the end station.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method of transferring preselected data from a communications network to an end station. This is achieved by monitoring the communications network so that the end station need only be connected to the network when preselected data is ready or available. Accordingly, preselected data can be made available to the user as though a permanent connection were present whilst the technique allows the simplicity and reduced cost of a temporary connection to be utilised. With the transfer of data being originated from a remote system, there is greater flexibility in balancing the data transfer load and in negotiating more competitive telecommunications changes . The communications network typically comprises the Internet. In this case, the preselected data would typically include at least one of E-mails and updated web pages. However, any information contained on the Internet or an ISP, such as news group postings, MP3 files, news, video or other multimedia files, or the like, may be transferred in a similar manner. The result of content searches initiated by the user could be delivered off-peak at the discretion of the ISP and then reassembled on the client machine for immediate real time browsing. The technique can also be used to deliver individual content to network users, e.g. supermarkets could inform red wine drinkers that they have a special cheese on offer. The marketing targeting information would come from their customer purchasing analysis. Preselected data that is of significant size may be delivered subsequently, for example, audio, video and other types of multimedia files.

As an alternative to the Internet, the communications network could be a Local or Wide Area

Network (LAN or WAN) which may be used by individuals, private companies or the like. In this case, this could be used to minimise connection bandwidth by allowing any preselected data to be transferred to users ' computers only when it is updated or first becomes available.

A monitoring system is provided for monitoring the communications network to determine the update status of the preselected data. Preferably, the monitoring system monitors the status of the preselected data to determine whether or not it is new or otherwise updated.

If the network is the Internet, then the monitoring process can be carried out by or at an ISP. Alternatively, an additional remote monitoring system, which is coupled to one or more ISPs can be used. In either case, the monitoring system can be configured to monitor information contained on several ISPs simultaneously, allowing a user to consolidate services, such as multiple E-mail accounts, which are provided by different ISPs.

This may be achieved by providing permanent connections between the monitoring system and the ISP(s) to determine when data provided is updated or is ready for transfer. The monitoring system could be implemented as a hardware device coupled to the Internet or ISPs, or as software within current ISPs.

Alternative monitoring systems can be utilised, such as appropriately adapted network servers, or computing devices, depending on the network environment used.

The end station typically comprises a processing system adapted to communicate with the network via a communications device, such as a modem. Thus, the end station may comprise an Internet terminal, an interactive TV system, a portable computer coupled to an ISP via a wireless communication protocol, or the like. Accordingly, the preselected data which is being transferred can be transferred using Internet protocols, the telephone network, or the like.

Preferably, the monitoring system is adapted to determine the status of the preselected data by: defining the preselected data; causing the monitoring system to periodically determine the preselected data; and, causing the monitoring system to identify changes in the status of the preselected data.

This allows a subscriber to define the preselected data and this may be achieved either from the subscriber's end station, or remotely via other methods, such as the telephone. Thus, for example, this can allow the subscriber to specify that any new E-mails should be downloaded to a specific user's terminal when these are received at an appropriate ISP, or the like. Thus, the subscriber to the system may be a company or employer, with the system being provided for the employees. In this case, the employer can arrange for E-mails and the like to be downloaded automatically onto the employees computers as required. In addition to this, the subscriber can control the system to ensure only predetermined data can be transferred to the employee, enabling the employer to keep certain information confidential. Alternatively, the update of different web pages or news groups could be specified.

Accordingly, in the present invention E-mail and specific information content can be provided by an ISP and delivered directly to the user's computer by means of a connection initiated from the ISP so that there is no necessity for the user's computer to be able to initiate a connection. The subscriber's administrator can specify the information content to be transferred by configuring parameters held at the ISP. Furthermore, the subsriber's administrator may, or may not, set configuration parameters at the ISP to control the extent of E-mail communication permitted to the individual user. It follows that these features may be controlled for an individual user or for groups of users where the requirements may be similar. The present invention therefore allows the user to benefit from unrestricted E- mail communication with any other party that has access to E-mail facilities or to communicate under such controls as may be deemed desirable by the subscriber's administrator .

Several methods are available for establishing the connection between the communications network, or the monitoring system coupled to the communications network and the end station.

In a first example, when the monitoring system determines the status of the preselected data, the method further comprises the steps of: causing the monitoring system to establish a connection with the end station; causing the transfer of the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, disconnecting the monitoring system and the end station.

Accordingly, in this example, the monitoring system initiates the connection automatically when updated preselected data is located.

In a second example, the method further comprises the steps of : causing the end station to periodically attempt to establish the connection with the monitoring system; causing the monitoring system to establish the connection if the preselected data has been determined; causing the transfer of the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, disconnecting the monitoring system and the end station.

