Independent internet client object with ad display capabilities

摘要

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a client application for enabling access to an online service and displaying advertisements while the user is accessing the online service. The client application receives play lists from the online service provider. The play lists include information about advertisements to be played and the order of play. The client application also receives match lists from the online service provider. The match lists include information about advertisements to be played when the user performs certain actions. The client application provides the user with the ability to cycle back through previously displayed advertisements, and to cycle forward. The client application displays advertisements continuously while the user is connected to and / or using the online service, and also displays advertisements during the delay between when the client application is activated and when the user can actually use the online service. In conjunction with the client application displaying advertisements, the client application also records which advertisements were played. The client application displays a number of icons for functions available to the user, and the client application records when the user selects these functions. The client application also records certain pre-connection events, such as dial-up errors.