Co-browsing via Peer Proxy Servers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for co-browsing web pages are either cumbersome, require large code downloads, or are expensive due to server-side configuration needs, limiting their adoption and effectiveness in enabling simultaneous viewing and interaction by multiple users.

Innovation Solution

A peer proxy server system that allows co-browsing between web browsers on different computer systems without requiring server-side configuration, enabling simultaneous access and interaction with web content by generating modified content and synchronizing browser events through a primary peer proxy server, which communicates directly with the web server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a remote desktop-sharing program is used for co-browsing, then users can view web pages simultaneously, but large pieces of code must be downloaded and exclusive access to one user at a time is provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveco-browsing capabilityVSAvoidcode download size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the co-browsing functionality by introducing peer proxy servers that act as intermediaries between browsers and the web server. Each peer proxy server handles specific browser events and content modifications locally, eliminating the need to download large remote desktop-sharing programs while enabling simultaneous multi-user access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Peer proxy servers serve as intermediaries that modify web content and route browser events without requiring full remote desktop software downloads. These intermediaries enable co-browsing by handling content transformation and event routing locally, reducing code download requirements while supporting multiple users simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If server-side proxy-based co-browsing is implemented, then simultaneous browsing is enabled, but server-side configuration and customization effort increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous browsingVSAvoidserver configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing co-browsing through server-side proxies that require complex configuration, the system inverts the approach by using client-side peer proxy servers. This inversion moves the intelligence from the server to the clients, eliminating server-side configuration requirements while maintaining simultaneous browsing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

Peer proxy servers on client systems independently handle content modification and event routing without requiring server-side configuration or customization. Each peer proxy server autonomously manages its local browser's co-browsing needs, eliminating the expensive server-side setup and maintenance that plagues traditional proxy-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional remote assistance programs are used, then web pages can be viewed remotely, but exclusive access to one user at a time is provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote viewingVSAvoidmulti-user access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The peer proxy server architecture provides universal co-browsing support that accommodates multiple users simultaneously. Each browser can independently establish co-browsing sessions through its own peer proxy server, enabling versatile multi-user access without the exclusive one-user-at-a-time limitation of traditional remote desktop programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Peer proxy servers act as intermediaries that enable multiple users to access and interact with web content simultaneously. By routing browser events and content modifications through these intermediaries, the system supports concurrent multi-user sessions without the exclusive access constraints of conventional remote assistance tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9123019B1Method, web browser and system for co-browsing online content

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 EGAIN COMMUNICATIONS CORP

AI summary

A method, web browser, and system for co-browsing online content is disclosed. Embodiments enable a co-browsing session between web browsers running on different computer systems using a respective peer proxy server on each computer system. A primary peer proxy server running on a first computer system communicates directly with a web server, while communications from other peer proxy servers running on other computer systems are directed through the primary peer proxy server. The primary peer proxy server accesses online content from the web server for presentation using a web browser running on the first computer system, where the online content is presented simultaneously with modified online content presented using web browsers running on the other computer systems. The online content and the modified online content may be synchronized based upon a web server response associated with a browser event communicated to the web server.