End-to-End Flow

Flow Overview

AIP connects AI Platforms, Operators, and Brand Agents through a series of request/response cycles, selection, and event verification. The protocol supports two distinct flows based on the interaction mode.

Used when the user is researching, considering, or comparing options. The brand agent contributes to the AI response without any session transfer.

User asks a question with commercial intent
Platform sends PlatformRequest to Operator
Operator evaluates participation eligibility - allowed
Operator derives ContextRequest and sends to eligible brand agents
Brand agents respond with pricing and content
Operator runs selection, determines recommend mode
Platform receives PlatformResponse and integrates recommendation into AI response
Events track the lifecycle: exposure_shown → interaction_started → task_completed
Only the highest-value event is settled

Flow 2: Delegate Mode

Used when the user has transactional intent and is ready to act. The AI hands off the session to a brand agent for task execution.

Delegate flow summary

User expresses transactional intent
Platform sends PlatformRequest to Operator
Operator evaluates eligibility - delegation is allowed
Operator derives ContextRequest and sends to eligible agents
Brand agent responds with delegation capability
Operator runs selection, determines delegate mode
Platform receives PlatformResponse with delegation object
Platform asks user for consent
User consents and the Platform sends that consent to the Operator
Operator confirms brand-agent availability, initiates the delegated session, and records delegation_started
Platform and Brand Agent continue the live delegated task flow after the operator-mediated start
Both Platform and Brand Agent emit delegation_activity while the session remains active
Any new information the user provides in-session is session-bound by default and not part of the original handoff scope
If no activity arrives before session_timeout_seconds, the Operator records delegation_expired
Brand agent executes the task
task_completed event fired and verified
Operator settles CPA

1. Platform Request (AI Platform → Operator)

Schema: platform-request.json The AI platform initiates the process by sending a PlatformRequest to the operator. The operator validates the request, evaluates participation eligibility, and if eligible derives a ContextRequest and sends it to brand agents.

Key fields:

spec_version: AIP request schema version (e.g. “1.0”)
message_id: Canonical per-message identifier used for auction identity and replay
timestamp: ISO 8601 timestamp
producer: Producer information; agent_role must be "platform"
context: Context (language, publisher, placement, device, geography)
identity: Identity (namespace, value_hash, confidence)
extensions.aip.intent: Required. Platform-declared intent (domain, subdomain, confidence) for participation governance
extensions.aip.runtime: Required. session_id, turn_index, query_text, optional messages, latency_budget_ms
extensions.aip.selection: Optional. pricing_model, cpx_floor, currency

Example:

{
  "spec_version": "1.0",
  "message_id": "msg_92fA1_turn_003",
  "timestamp": "2025-11-14T18:22:00Z",
  "producer": {
    "agent_id": "openai_chat",
    "agent_role": "platform",
    "software": "chatgpt",
    "software_version": "4.3-mini"
  },
  "context": {
    "language": "en-US",
    "publisher": "openai_chat",
    "placement": { "unit": "conversation" },
    "device": { "platform": "web", "form_factor": "desktop", "ua_hash": "ua_hash_xyz" },
    "geography": { "country": "US" }
  },
  "identity": {
    "namespace": "platform_user",
    "value_hash": "user_hash_abc123",
    "confidence": 1.0
  },
  "extensions": {
    "aip": {
      "intent": { "domain": "business", "subdomain": "crm", "confidence": 0.91 },
      "runtime": {
        "session_id": "sess_001",
        "turn_index": 3,
        "query_text": "best CRM for small teams",
        "messages": [
          { "role": "user", "content": "best CRM tools?" },
          { "role": "assistant", "content": "HubSpot, Zoho, Salesforce…" }
        ],
        "latency_budget_ms": 500
      },
      "selection": { "pricing_model": "CPX", "cpx_floor": 0.05, "currency": "USD" }
    }
  }
}

2. Context Request (Operator → Brand Agents)

Schema: context-request.json The operator normalizes the platform request and enriches it with intent analysis, then sends a ContextRequest to brand agents.

