WO2016111663A1

WO2016111663A1 - System and method for publishing advertisement on web pages

Info

Publication number: WO2016111663A1
Application number: PCT/TR2016/050007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ilhami Sarper KOCABIYIK
Original assignee: Kocabiyik Ilhami Sarper
Priority date: 2015-01-08
Filing date: 2016-01-08
Publication date: 2016-07-14

Abstract

A method adapted for displaying an online advertisement on a display device of a client computer connected to the internet wherein the client computer retrieves a web page comprising a picture from a web server via internet, the client computer displays the web page and the picture on the display device of the client computer and the client computer retrieves an advertisement via internet from a central computer connected to the internet, characterized in that the client computer retrieves information defining a first region from the central computer and the client computer displays the advertisement on the display device of the client computer on the picture, wherein the advertisement is placed on the picture in the first region based on information defining the first region, that is defined by the central computer.

Description

[01] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PUBLISHING ADVERTISEMENT ON WEB

PAGES

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

[02] The disclosed technology relates generally to online advertising and, more specifically, to content- specific advertisements based on prominence and position in an image as determined by artificial intelligence.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

[03] In the prior art, a web page advertisement is transmitted from an advertisement server to a client computer and displayed on a web page in a predefined position. According to this technique, the advertisement sent by the advertisement server may only be displayed in positions predefined by the source code of the web page, independent from the content of the web page.

[04] Web-based advertising has become an extremely large industry. Many websites display advertisements in order to generate income and traffic. The very foundation of many free web services is the generation of income based on cost-per-click and/or cost-per- impression ads. Such ads may be in the form of text, banner, and/or rich-media.

[05] Rich-media and banner advertisements often incorporate images. However, the image typically contains a single hyper-link to the web page associated with the content of the advertisement. That is, when the image is clicked on, regardless of which portion or region is clicked, a user is transported to the associated webpage, and the advertiser pays a pre-determined price for the click. Thus, a single banner atop a web page may only generate a single stream of income, based on individual clicks or impressions based on the banner.

[06] Artificial intelligence involves computer technology that is able to perceive, process and take action based on varying real-world factors. In the context of images, text and video, artificial intelligence is capable of recognizing, classifying and reacting to various objects, strings of texts, sounds, and other sub-media within a given medium. For example, artificial intelligence may be employed to detect objects within an image, and take specific actions based on that recognition.

[07] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide content-based image advertising more effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

[08] Therefore, it is an object of the disclosed technology to embed advertisements on specific regions within already displayed images on websites, and to valuate the advertisements based on characteristics of the region with respect to the image as a whole and the corresponding webpage. It is further an object of the current invention to parse an image into regions, sections, or individual items based on the content of the image for image- based advertisements. Current invention provides parsing an image into two or more distinct regions or items, each of which is associated with a different advertiser and/or keyword.

[09] Current invention is defined by the appended claims the content of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[010] Specifically, current invention provides a method adapted for displaying an online advertisement on a display device of a client computer connected to the internet wherein the client computer retrieves a web page comprising a picture from a web server via internet, the client computer displays the web page and the picture on the display device of the client computer and the client computer retrieves an advertisement via internet from a central computer connected to the internet, and the client computer displays the advertisement on the display device of the client computer on the picture, wherein the advertisement is placed on the picture in a first region, that is defined by the central computer.

[Oi l] Accordingly, the method of the current invention comprises preferably further that the central computer retrieves the picture and preferably the web page from the web server via internet, the central computer parses the picture, preferably using artificial intelligence using image recognition, such that the central computer defines the first region on the picture, preferably wherein the first region comprises a predefined item's image.

[012] Current invention provides further, an online advertisement system adapted to implement the above method and comprising a central computer. Accordingly, the central computer retrieves a web page and a picture comprised by the web page via internet, the central computer parses the picture, preferably using artificial intelligence using image recognition, such that the central computer defines the first region on the picture, preferably wherein the first region comprises a predefined item's image; and the central computer defines a first advertisement to be displayed in the first region and associates the first advertisement with the first region. The central computer is adapted to transmit the first advertisement to a client computer via internet to be displayed in the first region.

[013] According to the current invention, instructions for retrieving the first advertisement from the central computer are embedded in the source code of the web page. Accordingly, after the web page has been rendered by the client computer for displaying, the first advertisement may be transmitted together with information defining the first region from the central computer to the client computer. Preferably, the central computer further renders the web page. Central computer preferably may store information defining the first region in a memory unit thereof.

