Patent Publication Number: US-2023144617-A1

Title: System and method for design and dynamic generation of a web page

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/218,052 filed Dec. 12, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/213,776 filed Jul. 19, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/394,078 filed Mar. 31, 2006, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/716,535 filed Sep. 14, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/717,212 filed Sep. 15, 2005. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/360,530, filed Feb. 24, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,738,732. All of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to computer browsing and, more particularly, to providing a web page based on user interaction. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Networks, such as the Internet, have become an increasingly important part of our everyday lives. Millions of people now access the Internet on a daily basis to shop for goods and services and obtain information of interest. 
     The web is built on a very simple, but powerful premise. Much of the material on the web is formatted in a general, uniform format called HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) or the like, and all information requests and responses conform to a similarly standard protocol. When someone accesses a server on the Web, the user&#39;s Web browser will send an information request to a Web server. The Web server will respond to the request by transmitting the desired information to the user&#39;s computer. There, the user&#39;s browser will display the received information on the user&#39;s screen. 
     For example, suppose an individual wishes to purchase a printer via the Internet. The individual accesses the Internet and types in a vendor&#39;s uniform resource locator (URL). The individual may then access that vendor&#39;s home page to determine whether the vendor has the product that this individual wishes to purchase. 
     If the individual does not know which vendors sell printers, the individual may access a web site associated with a search engine. The individual enters the generic term “printer” into the search engine to attempt to locate a vendor that sells printers. Using a search engine in this manner to locate individual web sites that offer the desired product or service often results in a list of hundreds or even thousands of “hits,” where each hit may correspond to a web page that relates to the search term. 
     Once a user decides which web page to visit, the web page is formulated to interest the user. In particular, many web pages allow a user to customize the web pager so that each time the user visits the web page, the customized web page is presented to the user. One of the challenges of online interactions is providing customers or users with consistent online experience while using different channels such as website navigation, email, chat, bulletin boards, discussion forums, chat, and the like. For this uniform presentation, cookies are used. 
     Cookies are pieces of information generated by a web server and stored in the user&#39;s computer, for future access. Cookies are embedded in the http information flowing back and forth between the user&#39;s computer and the servers. Cookies allow user-side customization of web information. For example, cookies are used to personalize web search engines, to allow users to participate in WWW-wide contests, to store shopping lists of items a user has selected while browsing through a virtual shopping mall, and the like. 
     Essentially, cookies make use of user-specific information transmitted by the web server onto the user&#39;s computer so that the information might be available for later access by itself or other servers. Typically, the servers are part of the same domain. In most cases, not only does the storage of personal information into a cookie go unnoticed, so does access to it. Web servers automatically gain access to relevant cookies whenever the user establishes a connection to them, usually in the form of web requests. 
     There are many reasons a given site would wish to use cookies. These range from the ability to personalize information, help with on-line sales/services, or simply for the purposes of collecting demographic information. Cookies also provide programmers with a quick and convenient means of keeping site content fresh and relevant to the user&#39;s interests. The newest servers use cookies to help with back-end interaction as well, which can improve the utility of a site by being able to securely store any personal data that the user has shared with a site to help with quick logins, and the like. 
     Prior dynamically generated web sites, based on cookie customization, allow users and content providers to customize content. However, while these pages are dynamically generated based on a cookie, or hard coding scenarios in the web page or server. There is no flexibility to change the web page. Further, control of the web page is with the programmer, not a marketing group. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a system and method to dynamically alter web pages based on a user&#39;s activity, marketing objectives, and predetermined conditions. There are two major modules in the disclosed system: 
     1. SmartBar™ tool; and 
     2. Business rule engine. 
     The first component is the SmartBar™ tool. The SmartBar™ is an online marketing tool that provides a point of reference on the web page for information and communication that is relevant to the specific viewer. In a preferred embodiment, the SmartBar™ is placed at the same location on each web page for a given site. A SmartBar™ or frame is provided containing at least one SmartBar™ cells. Each SmartBar™ cell is associated with a particular marketing objective. For the visitor on the site, it delivers a guided and personalized online experience with relevant and timely content. In one embodiment, Smart Bar™ modifies web pages to be viewed based in part on the items a user selects as well as the time a user spends on a specific page. Additionally, past browsing experiences can be considered. Smart Bar™ dynamically selects cell content for a web page and dynamically renders each cell, or selects cells, or alternatively, dynamically generates content for a web page. One goal of the Smart Bar™ is to enhance the browsing experience and minimize shopping cart abandonment. 
     The second component is the business rules engine that processes, in real-time, the events associated with each viewer and decides what business action is required. Business intelligence in the rules engine identifies what content is displayed in the SmartBar™. 
     In one embodiment, Smart Bar™ is used to develop marketing campaigns. Rules consist of conditions and their associated action or actions. Rules are preferably organized by campaign. Rules are used to determine what content should be displayed. The system can display promotional material, help icons, chat icons, sale items, other potentially interesting links based on activity, and the like. Each rule is assigned a priority. Thus, if more than one rule is triggered by a user&#39;s activity or browsing behavior, the rule priority determines which rule is triggered first and if other rules are subsequently triggered. 
     The business rules engine processes, in real-time, events associated with each visitor, and decides what rule is required. In one embodiment, the rules engine identifies whether a current visitor is a returning customer or a new customer and initiates the appropriate outcome or outcomes. 
     Each campaign can be broken down into segments. Each segment is adapted to deal with a specific event or type of user. This speeds the customization process and enables marketers to quickly develop campaigns. 
     SmartBar™ users can generate and save rules for use in other campaigns. In one embodiment, rules are stored in a database. These rules are then selected and customized, if necessary, for a campaign. The same rule can be used in multiple campaigns. Each campaign can be considered a container to group rules. 
     SmartBar™ enhances a web site visitor&#39;s satisfaction with a site layout and assists performance of a specific task. If a user&#39;s activity is indicative of a problem, a frame can be loaded with instructions detailing how to complete a task. Alternatively, a help icon or chat icon for customer service can be loaded. In this manner, a user&#39;s web site experience is enhanced. For example, if a user&#39;s activity indicates problems with checkout, a frame will appear to guide the user through the checkout process, thereby avoiding shopping cart abandonment and lost sales. 
     In one embodiment, SmartBar™ can deliver directed advertising in the form of services or products to a visitor. The advertising will change as the user navigates the web site. In one embodiment, content is presented to a user based on the visitor&#39;s browsing history. 
     The SmartBar™ provides a structure for managing multiple marketing messages in real time. The SmartBar™ enables the marketer to define SmartBar™ Cells, each cell dedicated to deliver different type of marketing messages. The SmartBar™ tool provides a user interface to configure content for the SmartBar™ cells. The SmartBar™ serves as a valuable medium to deliver targeted promotions, relevant content and proactive communications. Offering a combination of audience-specific navigation aids and relevant information, the SmartBar™ employs dynamically generated content that actively guides visitors through the site, so the marketer can truly replicate the in-store experience in an online environment. An improved user experience yields improved conversion rates, increase customer satisfaction, and promote brand loyalty by delivering an unmatched experience on the website. For example, in a typical SmartBar™, one cell may deliver product promotions, a second cell may deliver product comparison information, and a third cell may deliver a button for live-chat with the call center. 
