Rule-Based Ad-Blocking via Kernel Network Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Publishers face difficulties in tracking and blocking unwanted advertisements on their websites, as existing methods are cumbersome and ineffective in distinguishing between desired and undesired ads, hindering the ability to maintain a clean user experience.
Innovation Solution
A rule-based filtering system that intercepts and blocks graphic, video, audio, or text advertising content by analyzing Internet traffic at the request stage using a database of rules, implemented through a blocking software program with modules functioning at the system and user level, allowing for the exclusion of ads from user-requested web content across various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rule-based filtering is applied to block advertising content, then ad-blocking effectiveness is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple interacting modules
Solution Approach 1:
The ad-blocking system is divided into multiple specialized modules: a filter engine for rule-based filtering, a proxy module for intercepting network requests, and a kernel network extension for system-level integration. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex ad-blocking task to be distributed across manageable components that work together through defined interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy module acts as an intermediary between the user's computing device and remote servers. It intercepts HTTP/HTTPS packets, analyzes URLs against blocking rules, and decides whether to allow or block traffic. This intermediary layer enables ad-blocking without requiring modifications to the browser or application code, maintaining system complexity while achieving reliable ad-filtering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If kernel network extensions are used to filter traffic at system level, then ad-blocking coverage across applications is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The kernel network extension implements universal ad-blocking functionality that operates across all applications on the system, not just specific browsers. By hooking into the operating system's network layer, a single installation provides broad coverage for HTTP/HTTPS traffic from any application, maximizing adaptability while consolidating the blocking logic into one system-wide component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own operation once installed. The filter engine continuously monitors network traffic, applies blocking rules, and updates its filtering capabilities without requiring user intervention. The proxy module automatically intercepts and processes packets, and the kernel extension maintains its integration with the operating system, reducing the operational burden on users despite the complex underlying architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Ad-blocking method, system, and computer program (the system) of the present invention uses rule-based filtering of Internet traffic through a set of interacting modules functioning at the system and user level to allow to exclude graphic, video, audio or text advertising content from the user-requested web content by filtering Internet traffic at the request stage and a response using the rules data base. The system provides the end user with the requested web content in the form of Internet pages in browsers or other representations in other applications (including instant messengers, platforms for streaming, etc.) excluding graphic, video, audio or text advertising content by filtering Internet traffic using the rules data base.