Screen Rendering Time Estimation via Data Flow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring web page loading time (PLT) do not account for the time it takes to render the first screen of a web page, which is crucial for user experience, and are not scalable, requiring involvement of web and network administrators, and modifying user hardware and communication resources.
Innovation Solution
A method to estimate the screen rendering time by observing data flow to a client entity, determining content data associated with rendering the first screen, and extracting relevant data items to calculate the time required to render the content in the screen area, using passive deep packet inspection and browser-like software analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional PLT measurement methods are used, then complete page download time can be measured, but the measurement does not reflect user experience and requires involvement of administrators and modification of user hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the browser rendering process that runs independently on the client device. This copy mimics the essential rendering operations without requiring full browser functionality or administrator involvement, enabling accurate screen rendering time measurement while keeping the system simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rendering time measurement component as an intermediary between the web page content and the user experience assessment. This intermediary captures rendering time data without interfering with the actual browsing experience or requiring modifications to the browser itself
2Loss of time
If complete page download time is measured, then all content transfer time is captured, but the time to display the first screen which is crucial for user experience is not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the web page loading process into distinct phases: network download time and client-side rendering time. By separating these phases, the measurement system can specifically capture the rendering time of the first screen, which directly impacts user experience, without being conflated with total download time
3Productivity
If web server logs or custom Javascript code are used for measurement, then PLT can be analyzed, but web server administrator involvement is required which limits large scale measurement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service measurement mechanism where the client device autonomously measures its own rendering time without requiring external coordination. The measurement component runs independently on the user's device, automatically capturing rendering metrics and reporting them without needing web server administrator configuration or intervention, enabling large-scale deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a network setup that includes a client entity and a network for handling a data flow to the client entity. The method estimates a screen rendering time of content at the client entity. The method includes the steps of observing the data flow to the client entity, estimating a screen area at the client entity based on the observed data flow, determining, from the data flow, content data associated with rendering content in the screen area, extracting at least data items from the determined content data, and estimating, as the screen rendering time, the time required to render the content in the screen area at the client entity based on the extracted data items.