In this example, the user's end station periodically attempts to connect to the monitoring system, such as the ISP. The monitoring system uses identification techniques to determine which end station is attempting to connect. This may be achieved for example by utilizing the caller line identification (CLID) signal provided by the telecommunications network which indicates the telephone number associated with the computer dialling in. The monitoring system then determines if any preselected data, such as new E-mails or updated web pages is available and if so allow the connection to proceed. If there is no new information, the connection will not be formed.

In a third example, the method further comprises the steps of: causing the monitoring system to indicate to a user of the end station that the preselected data has been determined; having the user cause the end station to connect to the monitoring system; transferring the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, disconnecting tie monitoring system and the end station.

In this example, the monitoring system signals to the user remotely that information is available and the user can then access the system in the normal way. The manner in which the monitoring system can remotely indicate to the user that preselected data is available can be achieved in a number of ways, but preferably is achieved by contacting the user via the telephone network. This can be achieved again in a number of ways without incurring costs. Thus, for example, the monitoring system can:

(1) cause the user's telephone to ring a predetermined number of times; (2) cause the user's telephone to ring using a predetermined ring cadence; or, (3) cause a modification of the dial tone as the user's telephone. For example, the monitoring system may be provided by the user's telecommunications company which can then contact the user via the telephone, in a manner similar to voice mail services. Other options are of course available, such as providing appropriate indicators on a user's telephone.

Whilst the user may not have a continuous data connection, it is to be expected that the monitoring system will have such continuous connection with the network. For example, the monitoring system may be continuously connected with the Internet, typically via one or more ISPs in order to provide the services that currently exist.

Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first example of an apparatus operating m accordance with the "Push" aspect of the present invention to automatically download information to the user; Figure 2 is a block diagram of the processes executed between the user end station and an assisted download server of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second example of apparatus operating m accordance with the "Push" aspect of the present invention;

Figures 4a and 4b are examples of the images presented to the user of an end station when selecting web site data for download using the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a number of examples of apparatus operating in accordance with the

"Indicate" aspect of the present invention to signal the availability of information to the user;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a first example of an apparatus operating in accordance with the "Check" aspect of the present invention to control the checking of the availability of information by the user;

Figure 7, 8, and 9 are further schematic diagrams, each illustrating an alternative example of apparatus operating in accordance with the "Check" aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a first example of an apparatus operating in accordance with the "Controlled Access" aspect of the present invention; and, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a second example of an apparatus operating in accordance with "Controlled Access" aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is an example of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention which can be used automatically to download information to a user. For the purpose of the illustrations in the description of this invention, the communication medium has been assumed to be by a PSTN. Although operating parameters may differ, equivalent functionality can be provided by other networks that make connection by means of a dial-up link, for example mobile switched networks or trunked radio networks. Other systems offer dial-up connection, for example the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) . These varied implementations are equally applicable for use as part of the system described below.

The apparatus includes a number of end stations 1 which are coupled to the Internet 2, via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 3.

Client software (not shown) is resident within the users ' computers 1 and may be provided to the users by various means, for example pre-loaded on the machine, on a disk that may be loaded by the user or downloaded from the Internet 2. The client software includes the appropriate functionality to enable usage of the invention as described and may be used in conjunction with other standard existing software and hardware. Specifically, the client software may include the facility to receive a call from the ISP 3.

The user's end station 2 may take one of a number of different forms and sizes, examples of suitable machines include: a desktop computer; a notebook computer; a portable or palm-top computer.

It will be realised that the present invention may be applied to communications networks other than the Internet 2, in which case the ISP 3 would be replaced by an appropriate equivalent system.

In this example, the end stations 1 are connected to the ISP 3 via respective modems 4.

It is necessary for a modem 4 to be connected to each end station 1 and to a telephone line, to allow the interconnection of the end station 1 and the ISP 3. The modem should have features that may include the following : capability to dial out; capability to auto-answer; negotiation of protocol and speed; and error correction. In addition, where the modem 4 is used to receive incoming notification from the ISP 3 then the ability to receive and decode Caller Line Identification (CLID) before the call is answered is desirable.

The ISP 3 includes an ISP server 5 for providing normal ISP connectivity. This is connected to the

Internet 2 and is connected to receive incoming calls from end stations 1 via a PSTN using a number of modems 6.

The ISP server 5 has the same functionality as a standard ISP server. The ISP server 5 is represented in the diagram as a single machine but may consist of a number of machines providing similar functionality or be an integral part of another machine or system that also performs other functions. The user may dial in to the ISP 3 and connect to the ISP server 5 in the normal way. The ISP 3 also includes an assisted download server 7 which is coupled to the end stations 1 via a number of modems 8. The assisted download server 7 generally comprises a processing system, such as a computing device, programmed to operate in accordance with the present invention.

It performs several functions including:

• Registering the user's preferences and configuration settings. • Monitoring E-mail and information status against the user's settings.

• Determination of the appropriate time for initiating a call to the user's system.

• Determination and correlation of the information to be downloaded to the user's computer.

• Compression of information to be downloaded.

