Tracking Identifier Synchronization via Convergent Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of synchronizing client tracking identifiers across multiple security domains is hindered by security policies, leading to cumbersome and resource-intensive techniques, particularly under 'same origin' security policies, which complicate direct manipulation or access of cookies and other tracking identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first party instructions and a synchronization system with a receiver, composer, and output that employs a convergent selection method to select and set client tracking identifiers, converging them to a small pool of values, using client-executed methods and reporting instructions to manage and reset identifiers, thereby simplifying synchronization across security domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cookie synchronization is attempted under same origin security policy, then tracking identifier synchronization is achieved, but communication overhead increases and server resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization system that acts as an intermediary between first party and third party servers. This mediator receives cookie values from both parties, performs synchronization operations, and returns synchronized values, thereby reducing direct communication overhead between origin servers while maintaining synchronization reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system creates copies of cookie values and metadata from both first party and third party servers, performs synchronization operations on these copies, and only transmits the necessary synchronized results back to the originating servers. This copying approach minimizes the actual data transmission and server resource consumption while achieving synchronization
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cookie values are maintained for each visitor, then tracking flexibility is improved, but database size grows and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cookie value management of first party and third party servers into a unified synchronization system. By combining the cookie values and their metadata into a single synchronized structure, the system maintains tracking flexibility while reducing the operational complexity of managing separate, growing databases at each server
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system creates a universal cookie value that can be used by both first party and third party servers. This multi-functional approach allows a single synchronized cookie value to serve multiple tracking purposes across different domains, reducing the need for maintaining separate large databases at each server
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking identifier synchronization system using a convergent selection method comprises first party instructions accessed through a content provider and a synchronization system comprising a receiver, a composer and an output. First party instructions direct the client to submit a request comprising a third party cookie to a synchronization system. The composer generates setting instructions for execution at the client. Setting instructions comprise instructions to use a client-executed convergent selection method to select values first party cookies and, optionally, reporting instructions directing the client to transmit the values of client tracking identifiers. Repeated invocation of client-executed convergent selection methods results in the convergence of cookie values for many operational cases. Optionally, the synchronization system may generate third party cookie(s) using a convergent selection method based on the reporting data and compose a second set of third party cookie setting instructions for execution at the client.