Systems and methods for blockchain-based tracking and selective access to user data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing browser cookies are limited in their ability to track user data across different merchant sites, both online and offline, and users lack control over how and where their data is collected and accessed.

Innovation Solution

A blockchain-based cookie token system that allows users to generate a singular token on the blockchain to track and control their preferences and purchases, enabling selective access by merchants for personalized experiences, with smart contracts enforcing data access rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If browser cookies are used to track user data across different sites, then user tracking capability is improved, but user control and data privacy are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser data tracking capabilityVSAvoiduser control over data

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between users and merchants for data access. Instead of merchants directly accessing user cookies, the blockchain system acts as a trusted intermediary that verifies user consent and manages data sharing permissions, thereby maintaining tracking capability while restoring user control through cryptographic authentication and smart contract enforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional data access model by giving users cryptographic control over their data through private keys stored in blockchain wallets. Instead of users being passive subjects of tracking, they actively manage access permissions by controlling which merchants can read their data on the blockchain, fundamentally reversing the power dynamic in data tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Loss of information

If merchant-specific cookies are used, then data collection for individual merchants is improved, but cross-merchant data sharing is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchant-specific user dataVSAvoidcross-merchant data accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal blockchain-based data storage system that serves multiple merchants simultaneously. User data is stored once on the blockchain and can be selectively accessed by any number of merchants that have permission, eliminating the need for each merchant to maintain separate cookie systems and enabling seamless cross-merchant data sharing while preserving merchant-specific data access rights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges individual merchant cookie systems into a single unified blockchain-based data repository. Instead of maintaining separate tracking systems for each merchant, user data is consolidated in one secure location on the blockchain, with access controlled through smart contracts that enable multiple merchants to retrieve relevant data according to user permissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If offline brick-and-mortar stores use traditional cookies, then online tracking is improved, but offline data access is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveonline user tracking dataVSAvoidoffline store data utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical browser cookie system with a blockchain-based digital token system that can function across both online and offline environments. Blockchain cookie tokens can be displayed on mobile devices at physical stores, scanned by store systems, and used to retrieve user data from the blockchain, enabling seamless integration of online tracking capabilities with offline retail operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12387008B2Systems and methods for blockchain-based tracking and selective access to user data

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 STYLITICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a blockchain cookie token for tracking user data compiled from different merchants on the blockchain, and for providing virtual and physical merchants selective access to the user data via the blockchain. Each blockchain cookie token may be generated for a different user, and may be accessed using a different key. The key may be provided to different network sites. A first set of user data, derived from tracked activity of the particular user at a first network site, may be entered into the token. The first set of user data provided by the first network site may be accessed at a different second network site using the key, and the second network site may customize content that is presented to the user based on one or more content of the second network site having attributes that match the first set of user data entered in the token.