Temporal Identifier Linking for Cross-Device Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering content across multiple user devices lack efficient cross-device linking, leading to suboptimal cross-device conversion tracking, frequency capping, and content selection, as they fail to effectively utilize linked device information for personalized and relevant content presentation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using temporal identifiers generated based on user login credentials and temporary keys to link multiple devices associated with a user, enabling cross-device conversion tracking, frequency capping, and content selection by storing and regenerating these identifiers across devices, ensuring secure and anonymous user identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional device identification methods are used, then device recognition is simple, but cross-device linking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating temporal identifiers in advance during login events, storing them on user devices, and preparing the linking infrastructure before cross-device tracking is needed. This allows accurate device linking to occur automatically when requests are made, without complex real-time computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal identifiers as an intermediary element that bridges multiple devices. Instead of directly comparing device identifiers or user profiles, the system uses these temporary identifiers as mediators that are generated on-demand and facilitate accurate device matching through cryptographic verification.
2Reliability
If user privacy is protected through anonymous identifiers, then user security is improved, but device linking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification process into multiple independent components: temporary identifiers that provide anonymity, cryptographic verification mechanisms that ensure accuracy, and device identifier storage that enables linking. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function while working together to achieve both privacy and linking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters dynamically by generating different temporal identifiers with varying lifetimes and scopes based on the specific linking scenario. The system adjusts identifier validity periods, renewal policies, and verification strictness to balance privacy protection with linking effectiveness for different use cases.
3Measurement precision
If temporal identifiers are generated for each login, then cross-device tracking accuracy is improved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by generating temporal identifiers only when necessary (during login events) rather than continuously. The identifiers have limited lifetimes and are renewed only when needed, avoiding unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining sufficient tracking accuracy for conversion events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable temporal identifiers that are created cheaply and discarded after use or expiration. These short-lived identifiers replace expensive, long-lived authentication tokens for the specific purpose of device linking, reducing overall computational and storage requirements while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. Login credentials provided by a user are received when communicating through a first user device, and a temporal identifier is created for the user and provided to the first user device. Prior to expiration of the temporary key, login credentials provided by the user on a second different user device are received. The temporal identifier is re-created for the user and provided to the second different user device. A first request is received from the first or second different user device. The temporal identifier is stored and an identifier associated with the device. A second request is received from the other device. A device identifier for the first and second different user device are linked in association with the temporal identifier. The linking is used to respond to the second request.