Shipping Server Agent for Secure Local Resource Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping systems face security and compatibility issues due to the reliance on browser communication plugins, which are often outdated, cause security incidents, and require frequent updates to match new browser and operating system releases, limiting secure access to local resources like printers and file systems.
Innovation Solution
A third-party Shipping Server Agent is installed on the local computer, running as an embedded web server, allowing direct and secure access to local resources by acting as an intermediary between the web browser and local resources, using web services and HTTPS protocols for authorization and communication, eliminating the need for intermediary components and ensuring compatibility across all web browsers and operating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If browser communication plugins are used to enable web browser access to local resources, then access functionality is provided, but security risks increase and compatibility maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server-side intermediary component that acts as a mediator between the web browser and local resources. Instead of using browser plugins that run client-side code, the system establishes a server-side service that receives authenticated requests from the browser, validates them, and performs operations on local resources. This intermediary architecture eliminates security risks associated with plugins while maintaining access functionality through controlled, authenticated communication channels.
2Ease of operation
If browser communication plugins are used, then local resource access is enabled, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication and authorization logic from the client-side browser environment and relocates it to the server-side infrastructure. By removing the need for browser plugins and their associated communication protocols, the system simplifies the client-side architecture to just a standard web browser making HTTP requests. The complex authorization and resource access logic resides entirely on the server, eliminating the need for multiple plugins, updates, and compatibility testing across different browser versions.
3Ease of operation
If API components integrated in web browser are used, then communication with local resources is possible, but adaptability to different browsers and operating systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal server-side interface that communicates with the web browser through standard HTTP protocols, which are universally supported across all modern web browsers and operating systems. The server-side service acts as a universal adapter that handles all authorization and resource access logic, making the system compatible with any browser without requiring browser-specific plugins or adaptations. This universal approach eliminates the need to maintain separate API components for different browsers or operating systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of allowing secured access for a web browser of a client computer device to local resources wherein a web server hosting a shipping application executes the shipping application in response to web page requests received from the web browser, the method comprising the steps of: requesting directly to a shipping server agent by the web browser a usage of a web service of the shipping server agent for accessing the local resources, requesting directly to the shipping application by the shipping server agent an authorization for the usage of a web service by the web browser, providing an authorization response from the shipping application directly to the shipping server agent regarding the usage of a web service by the web browser, and accessing local resources by the shipping server agent according to the requesting by the web browser.