Plug-in Activation Management for Resource-Constrained Browsers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resource-limited devices struggle to efficiently present advanced content items, such as animations and videos, due to insufficient processor power and memory, leading to crashes, slow performance, or incomplete rendering of web pages, which disappoint users and hinder business or e-commerce applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selectively suspending and activating plug-in code based on prioritization schemes, resource usage, and user input, allowing for optimized management of system resources by limiting the number of loaded plug-ins and prioritizing their activation and termination, ensuring that only essential plug-ins are active when their content is in view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plug-ins are loaded and activated simultaneously, then advanced content items can be presented, but system resources become overloaded causing crashes, slow performance, or incomplete rendering
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts plug-in activation states based on real-time resource availability. The browser monitors system resources and transitions plug-ins between active and suspended states, allowing the system to adapt to changing resource conditions while maintaining the capability to present advanced content when resources are available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of plug-ins from fully active to suspended based on resource conditions. By modifying the activation state parameter, the system can control resource consumption while preserving the ability to restore full functionality when resources become available, thus resolving the contradiction between content presentation capability and system stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all plug-ins are activated to provide rich web experience, then advanced content can be displayed, but system performance degrades due to resource constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of plug-ins based on current resource availability and content requirements. Instead of activating all plug-ins, the browser selectively activates those needed for the current view and content, providing adequate web experience while maintaining system performance on resource-constrained devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates resource availability and adjusts plug-in activation states accordingly. By implementing periodic resource checks and dynamic reactivation of suspended plug-ins when resources become available, the system maintains a balance between web experience quality and system performance over time.
3Productivity
If plug-ins are suspended to conserve resources, then system performance improves, but advanced content cannot be presented when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading plug-ins into a suspended state with their code already in memory. This allows plug-ins to be quickly reactivated when needed without requiring full re-initialization, thus maintaining content presentation capability while conserving resources during suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping plug-in code loaded in memory during suspension rather than fully releasing it. This allows for rapid reactivation and resumption of content presentation when resources become available, ensuring that the capability to present advanced content is preserved while still achieving resource conservation during low-resource periods.
Data Source
AI summary
Presentation of advanced content items is selectively suspended and/or activated so as to manage system resources. In some embodiments, plug-in code is selectively activated based on prioritization schemes and responsive to resource usage, user input, and/or other conditions. For example, plug-in code can be selectively suspended when the advanced content being presented by the plug-in code is not in view (for example, if it has been scrolled off the screen); when the advanced content is brought into view, for example as a result of scrolling, the plug-in code is reactivated as appropriate and the presentation of the advanced content resumes. State information for suspended plug-ins can be stored so that upon reactivation, plug-in code resumes operation substantially where it left off.