Dynamic Hyperlink Expiration via Client-Side Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperlinks are static and lack intelligence, often leading to navigation to non-existent or expired web pages, requiring manual disabling by web page creators, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables hyperlinks to be dynamically disabled or expired by using a status code to inform the web browser to update a disabled hyperlink database, preventing users from accessing broken links, and allowing for user preference in link management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hyperlinks are made static and simple in HTML code, then ease of manufacture and device complexity are improved, but reliability deteriorates as they cannot adapt to expired or non-existent pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static hyperlinks into dynamic ones by embedding JavaScript code that checks link validity in real-time. The hyperlink now includes an expiration date parameter and executes client-side validation logic, allowing it to adapt its state based on current conditions rather than remaining fixed and potentially broken.
Solution Approach 2:
The hyperlink implementation incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system checks whether the target page exists and whether the link has expired. Based on this feedback, the hyperlink automatically disables itself or redirects to an alternative, creating a closed-loop system that responds to environmental changes.
2Device complexity
If hyperlinks lack intelligence and automation, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases as manual disabling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The hyperlink is programmed with self-service capabilities through embedded JavaScript that automatically detects expired or broken links and disables itself without human intervention. The system also includes self-updating functionality where the disabled hyperlink database is automatically synchronized across users.
Solution Approach 2:
The hyperlink includes pre-programmed expiration dates and validation logic that prepares it for future invalidation. Rather than waiting for manual intervention when a link breaks, the system proactively disables links based on predetermined criteria such as expiration dates or detected 404 errors.
3Reliability
If hyperlinks are made dynamic with intelligence to prevent navigation to expired pages, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a disabled hyperlink database as an intermediary layer between the hyperlink and the target web page. This database acts as a mediator that stores information about expired or broken links and provides this information to the hyperlink validation logic, reducing the complexity burden on the hyperlink itself.
4Device complexity
If manual disabling of hyperlinks is used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The hyperlink system performs self-maintenance through automated validation and disabling of expired links. The embedded JavaScript code continuously checks link validity and automatically updates the disabled hyperlink database, eliminating the need for manual web page creator intervention and significantly improving maintenance productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a client device including a memory storing a web browser and a database of disabled hyperlinks. The client device further includes a processor executing the web browser to receive a selection of a hyperlink from a user for navigating to a web page addressed by the hyperlink, and query the database to determine, after the selection, if the hyperlink is one of the disabled hyperlinks stored in the database. If the query determines that the hyperlink is not one of the disabled hyperlinks stored in the database, request the web page from a web page server hosting the web page, receive, in response to the request, an error code from the web page server hosting the web page, store the hyperlink in the database of the disabled hyperlinks, in response to receiving the error code, and disable the hyperlink, in response to receiving the error code.