Network Router Advertisement Exposure Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring online advertisement exposure on mobile devices are inaccurate and burdensome, as they rely on user participation or specialized tracking software that struggles with device variations, especially when users access the internet through different networks outside their home router.
Innovation Solution
A system where a household router tracks and correlates advertisement exposure by generating a unique panelist ID and cookie IDs, allowing for accurate logging and reporting of advertisement requests even when mobile devices access the internet through different networks, using a computer-implemented method that correlates panelist IDs with cookie IDs stored on a panelist server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracking software is downloaded to each mobile device, then advertisement exposure can be tracked, but the system becomes incompatible with the vast array of devices having varying browsers, operating systems, and limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network intermediary (router or network device) that mediates between the mobile device and the advertisement tracking system. Instead of installing software on each diverse mobile device, the intermediary captures advertisement requests at the network level, correlating them with device identifiers like IMEI or MAC addresses. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing universal tracking capability across all devices without requiring device-specific software installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of installing physical software on each device with a network-based electronic solution. Advertisment requests are tracked through network packet interception and analysis, substituting the need for local software agents with remote server-based tracking that processes requests regardless of the client device's operating system or browser.
2Measurement precision
If a home router tracks advertisement exposure, then accurate data is collected when devices are at home, but advertisements presented when mobile devices access the internet through different networks are not tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the tracking system from a location-specific home router solution into a universal network-agnostic system. By using network-level interception that works across any WiFi network, cellular network, or other internet connection type, the system achieves multi-functionality. The same tracking mechanism operates regardless of which network the mobile device is connected to, eliminating the home network limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the intermediary concept beyond the home router to any network device that can intercept traffic. The system uses network-level intermediaries that can be deployed at various points in the network path, allowing tracking to occur whether the device is on home WiFi, public WiFi, or cellular data. The intermediary captures requests at the network layer rather than relying on device location or home network presence.
3Ease of operation
If surveys or log in/log out mechanisms are used to measure internet activity, then user participation can be obtained, but the data accuracy is compromised and overhead costs are very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service tracking system where users automatically provide tracking data through their normal internet usage without manual participation. The system passively captures advertisement requests as they occur during regular browsing, eliminating the need for users to complete surveys or log in/out. This self-service approach simultaneously improves data accuracy (by capturing actual behavior rather than self-reported data) and reduces overhead costs (by eliminating survey coordination and incentive management).
Data Source
AI summary
A process tracks user advertisement exposure. To enroll a user as a panelist, the process generates a panelist ID and sends it to the user's home router. The process receives a message from the router that includes the panelist ID and a cookie ID associated with a web application. The cookie ID identifies the application and a personal device. The process stores the correlation between the panelist ID and the cookie ID in a database. The process receives an advertisement request from the personal device that includes the cookie ID. The process selects an advertisement and sends it to the personal device. The process also stores information corresponding to the advertisement request in an advertisement log, including the cookie ID and an advertisement identifier. The programs correlate the advertisement request with the panelist ID using the cookie ID. The process generates a report of the user's online advertisement exposure.