E-Commerce Server Emulating Client for Dynamic Content Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing split testing systems for electronic commerce websites are limited to static content and cannot test dynamic content, which varies based on user interactions, preventing a comprehensive understanding of customer behavior and website effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

An electronic commerce server masquerades as a client program to obtain session and content version identifiers from a test server, allowing it to modify and test dynamic web page content, expanding the types of content that can be tested through split or multi-variate testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If split testing systems are used to test static content, then the layout and type of graphical content can be optimized, but dynamic content that varies based on user browsing history cannot be tested

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetype of content that can be testedVSAvoidability to test dynamic content

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a test server as an intermediary component between the electronic commerce server and the client browser. The test server receives requests from the electronic commerce server, assigns session identifiers and content versions, and returns modified web page data. This intermediary enables the system to test dynamic content by controlling what content is served to users during testing, thereby resolving the limitation of testing only static content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the system to serve different content versions based on user session identifiers and browsing history. The test server dynamically assigns content versions (e.g., version A, version B) to different user sessions, allowing the same website to present different static and dynamic content to different users. This enables comprehensive testing of both static graphical content and dynamic content that varies based on user interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic content is served to users, then the website can adapt to user browsing history and state, but the content cannot be systematically tested for effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent variation based on user stateVSAvoideffectiveness of content variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by having the test server track user interactions and purchase transactions associated with specific content versions. The system receives feedback data from the electronic commerce server about user behavior and purchase completion, allowing it to measure the effectiveness of different content variations. This feedback loop enables systematic measurement of which dynamic content variations drive the most purchases and user engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the test server pre-assign content versions to user sessions before users interact with the website. The system prepares different content variations in advance and assigns them to specific user groups based on session identifiers, enabling controlled testing of content effectiveness before actual purchase transactions occur. This allows systematic measurement of content effectiveness by comparing user behavior across different pre-assigned content versions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the electronic commerce server directly tests content, then testing can be implemented, but the server cannot obtain session identifiers and content versions needed for comprehensive testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation of testing capabilityVSAvoidtesting system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the architectural complexity by introducing a dedicated test server as an intermediary layer. The electronic commerce server simply sends requests to the test server, which handles the complex tasks of assigning session identifiers, managing content versions, and tracking user behavior. This separation of concerns allows the electronic commerce server to maintain its core functionality while the test server provides comprehensive testing capabilities, making implementation easier without overcomplicating the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9449337B2Emulation of a client browser and generation of web page data by an electronic commerce server in a testing environment having a separate test server

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 ELASTIC PATH SOFTWARE

AI summary

A method for electronic commerce management is provided. The method includes sending a request to the test server to be assigned a session identifier, the session identifier being associated with an assigned content version and receive the session identifier from the test server. The method further includes generating web page data to send to the client program, the web page data including (1) computer code which upon execution will cause the client program to retrieve the assigned content version of the static content from the test server using the session identifier, and (2) dynamic web page content based on one or more dynamic content factors and send the web page data to the client program.