[014] Here, preferably further region/s on the picture may be defined according to the invention, which may be associated with further advertisement/s.

[015] According to the current invention, preferably further the following methods are executed by the central computer:

1. A method for setting a value to a region of an image comprising:

providing an image;

defining at least a region within said image comprising at least a part of a visual

representation of an object;

providing at least a property of said region; and

assigning a value associated with said region at least based on said property of said region.

2. Method according to 1, further comprising detecting said visual representation of said object using a processor and/or using artificial intelligence and/or assigning a keyword associated with said visual representation of said object.

3. Method according to 1 or 2, wherein defining said region within said image comprises parsing said image.

4. Method according to one of 1 to 3, wherein providing said image comprises displaying a rendered visual representation of a webpage on a display device, said webpage comprising said image.

5. Method according to one of 1 to 4, wherein providing said property of said region comprises:

determining said property of said region relative to said image; and/or

determining said property of said region relative to said web page;

preferably based on a position of said region in said image and/or on a position of said image on said web page and/or a size of said region relative to said image or web page and/or a relevance of said region or said object to said web page, wherein said relevance of said region or said object to said web page is based on text displayed on said web page and/or on content displayed on said web page and/or said keyword.

6. Method according to one of 1 to 5, further comprising providing a property of said image and assigning said value further based on said property of said image, preferably wherein said property of said image is determined based on a position of said image on said page and/or a relevance of said image to said page and/or a quality of said image. 7. Method according to 5 or 6, wherein said property of said region and/or said property of said image is determined using a processor and/or using artificial intelligence.

8. Method according to one of 1 to 7, further comprising assigning a price to said region based on said value and/or generating a notification to a charging entity for charging an advertiser for advertisement associated with said region.

9. Method according to one of 1 to 8, further comprising displaying said image on a display device and/or displaying said value and/or said price related to said region, preferably on or in vicinity of or next to said region.

10. Method according to one of 1 to 9, wherein said value and/or said price is provided from a database containing a plurality of values and/or prices queryable with said property of said region and/or said property of said image.

16. A method of using artificial intelligence to set a value on a clickable portion of an image comprising:

displaying a rendered visual representation of a webpage on a display device, said webpage comprising an image;

defining at least one region within said image, said at least one region comprising a detected visual representation of an object;

valuating, using a processor, said at least one region based on properties of said region relative to said image;

valuating, using a processor, the entirety of said image based on characteristics of said image and placement of said image within said webpage; and

charging an advertiser a price for an advertisement associated with said region based on said steps of valuating.

17. The method of 16 wherein said step of valuating each said region is based on at least two of:

a position of said region in said image;

a size of said region relative to said image; and

a relevance of said region to said page.

18. The method of 17, wherein said relevance of said region to said page is based on text displayed on said page.

19. The method of 18, wherein said relevance of said region to said page is further based on content displayed on said page.

20. The method of 16 wherein said step of valuating said image itself is based on:

a position of said image on said page; a relevance of said image to said page; and

a quality of said image.

21. The method of 16, further comprising a step of:

setting a keyword associated with said region, said keyword representative of content of said region.

22. The method of 16, where said assigned price is a starting bid price of an advertising content auction.

23. A method of setting an auction price of an advertisement associated with a region of an image comprising:

setting a keyword associated with said region, said keyword representative and descriptive of content of said region;

determining a characteristic of said region relative to other parts of said image;

determining a quality of said image;

determining a position and prominence of said image on a page;

determining a position and prominence of said region within said image; and

setting a starting bid price based on said steps of determining.

24. The method of 23, wherein said steps of determining are carried out using a processor.

25. The method of 23, wherein a rating is assigned to said region based on said steps of determining.

26. The method of 23, wherein said step of determining position and prominence of said region within said image is based on whether said region is determined to be in a background or a foreground of the image.

27. The method of 23, wherein said image is displayed on a rendered visual representation of a webpage on a display device.

[016] Current invention provides a method for setting a value to a region of an image comprising: providing an image; defining at least a region within the image comprising at least a part of a visual representation of an object; providing at least a property of the region containing at least a part of the visual representation of an object; and assigning a value associated with the region at least based on the property of the region containing at least a part of the visual representation of an object. The method of the current invention may be a computer implemented method.