     This intelligent and proactive technology tracks customer behavior to accurately identify and reach audience segments most likely to respond to personalized offers. SmartBar™ dynamically embeds content seamlessly into a webpage. 
     The combination of these two components allows for an effective handling of large volumes of interactions required in today&#39;s online environment. The disclosed system and method addresses the challenge presented to website managers who are interested in modifying, in real time, a current session of customers on the site. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    System according to the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a flowchart of the method of user interaction according to the present invention; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 H  represent screen shots of a typical user interaction on a web site; and 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 E  represent typical screens for creating rules and SmartBar cell content. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    depicts an embodiment of a system according to the present invention. As shown, a user  10  is connected to a web server  11  via the Internet. The user  10  has additional means of communication such as a telephone  50 , fax machine, cell phone, hand held computer, and the like. In one embodiment, radio communication is implemented via radio tower  40 . The web server  11  includes a database  22 , which stores a plurality of web pages such as web page  20 . In one embodiment, a second server  30  includes a module  32  for the application of business rules and dynamic web page generation or SmartBar™ cell population. In one embodiment, module  32  is part of server  30 . In another embodiment, module  32  is part of web server  11 . In another embodiment, module  32  is housed in another computer. Module  32  accesses data from database  34 . Business rules are preferably stored in database  34 . It should be noted that the functions of module  32  can be performed using separate modules. 
     There are at least three configurations for SmartBar™ system. In the first embodiment, the web site content and the SmartBar™ system are housed on a single server or linked servers. The user requests a web page containing SmartBar™ content and the web page and SmartBar™ content is provided by a single server. In the second embodiment, a first web server retrieves SmartBar™ content from a second server and provides the content to a user. In the third preferred embodiment, a user requests a web page containing SmartBar™ content from a server. The SmartBar™ content has scripts that retrieve content from a SmartBar™ server. 
     In operation, a user  10  requests a web page  20  from server  11 . Web server  11  retrieves web page  20  from database  22 . The web server, or other computer, in conjunction with server  30  and module  32 , populates areas  21  in web page  20 . Areas  21  are populated based in part on business rules. It should be noted that areas  21  are not fixed for every page but can vary in position and size depending on page layout. In another embodiment, areas  21  are overlays or pop-ups. In one embodiment, module  32  also hosts the content for areas  21 . In another embodiment, database  22 ′ hosts the content for areas  21 . Preferably, web page  20  includes embedded code that defines each area  21 . These areas  21  are populated based on the embedded code, the user&#39;s activity, and the application of business rules. In a preferred embodiment, module  32  includes a business rules engine and a SmartBar™ tool. In another embodiment, the business rules engine and the SmartBar™ tool are separate modules. 
     The areas  21 , the SmartBar™ frame, are populated using elements retrieved from a database based in part on business rules. Preferably, server  30 , and more particularly database  34 , provides pointers to database  22  where the content is stored. The SmartBar™ tool modifies the user&#39;s experience via such items as chat, pop-ups, displays, cell content, clickable images, and the like, modify the user experience. The code is embedded on the page  20  at the desired location  21  chosen by the marketer, web designer, alike, possibly using an include file statement. It should be noted that the system can preferably push additional items to overlay or populate a new window such as a pop-up or chat channel. Overlays float over a page and pop-ups are new windows. The code issues real-time request asking the server for dynamic content that best match this visitor at this time. Each of these request triggers a sequence of business rule evaluations that are associated with the particular web page. These business rules determine the actual content to be displayed in each of the cells  21 . The way the cells  21  are displayed to the visitor is de-coupled from the cell definition and from the rules that determine the content of the cells. The component that controls the display, or look &amp; feel, of the SmartBar™ cell  21  is the SmartBar™ Template. The user can define SmartBar™ templates in the Content Library. The template may contain any web-page code (e.g. HTML, DHTML, or ASP). 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the process begins when a user requests a web page. The system retrieves a web page format for the requested page. (Step  100 ). In one embodiment, the web page format is retrieved from database  90 . The system then generates the web page including any SmartBar™ cells  21 . (Step  110 ). The content of the SmartBar™ calls is determined based on user activity and business rules. If there has not yet been any user interaction, business rules and embedded code determine the content of SmartBar™ cells  21 . 
     Once the web page  20  is generated, the user&#39;s activity on that page, and subsequently viewed pages, is monitored and evaluated. (Step  120 ). The user&#39;s activity includes time spent on a particular page, additional data requests, adding items to a cart, and the like. The system revises the web page being displayed (Step  130 ) based on the user&#39;s activity or alternatively generates a new page based on the activity (Step  110 ). 
     The business rule engine processes, in real-time, the events associated with each user and decides what action to take, if any. If the business rule engine determines a need, action is taken in real-time. If no immediate action has to be taken, a non-modified web page is displayed. Specific actions to take include special offers, invitations to chat, help icons, related products, related material, displaying pop-ups, clickable images, and the like. 
     The business rules engine uses rules that are based on conditions and actions taken while a user is visiting a specified website or series of web pages. Certain conditions will result in specific actions being taken. The conditions include both the activities that a user that performs while on a site and the user&#39;s behavior while on a page, and if available, the past activity, IP address, search activity, and the like. Rules provide a way to react to customer activity. Visitor rules also customize the processing of visitors and/or people communicating via chat or another channel. In a preferred embodiment, rules are created within a specific context that determines the circumstances in which the rule will apply. The rules respond to conditions that exist. Conditions specify which actions are triggered. If no conditions are specified, the rule is triggered in response to all activity. It should be noted that multiple conditions can be specified or Boolean logic can be used. 
     Each rule can control multiple cells, and multiple rules can affect a single cell. The rules control the displayed content. Under certain circumstances, a cell may not display any content. Marketers or others define the content of the cells. Web designers place calls for SmartBars™ and SmartBar™ cell content. The management of the page is done using a template. The template for a SmartBar™ is preferably stored in a content library, not on a web page. 
     Rules allow the web site to react to visitor activity on the website. Visitor Rules customize the processing of website visitors; they are used to create custom business rules that trigger related actions such as chat invitations, promotional offers, marketing campaigns, and the like. Rules are preferably created with a specific rule context or Rule Type that determines the circumstances in which the rule will apply. For example, a rule that is set for “when a visitor enters site” will be triggered for processing each time a visitor enters the site. When the user visits the site, the conditions specified by the rule will be checked and if found true, the actions specified in the rule will be performed by the system. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Visitor Rules-Conditions 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Condition 
                 Rule Type 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Browsing 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Current Page 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The URL or title of the current  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 page match the specified pattern. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Current Page 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The referring URL of the current  
               
