Physical Interaction Data for Privacy-Preserving Personalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signal monitoring techniques, such as the use of cookies, invade user privacy by allowing unaffiliated parties to collect personal information from users' online interactions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes contextual data from physical interactions between users and items to determine item interest levels, allowing for personalized content presentation without relying on cookies or digital signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital signal monitoring techniques such as cookies are used to capture user information, then user engagement and personalization can be improved, but user privacy is compromised as unaffiliated parties can collect personal information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user data processing into first-party (affiliated) and third-party (unaffiliated) contexts. Physical interaction data is collected and processed only by affiliated first-party systems, creating distinct data boundaries that prevent unaffiliated parties from accessing personal information while still enabling personalized engagement through legitimate channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical interaction data as an intermediary medium that bridges user behavior and personalization needs without requiring direct digital tracking. Sensors capture physical interactions (e.g., picking up products, hovering over items) and convert them into engagement signals that can be processed by first-party systems without involving third-party cookies or unaffiliated data collection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cookies are used to track online activity, then personalized advertising and content delivery can be achieved, but data security is reduced as information is accessible to multiple parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of personalization from the cookie-based tracking system. Instead of using cookies to capture and transmit user data across multiple parties, the system extracts physical interaction data at the source (through sensors) and processes it locally within first-party systems, removing the need for third-party data access while maintaining personalization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a parallel data collection system that copies the functionality of cookie-based tracking but uses physical sensor data instead of digital signals. Physical interactions are captured and converted into engagement metrics that mirror traditional online tracking outcomes, enabling personalization through a secure, first-party-only data pathway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party cookies are deployed to capture user information, then advertising personalization can be improved, but information loss to unaffiliated parties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments advertising data sources into first-party physical interaction data and excludes third-party cookie data entirely. By relying solely on sensor-captured physical behaviors (e.g., in-store product interactions, device proximity events), the system maintains advertising personalization while ensuring information remains within affiliated party boundaries, preventing leakage to unaffiliated third parties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables first-party systems to self-generate advertising personalization data through physical interaction sensors without needing to purchase or license data from third parties. The system captures, processes, and utilizes its own physical interaction data to create personalized advertising experiences, eliminating the need for third-party data exchanges that would cause information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to generating insight based on physical signals. The method includes receiving contextual data associated with a first party user and at least one item. The contextual data is indicative of a physical interaction between the first party user and the at least one item. The physical interaction, for example, can include an approaching action, a picking up action, or any other action between a first party user and an item in the physical world. The method includes determining an item interest level for the at least one item based, at least in part, on the contextual data. And, the method includes initiating a presentation of a content item to the user via a user device associated with the user based, at least in part, on the item interest level for the at least one item. The content item includes information for the at least one item.