Cross-Browser Extension API Translation Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing browser extensions are limited to specific browsers and operating systems, requiring multiple versions to support multiple platforms, and user-interface elements or bookmarklets lack access to system resources and persistence.
Innovation Solution
A cross-browser extension application program interface (API) that translates cross-browser commands into native browser commands, allowing browser extensions to access the document object model (DOM) and provide a stable, uniform interface for operation across different browsers through a translation module and DOM interface module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If browser extensions are implemented for a particular browser type and operating system, then the extension can access system resources and provide persistent functionality, but multiple versions must be developed to support multiple browsers or operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal browser extension interface that can operate across multiple browser types (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and operating systems through a common architecture. The extension package structure, manifest format, and API interface are designed to be browser-agnostic, allowing a single extension version to serve multiple platforms without requiring separate versions for each browser.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a translation layer or adapter mechanism that mediates between the cross-browser extension interface and the native browser-specific APIs. This intermediary component handles the conversion of generic commands into browser-specific operations, enabling the extension to access system resources and DOM elements uniformly across different browsers without requiring multiple version implementations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user-interface elements are used to augment browser functionality, then browser independence is achieved, but the elements are not persistently installed and have limited access to system resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the browser extension functionality into distinct modular components: a persistent background service layer that provides resource access and state management, and a user-interface layer that renders in the browser. This segmentation allows the extension to maintain persistence through the background service while providing browser-independent UI elements, combining the advantages of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mediator component that bridges user-interface elements and system resources. This mediator enables UI elements to access browser resources, DOM, and system functions through a controlled interface, providing both the browser independence of UI elements and the resource access capabilities of installed extensions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If bookmarklets are used to provide additional functionality, then persistence is improved compared to user-interface elements, but resource access remains limited and the interface is always presented as a bookmark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the persistence function (handled by the installed extension package and background services) from the interface presentation (which can vary based on user context). This allows the extension to maintain persistent resource access while presenting different interface forms (toolbar, popup, sidebar, or bookmark-like elements) depending on the situation, overcoming the rigid bookmark-only interface of traditional bookmarklets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic interface system that can adapt its presentation form based on user needs and context. The extension can switch between different interface modes (persistent toolbar, temporary popup, context-based elements) while maintaining underlying persistence through the installed extension package, providing both the persistence of bookmarklets and the flexibility of multiple interface types.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this invention relate to an application program interface to enable browser extensions which may be executed in different browsers. In an embodiment, a browser extension may be written in using commands written in a cross-browser application program interface. When the browser extension is executed, the cross-browser commands may be translated into a native command of the browser. In an embodiment, the commands that require access to a document object model (DOM) of a page loaded in the browser may be executed on the thread that renders the loaded page. In a further embodiment the cross-browser application program interface may be, at least in part, an asynchronous interface. In this way, the cross-browser extension application program interface provides a stable, uniform interface to implement browser extensions that can operate in a plurality of different types of web browsers.