Proxy-Injected Browser Functions for Content Filtering and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proxy servers lack the ability to filter or alter web content at the user device and do not have access to user interaction data, limiting their effectiveness in providing comprehensive content filtering and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A proxy server or application injects browser-executable functions into web content, enabling the web browser to perform advanced filtering and tracking, including monitoring user interaction and reporting data back to the proxy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a proxy server acts as a pass-through device that receives requests from users, retrieves web pages, and forwards them to user devices, then the proxy server can filter web content at the network level, but the proxy server cannot filter or alter web content at the user device and does not have access to user interaction data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces browser-executable functions as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the proxy server and the user device. These injected functions act as mediators that enable the proxy server to access user interaction data and perform content filtering at the browser level without requiring the proxy server itself to be more complex. The injected functions reside in the browser environment and collect data locally, then report back to the proxy server, effectively extending the proxy's capabilities through a lightweight intermediary layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the filtering and tracking functionality into two parts: server-side proxy functions and client-side browser-executable functions. This segmentation allows the proxy server to maintain its simple pass-through architecture while delegating specific tasks (content filtering, interaction tracking) to injected functions that run in the browser. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing functionality across system boundaries rather than concentrating complexity in the proxy server.
2Reliability
If the proxy server filters web content based on characteristics such as content type, source, or other content characteristics, then the proxy server can block unapproved content, but the proxy server cannot perform enhanced filtering or tracking of user interactions with the content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the injected browser functions perform tracking and filtering tasks autonomously at the client side. The injected functions automatically monitor user interactions, collect data about time spent on content, and report back to the proxy server without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism enables reliable content filtering and interaction tracking while maintaining ease of operation, as the system automatically adapts to user behavior without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the proxy server provides web filtering functions to prohibit access to illegal or inappropriate content, then the proxy server can prevent user access to blocked websites, but the proxy server cannot monitor the amount of time spent by users viewing content or track requests for additional web content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting browser-executable functions into web content before the user views it. These pre-injected functions are positioned to automatically track user interactions, time spent on content, and subsequent navigation patterns. By establishing the tracking infrastructure in advance (before user interaction occurs), the system can capture interaction data without interfering with user experience or requiring additional computational resources during active browsing sessions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the proxy server forwards retrieved web pages to user devices, then the proxy server can deliver approved content to users, but the proxy server cannot alter web content at the user device or inject additional functionality into the content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses browser-executable functions as an intermediary layer that enables content adaptation without increasing proxy server complexity. These injected functions serve as mediators between the delivered web content and the user device, allowing the content to be dynamically altered and enhanced at the browser level. The intermediary functions can modify content presentation, integrate additional functionality, and adapt content to user needs while the proxy server maintains its simple content delivery role.
Data Source
AI summary
A proxy, such as a proxy server or proxy server application executed on a user device may inject code into web content for execution by a web browser. The injected code may perform functions such as tracking and reporting interaction with the web content and browser-level filtering of the web content. The web browser may execute the injected code to track and report user interaction with the web content and to filter web content delivered to the web browser.