• Formatting of the information to be downloaded. • Initiating a call to the user's computer.

• Exchange find verification of the security codes prior to download.

• Downloading of information content to the user's computer.

• Uploading of outgoing E-mail and updated user preferences from the user's computer.

• Uncompressing of uploaded data.

• Processing of outgoing E-mail. • Updating of user preferences.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, normal Internet access can be provided to the end stations 1 via the ISP server 5, and the modems 4,6. This in turn allows the user to connect with other ISPs via the Internet 2. In addition to this, a TCP/IP connection is provided between the ISP server 5 and the assisted download server 7, allowing the user to dial -in to the ISP server 5 and obtain information from the assisted download server 7. The ISP modems 6,8 provide similar functionality to that of any common ISP modem and are compatible with that of the users. The modem may be a physical box or may be an integral part of another system such as a computer or telecommunications switch or exchange. This equipment may be installed at the ISP premises or be remotely connected to it .

The ISP server 5 only receives calls from users ' end stations 1 and does not make outgoing calls. Accordingly, the modems 6 are adapted to receive incoming calls from the modems 4 but are unable to make outgoing calls .

The assisted download server 7 registers users' requirements for the updating of information and monitors for such changes on the specified Internet pages. The system can also temporarily store E-mail for onward transmission at the appropriate time. In this example, the assisted download server 7 monitors information and E-mail provided via the Internet 2 and initiates a connection to the user when there is a requirement to do so.

Under the system the subscriber makes initial contact with the ISP 3 for the purpose of registering for the service and setting the users ' preferences and configuration using the standard dial -in connection. The subscriber is invited to set a number of parameters and enter key data to identify the users' requirements and preferences. Along with other information registered, this may include identification of normal working days; normal working times; names of E-mail originators; frequency of updates required; E-mail considered urgent; web pages of interest etc. The assisted download server 7 utilises individual user's registered preferences to periodically monitor E- mail and web pages. For example, this allows the assisted download server 7 to connect to a number of ISPs and not just a single ISP. This allows a user to configure the preferences such that different E-mail accounts held with different ISPs can all be checked by the same assisted download server 7. Upon locating updated information, such as new E-mails, the assisted download server 7 arranges for the updated information to be transferred to the respective users' end station 1.

This can be achieved in a number of ways but, as will be described with respect to Figure 2 below, is usually achieved by having the assisted download server 7 establish a connection with the end station 1. Accordingly, the modems 8 are adapted to make outgoing calls, as well as being adapted to receive incoming calls in the normal way.

Operation of the assisted download server 7 to establish a connection will now be described with reference to the flow diagram of Figure 2.

Once the assisted download server 7 has determined that information specified by the subscriber's parameters has been updated and is ready for download, the assisted download server 7 automatically initiates a connection to the user's end station 1 (step 100) . The user's end station 1 answers the call and commences security verification with the assisted download server 7 (step 110) . The assisted download server 7 verifies the security code and exchanges security verification data with the end station 1 (step 120) .

At this point, the user's end station 1 can transfer information to the assisted download server 7, or to the normal ISP server 5, via the assisted download server 7, as required (step 130) . This normally includes the step of compressing the information prior to download. The assisted download server 7 receives the information, decompressing it if required. The assisted download server 7 will then transfer any updated data to the end station 1, including the updated information defined in the user's preferences, in the normal way (step 140) .

Once the end station 1 has confirmed receipt of the data (step 150) the assisted download server 7 terminates the call (step 160) and the user's end station 1 returns to a standby state (step 170) .

For the purposes of the invention, the service may be provided to a single user with a single computer terminal, modem and dedicated telephone line. The service may also be provided to multiple users each with similar equipment, as shown in Figure 1. In this case, the subscriber to the system can set different user parameters for each user, so that users can only obtain information, such as E-mails, which is appropriate to them.

In the example shown in Figure 3, a single computer system, such as a staging server 9, receives the incoming call from the ISP 3 and then makes individual calls to locally forward data to each separate user end station 1. The staging server 9 provides for improved functionality and lower operating cost where the user has access to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) that provides calls within the same organisation or office at a reduced rate. Typically, the staging server 9 provides the following functions: • Maintain configuration information for each local user.

• Receive calls from the assisted download server 7.

• Receive compressed and formatted information for each local user.

• Send compressed outgoing E-mail and other information to the assisted download server 7.

• Initiate a data call to each local user.

• Download compressed and formatted information, as was received from the assisted download server 7, to each local user, as appropriate.

• Upload compressed outgoing E-mail and other information from each local user.

• To maintain local temporary storage for information held on behalf of local users.

• To maintain lists of security codes as notified by the assisted download server 7.

• To perform security challenge and response verification for each connection. • To perform other functions similar to those already mentioned above where these may be more appropriately performed locally.

