Page is a not externally linkable
lexipixel - 8:33 pm on Mar 29, 2006 (gmt 0)
Method and system for dynamically modifying the appearance of browser screens on a client device Abstract Source: [appft1.uspto.gov...] NOTE: This is a patent application, not "patent". This patent should be rejected. How can anyone thing that the idea to "...cause an appearance of a screen presented on the client device to be modified to reflect a brand associated with a provider of the wireless access point..." (Claim 16, Pat App. #20060058019), be any different than commonly accepted practices such as; - when you dial a phone number that is serviced by a TelCo other than your own --- they play a recording that says the brand name... - a Cable TV station running local ads in alloted commercial time slots and "branding" the ads as coming from "Your Local Cable Company XYZ"... - I just printed a calendar for a local arts group. In exchange for sponsoring the events and underwriting the cost of printing the calendars, a few local companies got to have their logos printed on the inside cover. How is this any different than this patent? The "end user" gets a printed calendar for free. The service provider gets a "plug" -- the printed piece was "altered" to support the advertising sponsors. Can I patent this "process"? What if the user connects to the WiFi point for email versus "browsing"... Take Eudora in "sponsored mode" for instance. The user agrees to view an ad on their screen in exchange for license to use the mailer software. (This is the same thing as "Eudora in sponsored mode", but for the WiFi access which Google is attempting to patent). What if a user connects for an FTP session? Telnet? How idiotic to think that because the connection is wireless versus "wired", (or that it is a computer process displaying sponsor's logo/info and ads), is innovative. Ad revenue is turning brilliant computer programmers and engineers into glorified advertising marketeers .
So; Google is going to get a hook into browsers to identify WiFi services, and alter content.
United States Patent Application 20060058019
Chan; Wesley T. ; et al. March 16, 2006
In one embodiment, a connection of a client device to a wireless access point is identified. Further, the appearance of a screen presented on the client device is modified to reflect the brand associated with a provider of the wireless access point.