Internet content processing device / system and method

Abstract

The present invention describes an Internet content processing device (300) including a control means (302) configured to receive an Internet page request (304) from a software application installed on or running on a user device, to download an Internet page (306) indicated in the received Internet page request (304) from an Internet server, to modify the downloaded Internet page, and to transmit the modified Internet page (308) to the user device. An Internet content processing system (500) and an Internet content processing method are also described.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of Internet communications, and more particularly to an Internet content processing device, an Internet content processing system and a method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the need to be able to make changes to Internet pages before they are delivered to the user device where they are used has become increasingly evident.

[0003] In the prior art, two approaches are known which can be used to make modifications to Internet pages.

[0004] Approach A: Internet Server-Side Integration

[0005] According to a first approach, as described with reference to Fig. 1, modifications made to Internet pages are sent by the user device 100 to an Internet server 102. The Internet server 102 is set up to host the Internet pages of at least one or more sites that are to be integrated with modifications 104. These Internet pages are enhanced by the Internet server 102 by modifications before being downloaded by the user device 100 via a communication channel 106 and then displayed within a software application 108 of the user device 100.

[0006] As a disadvantage, the solution described above means that the original logic managing the Internet pages of the site is modified if the modifications themselves are integrated. Obviously, this solution is ineffective since it requires modifications and changes to elements of the Internet server 102, which are designed for other purposes and which brings about high costs for the external Internet pages intended to be modified.

[0007] Approach B: User device side integration

[0008] In the second approach, as explained with reference to Fig. 2, it is envisaged that an Internet page is downloaded locally to the user device 200 from an Internet server 202 via a communication channel 206, as in a normal interaction with a browser. Locally, an application 208 running on the user device 200 modifies the Internet page by making and integrating modifications 204, for example in the form of JavaScript actions.

[0009] The described approach results in a significant reduction in the impact of integrating Internet pages, since the Internet server 202 hosting the Internet pages no longer needs to make the modifications. However, this approach entails a strong impact on the development level of the application software 208 in the user device 200, which must take care of managing all the integration of modifications of the various Internet pages that may be modified. This limitation becomes a very big obstacle when implementing this approach with different software applications.

[0010] The need to modify the content of Internet pages is of particular interest in the field of "in-game advertising".

[0011] "In-game advertising" is a communication technique that tends to convey advertising messages within video games, i.e., software applications.

[0012] This technology is becoming increasingly important with the advancement of "mobile gaming", i.e. the possibility to play on modern user devices such as smartphones and tablets.

[0013] Such user devices are characterized by having ample processing and storage space, and by being permanently connected to the Internet, which allows the creation of software applications, such as video games, that are downloadable at low cost (often none), have game logic that is dynamic, i.e., changes over time, can be controlled by external elements (game servers), and are designed to accommodate multiple players (multiplayer).

[0014] According to the above features, it is possible to convey advertising messages in various formats, such as: -Insert multimedia content into the game screen - Full screen use of real promotional spots

[0015] The logic of using these contents often rewards the player in the form of elements integral to the logic of the game itself.

[0016] While this technology ensures that players benefit from the accompanying commercial messages, it can also disrupt the dynamics of game interaction, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the efficiency of communication and a player's attention being drawn elsewhere, even while consuming the content itself.

[0017] To overcome this drawback, commercial communications are sometimes fully embedded within the game. In other cases, such as in the case of commercial launches of new products, the game itself is built around the advertising message. This approach is certainly more effective from a communications point of view, but is also characterized by being more expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution that allows modifications to be made to Internet pages before the latter are given to the user devices that use them, which solution does not burden both the Internet servers that manage the various Internet pages and the user devices that use these Internet pages with computational and cost burdens.

[0019] These and other objects and advantages are achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by an Internet content processing device having the features defined in claim 1, according to a second aspect of the invention by an Internet content processing system having the features defined in claim 7 and according to a third aspect of the invention by an Internet content processing method having the features defined in claim 14. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the respective claims, the content of which is to be understood as an integral part of this description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] Without describing the functional and architectural features of some preferred embodiments of the Internet content processing device, the Internet content processing system and the Internet content processing method according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a first approach in the background art. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a second approach in the background art. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an Internet content processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows an example of an Internet page modification. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an Internet content processing system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Before describing several embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be stated that the present invention is not limited in its application to the design details and configuration of the elements described below or illustrated in the figures. The present invention may assume other embodiments and may indeed be implemented or configured in other ways. The phraseology and terminology should be understood to be for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. Use of "comprising" and similar terms is intended to encompass the elements set forth below, and equivalents thereof, additional elements and equivalents as well.