In this example, the staging server 9 receives the updated information as a data transfer from the assisted download server 7, via a modem 10. The information is then transferred on to the users' end stations 1 via a modem 11 and a respective modem 4. It will be appreciated that the transfer of the data to a user's end station 1 may be achieved simultaneously, or subsequently to the receipt of the data by the staging server 9. The staging server 9 is shown diagrammatically connected to two modems 10, 11 for clarity of illustration. This also provides for optimum performance in that an outgoing ail from the staging server 9 will not prevent a call being received from the assisted download server 7. For low to moderate levels of data traffic a single modem will serve to provide adequate functionality.

As this local forwarding of information may sometimes be achieved by dialling within a PBX it may achieve significantly reduced telephone costs for some users. The service may also be provided to users that access their E-mail and Internet information without the use of a conventional end station 1, for example by using an appropriately enabled television or specialised end station. It is common for small businesses to have installed a PBX providing telephone connections between staff and this can be utilized along with a staging server 9 as has been described. Whilst this PBX has normally taken the form of equipment installed at the user's premises, it is now common for this PBX to exist in other forms. For example, the PBX functionality may be provided on another exchange or switch, remote from the user's site. These varied implementations are equally applicable for use as part of the system described in the present application. Communication between the end stations 1 or staging server 9 and the assisted download server 7 utilises the most efficient and appropriate data transfer and data compression protocols. Accordingly, communication need not adhere to the normal Internet standards, resulting in faster communication speeds and reduced connection times and costs.

With the transfer of data being originated by the assisted download server 7, there is a greater flexibility in balancing the data transfer load and in negotiating more competitive telecommunications charges. The assisted download server 7 can be adapted to download large files onto a user's end station 1 at a convenient time, such as overnight. Accordingly, this allows the user to request that certain information is provided by the assisted download server, together with an indication of the time by which the information is required.

For example, the user may require the download of one or more MP3 files from the ISP 3. In this case, the user submits a request to the assisted download server 7 indicating the information that is required, together with an indication of when the data is required. This can be achieved by setting appropriate preferences, as outlined above.

In most circumstances, the information will be stored m the assisted download server 7. However, if this is not the case, the information is downloaded from the Internet 2, or the ISP server 5, as required. Once the data has been obtained, the assisted download server 7 arranges for the data to be downloaded onto the user's end station 1, using the techniques outlined above. The transfer is performed in accordance with predefined criteria and in accordance with the indicated time. For example, if the information is in the form of a large file, this could be downloaded onto the user's end station 1 at night, when the end station 1 is not otherwise in use. This allows cheap overnight calls to be utilised, as well as ensuring that the data is not transferred at a time when the load on the communications system is high.

A further example of the benefits of the system will now be described. In this example, the technique is used to allow the end station user access to a web site. In normal circumstances, when a user of an end station 1 wants to examine the contents of a web site, the user must connect to the web site via the ISP 3 and the Internet 2. As a result, the rate at which the data on the web site can be displayed to the user is dependent heavily on both the usage of the Internet 2 and the usage of the ISP 3, which means it can take as much as several minutes to access each page on the site. This can result in the time taken to look at a site being unduly long.

To overcome this problem, the present invention can allow the assisted download techniques described above to be used to transfer the web site data onto the user end station 1, thereby greatly enhancing the rate at which the data can be viewed. In this example, the user initially accesses a web site by having the end station 2 dial into the ISP 3, in the normal way. Once the site has been accessed, as shown in Figure 4A, the user can select a download option, which is typically provided as a download option button 30 in the web page. In the example shown, the user has accessed a web site relating to cars.

When the download option button 30 has been selected, this directs the user to an options page shown in Figure 4B. The options page sets out the different portions of the web site which can be downloaded. In this example, the options page indicates a range of different vehicles for which details can be obtained. This allows the end station user to select the information required by checking the appropriate boxes 31. In addition to this, menus 32,33,34 can be used to control the information transfer. Menu 32 allows the user to indicate when the information is required. The menu 33 indicates whether updates to the web site should be transferred, whilst menu 34 allows the manner in which the update is to be indicated to the user to be controlled.

Details of the options selected by the user are then transferred to the assisted download server 7. The assisted download server 7 subsequently obtains the required information from the Internet 2, and transfers it to the end station 1. This is achieved by having the assisted download server 7 initiate a connection to the end station 1 and then transfer the data, as described above. This is performed in accordance with the instructions provided in the menus 32,33,34 to ensure the end station 1 is updated at a convenient time. Once the information is transferred to the end station 1, the end station reconfigures the data allowing the web site to be viewed with the data being obtained directly from an internal store. This allows the information to be viewed without the end station 1 being connected to the Internet 2, thereby improving the access time .

The user will gain the following benefits from the system:

• E-mail messages will be sent regularly with no action necessary on the part of the user.

• E-mail will arrive at the user's computer and may be notified to the user, appearing at sufficiently frequent intervals as though the user has continuous connection to the ISP. • Information on the Internet will be monitored with no action necessary on the part of the user and any changes may be drawn to the user's attention.

