Browser Coordination Server for Web Resource Version Coherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional web communication models, such as the 'pull' and 'push' models, are inefficient in maintaining coherence between web browsers and servers, leading to resource wastage and outdated content, as they either require frequent polling or unnecessary resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A browser coordination server monitors web browser activity across devices and notifies users when a newer version of a web resource is available, allowing users to decide whether to update, without modifying existing web servers, using a method that compares browser logs or hashes to determine version updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pull model is used where browsers periodically poll servers for updates, then coherence between server and client is improved, but computing and network resources are wasted due to unnecessary repeated polling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a browser coordination server as an intermediary between browsers and web servers. This mediator collects version information from multiple browsers, determines which browsers have outdated versions, and coordinates updates without requiring continuous polling of web servers, thus reducing unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining version coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where browsers report their version status to the coordination server, which then provides targeted update notifications. This feedback loop ensures coherence is maintained through selective communication rather than continuous polling, reducing wasted resources while keeping clients synchronized.
2Reliability
If the push model is used where servers automatically send newer versions to clients, then coherence between server and client is maximized, but computing and network resources are unnecessarily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing updates to all clients unconditionally (excessive action), the coordination server performs partial actions by first assessing which clients actually need updates. The server determines version status for each browser individually and only coordinates updates for those with outdated versions, avoiding unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its update coordination based on the actual version status of each browser. Rather than following a fixed push schedule, the coordination server adjusts its behavior to coordinate updates only when necessary, optimizing resource usage while ensuring coherence is maintained for browsers that need it.
3Loss of information
If version coherence is maintained through frequent polling, then outdated content is avoided, but resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The browser coordination server acts as an intermediary that collects version information from browsers and compares it against available updates. This mediator approach ensures information freshness by systematically tracking version status without requiring each browser to frequently poll the web server, thus reducing resource wastage while maintaining awareness of content freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of version status before initiating updates. The coordination server determines which browsers have outdated versions and coordinates updates accordingly, rather than forcing all browsers to frequently check for updates. This preliminary action ensures information freshness is maintained through targeted verification rather than exhaustive polling.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for coordinating web communications, executable at a browser coordination server in communication with a first electronic device and a second electronic device via a network, first electronic device executing a first browser and second electronic device executing a second browser, comprising receiving, from first electronic device, an indication that first browser obtained a first version of a web resource from a web server; receiving, from second electronic device, an indication that second browser obtained a second version of web resource from web server; determining that second version of web resource is an updated version of web resource relative to first version of web resource; and sending, to first electronic device, an indication that first version of web resource is out of date. Also described is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions executable by a browser coordination server to carry out the method.