Timer-Based Visibility Detection in Cross-Domain Iframes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a networked environment, it is challenging to detect the visibility of third-party content items within cross-domain iframes due to web browser security constraints that prevent access to the size and location of the iframe relative to the web page, making it difficult to determine if the content is viewable.
Innovation Solution
A module, such as an Adobe Flash module, is configured to execute tasks at different rates when visible and invisible, using a timer to measure visibility by executing tasks 24 times per second when visible and 2 times per second when not visible, with a script determining viewability by comparing the number of task executions and outputting data to a view data module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If web browser security constraints are enforced to prevent access to iframe size and location, then security is improved, but the ability to detect content visibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator module (pixel-sized, invisible) that acts as an intermediary between the content item and the detection system. This module is embedded within the cross-domain iframe and can report its own visibility state without requiring external access to iframe properties. The mediator executes tasks at different rates based on visibility and reports to a view data module, thereby solving the security constraint problem while enabling visibility detection.
2Measurement precision
If a pixel-sized invisible module is embedded in the content item to track visibility, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pixel-sized, invisible module that is computationally inexpensive and has minimal impact on system resources. The module is simple in structure (single pixel, no visual presence) and performs a straightforward function (execute tasks at visibility-dependent rates and report counts). This lightweight approach achieves high measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A module may be included with a content item. The module may be configured such that the module performs a number of tasks at a first rate via a timer when the module is visible and at a second rate via a timer when the module is not visible. A script may be used with the module to determine the number of times the task has been executed by the module and to compare the number of times the task has been executed to a value. If the number of times that the task has been executed by the module is greater than the value then data may be output to indicate the that content item has been viewed. In some instances, the module may be used with a content item served in a cross-domain iframe.