Desktop Search Ad Injection via Hidden Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desktop search engines and internet search engines do not effectively present advertisements to users on stand-alone computer systems that are not connected to the internet, limiting advertisers' ability to target users with relevant ads, and there is a lack of control over when and how advertisement files are stored on users' devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows for the generation and storage of advertisement files on a user's stand-alone computer system without their explicit permission, where these files are designed to be included in search results, potentially placed in hidden folders, and updated periodically, enabling invisible storage and display of ads even when the user is not connected to the internet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advertisement files are stored on a stand-alone computer system without user permission, then advertisers can target users with relevant advertisements even when offline, but users lose control over when and how advertisement files are stored on their devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing advertisement files on the user's stand-alone computer system in advance, before the user actually searches for content. This allows ads to be immediately available for display when the user performs local searches, enabling offline advertising capability without requiring real-time network connectivity or explicit user permission at the moment of ad delivery.
2Extent of automation
If advertisement files are placed in hidden folders on the storage device, then ads can be displayed invisibly to users, but users cannot see or manage the advertisement files stored on their devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hidden folders on the storage device as an intermediary mechanism to store advertisement files. These hidden folders serve as a mediator between the advertisement delivery system and the user's visible file system, allowing ads to be stored and retrieved automatically without user awareness or intervention, while maintaining the illusion of a clean user file system.
3Productivity
If advertisement files are updated periodically on stand-alone computers, then advertisers can maintain relevant ads, but the system requires ongoing storage operations without continuous user consent
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by updating advertisement files on the user's stand-alone computer system at scheduled intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. This periodic update mechanism allows advertisers to maintain ad relevance and freshness while minimizing the frequency of storage operations, reducing the burden of ongoing user consent requests and system overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system receives an executable file that includes one or more advertisements and instructions. The system stores the executable file, including the advertisements, on a storage device. The system receives an input to search the storage device using a search facility separate from the executable file. The system generates search results responsive to the input using the search facility. The system executes the instructions included in the executable file to insert at least one advertisement included in the executable file into the search results. The system presents the search results, including the at least one inserted advertisement, to a user.