               
                 Referring  
                 enters page 
                 page match the specified pattern. 
               
               
                 URL 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Number of 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of pages visited  
               
               
                 Pages 
                 enters page 
                 during this session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Referring  
                 clicks to chat 
                 Matches the referrer of the  
               
               
                 URL 
                 enters page 
                 visitor&#39;s first visit to the site. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Search  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The URL from which the visitor  
               
               
                 Engine 
                 enters page 
                 arrived is from a search engine. 
               
               
                 Found 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Search  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The search engine from which  
               
               
                 Engine 
                 enters page 
                 the request came. 
               
               
                 Identity 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Survey 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Response to a question in a  
               
               
                 Question 
                 enters page 
                 particular survey. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Visited Page 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor visited a page whose URL  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 or title matches the specified pattern. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Chat 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Available  
                 clicks to chat 
                 Visitor is available for a chat invitation. 
               
               
                 for 
                 enters page 
                   
               
               
                 Invitation 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Has Chat 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Visitor has chatted during the  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 current session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Has Chat  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor requested to chat in  
               
               
                 History 
                 enters page 
                 a previous visit. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 In Chat 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor is currently involved in  
               
               
                   
                 clicks to chat 
                 a chat session with an operator. 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                   
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 In Chat or 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor is currently in a chat, or  
               
               
                 Waiting for  
                 enters page 
                 waiting for a chat to be established. 
               
               
                 Chat 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 In or After  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor is currently in a chat, or  
               
               
                 Chat 
                 enters page 
                 has previously been in chat 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Invited to  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor has been invited to chat. 
               
               
                 Chat 
                 enters page 
                   
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Refused  
                 clicks to chat 
                 An invitation to chat been has sent to the  
               
               
                 Chat 
                 enters page 
                 visitor and the visitor refused to chat. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Miscellaneous 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Action Fired 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The action with the specified name  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 has already fired during this session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 At Least  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The rule with the specified name has  
               
               
                 One Rule  
                 enters page 
                 already been triggered during this session. 
               
               
                 Triggered 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Predictive  
                 enters page 
                 Triggers a predictive dialer  
               
               
                 Dialer 
                 enters site 
                 with the specified settings. A  
               
               
                   
                   
                 Predictive Dialer controls the  
               
               
                   
                   
                 number of invitations sent to site visitors. 
               
