Application Acceleration via Segmented File Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long startup times for computer applications, such as browser games, due to the download of unnecessary resources over a network, deter users as they require large SWF files that include unused content for higher player levels, leading to increased loading times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a content delivery network (CDN) to modify and reduce the size of initial SWF files by including only necessary portions, with placeholders for other content, allowing dynamic fetching from the server or local cache, thereby reducing the initial download size and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the application downloads complete SWF files containing all resources for all player levels, then the application can access all content, but the startup time increases due to downloading unnecessary resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SWF file into two distinct parts: an initial portion containing resources necessary for startup and early gameplay, and a subsequent portion containing resources for higher player levels. This segmentation allows the client to download and execute the smaller initial portion first, reducing startup time, while the ability to load the subsequent portion on-demand ensures complete content availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential initial portion of the SWF file that contains resources needed for startup and early gameplay. By taking out just this necessary subset rather than the complete file, the system reduces the initial download size and startup time, while maintaining the capability to retrieve additional content later through dynamic loading mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If the application downloads smaller initial SWF files with only necessary portions, then the startup time decreases, but additional resources must be fetched later increasing network operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the initial SWF file with placeholder references to the subsequent portion. These placeholders are prepared in advance during file creation, specifying exactly where and how additional resources can be loaded later. This preliminary setup simplifies the dynamic loading process rather than increasing complexity, as the loading mechanism is predetermined and structured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces placeholders as intermediaries between the initial SWF file and the subsequent portion. These placeholders act as reference points that the application can use to request and load additional resources on-demand. Rather than requiring complex resource management logic, the placeholders provide a straightforward mechanism for retrieving additional content when needed.
3Loss of time
If the application includes placeholders for remaining portions, then the initial download size is reduced, but the system must manage dynamic loading and caching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the application to autonomously manage the loading of subsequent portions based on actual gameplay needs. When the application encounters a placeholder, it automatically requests the corresponding resources from the server or local cache without requiring manual intervention or complex external management. This self-service approach simplifies operation despite the dynamic loading requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by allowing the subsequent portion to be loaded into local cache or memory as a copy of the original server resources. Once copied to the client side, these resources can be accessed quickly without repeated network requests, and the system can manage multiple copies or versions efficiently, reducing the operational burden of dynamic loading.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of transmitting content from a server to a client executing an application is disclosed. A request from a client for a file that includes content related to executing an application is received. The request is responded to by transmitting a modified file that includes initial portions of the file that are sufficient to permit initial functioning of the application, wherein the modified file is formatted with at least one placeholder for remaining portions of the file. The application can begin to access the initial portions of the file by accessing the modified file. The application can access the remaining portions of the file using the at least one placeholder.