[0022] Referring initially to FIG. 3, an embodiment of an Internet content processing device 300 according to the present invention is shown.

[0023] The Internet content processing device 300 includes a control means 302. The control means 302 is configured to receive an Internet page request 304 from a software application installed or running on the user device.

[0024] An internet page request refers to a request to retrieve an internet page for display on a user device.

[0025] Furthermore, the control means 302 is configured to download the internet page 306 indicated in the received internet page request 304 from an internet server.

[0026] For example, the control means 302 can download entire internet pages in HTML, JavaScript, CSS formats, HTTP / HTTPS protocols.

[0027] Furthermore, the control means 302 is configured to make modifications 308 to the download internet page.

[0028] Furthermore, the control means is adapted to transmit the modified Internet page to said user device.

[0029] Preferably, the control means 302 may be configured to select the modifications to be made to the internet page from a plurality of predefined modifications 308, 308'.

[0030] For example, the control means 302 may include or be at least one or more special purpose microprocessors, processors, co-processors (eg, RISC, FPGA, etc.).

[0031] Preferably, the selection of the modification to be applied to the Internet page from the plurality of predefined modifications 308, 308' is performed according to a random logic, in other words the modifications may be performed in a random manner.

[0032] In another embodiment, preferably, each of the plurality of predefined modifications 308, 308' may be associated with a plurality of predefined requests, in which case the control means 302 may be configured to verify that the predefined requests correspond to the Internet page and to modify the Internet page with a number of predefined requests corresponding to the Internet page.

[0033] In other words, the control means 302 is able to select an Internet page and make modifications to it that are most suited to the characteristics of the Internet page itself.

[0034] For example, the predetermined requirements may be one or more of the following: -Color Internet Page -Scrollable Internet Pages - An internet page containing one or more images - an internet page containing one or more buttons

[0035] Obviously, an internet page may contain any form of content without restriction.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the selection of the modification to be made to the internet page from the plurality of predefined modifications 308, 308' may preferably be performed based on a user profile determined based on at least one of the following: -One or more machine learning algorithms -One or more machine learning modules -One or more combination algorithms -One or more classifier algorithms

[0037] In other words, using the user profile, the control means 302 can make modifications to the Internet pages that best suit the user's needs and tastes.

[0038] Preferably, the control means 302 may be configured to exclude from selection one or more of said plurality of predefined modifications 308, 308' when said plurality of predefined modifications 308, 308' have already been applied in the past to the same user device.

[0039] For example, the control means 302 may be configured to store or receive memory information that allows it to determine whether a particular modification has already been made to an Internet page previously presented to the user device, in which way it is possible to prevent a user from being presented with the same modification multiple times.

[0040] Preferably, the control means 302 may be configured to make modifications to said downloaded internet pages using machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques.

[0041] Predefined modifications 308, 308' made to the internet page may be, for example: - Activating specific content on internet pages -Including / Replacing / Removing Buttons -Incorporate / replace / remove images or videos -Add / Remove audio -Including / replacing / removing text may be also possible.

[0042] The invention can also be advantageously applied in the field of "in-game advertising" without increasing costs and thus minimizing investments.

[0043] The modifications made to the internet page may be the incorporation of game logic into the internet page.

[0044] For example, game logic is - tracing tests of specific content not related to the Internet page -Memory test -Reflex Test - Color Test -Featured Test - Strategy Test may be also possible.

[0045] When applied in the field of "in-game advertising", the invention is able to break the virtual boundaries to a certain extent, so that the game logic induces the user to play within an Internet page constructed to manage the commercial communication of the product. Thus, there is no longer a problem of having to construct a multimedia message specially designed to be enjoyed within the game, but by modifying a regular Internet page already entrusted with the official commercial communication of the brand or product on the "play screen", i.e. the cybernetic space where the game logic mixes with the commercial messages conveyed. All this is obtained from a control means placed between the user device and the Internet server, thus relieving the user device and the Internet server from excessive computational load and modification needs.