               
                 Random 
                 clicks to chat 
                 A random integer between 0 and the  
               
               
                 Number 
                 enters page 
                 specified number. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Rule  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The outcome with the specified rule has  
               
               
                 Triggered 
                 enters page 
                 already been triggered during this session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Operators 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Available 
                 clicks to chat 
                 At least one operator is online, (i.e.,  
               
               
                 Operators 
                 enters site 
                 is the operator in the “online” state, not  
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                 “away or “back in 5”). 
               
               
                 Number of 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The Number of available  
               
               
                 Operators 
                 enters site 
                 operators available. 
               
               
                 Available 
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Online 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Operators are currently in the  
               
               
                 Operators 
                 enters site 
                 “online” state. An operator that  
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                 is “away or “back in 5” is not 
               
               
                   
                   
                 considered online. 
               
               
                 Room 
                 clicks to chat 
                 There is at least one operator  
               
               
                 Operators 
                 enters site 
                 of the skill specified 
               
               
                 Online 
                 leaves site 
                 online in the current visitor&#39;s Room. 
               
               
                 Skill  
                 clicks to chat 
                 There is at least one operator of the  
               
               
                 Operators 
                 enters page 
                 specified skill available. 
               
               
                 Available 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Skill  
                 clicks to chat 
                 There is at least one operator of the  
               
               
                 Operators 
                 enters site 
                 specified skill online. 
               
               
                 Online 
                 leaves site 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Time Functions 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Day of the 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The day of the week. 
               
               
                 Week 
                 enters page 
                   
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Days Since  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of days since the last time  
               
               
                 Last 
                 enters page 
                 this visitor has requested to chat. 
               
               
                 Click to  
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                 Chat 
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Days Since  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of days since the visitor&#39;s last  
               
               
                 Last 
                 enters page 
                 visit to the site (fails if this is the first visit). 
               
               
                 Visit 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Invitation 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of seconds for the  
               
               
                 History  
                 enters page 
                 visitor to be invited to chat.  
               
               
                 (cross 
                 enters site 
                 This condition also checks the visitor&#39;s 
               
               
                 session) 
                 queued for 
                 previous sessions. To check  
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                 chat invitations only in 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                 the current session use “Invited to Chat” or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 “Time Since Last Invite” 
               
               
                 Invitation 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of seconds the Invitation  
               
               
                 Timeout 
                 enters page 
                 to chat timed out. If the last  
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                 invitation did not timeout, the 
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                 condition will always be false. 
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Seconds in 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of seconds the visitor  
               
               
                 Current  
                 enters page 
                 was on the current page. 
               
               
                 Page 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Seconds  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of seconds since  
               
               
                 Since 
                 enters page 
                 the visitor was declined. 
               
               
                 Decline 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Seconds  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of seconds since the  
               
               
                 Since 
                 enters page 
                 visitor last visited a page that  
               
               
                 Last Visit to 
                 enters site 
                 matches the specified pattern. 
               
               
                 Page 
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Time In Site 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The time in seconds that the visitor  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 spent in the site during this session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Time of  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The number of minutes elapsed since  
               
               
                 the Day 
                 enters page 
                 midnight, Eastern Standard Time, today. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Time Since 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The time in seconds since the  
               
               
                 Action Fired 
                 enters page 
                 specified action fired. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Time Since 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The time in seconds since the  
               
               
                 Custom 
                 enters page 
                 custom variable was modified. 
               
               
                 Variable 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                 Modified 
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Time Since  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The time in seconds since the  
               
               
                 Last Invite 
                 enters page 
                 visitor&#39;s last invite. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Time  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The time in seconds since the rule fired. 
               
               
                 Since Rule 
                 enters page 
                   
               
               
                 Fired 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Wait Time 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The time in seconds that the visitor  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 has been in the queue. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Variables 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 All Values  
                 clicks to chat 
                 Apply the comparison to All values of  
               
               
                 of Custom 
                 enters page 
                 the specified Custom Variable.  
               
               
                 Variable 
                 enters site 
                 All values must be Numeric 
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                 and satisfy the comparison condition. 
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 At Least One 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The Custom Variable has at least one  
               
               
                 Numeric  
                 enters page 
                 value that satisfies the comparison  
               
               
                 Value 
                 enters site 
                 condition. Enter custom 
               
               
                 of Custom 
                 queued for 
                 variable name in the first field, and  
               
               
                 Variable 
                 chat 
                 number to match in the last field. 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 At Least One 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The Custom Variable has at least one  
               
               
                 Value of  
                 enters page 
                 value that satisfies the  
               
               
                 Custom 
                 enters site 
                 comparison condition. 
               
               
                 Variable 
                 queued for 
                 Enter custom variable name in the first  
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                 field, and string to match in the last field. 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Custom Flag 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The custom flag variable satisfies  
               
               
                 Variable 
                 enters page 
                 the comparison condition. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Custom 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The value of the Custom Variable that  
               
               
                 Variable 
                 enters page 
                 corresponds to the specified name 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Custom 
                 clicks to chat 
                 A Custom Variable with the  
               
               
                 Variable Has 
                 enters page 
                 specified name has been set. 
               
               
                 Been Set 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Custom 
                 clicks to chat 
                 There is a Custom Variable on the  
               
               
                 Variable on 
                 enters page 
                 current page. 
               
               
                 Current Page 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Numeric 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Apply the comparison to All values of  
               
               
                 Custom 
                 enters page 
                 the specified Custom Variable.  
               
