GB2638947A

GB2638947A - A computer system configured to communicate with an http server

Info

Publication number: GB2638947A
Application number: GB2401286.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Henshaw Gary
Original assignee: Into It Entpr Ltd
Current assignee: Into It Entpr Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-31
Filing date: 2024-01-31
Publication date: 2025-09-10
Also published as: GB202401286D0

Abstract

A computer and method for communicating with an http server comprises a user interface to input an intent of the user, and to convert the intent into a value and attach a key to the value to generate a key-value pair 204 specifying user intent. The computer 202 is further configured to send an http request 206 to the http server 208 comprising a state object, and to add the generated key-value pair 204 to the http request 206. A system for delivering recommendations to a user comprises the http server, which receives the generated key-value pair, and the http server enables an entity to provide content to the http server when the generated key-value pair matches a predetermined criterion, such as a product or service, of the entity. The http server may comprise a real-time bidding platform.

Description

A COMPUTER SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO COMMUNICATE WITH AN HTTP SERVER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computers and computerised methods for communicating with an http server; and computer systems and computerised methods for delivering user-specific recommendations to a user from an http server.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A lot of digital messaging uses third-party internet cookies for targeting. Third-party internet cookies track a person's search history to 'retarget' them with messages about things they have recently looked at.

Key-value pairs can be useful in message flows. With key-value targeting, a website defines keys and their corresponding values to help entities reach different types of people. For example, they might use the key age' (meaning age range) and value '18-32' (meaning age range of 18 to 32).

Present systems do not effectively deliver personalised messages. Entities often use third-party internet cookies to infer people's interests based on their search history and serve them messages based on the things that they have recently looked at. This inference is ineffective due to poor quality of user data. Furthermore, Google has announced that it will stop using third-party cookies in Chrome by the end of 2024, joining a growing list of browsers no longer using the technology.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have appreciated that there is a better provision of messaging to users by providing an input for users to specify their intention.

The invention in its various aspects is defined in the independent claims below to which reference should now be made. Optional features are set forth in the dependent claims.

Examples of the computers, computerised methods and computer systems described herein connect entities with people that are interested in their information, and replace targeted messaging from entities with user prescribed alerts. Examples of the present invention act as a pull mechanism in which a user requests alerts that reflect their interest. Examples of the present invention act as an alternative to traditional tracking messaging systems.

An example of a computer configured to communicate with a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) server is provided. An http web server stores, processes and delivers requested information or webpages using http. The computer comprises a user interface configured for a user to input an intent of the user. An intent of a user is an action by a user to say that they show or express significant interest in something. The computer comprises a processor configured to convert the intent into a value and attach a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent. A key-value pair is a data representation comprising two related data elements: a key which defines a data set, and a value which is a variable which belongs to that set. The computer further comprises a state object comprising key-value pairs specifying user information. A state object is an object configured to store property values that belong to a component. An example of a state object includes an http cookie. The computer is further configured to send an http request to the http server comprising the state object and add the generated key-value pair to the http request. In this way, the computer uses key-value pairs to identify a user's intent. It adds the key-value pair directly to the http request such that it does not affect the performance of any other processes within the http server.

The computer may be further configured to receive, from the http server, user-specific recommendations to the user derived from the generated key-value pair. In this way, the system acts as a pull mechanism in which a user requests alerts that reflects a user's inputted interests.

The computer may be further configured to redefine one or more http request functions of the http request such that each http request is analysed before it is sent.

The computer may be further configured to add the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http request comprises a keyword section.

The http server may comprise a real-time bidding platform. The real-time bidding platform may be a Prebid header bidding platform.

The computer may be further configured to add the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.

The computer may be further configured to be deactivated such that it no longer adds the generated key-value pair to the http request.

An example of a computerised method for communicating with an http server is provided. The computerised method comprises: receiving, at a user interface of a computer, an input from a user specifying an intent of the user; converting, at the computer, the intent into a value and attaching a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent; storing, in the computer, a state object comprising key-value pairs specifying user information; and, sending an http request, from the computer, to the http server comprising the state object and adding the generated key-value pair to the http request. In this way, the computerised method uses key-value pairs to identify a user's intent. It adds the key-value pair directly to the http request such that it does not affect the performance of any other processes within the http server.

The computerised method may further comprise the step of receiving, from the http server, user-specific recommendations to the user derived from the generated key-value pair specifying user intent.

The computerised method may further comprise the step of redefining one or more http request functions of the http request and analysing the http request before sending the http request.

The computerised method may further comprise the step of adding the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http request comprises a keyword section.

The computerised method may further comprise the step of adding the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.

An example of a computer system for delivering user-specific recommendations to a user is provided. The computerised system comprises a computer, the computer comprising: a user interface configured for a user to input an intent of the user; and a processor configured to convert the intent into a value and attach a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent. The computerised system comprises an http server, the http server being configured to receive the generated key-value pair. The computerised system further comprises an entity; the entity may comprise a business and/or an individual who may provide information or data. The entity comprises a predetermined criterion or standard by which something may be judged and/or decided.

