Application Broker for Offline Internet Functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internet applications face challenges in operating independently of remote servers, as they require continuous connectivity to function, limiting offline usage and portability.
Innovation Solution
A broker application is embedded within an electronic document that loads and runs internet applications on a client device, enabling offline operation by emulating server services and storing data locally, allowing the internet application to function without server access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internet applications run on remote servers requiring continuous connectivity, then server-based functionality is maintained, but offline operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the application into two parts: a broker application embedded in the electronic document that handles offline operations, and the original internet application that requires server connectivity. This segmentation allows the application to function in both online and offline modes by determining which component executes based on server availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The broker application serves as an intermediary between the electronic document and the internet application. It monitors server connectivity, loads the internet application when connected, and executes it locally when disconnected, thereby mediating between server-based and offline operation modes.
2Ease of operation
If internet applications are distributed as separate executable files, then offline execution is enabled, but ease of transport and sharing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the internet application with the electronic document by embedding it within the document structure. The document contains both the broker application and the internet application, allowing the entire package to be transported as a single file while maintaining offline execution capability through the broker's local loading and running mechanisms.
3Reliability
If internet applications require continuous server access, then centralized data management is maintained, but data privacy and local storage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts data management strategy based on server availability. When connected, the internet application communicates with the server for centralized data management. When disconnected, the broker application enables local data storage and processing, allowing the system to adapt between centralized and decentralized data management modes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, provide a broker for client applications. In one aspect, a method includes providing an electronic document that has a document format compatible with a document reader application. The electronic document includes a broker application and a client application. The broker application can be loaded into a virtual machine running in the document reader application on a client device. The loaded broker application loads the client application into the virtual machine, and the loaded client application provides a graphical user interface for display. In some instances, the loaded broker application receives data from the loaded client application and stores the received data as a data set in the electronic document. In some instances, the loaded broker application retrieves a data set from the electronic document and provides the retrieved data set to the loaded client application.