[017] Further, current invention provides a computer for setting a value to a region of an image comprising means adapted to recognize a predefined object type in an image, to define a region containing at least a part of the predefined object type, to determine a property of the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type and to assign a value to the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type based on the property of the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type.

[018] The property of the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type or the visual representation of an object may be a property or a characteristic feature of the region relative to the image or a web page containing the image. The value assigned to the region may be determined by comparing the region with the image or the web page containing the image. The method may therefore comprise determining a property of the image and/or a property of the web page containing the image.

[019] The visual representation of an object may be a visual representation of a predefined object or object type. The visual representation of the object may be recognized by comparing the region with a plurality of visual representation of predefined objects or object types or by any other method applied and known in the art.

[020] The region containing at least a part of the predefined object type or the visual representation of an object may be a sub-image or a portion of the image. Providing or defining the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type or the visual representation of an object may comprise dividing the image at least to a first part comprising the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type or the visual representation of an object and to a second part comprising the rest of the image. The property of the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type or the visual representation of an object may be determined by comparing the first part with the second part. Alternatively, the property of the region may be determined relative to a web page comprising the image.

[021] As such, in the disclosed technology, a method uses artificial intelligence for setting a value on a clickable portion of an image. The method is carried out, not necessarily in the following order, by: a) displaying a rendered visual representation of a webpage on a display device, the webpage having an image; b) defining at least one region within the image, the at least one region having a detected visual representation of an object; c) valuating, using a processor, the at least one region based on properties of the region relative to the image; d) valuating, using a processor, the entirety of the image based on characteristics of the image and placement of the image within the webpage; and e) charging an advertiser a price for an advertisement associated with the region based on the aforementioned steps of valuating. [022] The step of valuating each region may be based on at least two of the following: a) a position of said region in said image; b) a size of said region relative to said image; and c) a relevance of said region to said page. In embodiments, the relevance of the region to the page may be based on text displayed on the page. Further, the relevance of the region to the page may further be based on content displayed on the page.

[023] Further, in the disclosed method, the step of valuating the image itself may be based on at least two of the following: a) a position of the image on the page; b) a relevance of the image to the page; and c) a quality of the image. The method may further comprise a step of setting a keyword associated with the region. The keyword may be representative of content of the region. Still further, the assigned price may be a starting bid price of an advertising content auction.

[024] In the disclosed technology, a method uses artificial intelligence for setting an auction price of an advertisement associated with a region of an image. The method is carried out, not necessarily in the following order, by: a) setting a keyword associated with said region, said keyword representative and descriptive of content of the region; b) determining a characteristic of the region relative to other parts of the image; c) determining a quality of the image; d) determining a position and prominence of the image on a page; e) determining a position and prominence of the region within the image; and f) setting a starting bid price based on the steps of determining. Some or all of the aforementioned steps may be carried out by a processor.

[025] Upon making the aforementioned determinations, a rating may be assigned to the region based thereon. The steps of determining position and prominence of the region within the image may be based on whether the region is determined to be in the background or the foreground of the image. In further embodiments, the image is displayed on a rendered visual representation of a webpage on a display device. A "display device," for purposes of this specification, is defined as any electronic device having an LCD screen, a LED screen, a plasma screen, an electrophoretic ink screen or any other electronic display capable of displaying visual representations of content.

[026] In the disclosed technology, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has artificial intelligence instructions designed to be carried out by a processor. The instructions are carried out, not necessarily in the following order, by: a) displaying a rendered visual representation of an image; b) defining at least one region within the image, the region having a detected visual representation of an object; c) valuating the region based on properties of the region relative to the image; d) valuating the entirety of the image based on a position of the image; and e) charging an advertiser a price for an advertisement associated with said region based on said steps of valuating.

[027] A "non-transitory computer readable storage medium" is, for purposes of this specification, any form of computer-readable media that has the ability to electrically, magnetically, and/or mechanically dent or otherwise change the physical shape or chemical properties of a physical device in order to store data for a period of time of at least 1 hour or a length of time which may be later decided by a court of law to be considered "non- transitory". Such may include register memory, processor cache, and Random Access Memory (RAM). Such a "computer readable storage medium" may include forms of non- tangible media and transitory propagation of signals. An image may be for purposes of this specification a digital image.