Key fields:

spec_version: AIP specification version (default: “1.0”)
context_id: Unique identifier for this operator-generated ContextRequest
message_id: Canonical upstream message identifier
timestamp: ISO 8601 timestamp
operator: Operator information
platform: Upstream platform information
session.id: Conversation or interaction session ID
session.turn_index: Turn index in the conversation
language: User locale in BCP 47 format
intent: Operator-generated semantic understanding
- type: “informational” | “commercial” | “transactional”
- decision_phase: canonical decision phase enum
- confidence: Confidence score (0.0-1.0)
- summary: Short summary of conversation context
verticals: Normalized topical verticals
allowed_formats: Content formats allowed
latency_budget_ms: Platform latency budget in milliseconds

Example:

{
  "spec_version": "1.0",
  "context_id": "ctx_92fA1",
  "message_id": "msg_92fA1_turn_003",
  "timestamp": "2025-11-14T18:22:00Z",
  "operator": {
    "operator_id": "admesh_operator"
  },
  "platform": {
    "platform_id": "openai_chat",
    "software": {
      "name": "chatgpt",
      "version": "4.3-mini"
    }
  },
  "session": {
    "id": "sess_001",
    "turn_index": 3
  },
  "latency_budget_ms": 500,
  "allowed_formats": ["weave", "tail", "product_card"],
  "language": "en-US",
  "intent": {
    "type": "commercial",
    "decision_phase": "consideration",
    "confidence": 0.87,
    "summary": "User is evaluating CRM tools and narrowing down options."
  },
  "verticals": ["crm", "smb_software"]
}

Selection window and timing

AIP uses a time-bounded selection window to ensure low latency and predictable outcomes.

The selection window is derived from the PlatformRequest latency_budget_ms field
The Operator computes the available response window by subtracting operator overhead from the platform’s latency budget
The window begins when the ContextRequest is published
Brand agents MUST submit responses before the computed window expires
If latency_budget_ms is not provided, the Operator MUST apply a default fallback

If the window expires with no responses, the outcome is no_match. Late responses are ignored.

3. Brand Agent Response (Brand Agents → Operator)

Schema: bid.json Brand agents evaluate the context request and submit Bid payloads containing pricing, targeting, budget, and structured recommendation content.

Key fields:

spec_version: Schema version for the bid payload
bid_id: Unique identifier for this bid
brand_agent_id: Identifier of the brand agent
context_id: ID of the ContextRequest being responded to
wallet_id: Wallet to debit if selected
targeting: Applicability constraints for the bid
pricing: Pricing fields in micros
budget: Spend caps and pacing controls
recommendation.creative_input: Unified content structure
declared_relevance: Relevance score (0.0-1.0, required)
delegation: Delegation capability declaration (optional)
valid_until: Bid expiry timestamp

Example:

{
  "spec_version": "1.0",
  "bid_id": "bid_7823",
  "brand_agent_id": "brand_agent_123",
  "context_id": "ctx_92f",
  "wallet_id": "wallet_890",
  "targeting": {
    "intent_types": ["commercial", "transactional"],
    "decision_phases": ["consideration", "decision"],
    "verticals": ["crm", "sales_software"],
    "countries": ["US"],
    "locales": ["en-US"]
  },
  "pricing": {
    "currency": "USD",
    "cpx_micros": 50000,
    "cpc_micros": 450000,
    "cpe_micros": 700000,
    "cpa_micros": 10000000,
    "preferred_pricing_model": "CPA"
  },
  "budget": {
    "max_bid_per_event_micros": 10000000,
    "daily_cap_micros": 50000000,
    "remaining_budget_micros": 32000000,
    "pacing_mode": "even"
  },
  "recommendation": {
    "creative_input": {
      "brand_name": "Nimbus",
      "product_name": "Nimbus CRM Pro",
      "short_description": "CRM built for growing teams, with AI-assisted workflows.",
      "long_description": "Nimbus CRM Pro is designed for teams of 5-50 people who need intelligent pipeline management.",
      "value_props": [
        "Automated pipeline insights",
        "Collaborative forecasting"
      ],
      "context_snippet": "For startups needing higher limits and automated expense workflows.",
      "cta_label": "Start Free Trial",
      "cta_url": "https://nimbus.example.com/signup"
    }
  },
  "supported_opportunities": ["comparison_slot", "decision_moment", "transaction_trigger"],
  "preferred_format": "weave",
  "format_constraints": {
    "max_responses": 1,
    "ranking": "operator_defined"
  },
  "valid_until": "2025-11-11T18:05:00Z",
  "timestamp": "2025-11-11T18:00:01Z",
  "declared_relevance": 0.87,
  "delegation": {
    "supported": true,
    "consent_required": true,
    "supported_for_intents": {
      "intent_types": ["transactional", "commercial"],
      "decision_phases": ["decision", "post_purchase"]
    },
    "required_scopes": ["intent", "constraints"],
    "protocol": {
      "type": "mcp",
      "version": "1.0"
    },
    "mcp": {
      "server_url": "https://agent.nimbus.example.com/mcp",
      "tool_name": "start_crm_signup_session",
      "session_init_schema_ref": "https://agent.nimbus.example.com/schemas/session-init.json"
    },
    "session_constraints": {
      "multi_turn": true,
      "session_timeout_seconds": 900,
      "max_turns": 20
    }
  }
}

4. PlatformResponse (Operator → AI Platform)

The operator evaluates the auction and returns a PlatformResponse to the AI platform.

