Browser-RIA State Synchronization via Script Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) do not update their REST information and titles in the browser as users navigate through their content, making it difficult to accurately reflect the current state and location within the application, which hinders navigation and bookmarking.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that retrieves and updates REST information and titles in the browser as the RIA progresses, using JavaScript and VBScript functions to communicate with the browser, allowing the RIA to preload variables and provide accurate location information, enabling navigation to specific points within the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Rich Internet Application (RIA) is used to provide interactive content, then user experience and functionality are improved, but the browser's REST information and title bar no longer reflect the current state or location within the application
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the RIA's internal state changes and automatically updating the browser's address bar and title bar accordingly. This creates a closed-loop system where the browser interface reflects the current application state, enabling users to navigate and bookmark specific locations within the RIA.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication layer between the RIA and the browser using JavaScript and VBScript functions. This mediator translates internal RIA state changes into browser-compatible URL and title updates, allowing the two systems to communicate effectively despite their different architectures.
2Ease of operation
If the RIA maintains internal state information, then navigation within the application is enabled, but the browser cannot capture or bookmark specific points within the RIA
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary script layer captures the RIA's internal state and translates it into browser-compatible URL parameters. This allows bookmarking functionality to work with RIA-specific state information by representing it in standard URL format that the browser can store and retrieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes URL parameters based on the RIA's internal state. As the application navigates through different content and states, the corresponding URL parameters are updated to reflect the current location, enabling reliable bookmarking and direct navigation to specific points within the application.
3Ease of operation
If the browser address bar displays the initial web page URL, then users can navigate to the page, but the URL does not update as the user progresses through the RIA content
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static URL display into a dynamic representation that updates in real-time as the user navigates through the RIA. The address bar content changes automatically to reflect the current application state, providing continuous location information without requiring page reloads or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The URL updating mechanism operates continuously throughout the RIA navigation process, maintaining accurate location information at all times. This continuous update ensures that the browser address bar always displays relevant navigation information, enabling users to bookmark and return to any point in the application seamlessly.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method communicates address and state information from a browser to a rich Internet application to allow the rich Internet application to start at a location, or preload variables, corresponding to the state information. The system and method communicates address and state information from the rich Internet application to the browser to allow such information to be displayed by the browser for use or retrieval.