Dynamic Page Templates for Digital Magazine Layout Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital magazines generated by online systems presented through native applications face limitations in modifying content item layouts, which can lead to decreased user interaction due to the infrequent modification of instructions within the native application.

Innovation Solution

A digital magazine server generates and communicates dynamic page templates to a client device, allowing the application to update the layout of content items without modifying the native application itself, by storing and updating these templates based on user interactions and time thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the native application instructions are modified to update content item layouts, then user interaction with the digital magazine increases, but the frequency of modification is limited which reduces layout diversity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout modification frequencyVSAvoidnative application instruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the layout definition from the native application code by introducing external template files. These templates contain layout instructions that can be independently modified without changing the application itself, enabling frequent layout updates while keeping the application structure simple and stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses template copying where layout instructions are stored as separate template files that can be copied, updated, and applied to generate different page layouts. This allows the system to maintain multiple layout versions and switch between them without modifying the core application instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If the native application instructions are modified to change content arrangements, then user engagement increases, but modifying the application itself is limited in frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser engagementVSAvoidapplication instruction stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic template selection where the system can choose different layout templates based on user interactions, content type, and other criteria. This allows the digital magazine to adapt its presentation dynamically without requiring frequent application updates, maintaining both user engagement and application stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables layout parameter changes through external template files that can be independently modified. By changing template parameters (such as content arrangement, styling, and structure) without altering the application code, the system achieves frequent layout updates while maintaining application stability and reducing modification frequency limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If similar layouts are used across multiple pages to maintain consistency, then application stability is preserved, but user interaction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout consistencyVSAvoidlayout variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal template structures that can serve multiple purposes. The templates define consistent structural elements (such as headers, footers, and content regions) that maintain application stability, while allowing flexible content arrangement and styling variations that provide layout diversity and increase user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different layout characteristics in different regions of the digital magazine. While maintaining overall structural consistency through template frameworks, the system enables varied content arrangements, styling, and presentation in specific sections to create visual interest and encourage user interaction without compromising overall application stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10133722B2Updating page templates presenting content from a digital magazine in a native application

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 FLIPBOARD INC

AI summary

An application associated with a digital magazine server and executing on a client device uses one or more dynamic page templates specifying the layout and formatting of content from the digital magazine server to generate pages of content for presentation to a user. To modify presentation of pages of content, the application receives dynamic page templates from the digital magazine server that replace or modify dynamic page templates previously stored on the client device executing the application. The application may request dynamic page templates from the digital magazine server when certain conditions are satisfied in some embodiments. Alternatively, the digital magazine server determines when to communicate dynamic page templates to the client device executing the application.