Document Loading via Pre-computed Layout Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of loading documents over networks is slow due to sequential discovery and processing of document components, which leads to delays and reflow of content, hindering user experience.
Innovation Solution
Requesting metadata, such as layout and formatting information, separately from the document over a network, allowing the client device to determine an accurate layout early in the rendering process, even before all document components are received and processed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If document components are discovered sequentially during rendering, then the complete document can be accurately rendered, but the presentation time is significantly delayed and reflow occurs frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by computing and storing layout metadata (including element positions, sizes, and formatting) in advance during document generation or a previous rendering pass. This pre-computed metadata is then retrieved and applied during document loading, allowing the browser to display the document with accurate layout immediately without waiting for sequential component discovery and processing to complete.
2Productivity
If layout metadata is pre-computed and provided separately, then document presentation speed is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional metadata storage and retrieval mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a simplified representation of the document layout in the form of metadata that can be stored and reused. Instead of re-computing the complete layout during each document load, the system copies the essential layout information (element positions, sizes, formatting) into a compact metadata format that can be quickly retrieved and applied, significantly reducing processing complexity and load time.
3Loss of information
If the web browser waits for all document components to be processed before displaying the document, then the complete content is available, but user experience is degraded due to long waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary computation of layout metadata during document generation or a prior rendering pass. This allows the browser to display the document with accurate layout immediately using the pre-computed metadata, while background processes continue to process and load additional components. The user receives the complete document experience without waiting for sequential processing to finish.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for speeding up document loading. In some implementations, a method comprises receiving a search query submitted by a user; receiving a search result that indicates a search result document relevant to the search query; identifying metadata associated with the search result document, the metadata including information for accelerating loading of the search result document, wherein the metadata indicates layout or formatting characteristics of the search result document; generating a document that includes a link to the search result document, the generated document including the metadata that is associated with the search result document and that indicates the layout or formatting characteristics of the search result document; and providing the generated document in response to the search query.