[0046] The game logic can change behavior to accommodate the player's integrated experience with minimal administrative cost.

[0047] Below, for further explanation, some solutions allowing modification of Internet pages are given by way of example: Firstly, consider that the modern software architecture characterizing the latest generation of user devices is characterized by integration languages ​​and software elements that allow the creation of game parts in native languages ​​of the Internet, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

[0048] These parts, known as "web views", can be embedded into software logic designed in other languages. This technology is essential for building games that can interact with Internet pages that can be dynamically downloaded from a hosting Internet server. It is therefore conceivable that this technology can be used wherever technically possible to achieve integration between game logic and traditional Internet pages. Furthermore, it should be added that it is now common practice to build Internet pages that fit the screen of the content by optimizing the content itself to support its display. In fact, even mobile user devices, characterized by having small screen sizes, may create well-designed layouts to obtain maximum efficiency. Internet content built to manage normal Internet communication can be modified on the device itself by dynamic insertion of well-designed game logic.

[0049] The Internet content processing device 300 that is the object of the present invention performs the functions of a fusion network gateway "Fusion GW", which performs the embedding / merging of modifications made to Internet pages and of the Internet pages themselves that may originally be present on an Internet server.

[0050] The Internet content processing device 300 (a fusion network gateway) can forward content coming from Internet servers that manage various Internet pages, but these pages are modified and enhanced (e.g., with gaming logic) before being sent to various user devices.

[0051] As mentioned above, the Internet content processing device 300 may, via a control means 302 (e.g. a modification logic management module “Logic Selector”), select, for example, the modification itself and the modification that is most suitable for the Internet page within a range of possible modifications.

[0052] The Internet content processing device 300 of the present invention therefore provides the advantage of scalability, such as increasing the number of different modifications and related Internet pages. The Internet content processing device 300 actually operates as a separate layer between the software applications of the user device and the Internet pages. Furthermore, since the insertion of modifications can be managed in a centralized manner, the Internet content processing device 300 allows cross-sectional management modifications to be incorporated into various software applications. Therefore, in order to minimize the impact on the operational management level of the platform, it should be added that the Internet content processing device 300 may integrate combined machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to ensure a dynamic and fascinating experience for the user.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an example of a modification to an internet page.

[0054] When the address of the source server 400 is accessed directly, a standard web page is displayed (Client A) including a banner 402, an image 404, and some text 406. When the same web page is accessed through the Internet content processing device 300, i.e., the Fusion GW (Client B), in addition to the banner 402, the image 404, and the text 406, The same web page can be further enhanced, for example, by watching the text become a game based on a color code (in FIG. 4, the color changing text is indicated by reference number 410). The solution that the game offers is, for example, a virtual diamond 412 as a reward, which can be an artifact required for the game logic, for example related to other web pages.

[0055] This type of simple implementation allows the horizontal logical thread to be fully related to the defined Internet page, thus maximizing the player experience and, above all, eliminating the need to modify the source page.

[0056] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an internet content processing system.

[0057] 5, the Internet content processing system 500 includes at least one user device 502 having a software application 504 installed thereon or at least one user device 506 configured to operate a software application 508. The software application 504, 506 is configured to issue Internet page requests 507.

[0058] The Internet content processing system 500 further includes at least one Internet server 510 associated with the Internet page indicated in the Internet page request.

[0059] Furthermore, the Internet content processing system 500 includes an Internet content processing device 300 according to any of the above-described embodiments.

[0060] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the Internet content processing device 300 may preferably be a distinct module that is physically separate from both the at least one user device 502 , 506 and the at least one Internet server 510 .

[0061] Preferably, the software applications 504, 508 are video games.

[0062] In this case, preferably, the software applications 504, 508 are configured to send an Internet page request to the Internet content processing device 300 when the user reaches a predetermined step in the video game.

[0063] In one embodiment, a step of the game may be, for example, a character reaching a closed door in a video game. At that moment, the application software 504, 508 may request an Internet page. The Internet page is retrieved and modified by the Internet content processing device 300 (e.g., by incorporating game logic). The modified page is provided to the user device 502, 506 to be shown again to the user. The user may solve the game logic. Once the game logic is solved, the user may receive a reward. For example, the reward may be a software key or code that opens the door and allows the user to continue playing the video game.