Key fields:

response_id: Unique identifier for this response
auction_id: Auction identifier
serve_token: Token used to track downstream events
status: Outcome status (filled, no_match, error)
winner: Winning bid state, pricing, and billing reservation
render: Structured render payload for platform presentation
delegation: Optional delegation availability for the winning bid
ttl_ms: Time-to-live in milliseconds

{
  "spec_version": "1.0",
  "response_id": "resp_981",
  "auction_id": "auc_981",
  "serve_token": "stk_abcxyz123",
  "timestamp": "2026-03-26T18:00:02Z",
  "status": "filled",
  "winner": {
    "bid_id": "bid_7823",
    "brand_agent_id": "ba_451",
    "pricing": {
      "model": "CPA",
      "price_micros": 10000000,
      "currency": "USD"
    },
    "billing": {
      "reserved_amount_micros": 500000000,
      "currency": "USD"
    }
  },
  "render": {
    "format": "weave",
    "disclosure": "[Ad]",
    "creative": {
      "advertiser": {
        "brand_name": "Nimbus"
      },
      "ad_assets": {
        "headline": "Scale your CRM",
        "description": "Built for founders.",
        "cta_text": "Try for free"
      },
      "landing_page_url": "https://nimbus.example.com/signup",
      "click_url": "https://admesh.click/stk_abcxyz123"
    }
  },
  "delegation": {
    "available": true,
    "mode": "optional",
    "trigger": "user_action",
    "cta_text": "Continue with Nimbus"
  },
  "ttl_ms": 60000
}

5. Events (Platform / Operator / Brand Agent → Operator)

After participation begins, events track the decision lifecycle.

5.1 Exposure shown

Sent when the user sees the recommendation or delegation offer.

{
  "event_type": "exposure_shown",
  "serve_token": "stk_abcxyz123",
  "session_id": "sess_001",
  "platform_id": "openai_chat",
  "agent_id": "ba_451",
  "wallet_id": "w_0021",
  "settlement": {
    "unit": "CPX",
    "amount_micros": 34000,
    "currency": "USD"
  },
  "ts": "2025-11-14T18:22:05Z"
}

5.2 Interaction started

Sent when the user engages with the recommendation.

{
  "event_type": "interaction_started",
  "serve_token": "stk_abcxyz123",
  "session_id": "sess_001",
  "platform_id": "openai_chat",
  "agent_id": "ba_451",
  "wallet_id": "w_0021",
  "settlement": {
    "unit": "CPC",
    "amount_micros": 450000,
    "currency": "USD"
  },
  "interaction_metadata": {
    "source": "deep_link",
    "position": 1
  },
  "ts": "2025-11-14T18:22:10Z"
}

5.3 Delegation started

Sent by the Operator after the Platform has collected consent and the Operator has confirmed brand-agent availability and initiated the delegated session (delegate mode only). This event proves session initiation and authorization. It does not imply that every subsequent delegated turn is transported through the Operator.

{
  "event_type": "delegation_started",
  "serve_token": "stk_abcxyz123",
  "session_id": "sess_001",
  "platform_id": "openai_chat",
  "agent_id": "ba_451",
  "delegation_session_id": "del_sess_001",
  "ts": "2025-11-14T18:22:15Z"
}

5.4 Delegation activity

Sent by the Platform or Brand Agent while the delegated session is still active. Each verified delegation_activity resets the inactivity timer for the session.

{
  "event_type": "delegation_activity",
  "serve_token": "stk_abcxyz123",
  "session_id": "sess_001",
  "platform_id": "openai_chat",
  "agent_id": "ba_451",
  "delegation_session_id": "del_sess_001",
  "actor_role": "platform",
  "activity_type": "user_turn",
  "activity_metadata": {
    "turn_index": 2
  },
  "ts": "2025-11-14T18:25:00Z"
}

5.5 Delegation expired

Sent by the Operator when the delegated session expires before completion, typically because the inactivity timeout elapsed.

{
  "event_type": "delegation_expired",
  "serve_token": "stk_abcxyz123",
  "session_id": "sess_001",
  "platform_id": "openai_chat",
  "agent_id": "ba_451",
  "delegation_session_id": "del_sess_001",
  "reason": "inactivity_timeout",
  "ts": "2025-11-14T18:40:00Z"
}

5.6 Task completed

Sent when the user completes the target action.