[028] In embodiments, the visual representation of an image may be displayed on a medium, such as, for example, a web page. The web page may be accessible by any device having a display and connectivity to a network sufficient to access and display the image. In further embodiments, the instructions may have additional steps of: a) valuating a placement of the image within the web page; b) setting a keyword associated with said region, said keyword representative of content of said region; and/or c) valuating a relevance of the region to the web page. The relevance of the region to the page may be based on text displayed on the web page.

[029] The property of the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type or the visual representation of an object or of the image may be a physical property and/or based on the size and/or position of the region containing at least a part of the predefined object type or the visual representation of an object with respect to the image or to the web page. The property may be a physical property of the object.

[030] It should be understood that the use of "and/or" is defined inclusively such that the term "a and/or b" should be read to include the sets: "a and b," "a or b," "a," "b."

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[031] Figure 1A shows a flowchart of the exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[032] Figure IB is a flow chart outlining the steps of an overview of a method of carrying out an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[033] Figure 2 is a flow chart outlining the steps of detecting and assessing content of a method of carrying out an embodiment of the disclosed technology. [034] Figure 3 shows a screen shot of a browser window with in-image advertising, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[035] Figure 4 shows an exemplary flow diagram for valuating content based on a number of factors, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

[036] Figure 5 shows an example of advertisement regions and valuations that may be embedded in the image of Figure 3.

[037] Figure 6 shows a high-level diagrammatic overview of a network configuration for carrying out an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

[038] In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a method is used for embedding and valuating advertisements on content within images. The method involves detecting a particular region of an image which primarily contains a particular item or type of content. The image may be on a web page or other interface having web connectivity, such as, for example, a mobile phone application or a smart television. The detected region of the image is analyzed pursuant to a number of factors. The factors are generally indicative of the value of the region in the context of the image as a whole, and the value of the image in the context of the page as a whole. The factors may include determining the prominence, position and size of the region within the image, as well as the image within the page. Another factor may assess the relevance of the region with respect to the image, and the relevance of the image with respect to the page. The particular regions of the image may then be assigned a value, the basis of which may be used for assigning a minimum bid price for advertising on or within that region.

[039] Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the following description of the drawings.

[040] Figure 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention schematically. In this embodiment of the invention, the central computer (3) retrieves a web page (4) comprising a picture (5) from a web server (1) via internet. The central computer (3) parses the picture (5) to define a first region with a predefined symbol using artificial intelligence. The central computer (3) comprises a database of online advertisements associated with predefined symbols. Upon detection of the predefined symbol and defining the first region, the central computer establishes a link between a first advertisement (6) associated with the predefined symbol existing in the first region. Accordingly, for displaying an online advertisement on a display device of a client computer (2) connected to the internet, the client computer (2) retrieves the web page (4) comprising the picture (5) from the web server (1) via internet; the client computer (2) displays the web page (4) and the picture (5) on the display device of the client computer (2) and the client computer (2) retrieves the first advertisement (6) via internet from the central computer (3) connected to the internet, and the client computer (2) displays the first advertisement (6) on the display device of the client computer (2) on the picture (5), wherein the first advertisement is placed on the picture (5) in the first region, which has been defined by the central computer (3).

[041] Accordingly, the central computer (3) retrieves the web page (4) and the picture (5) from the web server (1) via internet; the central computer (3) parses the picture (5), using artificial intelligence using image recognition, such that the central computer (3) defines the first region on the picture (5), wherein the first region comprises a predefined item's image. The central computer (3) associates the first region with the first advertisement (6) and sends to the client computer (2). 4. The central computer (3) retrieves display properties of the display device from the client computer (2), and detects a size of the web page (4), the picture (5), the first region and/or the predefined symbol based on display properties of the display device of the client computer (2). The central computer (3) may also detect a position of the picture, the first region and/or the predefined symbol within the web page and/or the picture, based on display properties of the display device of the client computer. The central computer stores information about size and/or position to valuate the advertisement.

[042] Figure IB is a flow chart outlining the steps of an overview of a method of carrying out an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The method begins in step 110 with receipt of an image at a server, node, or other location. The image may be any graphic that is in digital form. The image may be, for example, a JPEG, a BMP, a PNG or any other static type of digital image. Alternatively, the "image," for purposes of this specification, may be a series of images, a movie file (such as a MOV, AVI, MPG), or a GIF file.

