Patent ID: 7165222
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of distributing information from at least one information distribution server to a plurality of terminals via a network, comprising: receiving an information request generated by user selection of a link in an online hypertext document at a requesting terminal; and determining whether conversion of requested information is necessary based on whether the requested information has a data format that can be utilized by the requesting terminal according to environment information identifying an application executing on the requesting terminal; converting at least a relevant part of the requested information into response information in a type and format that can be utilized by the requesting terminal based on the environment information for the requesting terminal, when it is determined that the conversion of the requested information is necessary; determining whether to perform said converting by using the identification of the application to access an application function management table cross referencing a plurality of registered applications and functions provided by the registered applications, and by transmitting an inquiry to the requesting terminal when the application function management table is unable to determine whether a required function included in the requested information can be performed at the requesting terminal; generating sample data for checking an application function on the requesting terminal based on the requested information; sending the sample data to the requesting terminal; and updating the application function management table depending on a response to the sample data from the requesting terminal.