Metadata-Driven Web Forms for Validation in Locked-Down Browsers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Modern web frameworks fail to function properly in locked-down browsers with scripting disabled, leading to issues such as non-display of icons, form validation failures, and non-functioning third-party content due to security settings, and manual coding of validation logic is inconsistent and incomplete.

Innovation Solution

A web framework utilizing ColdFusion and Bootstrap to enable form validation and conditional checks, applying server-side code to manage element classes and validation logic, with metadata-driven validation rules stored in tables to ensure consistent and automatic form validation even with scripting disabled.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If JavaScript scripting is enabled in the browser, then form validation and dynamic web elements function properly, but security vulnerabilities increase and locked-down browser compliance fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveform validation functionalityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides validation into separate client-side (HTML5 validation attributes) and server-side (ColdFusion validation tags) components. This segmentation allows client-side validation to provide user feedback while server-side validation ensures security, resolving the contradiction between functionality and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ColdFusion as an intermediary layer between the HTML form and the database. ColdFusion's validation tags act as a mediator that processes form data with built-in validation rules, providing both functionality and security without requiring JavaScript.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If JavaScript scripting is disabled in locked-down browsers per STIG guidelines, then security compliance is achieved, but form validation and dynamic web elements fail to function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity complianceVSAvoidform validation functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on client-side JavaScript for validation (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by making server-side validation the primary mechanism. HTML5 validation attributes provide basic client-side feedback, while ColdFusion server-side validation ensures functionality regardless of JavaScript status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables forms to validate themselves through HTML5 built-in validation attributes (required, type, pattern, etc.) that work without JavaScript. This self-service validation approach maintains ease of operation while complying with locked-down browser security requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual client-side validation coding is performed by developers, then form validation can be customized, but consistency and completeness of validation logic vary across different developers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation customizationVSAvoidvalidation logic consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes validation logic universal by implementing it in ColdFusion server-side code that handles all forms consistently. The ColdFusion validation tags provide a standardized framework that ensures the same validation rules are applied across different forms and developers, while still allowing customization through configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses template-based form structures with standardized ColdFusion validation tags that can be copied and reused across multiple forms. This copying approach ensures consistency in validation logic while maintaining adaptability through parameter customization, eliminating the need for each developer to write unique validation code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If modern web frameworks with JavaScript are used, then dynamic web elements and third-party content function properly, but locked-down browsers with scripting disabled cannot execute these frameworks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic web element functionalityVSAvoidbrowser compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of web forms by removing dependency on JavaScript execution. Forms use HTML5 validation attributes and server-side ColdFusion processing instead of JavaScript frameworks, maintaining dynamic functionality while adapting to locked-down browser environments where scripting is disabled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12481748B2Web framework designed for secure locked down browsers

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 VIGNA DAVID MICHAEL

AI summary

A method of validating a web browser when scripting is disabled, the method includes validation by default through using an automatically defined database metadata catalog to programmatically build forms with validation and validation messages based on the metadata, business logic, and application validation logic. The present invention creates client and server-side validation based on validation rules stored in tables and metadata types along with column sizing and business logic defined by the data modelers or developers. The method mimics a JavaScript framework with user interface and style elements when the client browser's settings are set to disable scripting.