Mobile Keyboard Tracking Link Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices lack the functionality of web browser extensions, which are available on desktop systems, due to security restrictions and limitations in mobile operating systems, making it difficult to replicate the enhanced features of web browser extensions on smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard application on mobile devices generates a unique tracking link with a randomly generated identifier, allowing users to access content within the keyboard application without leaving the current interface, enabling tracking of user activity for advertisers and content providers while maintaining user privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If web browser extensions are implemented on mobile devices, then enhanced functionality and user experience are improved, but security restrictions and operating system limitations prevent successful implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a keyboard application as an intermediary component to deliver extension-like functionality on mobile devices. Instead of implementing browser extensions directly (which conflict with security restrictions), the keyboard app serves as a mediator that can intercept input, display overlays, and communicate with websites without requiring browser extension support. This resolves the contradiction by finding an alternative pathway that achieves enhanced functionality while respecting mobile operating system security models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If desktop web browser extensions are ported to mobile devices, then enhanced capabilities are achieved, but the user interface becomes non-intuitive and difficult to use on small screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adapting the user interface to the specific context of mobile device usage. The keyboard application displays overlays and notifications in locations optimized for mobile screens, such as above the keyboard or as pop-up dialogs. The interface elements are sized and positioned for touch interaction rather than mouse clicks, making the enhanced capabilities intuitive and easy to operate on small screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional horizontal scrolling and clicking interface of desktop extensions to a vertical, overlay-based interface suitable for mobile. By utilizing the vertical dimension of mobile screens and implementing full-screen or modal overlays, the system adapts desktop-like functionality to mobile's spatial constraints, creating an intuitive touch-friendly experience.
3Loss of information
If tracking links contain user information, then user activity can be associated with individuals, but user privacy is compromised when snooping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of user identifiers that preserves tracking functionality while protecting privacy. Instead of using real user information in tracking links, the system generates pseudonymous device identifiers that serve as copies. These copied identifiers enable advertisers to track and associate user activity without exposing actual personal information, thus maintaining both tracking capability and privacy security simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods relating to a keyboard application on a mobile device are disclosed. The keyboard application generates a search query which it sends to a remote server. Data located based on the search query is received from the remote server. The data is associated with a record comprising a record identifier. The keyboard application associates a GUI element of the keyboard application with the record identifier. An input is received corresponding to selection of the GUI element. A unique tracking link is generated comprising a URI and an identifier associated with the selection of the GUI element. The URI is a deep link into an application that can execute on the mobile device. The unique tracking link is stored in a database in association with the record and user identifier and passed to the application to access content of the application.