Web Page Control of Local Media Player via Token Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems face inefficiencies in communication and control between web browsers and locally stored media players, requiring users to navigate between applications for media playback and status management, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that enables bidirectional communication between web browsers and local utilities through tokens, allowing web pages to control and interact with local applications like media players without leaving the browser environment, using modules and secure communication protocols to facilitate seamless interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users switch between web browser and local media player to control media playback, then communication between applications is possible, but user convenience deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the web browser and local media player into a unified system where the media player embeds a web server that can serve web pages directly. This merging allows the web browser to communicate with and control the media player through local web requests, eliminating the need to switch between applications and providing seamless control within a single interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that runs within the local media player. This web server acts as a mediator between the web browser and the media player's core functions, enabling communication through standard web protocols (HTTP/HTTPS) while maintaining the independence and security of both components. The intermediary allows control without direct application integration.
2Ease of operation
If web pages can control local utilities directly, then ease of operation improves, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a token-based authentication system where the web server verifies tokens from web pages before allowing control actions. This feedback mechanism ensures that only authenticated and authorized web pages can control the media player, providing security validation for each control request while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server acts as a secure intermediary that mediates all communication between web pages and the media player. It validates requests, manages authentication tokens, and controls access to media player functions, thereby enabling easy control through web interfaces while maintaining security through centralized authorization management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete applications are used for web browsing and media playback, then application independence is maintained, but system integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the local media player multi-functional by embedding a web server that can handle various web requests (control commands, status queries, playlist management) in addition to its core media playback functions. This universality allows a single application to serve multiple purposes - both as a traditional media player and as a web server, improving system integration without requiring separate dedicated applications for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method performed by an application (108) executed in an electronic device (102) for controlling a local utility (110) in said electronic device. The method comprises receiving a web page (116) from a web server (104), the web page including a reference to a module (124) including local utility controls (120). The method also comprises receiving the module and a first token from a module server (122). The method also comprises sending the first token to a local web server (112) of the local utility, for authentication of the first token. The method also comprises, in response to the authentication, receiving a second token generated by the local utility. The method also comprises including the second token with at least one request from the module to the local web server.