Client-Side Dynamic Content Generation via Utility Scripts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The classic Web application model requires a Web server to generate dynamic content, which is impractical for applications like installation software that need to run on the client machine without a preinstalled server.

Innovation Solution

A method where a utility script is detected in a document on a client data processing system, and a corresponding utility application is loaded to process the script, generating dynamic content without relying on a Web server, using JavaScript™ Pages and client-side scripting to create markup language content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a Web server is used to generate dynamic content, then dynamic content generation capability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic content generation capabilityVSAvoidserver infrastructure requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the dynamic content generation functionality from the server environment and places it directly in the client browser through utility scripts. This eliminates the need for a separate Web server infrastructure while maintaining the capability to generate dynamic content locally on the client machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The client browser is empowered to generate dynamic content itself through embedded utility scripts without requiring external server assistance. The browser executes these scripts autonomously to produce dynamic content, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on server infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a Web server is preinstalled on the client machine, then dynamic content generation is enabled, but resource consumption and installation complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic content generationVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the requirement for a full Web server installation on the client machine by extracting only the essential dynamic content generation functionality and implementing it as lightweight utility scripts that run directly in the browser, eliminating the need for server software, additional memory, and processing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of installing permanent server software on the client machine, the patent uses temporary, lightweight utility scripts that are executed in-memory by the browser and do not require persistent installation, reducing resource consumption and eliminating the need for server maintenance on the client system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If a thin Web-based client is used, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality and ability to run applications locally worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclient usabilityVSAvoidlocal application execution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the thin client browser universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: traditional web browsing and local dynamic content generation. Through utility scripts, the browser gains the capability to execute application logic locally while maintaining its role as a simple web interface, combining the ease of use of a thin client with the functionality of a local application runner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Utility scripts act as intermediaries between the simple web interface and complex application logic. These scripts enable the thin client to execute local applications by bridging the gap between browser-based simplicity and application-level functionality, allowing the client to run sophisticated applications without sacrificing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7937715B2Mechanism for generating dynamic content without a web server

Publication Date: 2011.05.03 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method, data processing system, and computer usable code are provided for generating content dynamically without a Web server. Responsive to a request to display a document containing markup language content on a client data processing system, a determination is made as to whether a utility script is present in the document. A utility application associated with the utility script is loaded on the client data processing system, if the utility script is present. Then, the utility application processes the utility script to dynamically generate dynamic content for display with markup language content.