{
  "event_type": "task_completed",
  "serve_token": "stk_abcxyz123",
  "session_id": "sess_001",
  "platform_id": "openai_chat",
  "agent_id": "ba_451",
  "wallet_id": "w_0021",
  "outcome_type": "signup",
  "outcome_value_micros": 0,
  "settlement": {
    "unit": "CPA",
    "amount_micros": 10000000,
    "currency": "USD"
  },
  "ts": "2025-11-14T18:25:00Z"
}

Schema relationships

Schema	Used In	Purpose
`platform-request`	AI Platform → Operator	Initial participation request
`context-request`	Operator → Brand Agents	Eligible participation context
`bid`	Brand Agents → Operator	Response with pricing and content
`PlatformResponse`	Operator → AI Platform	Selected agent + interaction mode

Key identifiers flow

message_id (PlatformRequest)
    ↓
context_id (ContextRequest) ← derived from session_id + message_id
    ↓
bid_id (Bid) ← references context_id
    ↓
response_id (PlatformResponse)
    ↓
auction_id (PlatformResponse)
    ↓
serve_token (PlatformResponse) ← used in all events
    ↓
event_id (Events) ← references serve_token
    ↓
ledger_id (Settlement record) ← references event_id, bid_id, auction_id

Common patterns

Authentication

All requests include an auth object with:

nonce: One-time nonce for replay protection
sig or signature: HMAC signature of the request

Timestamps

All timestamps use ISO 8601 / RFC 3339 format:

Format: YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm:ssZ
Example: 2025-11-14T18:22:00Z

Money/Currency

Monetary values in events and settlement use integer micros
Currency: ISO 4217 code (e.g., "USD")

IDs

Platform-generated: req_*, sess_*, user_*
Operator-generated: ctx_*, auc_*, resp_*, stk_*
Brand Agent-generated: bid_*
Event-generated: evt_*
System-generated: ledger_*, wallet_*

Welcome

Get Started

AI Platforms

Publisher Access Governance (PAG)

Common

Flow Overview

Flow 2: Delegate Mode

Delegate flow summary

1. Platform Request (AI Platform → Operator)

Key fields:

Example:

2. Context Request (Operator → Brand Agents)

Key fields:

Example:

Selection window and timing

3. Brand Agent Response (Brand Agents → Operator)

Key fields:

Example:

4. PlatformResponse (Operator → AI Platform)

Key fields:

5. Events (Platform / Operator / Brand Agent → Operator)

5.1 Exposure shown

5.2 Interaction started

5.3 Delegation started

5.4 Delegation activity

5.5 Delegation expired

5.6 Task completed

Schema relationships

Key identifiers flow

Common patterns

Authentication

Timestamps

Money/Currency

IDs

Welcome

Get Started

AI Platforms

Publisher Access Governance (PAG)

Common

​Flow Overview

​Flow 1: Recommend Mode

​Recommend flow summary

​Flow 2: Delegate Mode

​Delegate flow summary

​1. Platform Request (AI Platform → Operator)

​Key fields:

​Example:

​2. Context Request (Operator → Brand Agents)

​Key fields:

​Example:

​Selection window and timing

​3. Brand Agent Response (Brand Agents → Operator)

​Key fields:

​Example:

​4. PlatformResponse (Operator → AI Platform)

​Key fields:

​Example (recommend mode):

​5. Events (Platform / Operator / Brand Agent → Operator)

​5.1 Exposure shown

​5.2 Interaction started

​5.3 Delegation started

​5.4 Delegation activity

​5.5 Delegation expired

​5.6 Task completed

​Schema relationships

​Key identifiers flow

​Common patterns

​Authentication

​Timestamps

​Money/Currency

​IDs

Flow Overview

Flow 1: Recommend Mode

Recommend flow summary

Flow 2: Delegate Mode

Delegate flow summary

1. Platform Request (AI Platform → Operator)

Key fields:

Example:

2. Context Request (Operator → Brand Agents)

Key fields:

Example:

Selection window and timing

3. Brand Agent Response (Brand Agents → Operator)

Key fields:

Example:

4. PlatformResponse (Operator → AI Platform)

Key fields:

Example (recommend mode):

5. Events (Platform / Operator / Brand Agent → Operator)

5.1 Exposure shown

5.2 Interaction started

5.3 Delegation started

5.4 Delegation activity

5.5 Delegation expired

5.6 Task completed

Schema relationships

Key identifiers flow

Common patterns

Authentication

Timestamps

Money/Currency

IDs