The http server is further configured to enable the entity to provide content to the http server when the generated key-value pair matches the predetermined criterion. The http server is configured to receive the content from the entity, and deliver the content to the user. In this way, the computer system identifies users which have indicated their intent and inputted their interest, and provides relevant content and alerts directly to them.

The predetermined criterion may comprise a type of product and/or a service provided by the entity.

An example of a computerised method for delivering user-specific recommendations to a user is provided. The computerised method comprises: receiving, at a user interface of a computer, an input from a user specifying an intent of the user; converting, at the computer, the intent into a value and attaching a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent; receiving, at an http server, the generated key-value pair specifying user intent; enabling an entity to provide content to the https server when the generated key-value pair matches a criterion, the criterion being predetermined by the entity; receiving, at the http server, the content from the entity; and delivering, from the http server, the content to the user. In this way, the computerised method helps users share their intent by offering relevant content and alerts that reflect their inputted interests directly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for a user to indicate their intent and receive user-specific recommendations; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system for a user to indicate their intent to a web server; Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for an entity to provide user-specific recommendations to a user; and Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system for an entity to provide user-specific recommendations to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example computers, computerised methods, and computer systems will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

Terms herein take the meanings associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "computer" is intended to include any connection capable device, including but not limited to: a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a desktop workstation.

The term "http" is intended to include all Hypertext Transfer Protocols, including but not limited to: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (https), http/2, and any revisions of the http network protocol.

Referring initially to Figure 1, an example method for a user to indicate their intent and receive user-specific recommendations is illustrated. At step 102, the user downloads appropriate software to a computer. The users who use the software to express their interest in a particular area are described as curators. Figure 1 illustrates the method or journey carried out on a curator's device using the software. At step 104 an input is received from the user, at a user interface, specifying the intent of the user. In the example, the curator indicates intent by selecting their favourite artists and genres within the software. At step 104b, the method comprises converting the intent into a value and attaching a key to the value to generate a key-value pair specifying user intent. Multiple generated key-value pairs may be generated from a single input from a user specifying an intent of the user. At step 106, the user sends an http request to an http server to visit a website. The http request comprises a state object. The state object comprising key-value pairs specifying user information. The generated key-value pair specifying user intent is added to an http request when the curator visits a website. At step 108, the user receives, from the http server, user-specific recommendations to the user.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system for a user to indicate their intent. User 200 inputs an intent on any connection capable computer 202 such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer or a desktop workstation. The computer 202 comprises an interface for a user to input their intent. The intent is converted into a value and a key is attached to the value to generate a key-value pair 204 specifying user intent. Multiple generated key-value pairs may be generated from a single input from the user specifying the intent of the user. When user 200 connects to a web server 208, computer 202 sends an http request 206 to web server 208 comprising a state object. The state object is an object configured to store property values that belong to a component. The computer adds the generated key-value pair 204 to the http request 206 when it is sent to web server 208.

In this example, the computer 202 is also configured to receive, from the http server 208, user-specific recommendations to user 200 derived from the generated key-value pair 204.

The computer 202 is configured to redefine one or more http request functions of the http request 206. The computer injects or locates computer program code, in this example, JavaScript into http server 208. The code redefines two JavaScript external http request functions. The external http request functions may be XHR and fetch. In this way, the http request 206 is analysed before it is sent.

The http server 208 includes a bidding platform, such as a real-time bidding platform. A real-time bidding platform is a programmatic auction whereby bid requests are sent to multiple entities in real time. In this example the real-time bidding platform is a Prebid header bidding platform. A Prebid header bidding platform is an open-source solution that simplifies header bidding implementation. The computer 202 analyses and identifies an http request 206 coming from Prebid.js, to the Appnexus Prebid server. The computer 202 checks if the http request 206 comprises a keyword section. If so, the computer 202 provides the generated key-value pair 204 comprising keywords about the user's indicated preferences. The keywords of the generated key-value pair 204 are added to the requested keyword list of http request 206 before being sent to http server 208. If the http request 206 does not contain a keyword section or is being sent to different endpoints that do not comprise a real-time bidding platform, the http request 206 is sent off unaffected.

In this example, user 200 indicates that they are a fan of baseball. This inserts a key-value 204 into a web sever 208, and into its Prebid Platform. The key is "Into-it" (as the user 200 is a particular type of curator). The value represents something that the user likes. In this case, a sport, which in this example is "Baseball".

The computer 202 is further configured to be deactivated such that it no longer adds the generated key-value pair 204 to the http request 206. In this way, the curator has full control over what information about their interests and inputted intent is sent to the http server 208.