[0064] Preferably, the at least one user device 502, 506 may be at least one of a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, a wearable device, a video game console, or the like.

[0065] Preferably, at least one of the user devices 502 and 506 may be connected to the Internet content processing device 300 via a first communication network.

[0066] Preferably, at least one Internet server 510 may be connected to the Internet content processing device 300 via a second communication network.

[0067] The first communication network may be a wireless network and / or the second communication network may be a wireless network.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, the first communications network may be a wired network and / or the second communications network may be a wired network.

[0069] In a final aspect, the invention also relates to a method for processing internet content.

[0070] The Internet content processing method is adapted to be executed by the Internet content processing device 300 according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, the Internet content processing method may be executed by the control means 302 of the Internet content processing device 300.

[0071] The internet content processing method is - receiving an Internet page request from a software application installed on or executing on the user device; - downloading from an Internet server the Internet pages indicated in the received Internet page requests; - modifying said downloaded internet page; - sending the modified Internet page to said user device.

[0072] According to the present invention, different aspects and embodiments of an Internet content processing device, an Internet content processing system and an Internet content processing method have been described. Each embodiment may be understood in combination with any other embodiment. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but may vary within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An internet content processing device (300) including a control means (302), The control means receiving an internet page request (304) from a software application installed on or running on a user device; - downloading from an Internet server the Internet page (306) indicated in said received Internet page request (304); - Modifying downloaded Internet pages; - sending the modified internet page (308) to the user device; An internet content processing device (300) configured to:

2. the control means (302) is configured to select the modification to be made to the internet page from a plurality of predetermined modifications (308, 308'), The internet content processing device (300) of claim 1.

3. - said selection from said plurality of predetermined modifications (308, 308') of said modifications to be made to said internet page is performed by random logic, or a plurality of predetermined requirements are associated with each modification of said plurality of predetermined modifications (308, 308'), The control means further a) verifying that the predetermined requirement is satisfied by the internet page; b) configuring said modification of said Internet page with a quantity of predetermined requirements required by said Internet page; or selecting from said plurality of predetermined modifications (308, 308') of said modifications to be made to said internet page, - one or more machine learning algorithms - One or more machine learning modules - one or more combination algorithms - one or more classifier algorithms based on a user profile determined based on at least one of The internet content processing device (300) of claim 2.

4. the control means (302) is configured to exclude one or more of the plurality of predetermined modifications (308, 308') from the selection when the plurality of predetermined modifications has already been applied to the same user device in the past; The internet content processing device (300) of claim 2.

5. the modification being the insertion of game logic into the internet page; The internet content processing device (300) of claim 1.

6. the control means (302) is configured to make the modifications to the downloaded internet page by machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques; The internet content processing device (300) of claim 1.

7. An internet content processing system (500), at least one user device (502) having a software application (504) installed thereon or at least one user device (506) configured to run the software application (508), wherein the software application (504, 508) is configured to issue an internet page request (507); at least one Internet server (510) associated with the Internet page indicated in the Internet page request; An internet content processing device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; An internet content processing system (500) comprising:

8. the software application (504, 508) is a video game; The internet content processing system (500) of claim 7.

9. the software application (504, 508) is configured to send the internet page request (507) to the internet content processing device (300) when a user reaches a predetermined step in the video game; 9. The internet content processing system (500) of claim 8.

10. The user device (502, 506) - Smartphone - Tablet - Computer - Wearable devices - at least one of a video game console, The internet content processing system (500) of claim 7.

11. At least one of the user devices (502, 506) connects to the internet content processing device (300) via a first communications network; The internet content processing system (500) of claim 7.

12. At least one of the Internet servers (510) connects to the Internet content processing device (300) via a second communications network; The internet content processing system (500) of claim 11.

13. the first communication network is a wireless network, and / or the second communication network is a wireless network; 13. The internet content processing system (500) of claim 12.

14. An internet content processing method adapted to be executed by an internet content processing device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: receiving an internet page request from a software application installed on or executing on a user device; - downloading from an Internet server the Internet page indicated in said received Internet page request; - modifying said downloaded internet page; - transmitting the modified internet page to the user device; The present invention relates to an internet content processing method.

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