Search Result Ranking Using Resource Load Time Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Search engines fail to effectively account for resource load times in ranking search results, leading to user dissatisfaction when resources with similar relevance have varying load times, as users prefer quicker loading resources.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving search queries, collecting load time data from multiple user devices, aggregating it to generate statistical measures, and adjusting resource scores based on these measures to prioritize resources with shorter load times, promoting quicker resources in search results and demoting those with longer load times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If search engines rank resources based solely on relevance scores, then search results are organized by relevance, but resources with longer load times are presented prominently causing user dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ranking parameter from solely relevance-based scoring to a composite score that incorporates both relevance and load time characteristics. By changing the ranking parameters to include load time data, the system prioritizes resources that are both relevant and quick to load, thereby improving user experience while reducing perceived waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the ranking system by incorporating load time data as an additional factor beyond traditional relevance scoring. This dimensional expansion allows the system to simultaneously consider both relevance and performance characteristics, enabling resources with shorter load times to be promoted in search results.
2Measurement precision
If search engines collect and process load time data from multiple user devices, then resource ranking accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sampled load time data from multiple user devices as representative copies to infer the load time characteristics of resources. Instead of requiring complete measurement of all possible user devices, the system collects data from a sample and uses this copied information to generate ranking metrics, thereby reducing measurement complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages load time data that is naturally generated during normal resource loading operations. By utilizing data that is already being collected for other purposes (such as performance monitoring or analytics), the system avoids the need for separate, dedicated measurement infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for using resource load times in ranking search results. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a search query from a particular user device; receiving, for each of a plurality of resources responsive to the search query, a respective first score; accessing load time data that specifies, for each of the plurality of resources, a load time measure for the resource; and adjusting the first score for each of the plurality of resources based on the load time measure for the resource to generate a second score for each of the plurality of resources.