• Frequently accessed information will be stored locally on the user's computer and can be accessed immediately with no connection delay.

• Frequently accessed information stored locally will have been maintained up to date to a frequency selected by the user.

• Frequently accessed information that has been stored locally may be displayed instantly whilst the system is initiating a connection to facilitate its updating.

• The arrival of infrequent E-mail or information at the ISP can be signalled to the user without requiring the user to frequently and repeatedly dial in to the ISP to check.

A further aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. In this example, the invention provides means of signalling to a user that information is available at the ISP 3. Utilising this method of signalling enables a user to remain regularly informed about the presence of E-mail or other information at the ISP 3 without the need to dial in to the ISP.

In this example, this functionality is achieved by allowing information to be transferred to the user via a system that indicates the presence of updated information. This system may take various forms. Implementation of this aspect of the invention is achieved using an indication server 12 which alerts the user of the end station 1 to the fact that information is available for download. This allows the user to subsequently connect to the ISP 3 in any one of a number of different manners, as shown in Figure 5.

The indication server 12 provides a similar functionality to the assisted download server 7. However, in contrast, the indication server 12 must also be capable of indicating the presence of information to the user by manner other than by initiating a connection with the end station 1 and downloading the information directly. Accordingly, the indication server 12 is usually adapted to be coupled to a telephone line to indicate the presence of E-mail to the user via the telephone network.

In a first example, the alert functionality is provided as software resident in the user's computer. To indicate the presence of updated information the indication server 12 initiates a call to the user's end station 1. The modem 4 identifies the CLID which is provided within the ring tones of the telephone call and passes this information to the user's end station 12.

If the end station 1 detects that the call has been made by the indication server 12, it will register that updated information is available and signal this to the user. This may be achieved, for example, by displaying an icon on a display of the end station 1, or alternatively causing the scroll lock light to flash on a keyboard. It is therefore possible for the alert system software resident on the user's end station 1 to register the presence of updated information without answering the call made by the indication server 12.

As an additional option, the alert system may choose to answer the call in order to receive more detailed information about the updated information available.

Alternative methods of operation are also possible. Thus, signalling from the indication server 12 may be accomplished by various means including causing a predetermined number of rings, rings at a predetermined time, an alternative ring cadence or alternative dial tones on the telephone line, as will be explained below. In a second example, an alert unit 13 is provided which is coupled to one or more of the user's telephones 14. The alert unit 13 is designed to intercept calls made to the telephones 14 and identify the CLID which is provided within the ring tones of the telephone call. The alert unit 13 connects to the telephones 14 and provides onward connection to the telephone line. When an inbound call is received the alert unit 13 suppresses the ringing signal provided on the telephones whilst it monitors and decodes the CLID information signalled by the telecommunications provider. This can be achieved without the alert unit 13 having to answer the call. If the call is of unknown origin then the connection is made directly through the telephones and the alert unit 13 takes no further part in the call which continues to cause the telephones to ring as in a normal call. If the CLID is recognised as being that of the ISP 3 then the alert unit 13 may take the call without allowing the telephones to ring. This system of signalling may be equally well applied to mobile telephone systems and may thus utilise the additional facilities and functionality provided, for example alphanumeric and graphical display features . If the alert unit 13 detects that a call has been made by the indication server 12. An indication may be provided to the user by means of a lamp or display or similar located on the alert unit. If the alert unit 13 determines that the CLID is not from the indication server 12 then the call is transferred to a normal telephone 14, in the normal way.

In addition, it is also possible for the user's end station 1 and modem 4 to be connected to the ISP 3 via the same telephone line or to be connected via a socket provided on the alert unit 13 for the purpose . With these various arrangements it is possible for the alert unit 13 to selectively cause either the telephones or modem to respond to the incoming call. The user can then initiate a connection to the indication server 12, or an appropriate ISP, as required. As a modification to this, the end station 1 can be adapted to respond automatically to the indication to initiate a connection with the indication server 12. This therefore provides similar functionality to the system of Figure 1.

In a third example, the alert unit 13 is built into a specialised alert telephone 15, which can in turn be coupled to a number of telephones 14. In a fourth example, the indication server 12 is simply connected to one or more standard telephones 14 with a single line connection. In this example, the user of the end station 1 registers preferences with the indication server 12 indicating a time at which information is to be transferred. Accordingly, the system user may for example indicate that information is to be transferred at 9am and 5pm. At this time the indication server 12 will initiate a telephone call to the telephones 14. A predetermined number of rings is then used to indicate to the user of the end station 1 whether E-mail or other updated ir.formation is present in the indication server 12. In thiε case, when a predetermined number of rings has been generated by the PSTN, the indication server 12 will cause the call to be terminated.

