Browser Tab Synchronization via Extension-Based URL Identifier Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current web browsers operate independently, preventing synchronization of content between tabs, which limits the ability to view multiple webpages side-by-side for enhanced internet browsing experiences.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for synchronizing browser tabs using a browser extension that detects changes in one tab and synchronizes content with associated tabs, allowing for simultaneous display and interaction across multiple tabs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each tab operates independently in current web browsers, then each tab can function autonomously without affecting others, but the ability to synchronize content between tabs is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization capabilityVSAvoidtab operation model

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the browser tab system into independent tab instances that can be individually managed while introducing a synchronization mechanism that operates between these segments. Each tab maintains its independence for basic operations while the synchronization feature enables coordinated content sharing across tabs, resolving the contradiction between independence and synchronization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a synchronization mechanism as an intermediary between tabs. This mediator enables content to be shared and synchronized across multiple tabs without requiring the tabs to directly modify each other, allowing synchronization capability to be added while maintaining the overall simplicity of independent tab operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple tabs are opened to view different webpages, then users can access multiple pages simultaneously, but the browsing efficiency is reduced due to lack of synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrowsing efficiencyVSAvoidtime to access synchronized content

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where content changes in one tab are detected and automatically propagated to other synchronized tabs. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual updates across tabs, significantly improving browsing efficiency by reducing the time required to access updated content across multiple pages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes preliminary synchronization settings when tabs are opened or when content is loaded. This preliminary action prepares the synchronization infrastructure in advance, so that when content changes occur, the synchronization can proceed immediately without time-consuming setup, thereby reducing the loss of time in accessing synchronized content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If content is synchronized across multiple tabs, then browsing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of detecting and managing changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrowsing efficiencyVSAvoidchange detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service change detection mechanism where the browser automatically detects content changes in tabs without requiring external monitoring or complex measurement systems. The tab itself reports its own state changes to the synchronization mechanism, simplifying the detection process while maintaining high browsing efficiency across multiple synchronized tabs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12113856B1Systems and methods for detecting associated webpages and initiating an automated deletion event

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A computerized method is disclosed that includes operations of detecting user input to a first webpage rendered within a web browser, the user input corresponds to closure of the first webpage, providing an indication of the user input corresponding to the closure of the first webpage to a web browser extension operating in accordance with the web browser, the indication includes an identifier, performing, by the web browser extension operating in accordance with the web browser, a search for the identifier within a URL of each webpage currently opened by the web browser in order to determine that a second webpage is associated with the first webpage based on inclusion of the identifier in a URL of the second webpage, and initiating, by the web browser extension, closure of the second webpage associated with the first webpage following the user input corresponding to closure of the first webpage.