Browser Extension for Web Application Extensibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software applications often lack extensibility features, making it difficult for third-party vendors to add functionality, especially when source code access is limited or when applications are complex or written in legacy programming languages, and web-based applications may not provide easy data sharing across related applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and client system that extend user interface web pages of a first web-based application with user interface elements of a second web-based application by analyzing the first web page, extracting data, sending it to the second server, receiving modification indications, and modifying the page to display user interface elements of both applications, thereby enhancing the user interface of the first application with features from the second application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If web-based applications are hosted on controlled servers with no extensibility features, then application security and stability are maintained, but third-party functionality cannot be added and data sharing between applications is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a client-side intermediary (browser extension or plugin) that mediates between the controlled web server and third-party functionality needs. This intermediary operates locally in the user's browser, extracting data from web pages and injecting additional UI elements without requiring server-side modifications or source code access, thus maintaining server control while enabling extensibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the extensibility dimension from the server side to the client side. Instead of modifying the server application layer (traditional dimension), the solution operates in the browser extension dimension, adding functionality at the user interface level without affecting the underlying server infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If source code access is restricted to maintain application integrity, then application security is improved, but third-party vendors cannot add functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the application interface at the client level through browser extensions. Instead of accessing or modifying the original source code on the server, the extension creates a layered copy of the UI that can be enhanced with additional elements, allowing functionality extension without compromising source code security.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser extension acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the application, intercepting and modifying UI elements client-side. This allows third-party functionality to be injected without needing access to the application's source code, maintaining security while enabling extension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy programming languages are used in existing applications, then application stability is maintained, but finding personnel to add functionality becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of source code modification (which requires legacy programming expertise) with a client-side scripting system. Browser extensions use modern web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) that are widely understood, eliminating the need for legacy language expertise while maintaining application stability through non-invasive client-side enhancements.
4Ease of operation
If multiple web-based applications are accessed separately using browser tabs or windows, then application independence is maintained, but data sharing between applications becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data access capabilities across multiple applications through a unified client-side extension. The extension operates globally within the browser context, allowing it to extract data from any web page and share it with other applications or functions, eliminating the silos created by separate tab or window access while maintaining application independence on the server side.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods of extending user interface web pages of a web-based application with user interface elements of a second web-based application. A client receiving a web page from a first server may detect that web page as including user interface of a first web-based application. The client may analyze that web page to extract data and send that data to a second server. The client may receive an indication of one or more modifications to make to the web page from the second server so as to display user interface of a second web-based application. The web page may be modified according to the indication, and the modified web page rendered in the client browser so as to yield a screen display with user interface elements of both the first and second web-based applications. Embodiments may employ a web browser plug-in.