               
                 Variable 
                 enters site 
                 All values must be Numeric 
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                 and satisfy the comparison condition. 
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Numeric  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The numeric value of the Custom Variable  
               
               
                 Values 
                 enters page 
                 with the specified name (fails  
               
               
                 of Custom 
                 enters site 
                 if Custom Variable has not occurred 
               
               
                 Variable 
                 queued for 
                 or the value is not numeric). Enter Custom  
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                 Variable name in the first field, and 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                 number to match in the last field. 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Visitor Properties 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Browser  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor&#39;s browser matches  
               
               
                 Type 
                 enters page 
                 the specified pattern. 
               
               
                 (User Agent) 
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Hot Lead 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Visitor is specified as a hot lead. 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                   
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                 IP 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor&#39;s IP address or host DNS  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 matches the specified pattern. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Repeat Visit 
                 clicks to chat 
                 This visitor has been to the site  
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 before this session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Skill 
                 clicks to chat 
                 The visitor&#39;s skill group. 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                   
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
               
               
                 Visitor  
                 clicks to chat 
                 The group number for this visitor, if  
               
               
                 Group 
                 enters page 
                 all visitors are grouped into groups.  
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                 The site visitors are randomly segmented  
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                 into the number of groups you set in the  
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                 3rd parameter. You can then check 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                 to which specific group the visitor  has been assigned. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Conditions may include the type of page, section of a page or a specific URL. Additionally, if the user reaches a page via a hyperlink or by typing a URL, that scenario can be monitored without taking any action. The time a user spends on a specific page may also be a condition. For example, the system can monitor whether a user spends more or less than a specified time on a page or group of pages. Conditions relate to events that occur as well as events that do not occur. For example, adding items to a cart but not checking out. 
     Rule conditions can also apply to variables. Rule actions can set the value of a variable to a predetermined value. For example, the value or occurrence may be a shopping cart total greater than a specified dollar amount or contain more or less than a specified amount/quantity. Further, other variables can indicate a transaction error (a Boolean variable). The system can also monitor at least such items as an occurrence of a specified event, entering a communication channel such as chat before or after a selection, days since last chat interaction, and the like. Further, other variables can be a new visitor, old visitor, user&#39;s IP address, and the like. 
     As discussed above, when certain conditions occur, an action is triggered. Actions may contain sub-actions. In one embodiment, the actions are executed in a specific order. However, in another embodiment, the actions occur in random or non-specified order. A sample of actions based on rules and alerts are shown below in Table 2. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Visitor Rules-Actions 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Type 
                 Rule Type 
                 Action 
                 Parameters 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Operator Alerts 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Operator Alert 
                   
                 Send an alert to operators 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                   
                   
                 concerning this 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                   
                   
                 visitor. For a list of macros available 
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                   
                   
                 in Operator Alerts, refer to the Live 
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
                   
                 Person Customer Center. 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
                 Description 
                 Enter a brief description of the 
               
               
                   
                 browsing site 
                   
                   
                 operator alert, if you so wish. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 HTML 
                 Use the HTML box to design your 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 alert. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Plain text can be used in this area, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 but HTML tagging will serve to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 make the alert more 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 eye catching. 
               
               
                 Chat Audit 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Email this 
                 Email 
                 Email a copy of the chat transcript 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                 Transcript 
                 Sender Name 
                 to the specified address. The email 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                   
                 Sender Email 
                 will arrive from the specified 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Subject 
                 sender. Set the subject to help you 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 identify the email. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Forward transcript 
                 Email 
                 Email a copy of the chat transcript 
               
               
                   
                   
                 from visitor email 
                 Subject 
                 to the specified address. The email 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Email Custom 
                 will arrive from the email 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Variable 
                 associated with the visitor. You can 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 optionally set the custom variable 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 to be used to extract the visitor&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 email address (Email Custom 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Variable). 
               
               
                 Visitor 
                 clicks to chat  
                 Engage 
                 NA 
                 Send a proactive chat request to a 
               
               
                 Experience 
                 enters page  
                   
                   
                 visitor. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site  
                 Custom Engage 
                 &lt;custom directory&gt; 
                 Engage visitor using custom image 
               
               
                   
                 leaves site  
                 Visitor 
                   
                 directory. The directory should not 
               
               
                   
                 browsing site 
                   
                   
                 end with a “/”. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set Visitor Profile 
                 &lt;name of visitor 
                 Assign the session to a selected 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 profile&gt; 
                 Visitor Profile. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Enable/Disable Pre-  
                 Pre Chat Survey 
                 Enable/Disable Pre-Chat survey 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Chat Survey 
                   
                 status for the visitor during current 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Enable/Disable Exit 
                 Exit Survey 
                 Enable/Disable the Exit survey 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Survey 
                   
                 status for the visitor during current 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Enable/Disable 
                 Operator Survey 
                 Enable/Disable the Operator survey 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Operator Survey 
                   
                 status for the visitor during current 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set Pre-Chat survey 
                 &lt;name of pre-chat 
                 Set specific Pre-Chat survey for the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 survey&gt; 
                 visitor during current session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set Exit survey 
                 &lt;name of exit survey&gt; 
                 Set specific Exit survey for visitor 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 during current session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set Operator survey 
                 &lt;name of operator 
                 Set specific Operator survey for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 survey&gt; 
                 visitor during current session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set Offline survey 
                 &lt;name of offline 
                 Set specific Offline survey for the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 survey&gt; 
                 visitor during current session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set Chat Window 
                 &lt;name of chat 
                 Set a specific Chat Window profile 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 window&gt; 
                 for the visitor during current 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 session. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set System Messages 
                 &lt;name of system 
                 Set specific System Messages set 
               
               
                   
                   
                 message set&gt; 
                   
                 for the visitor during the current 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 Show Popup 
                 &lt;popup&gt; 
                 Display a pop-up. New pop-ups are 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 created in the Content Library. 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 Engage Visitor 
                 NA 
                 Send a proactive chat request to a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 visitor. 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 Custom Engage 
                 &lt;custom directory&gt; 
                 Engage visitor using custom image 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Visitor 
                   
                 directory. The directory should not 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 end with a “/”. 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 Show Warm up 
                 &lt;popup&gt; 
                 Use the Content Library tab to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 define new warm ups. 
               
