Intermediary for Embedded ActiveX Control Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no effective method for external applications to interoperate with ActiveX controls embedded in other applications, as ActiveX does not provide a standard or automated interface for sharing information and functionality across application boundaries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method are introduced to enable interoperability between an embedded object and an external application by modifying the original component to intercept calls, obtain a reference to the embedded object, store it in a pointers container, and generate a representation of the instance based on information in the container, which is then provided to the external application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ActiveX controls are embedded in applications, then the embedding application can utilize specific tasks and functions, but external applications cannot access or interoperate with the embedded ActiveX control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that sits between external applications and embedded ActiveX controls. This intermediary captures creation calls to ActiveX controls, stores references to them, and provides automated interface generation capabilities that allow external applications to interact with embedded controls without direct exposure. The intermediary acts as a bridge that enables cross-application communication while maintaining the original embedding architecture.
2Reliability
If ActiveX controls are executed in the context of the embedding application, then the controls can function properly, but the embedding application does not expose the embedded ActiveX control to external applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional layers: the embedding application layer, the intermediary layer, and the external application layer. The intermediary captures and manages references to ActiveX control instances separately from their execution context. This segmentation allows the controls to continue executing reliably within the embedding application while simultaneously providing controlled access points for external applications through the intermediary's automated interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no standard interface is provided for embedded ActiveX controls, then the embedding application maintains control, but there is no automated interface for external applications to access properties, methods and events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the intermediary automatically generates interfaces for external applications based on the embedded ActiveX control's properties, methods, and events. Instead of requiring manual interface definition or exposing the control directly, the system automatically creates and maintains the interface layer, reducing implementation complexity while providing standardized access. The intermediary serves itself by dynamically adapting to the control's interface requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for enabling interoperability between an embedded object and an external application. A method may include modifying an original component included in a system to generate a modified component, the modified component adapted to intercept a call to create an instance of the embedded object; obtaining a reference to the instance of the embedded object; storing the reference in a pointers container; generating a representation of the instance based on information in the pointers container, and providing the representation to the external application.