Connection Utility Masking Timeout Errors via Retry Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience delays and timeout errors when connecting to servers on computer networks, leading to frustrating error messages that may incorrectly suggest a problem exists during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A connection utility masks timeout errors by displaying a connection utility page to the user, using JAVASCRIPT and XML data islands to determine if a timeout has occurred, and retrying the connection within a set time limit before displaying an error message, ensuring a seamless user experience without repeated browser refreshes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the browser displays timeout error messages during connection delays, then the user is informed of the connection status, but the user experience deteriorates due to frustration from incorrect error messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection utility as an intermediary component between the browser and the server connection process. This utility intercepts timeout error messages and replaces them with a custom connection status page, thereby mediating between the raw error information and the user experience. The connection utility page serves as a mediator that provides accurate connection status information without causing user frustration.
2Reliability
If the browser continuously sends connection requests during delays, then the connection attempt is maintained, but unnecessary error messages are generated repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error message generation and display function from the continuous connection request process. By separating the connection attempt mechanism from the error display mechanism, the system can maintain reliable connection attempts while preventing the harmful repetition of error messages. The connection utility captures and suppresses repeated timeout errors, displaying only one instance or none at all.
3Ease of operation
If the connection utility masks timeout errors by displaying a custom page, then user experience improves, but the user may not be aware of the actual connection status
Solution Approach 1:
The connection utility implements a feedback mechanism that provides the user with connection status information in a user-friendly format. Instead of masking the status completely, the system feeds back simplified connection state information through the custom connection page, maintaining transparency while improving usability. The feedback loop allows users to understand connection progress without being overwhelmed by technical error details.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for masking errors that may occur during a delay of a client connecting with a server on a network. A connection utility requests a connection with the server. The connection utility determines if a timeout error occurred. If the timeout error occurred, a first browser page presented by the client is displayed to indicate a connection is being made. A browser page presented by the server is displayed when the connection is made.