Co-browsing Synchronization via Embedded Script and Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing co-browsing systems that use proxy servers are inadequate for providing different information to customer service representatives (CSRs) based on their level or training, and for ensuring that CSRs have access to information not available to customers, while maintaining security and network simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A method for collaborative internet browsing that allows two users to share browser instances without requiring additional software or frames, using a collaboration manager to synchronize changes and events between browsers, with embedded software code in web pages handling notifications and updates, ensuring secure and efficient information sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If proxy servers are used for co-browsing, then information sharing between users is enabled, but system complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the co-browsing functionality from the complex proxy server architecture and embeds it directly into the web pages through JavaScript code. This allows information sharing between users without requiring a separate proxy server infrastructure, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the information sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collaboration manager as an intermediary component that coordinates between multiple browser instances and the web server. This mediator handles the synchronization of browser states and information sharing, replacing the need for complex proxy server arrangements and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If proxy servers are used for co-browsing, then collaborative browsing is achieved, but security control over different user information access is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different users to access different portions of the same web page content based on their authorization levels. The JavaScript code embedded in web pages can selectively display or hide information for different users, enabling collaborative browsing while maintaining granular security control over what each user can see.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing user authorization and information visibility rules before the co-browsing session begins. The collaboration manager pre-configures which users can access which information, ensuring security control is in place before any collaborative browsing activities occur.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional software or frames are required for co-browsing, then synchronization capability is improved, but ease of use and deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization capability directly into the existing web page structure by embedding JavaScript code within the HTML pages themselves. This eliminates the need for separate software components or additional frames, as the synchronization logic is combined with the content delivery mechanism, making deployment straightforward without requiring users to install additional software.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for enabling co-browsing between two or more users accessing a website in separate sessions. Each of the users operates a web browser instance to browse the website. The website comprises one or more web pages, at least a portion of which includes embedded software code or script. A collaboration manager, established after the users consent to co-browsing, associates the sessions of the users. As the users navigate to new web addresses in the website or enter data into their browser instances, the software code or script embedded within the web pages rendered in the browser instances causes each user's browser to communicate changes in the web addresses or data to the collaboration manager. The collaboration manager receives the communicated changes and provides them to other co-browsing users. Synchronization of cursors, scroll-bar positions and other browser events is also supported.