A further option is for the indication server 12 to cause the PSTN to implement different ring cadences for the telephones 14. This can be achieved by having multiple telephone numbers associated with the telephones 12 as represented for example by the connections 21A,21B. In this case, if information is available at the indication server 12, the indication server 12 can generate a call to a unique number which causes the PSTN to ring a telephone 14 with a unique ring cadence thereby indicating to the user that updated information is available. It will be appreciated that the user need not answer the phone and accordingly after a predetermined number of rings the indication server 12 can end the call .

A further option available is for the dial tone utilised by the telephone to be modified if information is available. This can be achieved by the telecom companies and accordingly, the indication server 12 can generate a signal which is transferred in an appropriate manner to a control system which modifies the dial tone, such as to generate an intermittent dial tone. Accordingly, when the user of the end station 1 picks the phone up to make a phone call, this will indicate that data information is available at the indication server 12.

It will be appreciated that the use of modified dial tones or ring cadences can also be achieved using an appropriately modified alert unit 13. In this case, upon detecting a call from the indication server 12, the alert unit 13 can cause the telephone to ring using a modified cadence, or to present a modified dial tone to the user when the telephone is next used.

In all of the above examples, once the end station user has determined that data is available, then the user may initiate a connection to the ISP 3, or the indication server 12, using the end station 1, in the normal way. Accordingly, this allows the indication server 12 to provide similar services to the assisted download server 7. For example, in the case of obtaining web site information, as described above with respect to Figure 4, the indication server 12 would indicate to the user when data is ready to be transferred. The user can then initiate the connection allowing data to be transferred from the indication server 12 to the end station 1, in the manner described above with respect to Figure 1.

In the example of Figure 6, the system utilises a check server 16 coupled to number of user end stations 1 via respective modems 4,17. The check server 16 is located at the ISP 3 so as to provide the desired service. The check server 16 provides facilities to store and retrieve the user's configuration details, including access details for the user's E-mail accounts, where these accounts may be held with other ISPs. The check server 16 periodically interrogates the servers holding these accounts in order to extract information regarding the user's E-mail messages being held on these servers. The interrogation may be achieved using any form of suitable communication medium, for example directly over the Internet 2. The check server 16 provides for a summary of the status of E-mail messages in these various E-mail accounts and arranges for this summary information to be made available without significant delay when required. When the check server 16 is notified that an incoming call is ringing it will read the CLID being presented by the caller, identify the user originating the call from this CLID and access the summary information for the user's E-mail accounts. If the summary information includes details of E-mail awaiting download then the check server 16 will answer the call within a previously arranged time period "T" . If the summary information indicates that there is no new E-mail messages awaiting download then the check server 16 will not answer the call within the time period "T" . If the caller continues to allow the line to ring after this time period "T" then the check server 16 may answer.

The check server 16 is also able to be implemented on communications networks, other than the Internet, such as WANS or the like, which allows the transfer of E-mail to a users machine. The check server modem 17 provides similar functionality to that of the ISP modem 8 already described above. In addition to this standard functionality, the check server modem 17 must be capable of reading the CLID for the incoming call during ringing and before the call is answered and be able to signal this information to the server. Alternative appropriate communications devices may be used for coupling the user to the check server 16.

As in the case of the assisted download server 7, described with respect to Figure 1, the subscriber makes initial contact with the check server 16 for the purpose of registering for the service and setting the configuration.

The subscriber is invited to enter details of existing E-mail accounts that can be accessed using the Internet and details of service preferences. Along with other information registered, this may include details of: User Preferences, User account names, User passwords, E-mail server access details and the like. The system utilises this information to access all the specified E- mail accounts at the specified frequency and extract the specified information. As a minimum, this will be a simple count of any E-mail messages awaiting collection but does not preclude that the information extracted may be extended to include the complete E-mail message if the subscriber so wishes. This information is held at the check server 16 awaiting collection. On registering for the service the user is provided with a client adapter which may be in the form of either hardware or software, or a combination of the two. In the example shown in Figure 6, the client adaptor is a software program loaded on to the user's end station 1. The client adapter is adapted to make regular calls to the check server 16 as determined by the subscriber's preferences .

When the incoming call rings at the check server 16 the server reads the CLID and attempts to match this with subscriber records before the call is answered. This will be used to identify the subscriber and the database is checked to find if there are outstanding E-mail message awaiting collection. If there are messages awaiting collection the check server 16 will answer immediately, initiate an identification and security checking transaction and pass the required information to the subscriber. The subscriber will now be aware of which ISPs and accounts have E-mail awaiting collection and can connect directly to these services to retrieve the mail following disconnection from the check server 16 call.

If there are no messages awaiting collection, the check server 16 will delay answering the call for a previously agreed period of time. Failure to answer the call within an agreed time period will signal to the client adapter that there is no mail for collection. Thus the client adapter may terminate the attempted call before connection has been established and not incur any call charges. If the client adapter has other business to transact then it can continue with the call beyond the previously agreed time period until a connection has been established.

