IP Address Geolocation via Spatial Clustering of Search Queries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods struggle to accurately determine a user's geographic location based on their IP address, as multiple users in different locations can share the same IP address, making it difficult for search engines and ad providers to tailor search results and digital ads effectively.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods are developed to associate a geographic location with an IP address by analyzing user activity, browser cookies, and local intent of search queries, using techniques such as creating spatial clusters and determining accuracy scores at various geographic levels, to improve location-based targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IP address blocking is used to determine user location, then the system can identify geographic location, but the accuracy deteriorates because multiple users in different locations may share the same IP address
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location determination service as an intermediary component that receives IP addresses from search engines and determines geographic locations through multiple methods (reverse DNS lookup, ISP database queries, spatial clustering of user activity patterns). This intermediary layer processes IP addresses and transforms them into accurate location data, resolving the contradiction between using IP addresses for location identification and the inherent inaccuracy caused by IP sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring user activity patterns, search query results, and ad impressions to refine location determinations. The location determination service receives feedback about user behavior patterns and adjusts its clustering algorithms to improve location accuracy over time, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while using IP address blocking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If search results and ads are targeted based on IP address location, then the system can provide location-specific content, but the relevance deteriorates when users share IP addresses across different geographic locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location determination by continuously updating user location associations based on real-time activity patterns, search queries, and ad interactions. The spatial clustering algorithm dynamically adjusts location groupings based on user behavior, allowing the system to adapt to changing user locations and patterns. This dynamic approach enables accurate location-based targeting even when users share IP addresses, as the system responds to actual user behavior rather than relying solely on static IP-to-location mappings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing spatial clusters of users based on their activity patterns before actual ad delivery occurs. The location determination service pre-processes user data to create accurate location associations, which are then used for targeted ad delivery. This preliminary clustering action enables the system to provide location-specific content with high relevance even when users share IP addresses, as the location data is prepared and validated in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to systems and methods for associating a geographic location with an IP address. Generally, a plurality of localized search queries of search queries received at an Internet search engine are determined, where each of the plurality of localized search queries is associated with a location. A geo tag is associated with each of the plurality of localized search queries and a subset of the plurality of localized search queries that are associated with a first IP address is identified. The subset of the plurality of localized search queries is clustered into a spatial cluster including localized search queries associated with geo tags located within a defined distance of a geo tag associated with at least one other localized search query of the cluster. A geographic location associated with a geographic center of the cluster is then associated with the first IP address.