Method and apparatus for automatic form filling

Abstract

A method and apparatus allowing for entry of form data in a browser. In the described embodiment, a browser automation program executes on the user's computer and communicates with a browser program in order to determine when forms are encountered.

1 . A method for inputting information into a form, comprising: 
 detecting an access to a first site that presents a form for receiving data from a user;    determining whether a script for completing at least a portion of the form resides in a database local to the user;    accessing a second site to ascertain whether the second site has a version of the script if the script does not reside in the local database; and    completing at least a portion of the form utilizing the script.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a browser is monitored for detecting the access to the first site.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second site is accessed via a network.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein an identifier associated with the first site is utilized to determined whether the script resides in at least one of the local database and the second site.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the identifier comprises a Universal Resource Locator (URL).  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the script includes contact information associated with the user for inputting into the form.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the script is utilized to present data for completing the at least a portion of the form prior to the user.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the user is permitted to modify the presented data prior to the completing.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the presented data is presented in a pop-up window displayed to the user.  
   
   
       10 . A system for inputting information into a form, comprising: 
 means for detecting an access to a first site that presents a form for receiving data from a user;    means for determining whether a script for completing at least a portion of the form resides in a database local to the user;    means for accessing a second site to ascertain whether the second site has a version of the script if the script does not reside in the local database; and    means for completing at least a portion of the form utilizing the script.    
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein a browser is monitored for detecting the access to the first site.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the second site is accessed via a network.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein an identifier associated with the first site is utilized to determined whether the script resides in at least one of the local database and the second site.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the identifier comprises a Universal Resource Locator (URL).  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the script includes contact information associated with the user for inputting into the form.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the script is utilized to present data for completing the at least a portion of the form prior to the user.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the user is permitted to modify the presented data prior to the completing.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the presented data is presented in a pop-up window displayed to the user.  
   
   
       19 . A computer program product for inputting information into a form, comprising: 
 computer code for detecting an access to a first site that presents a form for receiving data from a user;    computer code for determining whether a script for completing at least a portion of the form resides in a database local to the user;    computer code for accessing a second site to ascertain whether the second site has a version of the script if the script does not reside in the local database; and    computer code for completing at least a portion of the form utilizing the script.    
   
   
       20 . The computer program product of  claim 19 , wherein an identifier associated with the first site is utilized to determined whether the script resides in at least one of the local database and the second site.