Remote Browser Architecture for Accurate Panelist Web Usage Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting Web usage data from panelists often require installation of specialized software or hardware at the panelist's residence, which may not accurately account for Web usage occurring outside the residence, such as while traveling.
Innovation Solution
A remote browser architecture is implemented, where a server-side, full-featured browser operates remotely and communicates with a local, thin browser on the panelist's device, enabling Web site navigation, content download, and viewing, allowing for accurate recording of Web usage metrics regardless of location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized software or hardware is installed at the panelist's residence, then Web usage data can be collected, but Web usage occurring outside the residence cannot be accurately accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
A remote server acts as an intermediary between the panelist's local device and the Web resources. The server-side browser fetches Web content remotely and transmits it to the local thin browser, enabling centralized control and accurate tracking of Web usage regardless of the panelist's location. This mediator approach allows the system to maintain measurement precision while adapting to various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the local device actively access Web resources directly, the system inverts the approach by having a remote server access Web resources and push content to the local device. This inversion enables centralized monitoring and accurate data collection while allowing panelists to access Web content from any location with network connectivity.
2Measurement precision
If a server-side, full-featured browser operates remotely, then Web usage metrics can be accurately recorded regardless of location, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The browser functionality is segmented into two distinct components: a full-featured server-side browser that handles complex Web resource access, rendering, and data collection, and a minimal local thin browser that only displays content and transmits basic commands. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be centralized on the server while keeping the local device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The server-side browser creates a copy of the Web content (HTML, images, other resources) and transmits it to the local device. This copying approach allows the full-featured browser to operate remotely while the local device receives and displays the copied content, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring complex local software.
3Measurement precision
If specialized software is installed on the client device, then Web usage can be monitored, but implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of distributing and installing specialized monitoring software on multiple client devices, the system copies Web content from the source to a central server, which then distributes it to local devices. This eliminates the need for expensive client-side software installation and maintenance, reducing implementation costs while maintaining accurate usage tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The server-side browser serves multiple functions: it acts as a Web client, content renderer, usage monitor, and data collector all in one centralized location. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized software on each client device, reducing overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for remotely recording Web usage by a panelist includes receiving at a remote processor, a command from a local client to display a Web page; identifying the local client and the panelist operating the local client; accessing the Web page; rendering the Web page in a remote browser; sending an image of the Web page to a local browser of the local client; and recording Web usage metrics associated with a display of the image on the local browser.