Proxy Objects for Interactive Webpage Heatmap Analytics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heatmap overlays on webpages block user interaction with underlying webpage objects due to their higher Z-index level, preventing detection of events such as mouseovers and clicks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of proxy objects on different Z-index layers above the overlay allows for the detection and reaction to user interactions with underlying webpage objects, enabling interactive overlays by acting as proxies for the underlying objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an overlay is displayed at a higher Z-index level to show heatmap analytics, then the visibility of analytics information is improved, but the ability of underlying webpage objects to detect user interactions is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy object as an intermediary element positioned between the overlay and the underlying webpage objects. This proxy object receives user interactions (clicks, hovers) that would otherwise be blocked by the overlay, and forwards them to the appropriate underlying webpage objects. The proxy object thus mediates the interaction between the overlay layer and the webpage content, allowing both the analytics display and user interaction to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interaction handling functionality by creating separate proxy objects for different underlying webpage objects. Each proxy object is associated with a specific webpage object and handles interactions for that particular object. This segmentation allows the overlay to display comprehensive analytics while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to interactions with individual webpage elements through their respective proxies.
Data Source
AI summary
An overlay may be displayed over a webpage for displaying different analytics, such as displayed with heatmaps. The webpage is parsed to identify webpage objects. Proxy objects are generated for the identified webpage objects and displayed on Z-index layers above the overlay. The proxy objects are configured to detect and react to events on behalf of associated webpage objects. A mobile device proxy server may send mobile device requests on behalf of a desktop computing device and modify received webpages so the desktop computing device renders the webpages in substantially a same manner as a mobile device.