Referring to Figure 3, an exemplary method for an entity to provide user-specific recommendations to a user is illustrated. The entity may comprise a business and/or an individual. The entity providing user-specific recommendations to a user is referred to as a client. The method illustrated in Figure 3 shows the client's journey using the system. At step 302, the entity sets up a Demand Side Platform (DSP). The DSP comprises a criterion or a set of criteria in preparation to deliver personalised recommendations to a user. At step 304, an http server receives a generated key-value pair. In the example, the http server adds the key value pair into its Supply Side Platform (SSP). At step 306 the http server enables the entity to provide content to the http server when the generated key-value pair matches the set of criteria. At 306a, the invitation comprises a Programmatic Guaranteed Private Market Place (PG PMP). At 306b, the client accesses the invitation via their DSP.

The predetermined criterion or set of criteria comprises a type of information or data provided by the entity. At 302, the client is a Record Company representing Harry Styles who, at 308, provides alerts of Harry Style's new music to users who have expressed an interest in Harry Styles.

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer system for an entity to provide user-specific recommendations to a user. User 400 inputs an intent on any connection capable user device or computer 402 such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer or a desktop workstation. The computer 402 comprises an interface for a user to input their intent. In the example, user 400 indicates that they are a fan of the sport of baseball. The intent is converted into a value and a key is attached to the value to generate a key-value pair 404 specifying user intent. Multiple generated key-value pairs may be generated from a single input from the user specifying the intent of the user. In the example, the generated key-value pair 404 comprises "Into-it/baseball". Http server 408 is configured to receive the generated key-value pair 404. Entity 410 comprises a predetermined criterion or standard by which the key-value pair is judged. In the example, the entity 410 sets up a criterion for sending alerts to particular users who are a fan of baseball. This criterion may be set up on their SSP. The web server 408 may create a PG PMP containing the generated key-value pair "Into-it/Baseball". This allows an entity 410 on their DSP to set up a line item. The line item only serves content 406 on web sever 408 to particular users with the value, "Baseball". This enables the entity 410 to provide relevant content 406 to the http server when the generated-key value matches the predetermined criterion. The http server 408 receives the relevant content and/or alert 406 from the entity and delivers content 406 to the user 400.

Examples of the present invention have been described. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments within the scope of the present invention. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Claims

CLAIMSA computer configured to communicate with an http server, the computer comprising: a user interface configured for a user to input an intent of the user; a processor configured to convert the intent into a value and attach a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent; a state object comprising key-value pairs specifying user information; and the computer being further configured to send an http request to the http server comprising the state object, and add the generated key-value pair to the http request.
The computer of claim 1, wherein the computer is configured to receive, from the http server, user-specific recommendations to the user derived from the generated key-value pair.
The computer of any preceding claim, wherein the computer is further configured to redefine one or more http request functions of the http request such that the http request is analysed before it is sent.
The computer of any preceding claim, wherein the computer is further configured to add the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http request comprises a keyword section.
The computer of any preceding claim, wherein the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.
The computer of any preceding claim, wherein the computer is further configured to add the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.
The computer of any preceding claim, wherein the computer is further configured to be deactivated such that it no longer adds the generated key-value pair to the http request.
8. A computerised method for communicating with an http server, the computerised method comprising: receiving, at a user interface of a computer, an input from a user specifying an intent of the user; converting, at the computer, the intent into a value and attaching a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent; storing, in the computer, a state object comprising key-value pairs specifying user information; and sending an http request, from the computer, to the http server comprising the state object and adding the generated key-value pair to the http request.
9. The computerised method of claim 8, wherein the computerised method further comprises the step of receiving, from the http server, user-specific recommendations to the user derived from the generated key-value pair specifying user intent.
10. The computerised method of any of claims 8 to 9, wherein the computerised method further comprises the step of redefining one or more http request functions of the http request and analysing the http request before sending the http request.
11. The computerised method of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the computerised method comprises the step of adding the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http request comprises a keyword section.
12. The computerised method of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.
13. The computerised method of any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the computerised method comprises the step of adding the generated key-value pair to the http request when the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.
14. A computer system for delivering user-specific recommendations to a user, the computer system comprising: a computer, the computer comprising: a user interface configured for a user to input an intent of the user; and a processor configured to convert the intent into a value and attach a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent; an http server, the http server being configured to receive the generated key-value pair; an entity comprising a predetermined criterion; and the http server being further configured to enable the entity to provide content to the http server when the generated key-value pair matches the predetermined criterion, receive the content from the entity, and deliver the content to the user.
15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the predetermined criterion comprises a product and/or a service provided by the entity.
16. The computer system of any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.
17. A computerised method for delivering user-specific recommendations to a user, the computerised method comprising: receiving, at a user interface of a computer, an input from a user specifying an intent of the user; converting, at the computer, the intent into a value and attaching a key to the value to generate a generated key-value pair specifying user intent; receiving, at an http server, the generated key-value pair specifying user intent; enabling an entity to provide content to the http server when the generated key-value pair matches a criterion, the criterion being predetermined by the entity; receiving, at the http server, the content from the entity; and delivering, from the http server, the content to the user.
18. The computerised method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined criterion comprises a product and/or a service provided by the entity.
19. The computerised method of any of claims 17 to 18, wherein the http server comprises a real-time bidding platform.