The client adapter may exist in various alternative forms, examples of which are illustrated as follows: It may be provided as an electronic unit 18 connecting with the user's end station 1 and modem 4, as illustrated in Figure 7. This will provide the same functionality already described but will not require the computer to be turned on. The user will only need to turn on the computer when the client adapter 18 indicates that there is E-mail to be downloaded.

It may also be provided as a similar electronic unit 18, as illustrated in Figure 8. This performs the same function as already described. In addition, the client adapter includes means to signal to an indicator, such as a lamp 19, located locally, but remote from the client adapter 18, that there are E-mail messages available to download. This signalling may be achieved by various means. Examples of this might be a coded signal conveyed on the main electricity supply or a radio transmission system. The remote indicator 19 may indicate various information, ranging from a simple "on/off" to a complex series of status indications.

It may also be provided as a similar electronic unit 18, as illustrated in Figure 9. This performs the same function as already described. In this example the client adapter 18 is free-standing and does not need to be associated with other equipment such as a computer or modem. This form of the client adapter can be connected directly to the telephone line or other alternative communications device. The client adapter includes a modem or similar functionality. This may be achieved using other alternative signalling means, for example Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) .

The client adapter may also be provided as an integral part of another device, for example a computer, modem, telephone instrument or fax machine.

The client adapter functionality could also be implemented using a dial -in voice response system requiring no specific software or hardware device at the user location. In this case the user would dial an alternative service telephone number and would be responsible for adhering to a specified procedure. The user would be identified using the CLID presented to the check server 16 and would hang-up if the call was not answered within a specified period of time. If the call was answered, the E-mail status would be provided to the user in the form of spoken announcements.

However, it is also possible for the client adaptor to be associated in some way, or integrated, with the user's modem 4 or other suitable device.

The subscriber will gain the following benefits from the system:

• Where there is no E-mail to be collected the user can establish this fact without incurring any cost for the call.

• Where the user has E-mail accounts with multiple ISPs then the presence of E-mail messages can be ascertained in the same way with a single call.

• Where the user has multiple E-mail accounts with one ISP then the presence of E-mail messages can be ascertained in the same way with a single call. • The subscriber will achieve significant savings where the telephone service provider makes a minimum, connection or other similar charge by not connecting a call when there is no E-mail to collect.

• Even where the user receives infrequent E-mail messages, frequent checks can be made without any significant cost being incurred.

• If the client adapter is independent of the user's computer then regular checks can be made for any outstanding E-mail messages without the need to ever turn the computer on.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, this system can also provide the benefits described above. For example, the download of a web site content could be ordered, as described with respect to Figure 4. If the user attempts to connect to the check server 16, before the data is available, then the check server will not answer the call. Alternatively, when the data is available, the connection will be made and the data is transferred.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, whilst the assisted download, indication and check servers 7,12,16 have been described as separate entities a single system may be provided which is capable of providing the functionality of all three servers.

A further aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the example in Figure 10 the ISP 3 is provided with a system that can register an administrator's requirements and parameters for the updating of information and monitor for such changes on the specified Internet pages. In this system the subscriber's administrator 20 makes initial contact with the ISP 3 for the purpose of registering for the service and setting the preferences and configuration using the standard dial -in connection. The system administrator 20 may dial in to the ISP 3 and connect to the ISP assisted downloaded server 7 in the normal way. With such a connection, the administrator can have unrestricted access to E-mail services and web pages. By accessing the ISP configuration facilities, the administrator can control the access parameters for each user 1 or the group as a whole. The user 1 will not normally be allowed to originate a call to the ISP assisted download server 7 except where this is to trigger service. The administrator is invited to set a number of parameters and enter key data to identify the administrator's requirements and preferences . Along with other information registered, this may include identification of: Users; User Preferences and Privileges; User Telephone Numbers; Normal Working Days; Normal Working Times; Names of Permitted E-mail Contacts; Domains of

Permitted E-mail Contacts; Frequency of Updates Required; Web Pages to be Updated etc. The system can receive electronic mail (E-mail) for the user and compare this E-mail with the parameters set by the administrator 20. E-mail falling within the parameters defined by the administrator 20 is stored for onward transmission to the respective user 1 at an appropriate time. The system similarly processes E-mail from the user 1 and compares this with the administrator's parameters. E-mail that falls within these parameters may be onward transmitted on behalf of the user to the recipient.

The ISP's system utilizes the administrator's registered preferences to periodically monitor E-mail and web pages. When determined by the various parameters, the ISP system automatically initiates a dialled connection to the user and downloads this information to the user's system. In the same connection, the ISP's system requests further information and E-mails to be uploaded from the user's system.

For the purpose of the invention the service may be provided to a single user 1 with a single computer terminal, modem and dedicated telephone line. The service may also be provided to multiple users each with similar equipment, as shown in Figure 10.

