Cross-Domain Tracking via Beacons for Context-Aware Storefront Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers' online and in-store activities are not effectively linked, as they often do not download native mobile applications for brick and mortar stores, limiting the capture of online activity data and resulting in a lack of context-aware mobile services for wireless devices in physical storefronts.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a wireless beacon to transmit notifications to proximate devices, prompting them to access a website where stored identifiers allow cross-domain tracking of online activity, enabling context-aware services by linking online and in-store activities without requiring users to download native applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If native mobile applications are used to link online and in-store activities, then context-aware mobile services can be provided, but users show lack of interest in downloading additional applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a web server as an intermediary to connect online activity tracking with in-store beacon data. Instead of requiring a native app, the web server mediates between the beacon system and the user's browser, retrieving online activity history and combining it with current store location data to provide context-aware services through the existing web interface
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the web browser universal by enabling it to perform functions previously requiring native applications. The browser can track online activity, receive beacon notifications, retrieve activity history, and display context-aware store information, consolidating multiple functions into the already-installed browser application
2Loss of information
If native mobile applications are required to capture online activity data, then comprehensive tracking can be achieved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having the web server automatically retrieve online activity history from stored data structures using the device identifier. The process is automated without requiring user intervention or complex app installations - the server independently queries and combines data from multiple sources to generate context-aware information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the native application experience by using web technologies to replicate app-like functionality. The browser-based system copies the essential tracking and context-aware features of native apps but delivers them through the more accessible web platform, reducing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include systems and methods for cross-domain tracking of online wireless device activity to provide context aware mobile services. A request to access a first website can be received from a wireless device at a web server such that a first product or service is viewed, wherein code that comprises an identifier is stored on the wireless device. A request to access a second website can be received, wherein the wireless device is configured to access the second website in response to a notification from a wireless beacon associated with a physical storefront. The web server can then retrieve the identifier from the wireless device and retrieve an online activity history for the wireless device based on the identifier. Information associated with the storefront and first product or service can be transmitted to the wireless device.