Subscriber Management via Unique Device Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking user activity in computing environments, such as cookie-based approaches and user login models, are inefficient and intrusive, especially as web browsers increasingly eliminate cookie support.
Innovation Solution
A subscriber management system that generates and tracks unique user device identifiers, allowing for cookie-free activity tracking and subscription management across multiple content provider systems, utilizing cross-origin data storage to store and retrieve user device subscription data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cookie-based tracking is used to identify user devices, then user activity can be tracked, but web browsers are eliminating cookie support making the method obsolete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from cookies by implementing a custom identifier system that generates unique device identifiers (UDIDs) and stores them locally in the browser's storage system, eliminating dependency on cookie-based tracking while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage parameter from cookies to local storage, and the identifier generation from cookie-based to algorithm-based UDID generation, thereby adapting to modern browser environments that phase out cookie support
2Reliability
If user login model is used to identify users, then user identification is achieved, but it requires active user measures (account establishment, username, password) which is inefficient and obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic user identification without requiring active user participation. The browser extension automatically generates UDIDs, stores them locally, and uses them for identification, eliminating the need for users to manually create accounts or enter credentials
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and storing device identifiers before any tracking or identification is needed, so that when tracking is required, the identification infrastructure is already in place and functional
3Quantity of substance
If cookies are used for data storage, then user activity data can be stored, but data leakage and CSRF vulnerabilities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local storage intermediary layer between the tracking system and external servers. Data is stored locally in the browser's storage system rather than in cookies that can be intercepted, acting as a secure mediator that prevents direct exposure to CSRF attacks and data leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts sensitive data from the cookie storage mechanism and places it in a more secure local storage environment, removing the security vulnerabilities associated with cookie-based storage while maintaining data storage functionality
4Quantity of substance
If cookies are used for storage, then user activity can be tracked, but storage capacity is limited compared to cross-origin data storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal storage system using the browser's local storage capability that can handle larger data volumes and serves multiple functions (tracking, identification, subscription management) compared to the limited cookie storage, providing a multi-functional storage solution
Data Source
AI summary
A subscriber management system and method are described, according to various implementations. In an implementation, the method and system generate a unique user device identifier that is stored and accessed in storage on a user device. The user device identifier is passed in network requests when visiting a website having an installation of a module of the subscriber management system.