Tracking hits for network files using transmitted counter instructions
US7222170B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/535
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for tracking hits of a requested network file includes embedding an instruction within the file that directs the requesting device to transmit an indicator to a processor for counting subsequent to the requesting device receiving the requested file. The request for the network file is made by a requesting device (e.g., client of an end-user) and may be made over the Internet. The instruction is executed by a Web browser at the requesting device. The instruction is embedded within the Internet file, so that if the file is cached by a proxy server, the instruction is also cached. Thus, the instruction will reach the end-user regardless of whether the file is downloaded from the proxy server or from an originating server. When the file reaches the end-user, the instruction triggers the transmission of the indicator that is send to the processor for counting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.