HTTP Cookie Page Flow Enforcement via Referrer Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid expansion of online information makes it challenging for websites to maintain an organized and structured browsing experience, as users can easily jump around or bypass intended page flows due to deep-level links and cross-links, diminishing the effectiveness of organized content presentation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize HTTP cookies and referrer information to enforce an ordered page flow by redirecting requests to pre-selected webpages, employing a rotating secret and encryption to ensure that users follow a predetermined browsing path without the need for maintaining state information like browsing history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users are allowed free navigation across websites including deep-level links and cross-links, then ease of operation is improved, but the organized page flow structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (cookie-based validation system) between the user's navigation requests and the website's page flow structure. The system uses referrer headers and cookies as mediators to verify whether a user's navigation request aligns with the intended page flow, allowing free navigation only when it coincides with the structured path.
2Ease of operation
If deep-level links and cross-links are provided to enable direct access to specific pages, then ease of operation is improved, but the effectiveness of organized content presentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting up cookie validation and referrer checking mechanisms in advance before users navigate through the website. When a user attempts to access a page via deep-level links, the system has already prepared the validation logic to check whether the navigation path matches the intended flow, and can redirect or block access accordingly.
3Loss of information
If the system enforces ordered page flow browsing to maintain structured content presentation, then content presentation effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by applying page flow enforcement selectively rather than universally. The cookie-based validation system checks referrer headers and enforces structured navigation only when necessary to maintain content presentation effectiveness, while allowing users freedom to navigate freely when their paths naturally align with the intended page flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method are directed to managing an ordered page flow browsing of a website. As a request is received for a webpage on the website, a referrer is examined. If the referrer indicates that the request is from another website, the request may be redirected to a pre-selected webpage on the website. In addition, a cookie may be generated that includes, in part, the request and a secret. The request and rotating secret may also be encrypted. The cookie may then be provided along with a response to the request. When another request is received with the cookie, the cookie may be compared, in part, with the referrer and the secret to determine if the request is from an ordered page within the website. If it is not, the request may be redirected to the pre-selected webpage, thereby enforcing orderly page flow browsing.