[043] Next, the image is analyzed to identify one or more distinct regions in step 120. The analysis may be carried out using image-recognition instructions carried out in automated fashion or by way of a person using input devices (such as a mouse, keyboard, and/or touch screen) to define areas of an image as distinct regions. When using automated image -recognition instructions (e.g. software), it is operable to detect and identify recognizable objects, texts, faces, etc. within the image. For example, the software may identify a commercial airplane in the portion of the picture. In step 130, the keyword "airplane" may be associated with the particular region within which a recognizable and distinct object was identified. Although not required, the keyword may be used by advertisers in searching for appropriate advertising space. Further, other closely associated words such as "flights," "airports," and "airlines" may also be associated with the region for purposes of searching and search results of web pages presented to users.

[044] Next, the region is further analyzed based on a number of factors. Thus, in step 140 the region is characterized relative to other regions of the images. That is, it is determined whether the airplane is the focal point of the image or is a small speck in the sky in an image of something completely unrelated to "air travel." Proceeding along these lines, in step 150, the quality of the image is determined. The higher the resolution of the image, the more valuable ad-space within the image will be. Next, in step 160, the prominence of the image with respect to the page is determined. Thus, if, according to steps 150 and 160 the image is merely a 100 pixel x 100 pixel square at the bottom corner of the page, advertisements associated therewith would be less valuable.

[045] Proceeding to step 170, the position and prominence of the region within the image is determined. Steps 130 through 170 need not necessarily be carried out in the order shown. Moreover, determinations made during some steps may carry more importance or weight than those made during other steps. That is, the prominence of the region within the image may be, for example, weighted as the single most important factor determinative of value for that particular region.

[046] Figure 2 is a flow chart outlining the steps of detecting and assessing content of a method of carrying out an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The method shown in Figure 2 separates the valuation determinations into two distinct parts: 1) the value of region within the context of the image; and 2) the value of the image within the context of the web page. A third part valuates the advertisement content with respect to other advertising categories on the Internet. After initiation of the method (step 200), an image is displayed in step 210. Next, in step 220, content is detected within a region of the image.

[047] Valuation of the content within the region is carried out in step 230. Step 230 involves several sub-steps which evaluate the content of the region within the context of the image. Step 231 involves making a determination as to whether the region is in the foreground or the background of the image. Step 232 is directed to determining the size of the content within the image. This determination may be, for example, determining what percentage of the total image is occupied by the region in which the detected content resides. Next, in step 233, the relevance of the content is determined with respect to the web page.

[048] In step 240, the next series of valuations is carried out with respect to the image itself. For an image with multiple regions and/or detect content, step 240 needs to be carried out only once, in view of the fact that for each region within the image, the image itself, as well as the image's relationship with the page, remains constant.

[049] A sub-step of step 240 is step 241, wherein the position of the image on the page or other visual interface is assessed. That is, a determination is made as to the prominence of the image on the particular page on which it is being displayed. For example, if the image is front and center at the top of the page as it loads, then the image will be rated highly on this factor. Alternatively, if the image is one of 150 similarly situated images on a single web page, then the image may be rated poorly in this category.

[050] Another sub-step in evaluating the image is determining the relevance of the image to the text of the page. That is, does the content displayed in the image correlate to the page on which it appears. For example, a photo of an exotic tropical cottage would be considered highly relevant to a travel web page. Further, it would be even more relevant on a Caribbean vacation rental web page.

[051] Yet another step in evaluating the content of the region as a whole involves evaluating the content with respect to other advertising content around the web (step 250). During this step, the particular keyword descriptive of the region may be compared against a large database of words or phrases. For example, the keyword "football" may be much more popular and prevalent than the keyword "cassette." As such, the keyword and associated regions descriptive of, or associated with, "football" would have a higher advertising price and/or valuation.

[052] At the end of this particular process, after all the factors are determined and assessed, the artificial intelligence assigns a final ad valuation is assigned in step 270. The valuation may be given based on a scale, such as, for example, a scale betweenl-10, each incremental value having an associated minimum or starting bid price. Alternatively, a bid price may be stipulated based on the factors using an equation or algorithm which weights the different factors according to their importance.

[053] Figure 3 shows a screen shot of a browser window with in-image advertising, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The figure shows a browser window 300, typical of a web browser for an internet connected device. The exemplary image 300 is displayed on the web page content portion of the web browser.

