Preloader Application for Web Page Object Downloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Web pages that include large or complex objects, such as Java and Flash objects, take a long time to download, leading to user wait times and decreased user experience.
Innovation Solution
A preloader application is invoked during the download process to display advertisements or messages unrelated to the download progress, selected based on estimated download time and other factors, which can be hosted on a third-party server to simplify integration for web developers and generate revenue through advertising.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large or complex objects (Java, Flash) are included in web pages to provide feature-rich animations and navigation, then the functionality and interactivity of the web page is improved, but the download time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The preloader application performs preliminary actions by displaying engaging content and advertisements during the download phase, preparing the user mentally and visually while the actual download occurs in the background. This transforms the idle wait time into an active engagement period, effectively masking the time loss without reducing the actual download duration.
2Productivity
If the preloader displays messages unrelated to download progress (such as advertisements), then user engagement and potential revenue are improved, but the clarity of download status information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preloader merges multiple functions into a single display interface: it simultaneously presents engaging content (ads, messages, animations) and provides subtle download progress indicators. This combination allows the system to maintain user engagement while still conveying essential download status information, resolving the conflict between entertainment and information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The preloader serves multiple purposes: it entertains users with ads and messages, provides download progress feedback, maintains brand visibility, and potentially generates revenue. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address several needs simultaneously, including both user engagement and information provision.
3Ease of manufacture
If the preloader application is hosted on a third-party server, then integration complexity for web developers is reduced and revenue generation is improved, but the system complexity and potential security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The third-party preloader server acts as an intermediary between the web developer and the preloader functionality. Developers simply embed a script tag in their HTML, and the third-party server handles all preloader operations including displaying ads, managing messages, and tracking downloads. This intermediary approach simplifies developer integration while distributing system complexity to specialized external infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method of serving web page requests includes detecting a client request for a web page that contains an object. A preloader application is invoked to execute while the object is downloading to the client. The preloader application displays a preloader message during at least part of the downloading interval. At least a part of the preloader message is an advertisement or is otherwise unrelated to a progress of the downloading of the object. A size of the object may exceed a specified threshold and/or a type of the object may match any of a set of predetermined object types. The set of predetermined object types may include a Java® object type, a Flash® object type, or another object type suitable for implementing motion graphics. In some embodiments, the preloader application resides on a third party web site.