Plugin-Free Client Program Invocation via Browser URL Scheme
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing client programs via internet browsers often require browser plugins, which pose security risks and are not supported on mobile browsers, limiting the ability to add functionality to internet browsers on mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows client programs to communicate with internet browsers without plugins by transmitting parameters to a server, which generates a URL that, when selected by the user, starts the client program and enables feedback to the browser, ensuring secure execution and functionality enhancement without plugin installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If browser plugins are used to extend internet browser functionality, then additional functions can be added to the browser, but security risks increase and compatibility with mobile browsers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the browser functionality from the client program by using operating system process spaces. Instead of embedding plugins within the browser process (which creates security risks), the invention launches separate client program processes that communicate with the browser through standardized OS mechanisms. This segmentation allows additional functionality while maintaining security boundaries between the browser and extended features.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary communication mechanism through operating system process spaces and standardized interfaces. Rather than direct plugin integration, the system uses OS-level process management and communication protocols as intermediaries between the browser and client programs, enabling functionality extension while preserving security through indirect, controlled interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If browser plugins are installed to enable client program communication, then functionality is enhanced, but the system complexity and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operating system provides self-service process management and communication capabilities that enable client programs to interact with the browser without requiring manual plugin installation or configuration. The OS automatically handles process space creation, communication channel establishment, and security validation, eliminating the complexity of plugin deployment while maintaining enhanced functionality.
3Ease of operation
If parameters are transferred to enable client program feedback, then communication capability is improved, but the risk of manipulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses temporary, single-use communication parameters and process identifiers that are generated for each interaction and then discarded. These disposable communication tokens enable feedback communication while minimizing manipulation risk, as they cannot be reused or exploited after a single transaction. The OS process spaces provide inherent disposal mechanisms that automatically invalidate communication channels after use.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calling up a client program (103) by means of an Internet browser (101) of a user computer system (100), comprising the following steps: transmitting a message to a server computer system (136) by means of the Internet browser, wherein the message contains at least one parameter (143) for the communication of the client program with the Internet browser; dynamically generating a URL by the server computer system, wherein the URL is designed to call up the client program according to a URL scheme (119), wherein the URL contains the at least one parameter; transmitting a website having the URL (121) from the server computer system to the user computer system and displaying the website having the URL in a browser window of the Internet browser for selection by a user (102); starting the client program on the user computer system and inputting the at least one parameter into the client program on the basis of the selection of the URL by the user; and communicating a result (111) of the execution of the client program from the client program to the Internet browser by means of the parameter.