[054] As previously stated, the image need not be displayed on a web browser per se. The image may be displayed within a software interface, a mobile application, or any other visualization capable a being displayed on an internet or LAN connected device. Moreover, the image need not be static, insofar as it may be a movie, GIF, flash animation/video, slideshow, or other visual media capable of being displayed.

[055] In the example image shown in Figure 3, several regions containing content or features are present. The focal point of the image is a cottage 320, because it is the largest discernible object in the image, and is likely the first object recognized by an individual viewing the image. An airplane 330 and some palm trees 340 are also clearly recognizable in the image, although these objects appear in the background of the image. Similarly, a plant 350 is shown in the front of the image, although it is not the focal point of the image. Each of these objects may be assigned a region, as denoted by the dotted rectangular 355 surrounding the plant 350. This designated region may display an ad upon being clicked or upon a user placing a pointer over the region (such as by using a mouse). As such, a corresponding advertisement may be or is displayed, opened, or otherwise brought to the attention of the user.

[056] Although only one is shown in Figure 3 for explanatory purposes, multiple regions may exist around the image corresponding to the different recognizable objects. Moreover, the regions may overlap, and the region with the higher valuation may take precedent over one with a lower valuation. Thus, in the example shown, if the region containing the cottage 320 overlapped with that of the plant 355, the region correlating to the cottage would take precedent in the overlapped area due to the cottage's greater prominence within the image.

[057] Figure 4 shows an exemplary flow diagram for valuating content based on a number of factors, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The content detected from an image, such as that shown in Figure 3, may be graded or valued based on a number of factors. As discussed with respect to Figures 1 and 2, the multiple factors may be used in determining the valuation of an advertisement associated with a given region. The determination of the valuation may be assessed using a methodology similar to that found in the flow diagram of Figure 4.

[058] Referring specifically to the diagram, a valuation scale 400 from 1 to 10 is used as an example. The method for analyzing a particular advertising region starts at step 401, which in this example is roughly equivalent to a 5 on the valuation scale. The region or content may start at any valuation or price. The starting valuation, absent image- specific determinations, may be based on current market values for keywords and images directed to similar subject matter.

[059] The first factor under the methodology of Figure 4 is the size of the region 410 within the image. If the region is large, then the method proceeds to 411. If it is small, then the method proceeds to 412. There is no limit to the number of determinations for a given factor. Thus, for example, there may also be a "medium" option for determining the size of the region, placed in between. Moving along, the next factor is a determination of the prominence of the region within the image 420 (i.e., background 421 or foreground 422). A determination that the region is in the foreground 421 lends itself to a higher valuation.

[060] Proceeding to the next column, the relevance of the region and/or the image to the web page 430 is determined. Relevant images/regions 431 are weighted higher than irrelevant images/regions 432. Relevance may be determined based on a keyword and/or text comparison. That is, if a website pertains to travel and vacation homes, a photo of a tropical vacation cottage would be very relevant to the web page and thus garner a high score in the "relevance to web page" 430 valuation. If, on the other hand, the web page pertained to sports news, then the photo of a vacation cottage would not be considered relevant.

[061] Proceeding to the next factor, a quality of the image 440 is assessed. Size and/or number of megapixels may be evaluated for this determination. Such evaluation may be carried out via a software algorithm associated with the web page and/or the server. Thus, an image with a high resolution may be considered high quality ("HQ") 441. Contrarily, an image that has 150 x 150 pixels may be considered low quality 442, thereby receiving a low quality valuation. As discussed, there may be more than two valuation levels as shown in Figure 4. For example, there may be a "medium" valuation level for images of medium resolution.

[062] Another factor in evaluating the region/image is the position of the image on the page 450. For this factor, different positions within a web page may yield different valuations. As such, multiple image positions may be considered. However, for purposes of this example, Figure 4 shows two positions; top-center 451 and bottom 452. Other possible positions may include in the margins, on the sides, etc. Presumably an image positioned on the top center of a web page would be guaranteed to be viewed by any user who loads the page, in view of the fact that browsers generally show the top-middle upon initial loading. Thus, an image at the top center 451 would receive a high valuation on the scale of Figure 4.

[063] It is important to note that the scale and steps shown in Figure 4 are one example of assessing the valuation of an image. The steps need not necessarily be in the particular order shown in Figure 4. Moreover, different steps may carry different weights, based on which factors are most important for purposes of advertising.

