Dynamic IP Address User Linking via Port Number Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for linking devices within a local area network using public IP addresses are ineffective in environments with dynamic IP addresses, leading to incorrect data association and mismatched device interactions due to IP address changes.
Innovation Solution
A method that matches dynamic IP addresses of devices to associate user identifiers with content viewed on displays, using a common time threshold to ensure accurate linking, allowing continued association even with changing IP addresses, by using a push or pull model to search for user records based on dynamic IP addresses and timestamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic IP addresses are used for local area network devices, then IP address availability and flexibility are improved, but device identification accuracy and data association reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces port numbers as intermediary identifiers to bridge the gap between dynamic IP addresses and device identification. When a device connects to the network, the router assigns a unique port number that remains consistent even when the IP address changes. This port number serves as a stable mediator that allows external systems to identify and communicate with the correct device within the local area network, resolving the reliability issue caused by dynamic IP address changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an additional identification dimension by combining IP addresses with port numbers to create a composite identifier (IP:port). This dimensional expansion transforms the single-dimensional IP address identification into a two-dimensional identification system, where the port number provides a stable secondary identifier that compensates for the volatility of the IP address dimension, thereby maintaining reliable device identification despite IP changes.
2Measurement precision
If port numbers are used to identify devices within a local area network, then device identification capability is improved, but system complexity and message packet structure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing port number mechanism, which was originally designed for multiplexing network services, and extends its functionality to serve as a device identifier within the local area network. By making the port number serve dual purposes (service identification and device identification), the patent avoids adding separate identification mechanisms, thereby improving device identification capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The router automatically generates and manages port number assignments for devices in the local area network without requiring external configuration or intervention. This self-service approach to port number management simplifies the overall system architecture, as the identification infrastructure is built into the existing network address translation functionality, avoiding the need for separate complex device identification systems.
3Reliability
If IP address translation is performed by the router, then security and network management are improved, but the ability to track and associate user activity with specific devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the router not only performs IP address translation but also records and forwards port number information associated with each translation. This feedback loop ensures that when external systems receive responses from devices, they can trace back through the port number to identify the originating device, thereby maintaining user activity tracking capability despite the IP address translation that enhances security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing and recording the mapping between internal device identifiers (port numbers) and external IP addresses before actual data transmission occurs. This pre-establishment of identification relationships ensures that even as IP addresses change dynamically, the router has already prepared the correct translation mappings, allowing external systems to accurately track user activity back to specific devices through the pre-recorded port number associations.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes receiving an internet protocol address and an identifier for a display and storing the display's internet protocol address and the display's identifier in a viewing record. A device's internet protocol address and a user identifier are received for a request sent by the device to a server. The display's internet protocol address is determined to match the device's internet protocol address and in response the display's identifier is associated with the user identifier. A display identifier in a viewing record and the association between the display's identifier and the user identifier are then used to determine that content listed in the viewing record was viewed by a user represented by the user identifier.