An alternative service may also be provided to multiple users where a single user computer system, a staging server 9, receives the incoming call from the ISP 3 and then itself makes individual calls to locally forward data to each separate user computer 1. An example of this is shown in Figure 11. The subsriber will gain the following benefits from the system:

• The user may have access to the advantage of full and unrestricted E-mail communication.

• The subscriber, through the administrator, may restrict the E-mail communication services provided to each user. For example, ommunication may be restricted to other users within the same organisation .

• The subscriber, through the administrator, may control the availability of web pages to the user. • Upon request the administrator may be advised by the system of specific characteristics relating to a user's E-mail and web page access. For example, E-mail domains responsible for high levels of inbound or outbound traffic as well as confirmation that certain web page information has, or has not, been accessed.

• Frequently, accessed information will be stored locally on the user's computer and can be accessed immediately with no connection delay. • Frequently accessed information stored locally will have been maintained up to date to a frequency selected by the administrator.

Claims

1. A method of transferring preselected data from a communications network to an end station, the end station being selectively connectable to the communications network, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring the communications network to determine the status of the preselected data; connecting the communications network and the end station; transferring the preselected data to the end station; and, disconnecting the communications network and the end station.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the preselected data includes at least one of E-mails and web pages .

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the communications network comprises the Internet.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein a monitoring system is provided for monitoring the communications network to determine the status of the preselected data by: defining the preselected data; causing the monitoring system to periodically determine the preselected data; and, causing the monitoring system to identify changes in the status of the preselected data.

5. A method according to claim 4, the end station and the monitoring system being adapted to cooperate to establish a connection there between, wherein when the monitoring system determines the status of the preselected data, the method further comprises the steps of: causing the monitoring system to establish a connection with the end station; causing the transfer of the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, disconnecting the monitoring system and the end station.

6. A method according to claim 4, the end station and the monitoring system being adapted to cooperate to establish a connection there between, the method further comprising the steps of: causing the end station to periodically attempt to establish a connection with the monitoring system; causing the monitoring system to establish the connection if the preselected data has been determined; causing the transfer of the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, disconnecting the monitoring system and the end station.

7. A method according to claim 4, the end station and the monitoring system being adapted to cooperate to establish a connection there between, wherein when the monitoring system determines the preselected data the method further comprises the steps of: causing the monitoring system to indicate to a user of the end station that the preselected data has been determined; having the user cause the end station to connect to the monitoring system; transferring the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, disconnecting the monitoring system and the end station.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the method of indicating to a user of the end station that the update of the preselected data has been determined comprises the steps of contacting the user via a telephone network.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the method of contacting the user via a telephone network comprises causing the monitoring system to perform at least one of the following:

(1) cause the user's telephone to ring a predetermined number of times; (2) cause the user's telephone to ring using a predetermined ring cadence; and, (3) cause a modification of the dial tone of the user's telephone.

10. An apparatus for transferring preselected data from a communications network to an end station, the apparatus comprising a monitoring system coupled to the communications network and selectively connectable to the end station, the monitoring system being adapted to: monitor the communications network to determine the status of the preselected data; cause the connection of the monitoring system to the end station; transfer the preselected data to the end station; and, cause the disconnection of the monitoring system and the end station.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the preselected data includes at least one of E-mails and web pages .

12. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the communications network comprises the Internet.

13. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the monitoring system is adapted to monitor the communications network to determine the status of the preselected data by: receiving a definition of the preselected data; periodically determining the preselected data; and, identifying changes in the preselected data.

14. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the preselected data is defined by the user of the end station.

15. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 14, the end station and the monitoring system being adapted to cooperate to establish a connection there between, wherein when the monitoring system determines the preselected data, the monitoring system is adapted to: establish a connection with the end station; transfer the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, break the connection with the end station when the updated preselected data has been transferred.

16. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 14, the end station and the monitoring system being adapted to cooperate to establish a connection there between, and wherein the end station is adapted to periodically attempt to establish a connection with the monitoring system, the monitoring system being adapted to: establish the connection if the preselected data has been determined; transfer the preselected data from the monitoring system to the end station; and, break the connection with the end station when the preselected data has been transferred.

17. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 14, the end station and the monitoring system being adapted to cooperate to establish a connection there between, wherein when the monitoring system determines the preselected data, the monitoring system is adapted to indicate to a user of the end station that the preselected data has been determined, the end station being adapted to: establish a connection with the monitoring system in response to a user request; receive the preselected data from the monitoring system; and, break the connection with the end station when the preselected data has been transferred.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the monitoring system is coupled to a telephone network, the monitoring system being adapted to contact the user via a telephone network.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the monitoring system is adapted to contact the user by one or more of the following:

(1) causing the users telephone to ring a predetermined number of times;

(2) causing the users telephone to ring using a predetermined ring cadence; and

(3) causing a modification of the dial tone of the users telephone.

20. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 19, wherein the end station comprises a processing system adapted to communicate with the network via a communications device.