Customized Resource Identifiers for Parcel Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in remembering and accurately entering lengthy and confusing URLs, especially on mobile devices, due to their complexity and lack of relation to the content or context, leading to accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
Generating customized resource identifiers that are shorter and more memorable by selecting words or combinations of words based on the attributes of the network-based resource, prospective viewers, and the context in which they are provided, thereby increasing recall and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard URLs are used to identify network-based resources, then resources can be uniquely identified and accessed, but the URLs become lengthy and difficult to remember
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the URL identification function into two parts: a shortened, memorable identifier (e.g., 'facebook') and the complete technical URL (e.g., 'www.facebook.com'). The browser automatically manages the mapping between these segments, allowing users to interact with only the memorable portion while the system handles the full identification path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the browser's URL completion system) that mediates between the user's simple input and the complex URL structure. This intermediary automatically appends or completes the full URL based on the user's partial input, shielding users from the complexity of standard URL formats while maintaining accurate resource identification.
2Measurement precision
If detailed file paths are included in URLs to reference specific folders and files, then resources can be precisely located, but the URLs become even longer and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file path information into the complete URL (which the system manages) and a simplified user-facing identifier (which the user enters). The detailed folder and file path structure remains in the complete URL, ensuring precise resource location, while users only interact with the simplified segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or alias of the complete URL that users can easily remember and enter. This copy contains only the essential identifying portion (e.g., domain name or key path segment), while the system automatically reconstructs or resolves the full path structure to locate the precise resource.
3Reliability
If multiple words and variations are used in domain names to uniquely identify resources, then resource identification becomes more accurate, but user recall and correct entry becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to remember complex multi-word domain names, the patent inverts the approach by allowing users to enter a simple, short identifier and having the system automatically resolve it to the complete, accurate URL. The complexity is moved from the user's memory burden to the system's resolution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser's URL completion system provides self-service by automatically completing or resolving the full URL based on the user's simple input. The system uses its internal knowledge base to map the user's short identifier to the correct complete URL, eliminating the need for users to manually construct or remember complex domain names.
4Loss of information
If lengthy URLs are provided to users, then complete resource information is conveyed, but users have difficulty entering them correctly on mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential, user-friendly portion of the URL (such as the domain name or a key identifier) for user interaction, while the system retains and manages the complete URL structure. This extraction allows users to input minimal information on mobile devices while the system ensures complete resource information is preserved and accessed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (users must enter the complete URL in one go) to a multi-dimensional approach where the URL is broken into input and resolution phases. Users provide input in one dimension (simple identifier), and the system handles the complete URL in another dimension (full structure), making mobile interaction feasible.
Data Source
AI summary
A locator (e.g., a URL) associated with a network-based resource, such as a web page, may be customized in a manner that increases the likelihood that one or more viewers of the locator will remember and utilize the locator in order to access the network-based resource at a later time. The locator may include words or combinations of words that are associated with attributes of the network-based resource (e.g., the contents of the web page), the viewers or a context in which the locator is presented to the viewers. The words or combinations may be selected such that a length of the locator is less than a length of another locator that is permanently associated with the network-based resource. The locator may be presented to the viewers in any context, such as on a billboard, in an audio or video message, or on a shipping label affixed to a parcel.