Cross-Browser User Identification via GUID Retrieval Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to identify users across multiple browsers and machines, particularly in scenarios where cookies are cleared, making it difficult for website servers to deliver targeted advertisements and track user statistics effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a retrieval service that maintains user identity information and provides a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with a user, which can be accessed by a requesting service across multiple browsers and machines, even when cookies are cleared.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If browser cookies are used to store user identity, then user identification is simple and effective, but user identification fails when cookies are cleared
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating a GUID association between the user's browser and their identity before the user logs out or cookies are cleared. This pre-established association allows the system to retrieve the user identity without relying on persistent cookies, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the GUID retrieval system) that mediates between the user's browser and the server. Instead of directly storing and retrieving user identity via cookies, the system uses an intermediate GUID that can be recovered even when cookies are cleared, resolving the contradiction between reliability and simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If no user login is required for website access, then ease of access is improved, but user identification and tracking become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the browser itself to store and provide the GUID without requiring user authentication. The GUID is automatically associated with the user's browsing activity, eliminating the need for manual login while preserving user identity information through the browser's native storage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the GUID association before any user interaction requiring identification. This allows the website to maintain ease of access without login while having user identity information readily available through the pre-established GUID linkage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cookies are cleared to protect user privacy, then user privacy is protected, but user identification capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary GUID that serves as a bridge between user privacy protection and identification capability. The GUID can be stored in the browser without requiring persistent cookies, allowing users to clear traditional cookies for privacy while the GUID system maintains identification capability through alternative storage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the user identification mechanism in the form of a GUID that is independent of traditional cookies. This copied identification system allows users to clear original cookies for privacy protection while the GUID copy maintains the ability to identify and track user activity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems to identify a user across multiple browsers and machines are described. In some embodiments, a web request is received at a retrieval service from a browser. The web request may include a request to access a retrieval service website of the retrieval service and may be initiated by a redirection of the browser from a requesting service to the retrieval service. A unique identifier associated with a user logged in to an account of the retrieval service may be determined. The user may be logged in to the account via the browser. A redirect request is sent from the retrieval service to the browser. The redirect may include the unique identifier and may redirect the browser from the retrieval service website to the requesting service. The unique identifier may be used by the requesting service to perform additional functionality specific to the user.