               
                 Variables 
                 clicks to chat 
                 Set Custom 
                 Variable Name 
                 Add a custom variable to the 
               
               
                   
                 enters page 
                 Variable 
                 Variable Value 
                 session. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                 Set Custom 
                 Flag Name 
                 Add an on/off custom variable to 
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                 Flag Variable 
                 State On 
                 the session. 
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                   
                 &lt;HelvBold&gt; | Off 
                   
               
               
                   
                 leaves site 
                 Set Custom Variable 
                 Variable name 
                 Add a custom variable to the 
               
               
                   
                 browsing site 
                 One Time Only 
                 Variable Vale 
                 session. This action will only fire 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 once per session. 
               
               
                 Routing 
                 queued for 
                 Assign to Service 
                 &lt;Service Service 
                 Change the visitor&#39;s service queue. 
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                 Queue 
                 Queue 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Assign Percentage to 
                 &lt;Service Queue&gt; 
                 Assign a percentage of visitors to a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Service Queue 
                   
                 queue. Use several of these 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 outcomes together to create a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 distribution plan for a group of 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 visitors. Note that visitors will only 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 be assigned if the queue is online 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 for the Skill Group. 
               
               
                 Sales Edition 
                 click to chat 
                 Set Visitor as Hot 
                 NA 
                 Visitor is defined as a hot lead. 
               
               
                   
                 enters site 
                 Lead 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 queued for 
                 Increment Reporting 
                 &lt;file location&gt; 
                 Include specified words that can be 
               
               
                   
                 chat 
                 Counter 
                   
                 viewed in the Conversion reports. 
               
               
                   
                 browsing site 
                   
                   
                 Counters are defined in Rules 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 &gt;Words &gt; Report Counters. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Set Visitor Segment 
                 &lt;segment name&gt; 
                 Set the visitor Segment 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 H  depict a typical user&#39;s interaction on a series of web pages for a given web site.  FIG.  3 A  depicts a single page for a web site, retail.com. As shown, the SmartBar™ cells  21 A and  21 B are on the right side of the page  100  in a SmartBar™ frame. As shown, the SmartBar™ frame includes cells  21 A- 21 F. In this embodiment, cell  21 A is a communication channel, cell  22 B is a product recommendation cell, cell  21 C is an incentive cell, cell  21 D is an express checkout cell, cell  21 E is a buying guide, and cell  21 F is a post purchase cell. It should be noted that other cells could be part of a SmartBar™ frame. Other elements such as headings  22 , links, images and the like can be added using SmartBar™ cells. While the SmartBar™ cells are shown together on a background. In one embodiment, they are space apart from one another. In another embodiment, the SmartBar™ cells blend into the page as uniform elements. The SmartBar™ cells as shown provide a user with means to initiate help via online chat or investigate specials. In a preferred embodiment, the SmartBar™ frame and all of its cells are on each page, however, only those cells that have had their content requested are displayed. If the user browsing page  100  clicks (selects) SmartBar™ cell  21 B, the web page shown in  FIG.  3 B  is generated. 
     As show in  FIG.  3 B , web page  102  includes SmartBar™ cells  21 A,  121 , and SmartBar™  221 . SmartBar™  121  is an example of a single-cell SmarBar™. A web designer or marketer may include cell  21 A on every web page for this site because it is a help button. SmartBar™ cells  221  and  121  are generated based on business rules and user activity. For example, SmartBar™ frame  221  displays various cameras and camcorders based on popularity. Additionally, it should be noted other information can be presented to the users such as shop by brand options and the like. 
     If the user selects the camera designated in SmartBar™ cell  121  the user is brought to a webpage  104  depicted in  FIG.  3 C . As shown in  FIG.  3 C  only SmartBar™ cell  21 A is present. Depending on the web design other SmartBar™ cells can be displayed. When the user adds the items shown in  FIG.  3 C  to a shopping cart, a new web page  106  is displayed as well as other options in the SmartBar™ cells. As shown in  FIG.  3 D , other sales and marketing SmartBar™ cells can be added to the shopping cart page such as a free shipping incentive ( 21 C) and instruction for purchasing on the website ( 21 E). It should be noted that the free shipping or other element can be determined based on the purchase price or value of items in the visitors shopping cart. 
     When the user selects the SmartBar™ cell  21 C designating the free shipping a new screen is generated as shown in  FIG.  3 E . Here, the SmartBar™ cell can include other items such as other products manufactured by the same manufacturer  21 B or an express checkout button  21 D. Further, the item being featured in the center frame can also be managed as a dynamic-content SmartBar™ cell. It should be noted that cell  21 B changes its content based on conditions present during user interaction. Based on the business rules used to generate the web pages, if the user selects the Sony item in cell  21 B a new screen  110  as shown in  FIG.  3 F  is generated. As shown, this screen  110  can include a SmartBar™ cell offering a discount if the user adds the current item to the cart. It should be noted that while a discount is shown in  FIG.  3 F  as SmartBar™ cell  21 D any offer can be implemented or information presented using SmartBar™ cells. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 G , once the second item is added to the shopping cart a new basket screen is generated. This new screen reflects the discount offer. It should be noted that because the visitor already qualified for the free-shipping offer shown to the user previously, this incentive is no longer generated. Once the user checks out, she is provided with a receipt page ( FIG.  3 H ). On this page, because the order is complete, the user is provided with an opportunity to request a catalogue (cell  21 F). It should be noted that other offers can be provided to the user at any time and/or inst at any point on the screen. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the SmartBar™ code on the page requests its content to be rendered with respect to a specified template. The template is stored in the Content Library. This template is configured and customized by the user. Generic templates are also provided with the software. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Sample SmartBar ™ 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 &lt;iframe id=“LPDynamicFrameSales” name=“LPDynamicFrameSales” src=“blank.html” width=“1” height=“O” 
               
