You can freely build on How Web Browsers Run Embedded Programs Inside Documents

What this patent covers

This patent describes a method for a web browser to identify a specific tag in a document that points to an external object. When the browser encounters this 'embed' tag, it automatically launches an external application to handle that object. The browser then creates a display area within the webpage where that application can run. Crucially, the patent allows for ongoing communication between the browser and the launched application, meaning the user can interact with the embedded content (like rotating a 3D model) while the browser manages the window.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 5838906 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover static images or text that are simply displayed by the browser without an external executable application.

• Does not cover server-side rendering where the browser only receives a flat image file rather than running an interactive application.

• Does not cover browser plugins that require manual user installation or activation before the document is parsed.

Who is building on this today

The technology described here is now foundational to all modern web browsers. Companies like Google, Mozilla, and Apple have built upon these concepts to create the modern DOM (Document Object Model) and sandboxed execution environments that power web applications today.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

University of California San Diego UCSD. US Patent 5838906. Distributed hypermedia method for automatically invoking external application providing interaction and display of embedded objects within a hypermedia document. Granted 1998, expired 2015. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.