[064] Figure 5 shows an example of advertisement regions and valuations that may be embedded in the image of Figure 3. The image 310 is that of a vacation cottage shown on the browser interface of Figure 3. Central to the image 310 is a cottage 320. As such, the cottage 320 is the focal point of the image, and is likely to be the first object spotted by a user accessing the web page. An ad visualization 520 associated with the cottage 320 contains the text "Vacation Rentals" and "Tropical Cottages." An ad valuation is shown under the text, assigning a value of 10 to the particular visualization 520 associated with the cottage 320. Such may be visible to advertisers seeking space or regions within the image. The ad valuation would presumably not be displayed to a user who regularly accesses the image 310; however it is shown in Figure 5 for explanatory purposes. The ad valuation of 10 is assigned to the cottage because the cottage is the focal point of the image, and the image appears on a travel website. As such, under the factors discussed in Figure 4, an advertisement associated with the cottage would garner a high valuation.

[065] Also present in the accompanying image is a region containing a commercial airplane. As such, a visualization associated with the airplane 330 advertises "Flights to Tahiti." The ad valuation shown for the airplane is 8, because although the airplane is relevant to the website, it is in the background of the image 310. (i.e., it is not the focal point). Another region of the image 310 shows palm trees 540 next to and behind the cottage 320. The palm trees 540 also have an advertisement associated therewith. The advertisement 540 associated with palm trees pertains to "Imported Palm Oil." Because palm oil is not relevant to travel and vacation, and because the palm trees 540 are in the background of the image 310, the palm trees have a lower ad valuation of 4. Additionally, plants 350 in the front of the image 310 advertise "Gardening Tips" with an ad valuation of 6. The plants 350 have a higher ad valuation than the palm trees 340 because the plants are positioned in the front of the image 310.

[066] Figure 6 shows a high-level diagrammatic overview of a network configuration for carrying out an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The network generally may have a number of network-connected devices 610, 620, 630, 640 connected to the Internet 650 via a data network, such as, for example, a packet-switch data network, a Local Area Network, a Wide Area Network, etc. The devices 610-640 communicate with a web server 660 via the Internet 650. The web server 660 is associated with a web server graphical user interface 670. The web server 660 is managed by a host computer 680 via the Internet 650. Thus, changes may be made to the graphical user interface 670, using the host computer 680 having a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The storage on the host computer 680 may have instructions designed to be carried out by a processor. [067] The devices 610-640 may access an image on a web page, such as those described in Figures 1-5 on a network configuration similar to that of Figure 6. For example, a personal computer 610 may load the image and/or web page via a browser interface. As such, the image 310 and associated advertisements are displayed to a user via the screen of the personal computer. Similarly, a laptop computer 620, a tablet 630 and/or a mobile phone 640 may access and display the image 310 and/or web page. These devices may be connected to the internet in any number of ways. For example, the mobile phone 640 may be connected to the internet via a packet-switch data network, whereas the tablet 630 may have wi-fi connectivity. The personal computer 610 may be connected, for example, to a Local Area Network ("LAN") via a wired Ethernet connection.

While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods, systems, and devices described hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method adapted for displaying an online advertisement on a display device of a client computer connected to the internet, wherein a central computer comprises a plurality of advertisements each of them associated at least with an object, wherein:

- a web page comprising a picture is provided to said central computer from a web server via internet;

- said central computer parses said picture to detect an image of a predefined object;

- said central computer defines a first region comprising said image;

- said central computer establishes a link between said first region and a first advertisement from said plurality of advertisements associated with said predefined object detected in said first region;

- said client computer retrieves said web page comprising said picture from said web server via internet;

- said client computer renders and displays said web page and said picture on the display device of said client computer, wherein said first advertisement is embedded into said first region.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising that said central computer determines information defining said first region and associates information defining said first region with said first advertisement.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein instructions for retrieving said first advertisement from said central computer have been embedded into the source code of said web page, wherein after said web page has been rendered by said client computer for displaying, said first advertisement is transmitted together with information defining said first region from said central computer to said client computer.

4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said central computer retrieves display properties of said display device from said client computer, and detects a size of said web page, said picture, said first region and/or said image based on display properties of said display device of said client computer.

5. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said central computer retrieves display properties of said display device from said client computer, and detects a position of said picture, said first region and/or said image within said web page and/or said picture, based on display properties of said display device of said client computer.