               
                 frameBorder-“0” marginwidth=“O” marginheight=“O” scrolling=“no”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;liframe&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;script language=“javascript”&gt; 
               
               
                 function loadLPDynamicFrameframe( ) 
               
               
                 var s = document.createEiement(“script”); 
               
               
                 s.src=“http://sales.liveperson.neUhc/90331780/?cmd=file&amp;file=dynamicFrame&amp;dynamicFrame=SmartBar”+ 
               
               
                  “&amp;frame=LPDynamicFrameSales&amp;site=90331780”; 
               
               
                 document.body.appendChild(s); 
               
               
                 if (typeof(IpVisitorDependantCode) == “undefined”) 
               
               
                  IpVisitorDependantCode = new Array( ); 
               
               
                 IpVisitorDependantCode[IpVisitorDependantCode.length] = loadLPDynamicFrameframe; 
               
               
                 &lt;/script&gt; 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In another embodiment, the code for rendering the SmartBar™ is embedded on the web page, requesting in real-time the content to be resolved through the business rules engine. As shown below, the SmartBar™ code establishes cells on a web page. The code below includes programmed content calls. Alternatively, the code includes calls to other content. These cells are then using the business rules as discussed above. It should be noted that the placement of the cells is at the programmer&#39;s discretion for the preferred presentation and that the business rules are designed for specific marketing purposes, informational services, and the like. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Sample SmartBar 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 &lt;!- Instructions: 
               
               
                   Replace &lt;account number&gt; by you UvePerson account number 
               
               
                   Replace &lt;uri path&gt; by the complete path to the SmartBar deployment directory 
               
               
                 −&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;!- •••••• Begin LivePerson SmartBar(TM) Code ••••• −&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;div id=“IpMEguide”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;script type=“text/javascript” language=“JavaScript”&gt;document.getEiementById(“IpMEguide”).style.display = 
               
               
                 ‘none’;&lt;/script&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;table width=“150” border=“0” cellspacing=“0” cellpadding=“0” style=“background-color:#eeeeee; padding: 2 4 2 4”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;tr&gt;&lt;td align=“center”&gt;img src=“http://_.gif’ style=“margin-bottom: 2px”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/td&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/tr&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;tr id=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartCrossSell)TR” valign=“top”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;td&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;iframe name=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartCrossSell)” id=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartCrossSell)” marginwidth=“0” 
               
               
                 marginheight=“0” scrolling=“no” frameborder=“0” width=“0” height=“0”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/iframe&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/td&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/tr&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;tr id=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartCartActions)TR” valign=“top”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;td&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;iframe name=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartActions)” id=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartCartActions)” marginwidth=“0” 
               
               
                 marginheight=“0” scrolling=“no” frameborder=“0” width=“0” height=“0”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/iframe&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/td&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/tr&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;tr id=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartBuying)TR” valign=“top”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;td&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;iframe name=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartBuying)” id=“IpMEframe(LPbarCartBuying)” marginwidth=“0” marginheight=“0” 
               
               
                 scrolling=“no” frameborder=“0” width=“0” height=“0”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/iframe&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/td&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/tr&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/table&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;script&gt; 
               
               
                 function IpMEioadFrameSrc(IpMEname,ctlParms) 
               
               
                  var IpMEframeId=“IpMEframe(“+IpMEname+”)”; 
               
               
                  var IpMEframeSrcUrl=“http://sales.liveperson.net/hc/&lt;account number&gt;/cmd/url/?site=&lt;account 
               
               
                 number&gt;&amp;page=”+ 
               
               
                   escape(‘http://&lt;url path&gt;/Scripts/IpMEGenericContent.html?frame=’+IpMEframeId)+ 
               
               
                   “&amp;info=(“+IpMEname+”)”+ctlParms+“&amp;d=”+(new Date( ).getTime( )); 
               
               
                  document.getElementById(IpMEframeId).src=IpMEframeSrcUrl; 
               
               
                 function IpMEloadAllFrames(timeoutTrigger) 
               
               
                   if (timeoutTrigger) 
               
               
                    setTimeout(“IpMEloadAllFrames(false)”, 10); 
               
               
                    return; 
               
               
                   IpdblnitDynamicButtonRealtime( ); 
               
