Run Length Encoded Selection Buffer for Browser Object Highlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing browser-based solutions for selecting and highlighting 3D objects in web applications require significant processing and resource consumption due to round tripping between the client and server, which is inefficient and not suitable for zero-client computers with limited capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a run length encoded selection buffer that is compressed and transmitted from the server to the client, allowing for efficient selection and highlighting of objects without the need for round tripping, using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) for data interchange and additional compression techniques like gzip to reduce data size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a raw selection buffer is provided by the server to the client, then the client can perform selection and highlighting operations, but the data transfer size becomes too large and the processing becomes too slow for scripting language applications in the browser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from the full selection buffer by identifying and transmitting only the changed or relevant regions. Instead of sending the entire buffer, the system extracts and transmits only the necessary portions, significantly reducing data transfer size while maintaining selection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels to different parts of the selection buffer. Rather than uniformly processing or transmitting the entire buffer at full resolution, the system applies compression and optimization locally to specific regions, reducing overall data size while preserving necessary functionality in critical areas.
2Reliability
If a raw selection buffer is provided by the server to the client, then the client can perform selection and highlighting operations, but the data transfer size becomes too large and the processing becomes too slow for scripting language applications in the browser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from the full selection buffer by identifying and transmitting only the changed or relevant regions. Instead of sending the entire buffer, the system extracts and transmits only the necessary portions, significantly reducing data transfer size while maintaining selection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not sending the actual pixel data or full buffer, but instead sending compressed representations or differential data that can be reconstructed or interpreted by the client. This inversion of the data representation method dramatically reduces the quantity of data transmitted.
3Ease of operation
If existing browser-based solutions are used for selecting and highlighting 3D objects, then object selection is possible, but significant processing and resource consumption occur due to round tripping between client and server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing on the server side to prepare compressed or optimized selection buffer data before transmission. By pre-compressing and pre-processing the data, the system reduces the computational burden on the client side, allowing scripting language applications to operate more efficiently with less processing load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compressed data format as an intermediary between the full selection buffer and the client processing. This intermediate representation reduces the amount of data that needs to be processed by client-side scripting languages, thereby reducing energy consumption and processing load while maintaining functionality.
4Power
If thick client applications are installed to process selection and highlighting, then processing capability is improved, but the solution is not suitable for zero-client computers with limited capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the selection buffer data that can be processed by limited-capability clients. Instead of requiring the full processing power of thick client applications, the system transmits a compressed or differential version that can be handled by zero-client computers with basic scripting language support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the data representation to match the capabilities of zero-client computers. By adjusting the data format, compression level, and complexity to suit limited hardware resources, the system enables object selection functionality on devices that would otherwise be incompatible with thick client applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus, article of manufacture and storage medium, provide the ability to select and highlight objects. A rendered image (containing one or more rendered objects) is displayed in a client browser on a client computer. A run length encoded (RLE) selection buffer is received, from a server across a network, into the client browser. The selection buffer provides a mapping of each pixel from the rendered image to rendered objects. User input is accepted that identifies a location of a cursor with respect to the rendered image. A determination is made, on the client computer, regarding which of the rendered objects has been selected based on the user input and the RLE selection buffer. The selected rendered object is then displayed in a visually distinguishable manner.