Remote Authoring Proxy Controls for Dynamic Web Pages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Webpage authors face restrictions in modifying or authoring web form controls during design-time due to security concerns and licensing issues, as direct access to executable code on the web server is restricted, and replicating the web server context on a sandbox device is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A remote authoring service allows web page designers to author controls from a client computer by using proxy controls, which receive embedded control attributes from the server, enabling modifications without requiring the executable code, and updates the actual controls on the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct access to executable code on the web server is restricted for security reasons, then security is improved, but web page authors cannot author or modify web form controls during design-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server-controlled data stream mechanism as an intermediary between the restricted web server environment and the client-side authoring tool. The server sends a data stream containing control attributes and preview information to the client, where a proxy control is generated. This intermediary approach allows authors to interact with controls remotely without direct access to the server's executable code, thus maintaining security while enabling authoring functionality.
2Ease of operation
If executable code for controls is installed on a sandbox computing device to provide access, then authoring access is improved, but licensing restrictions and inability to replicate server context make this undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a proxy control that copies only the necessary visual and functional attributes of the actual control from the server's data stream, rather than installing the full executable code on a sandbox device. The proxy control replicates the control's appearance and basic interaction capabilities locally, while the actual control logic remains on the server. This approach eliminates licensing issues and avoids the need to replicate the complete server context, as the proxy suffices for authoring purposes.
3Ease of operation
If actual controls are installed on the client computer for authoring, then authoring functionality is improved, but licensing issues and large download sizes prevent this approach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential attributes and preview information needed for authoring from the actual control executable code on the server. These extracted attributes are transmitted in a data stream to the client, where they are used to generate a lightweight proxy control. This extraction approach eliminates the need to download and install the full control executable, thereby avoiding licensing restrictions and reducing download size while maintaining sufficient authoring functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote authoring service is described. Remote page authoring includes receiving a stream of data from a server that includes embedded control attribute data. The embedded control attribute data facilitates the generation of a proxy control and allows a web page designer to make modifications to dynamic elements of the webpage without requiring the executable code for the actual controls. The proxy control may provide preview data of the control to allow the client to perform authoring functions using the proxy control. Modifications made via the proxy control service may then be transmitted to the server where the controls are updated.