Web Browser Feature Emulator for Resource Conservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Web browsers often unnecessarily initiate and consume system resources when testing for supported features, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and power drains, even if these features are not actually used by the webpage.

Innovation Solution

The technology emulates supported web browser features when a webpage is testing for browser support, using a feature emulator to respond to requests without initializing the actual feature, thus saving resources and power until the feature is needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the browser initiates supported features during webpage loading to ensure compatibility, then the webpage can render properly, but system resources and power are consumed unnecessarily when features are not actually used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewebpage rendering compatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual feature emulator that copies the interface and behavior of actual browser features (like WebGL or audio APIs) without initializing the real features. This fake implementation responds to feature detection requests with success, allowing webpages to load normally while preventing the actual feature initialization that would consume power and system resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If the browser tests for feature support by initializing features, then accurate detection is achieved, but security vulnerabilities and power drains occur before features are actually needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature support detection accuracyVSAvoidsecurity vulnerabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feature emulator acts as an intermediary layer between the webpage and the actual browser features. It intercepts feature detection requests and provides simulated responses without exposing the real features to the webpage. This mediator approach allows accurate feature support detection (by testing the emulator's response) while preventing direct access to potentially vulnerable or power-intensive real features until absolutely necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the browser loads all supported features during initialization, then all possible web functionalities are available, but system resources are wasted on features that will not be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb functionality availabilityVSAvoidresource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic feature loading system where the browser starts with a virtual feature emulator that simulates support for all features. When a webpage actually needs a specific feature (detected through usage patterns or explicit requests), the system dynamically switches from the emulator to the real feature initialization. This dynamic approach maintains the appearance of full functionality while actually loading resources only when needed, improving resource efficiency without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10268498B2Web browser for spoofing supported features
Publication Date: 2019.04.23 APPLE INC
  • US10268498B2 patent drawing
  • US10268498B2 patent drawing
  • US10268498B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Emulating as supported web browser feature when a webpage is merely testing for web browser support of various features. Frequently a web page may test for support of various features of a web browser. The present technology prevents the unnecessary and premature initiation of supported features saving a user time from having to authorize its use in addition to saving the valuable system resources (e.g. memory, power, etc.) before the supported features are actually needed by the webpage. By emulating or spoofing support of various features of a web browser, the user of a computing device can be spared authorizing use of the various features, and spared the extra power consumption of initializing the various features that may not be used.