Web Page Data Consumption via Selective Image Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with data-limited network connections face slow loading times and high data costs when accessing web pages with large images, leading to user frustration and potential revenue loss for web page entities.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines if a user's network connection is data-limited and provides a 'light' version of web pages with low-resolution images, offering user-selectable options to load original images, reducing data consumption and loading times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If original-fidelity images are provided on web pages, then image quality is improved, but data consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image delivery process into two stages: first providing low-resolution placeholder images for immediate display, then offering optional replacement with high-resolution images. This segmentation allows the system to deliver basic visual content with minimal data while preserving the option for enhanced quality, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and data consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different image resolutions to different users based on their specific network conditions. Users with data-limited connections receive low-resolution images, while users with unlimited data can access high-resolution versions. This localized quality adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching image fidelity to individual user needs rather than applying a uniform standard.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are loaded on web pages, then visual appeal is improved, but loading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading low-resolution placeholder images that can be displayed immediately. These placeholders are prepared in advance and can be shown to users before any high-resolution images are requested or downloaded. This preliminary display action eliminates waiting time while preserving the option to later enhance visual appeal if the user chooses to load higher-resolution images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses low-resolution placeholder images as temporary, disposable visual elements that serve their purpose immediately and can be replaced if needed. These placeholder images require minimal processing and loading time, providing immediate visual feedback to users. They act as temporary substitutes that can be discarded or replaced with higher-quality images only if the user explicitly requests them, thus resolving the contradiction between loading speed and visual appeal.
3Quantity of substance
If data-limited connections are used, then cost is reduced, but user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by providing users with direct control over their data consumption choices. Users are presented with clear options to either accept low-resolution images (conserving data) or request high-resolution versions (spending more data). The system empowers users to make their own decisions about their data usage based on their current needs and preferences, thus maintaining good user experience while respecting data limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the web page content adaptable and changeable based on user actions. The initial low-resolution version provides immediate access to content, but users can dynamically enhance specific images by requesting higher-resolution versions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to user needs in real-time, maintaining ease of operation for data-limited users while preserving the ability to improve experience when users choose to consume more data.
Data Source
AI summary
A problem with Internet access in a number of markets is the issue of data-limited network connections. Selective, on-demand consumption of web page data is provided. A user's browser presents a “light” version of a web page by loading compressed or low-fidelity versions of the web page images in place of the actual, higher-fidelity images. In the event that the user wishes to see the original higher-fidelity version of an image, clicking on the image or an associated icon loads the original-fidelity version of the image, replacing the low-fidelity version. The light version of the web page loads faster than would the original version of the web page, and requires less data to be downloaded when rendering the web page. This enables a user with a data-limited connection to select how he or she wishes to “spend” their data consumption.