QR Code Usage Tracking via Browser Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring QR code usage are limited in identifying the source and user demographics, as well as location, due to the dynamic nature of IP addresses and the inability of on-device meters to interface with QR scanning applications, which hinders effective advertising campaign planning and measurement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses unique QR codes for each advertisement source, combined with on-device meters and census-based systems, which collect and report usage data, including demographic information and location, through panelist and non-panelist user participation, and leveraging external databases for demographic data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-device meters are used to monitor QR code usage, then device-level tracking capability is improved, but the ability to interface with QR scanning applications deteriorates due to system restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile device's web browser as an intermediary component. When a QR code is scanned, the browser automatically requests the URL encoded in the QR code. The system monitors these HTTP requests to track QR code usage without requiring direct access to the QR scanning application. This intermediary approach bypasses system restrictions while enabling effective monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If IP addresses are used to identify user location and demographics, then location tracking is simplified, but accuracy deteriorates due to the dynamic nature of IP addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where users can voluntarily provide demographic information and location data when they interact with QR code landing pages. This user-provided feedback supplements and corrects the dynamic IP address data, creating a more accurate and stable profile for advertising measurement and campaign planning.
3Measurement precision
If unique QR codes are assigned to each advertisement source, then source identification capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple QR code management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal monitoring system that can track multiple unique QR codes through a single HTTP request interception mechanism. The system universally monitors all QR code scans by capturing web requests from any QR code, regardless of which specific advertisement source it originated from. This allows precise source identification while maintaining manageable system complexity through a unified tracking approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to identify usage of quick response codes. An example method includes inspecting a received request to identify a QR code associated with the request, the request being received from a device in response to an instruction included in the QR code. The example method further includes storing a record indicating access to the identified QR code. The example method further includes determining a redirect universal resource locator (URL) associated with the identified QR code. The example method further includes transmitting a redirect message to the device, the redirect message to instruct the device to navigate to the redirect URL.