Dynamic Polling Rate Adjustment for Document Workflow Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document workflow systems continue to poll servers at high rates even after deadlines are reached, leading to increased server load and resource inefficiency, as they lack mechanisms to gradually decrease communication without disrupting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A synchronizer module with throttling capability is implemented on client systems to monitor workflow events and adjust polling rates, initiating a ramp-down sequence when deadlines are reached, reducing server load by gradually decreasing polling frequency and suspending communication if no updates are needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the client system continues to poll the server at high rates after the deadline is reached, then the user experience is maintained, but the server load increases and resource efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polling rate is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the polling frequency based on the workflow state, transitioning from high frequency during the active deadline period to low frequency after the deadline is reached. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain user experience during critical periods while reducing server load during less critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The polling rate parameter is changed based on the deadline status. When the deadline is reached, the system changes the polling parameter from high frequency to low frequency through a controlled ramp-down sequence. This parameter change directly addresses the contradiction by reducing server load while maintaining acceptable user experience through gradual transition rather than abrupt changes.
2Loss of energy
If the polling rate is abruptly decreased after the deadline, then server load is reduced, but user experience is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic polling with varying intervals. Instead of continuous high-frequency polling, the system uses periodic polling with progressively longer intervals during the ramp-down sequence. This periodic action with increasing periods allows gradual reduction of server load while maintaining sufficient updates for user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for the transition by implementing a ramp-down sequence that cushions the abrupt change. Before fully reducing polling frequency, the system gradually decreases the rate over time, cushioning against the potential disruption to user experience. This gradual transition prevents sudden drops in update frequency that would harm user perception.
3Loss of time
If the polling rate is continuously maintained at high levels, then workflow updates are received promptly, but server resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The polling rate dynamically adapts to the workflow stage. During the active deadline period, high polling rates ensure prompt update reception. After the deadline, the system transitions to low polling rates as updates become less critical, thereby improving resource efficiency while maintaining acceptable response times for remaining workflow activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The polling rate parameter is changed based on workflow status and deadline proximity. The system adjusts this critical parameter to balance between update responsiveness and resource consumption. By changing the polling rate from high to low based on the deadline status, the system optimizes the trade-off between loss of time and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system to manage document workflow communication is provided. The system may include a polling module to poll a server at an active polling rate to obtain resources associated with a workflow of an electronic document, a ramp-down trigger detector to detect a workflow ramp-down trigger event, and a throttling module to initiate a ramp down of the polling of the server according to a ramp-down schedule. In one example embodiment, the electronic document workflow may be associated with collaborative review of the electronic document.