Application Broker Service for Dynamic File Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file opening mechanisms in computing devices often fail to dynamically select the best application to open a file, especially when the default application is unavailable or fails to load, leading to file open failures and requiring user intervention to select an alternative application.
Innovation Solution
An application broker service intercepts file opening requests, processes the file type and location, and dynamically selects an appropriate application to open the file, ensuring that the selected application is capable of handling the file type and location, such as local, cloud, or VDI applications, and can authenticate as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating system uses a default application to open a file, then the file opening process is simple and fast, but the file may fail to open if the default application is unavailable or cannot handle the file
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an application broker service as an intermediary component between the file opening request and the actual application execution. This broker intercepts file opening requests, determines the appropriate application based on file type and location, and invokes the selected application. This mediator layer adds complexity to the system architecture but significantly improves reliability by ensuring the correct application is selected and fallback options are available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple applications capable of handling specific file types and locations. The application broker service maintains a mapping of file types, locations, and compatible applications in advance. When a file opening request occurs, the broker quickly retrieves the pre-determined application list and attempts to open the file with the most appropriate application, having already prepared the fallback options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system prompts the user to select an application when no default is defined, then the user can choose the best application, but the file opening process requires user intervention and takes more time
Solution Approach 1:
The application broker service implements self-service by automatically selecting and invoking the appropriate application without requiring user intervention. The broker service autonomously determines which application can handle the file based on the file type and location, attempts to open the file with that application, and even handles fallback to alternative applications if the first attempt fails. This eliminates the need for users to manually select applications while maintaining adaptability to different file types and locations.
3Ease of operation
If the system always uses the default application for a file extension, then the file opening process is consistent and simple, but it cannot adapt to different file locations or cloud storage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the application selection process context-dependent rather than uniform. The application broker service determines the appropriate application based on specific local conditions including file type, file location (local storage, cloud storage, VDI), and the capabilities of available applications. Different applications are selected for different locations and file types, such as using cloud-based applications for files in cloud storage and local applications for files on the local filesystem, while maintaining a simple user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
An application can be dynamically selected to open a file. An application broker service can be configured to received intercepted requests to open files. The application broker service can process the intercepted requests to determine a type and location of the files to be opened. Using the type and the location of the files to be opened, the application broker service can select applications to open the files. If a file fails to open in a selected application, the application broker service can select another application to open the file.