               
                   IpMEloadFrameSrc(“LPbarCartCrossSell”,“&amp;waitForVisitor=false”); 
               
               
                   IpMEloadFrameSrc(“LPbarCartActions”,“&amp;waitForVisitor=false”); 
               
               
                   IpMEloadFrameSrc(“LPbarCartBuying”,“&amp;waitForVisitor=false”); 
               
               
                 &lt;/script&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;iframe name=“IpMEwaitForVisitor” id=“IpMEwaitForVisitor” scrolling=“no” frameborder=“0” width=“0” height=“0”&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/iframe&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;script&gt; 
               
               
                 var IpMEwaitForVisitorFlag; 
               
               
                 if (typeof(IpMEwaitForVisitorFlag)==“undefined”) 
               
               
                   IpMEwaitForVisitorFlag=true; 
               
               
                 document.getElementById(“IpMEwaitForVisitor”).src= 
               
               
                   “http://sales.liveperson.net/hc/&lt;account number&gt;/cmd/url/?site=&lt;account number&gt;&amp;page=” + 
               
               
                   escape(‘http://&lt;url path&gt;/Scripts/IpMEloadAllFrames.html’) + 
               
               
                   “&amp;info=(IpMEwaitForVisitor)” + 
               
               
                   “&amp;waitForVisitor=”+(IpMEwaitForVisitorFiag?“redirectBack&amp;redirectTimeout=400”:“false”) + 
               
               
                   “&amp;d=”+(new Date( ).getTime( )); 
               
               
                 &lt;/script&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;/div&gt; 
               
               
                 &lt;!-- ****** End LivePerson SmartBar(TM) Code ***** −&gt; 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     SmartBar™ cells are dynamic cells embedded in web pages. In a preferred embodiment, the HTML code embedded in the web page pulls information from a dedicated web server. 
       FIG.  4 A  depicts one embodiment of the content library used to generate SmartBar™ cell content. The user can select from clickable images, links, pop-ups, and SmartBar™ templates and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the user can create and modify content. The “create new” button generates a screen such as the one shown in  FIG.  4 B . 
       FIG.  4 B  is a template editor. A user can name and describe a template and link the template to various promotions. Further, the template provides an area whereby HTML code is entered to generate the cells. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4 C , a clickable image is defined. The marketer enters the name, description, resource type URL, destination URL. In a preferred embodiment, the user enters the height and width of the clickable content on this screen. Further, once the template is established, rules are associated with the specific SmartBar™. 
       FIG.  4 D  shows various rule types that will trigger a SmartBar™ template and the rule priorities within each type. Rule types include clicking a dynamic button, entering a page, entering a site, click-to-chat, leaving a site, browsing a site, and the like. Each of these rule types can designate a specific activity or group of activities. Additionally, other pop-ups or content is displayed based on rules and user activity as discussed above. 
     In one embodiment, rules can be organized under campaigns ( FIG.  4 E ). Campaigns can be setup for a specific period of time. 
     It should be noted that in another embodiment, a user first establishes rules, then groups these rules into campaigns. After the rules and campaigns are established, SmartBar™ templates are generated to support the campaigns. Further, because the generation of the SmartBar™ cells, the business rules, and the web layout are discreet activities, no specific order is required for the overall implementation. In a preferred embodiment, a user defines a campaign. Rules are then written or selected to accomplish the campaign. 
     The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components, code listings, optional selections and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. 
     Similarly, the software elements of the present invention may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, C#, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, or the like, with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. 
     Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the like. 
     It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional data networking, application development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or virtual couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical or virtual connections may be present in a practical electronic data communications system. 
     As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a method, a data processing system, a device for data processing, and/or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of both software and hardware. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROM, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and/or the like. 
     The present invention is described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus (e.g., systems), and computer program products according to various aspects of the invention. It will be understood that each functional block of the block diagrams and the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. 
     Accordingly, functional blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each functional block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by either special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or suitable combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     One skilled in the art will also appreciate that, for security reasons, any databases, systems, or components of the present invention may consist of any combination of databases or components at a single location or at multiple locations, wherein each database or system includes any of various suitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes, encryption, de-encryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like. 
     The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given herein. For example, the steps recited in any method claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Moreover, no element is essential to the practice of the invention unless specifically described herein as “critical” or “essential.” 
     In the specification, the term “media” means any medium that can record data therein. The term “media” includes, for instance, a disk shaped media for such as CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory), magneto optical disc or MO, digital video disc-read only memory or DVD-ROM, digital video disc-random access memory or DVD-RAM, a floppy disc, a memory chip such as random access memory or RAM, read only memory or ROM, erasable programmable read only memory or E-PROM, electrical erasable programmable read only memory or EE-PROM, a rewriteable card-type read only memory such as a smart card, a magnetic tape, a hard disc, and any other suitable means for storing a program therein. 
     A recording media storing a program for accomplishing the above mentioned apparatus may be accomplished by programming functions of the above mentioned apparatuses with a programming language readable by a computer or processor, and recording the program on a media such as mentioned above. 
     A server equipped with a hard disk drive may be employed as a recording media. It is also possible to accomplish the present invention by storing the above mentioned computer program on such a hard disk in a server and reading the computer program by other computers through a network. 
     As a computer processing device, any suitable device for performing computations in accordance with a computer program may be used. Examples of such devices include a personal computer, a laptop computer, a microprocessor, a programmable logic device, or an application specific integrated circuit. 
     While this invention has been described by reference to a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but that it have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims.