Browser State Synchronization via Segmented Cloud Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Web applications lose user-specific settings and state information when accessed on different devices, forcing users to start from a default state due to lack of synchronization across multiple computing environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for synchronizing settings and state information for a browser component across multiple computing environments by storing state information in a user account's remote storage, receiving updates from one instance of the browser, and propagating them to another instance upon initiation, using a centralized server and API for communication and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If state information is stored locally in a browser component, then access speed and privacy are improved, but synchronization across devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two segments: local storage for fast access and remote cloud storage for synchronization. The browser component stores state information locally in its storage space for quick access, while simultaneously maintaining a copy in remote storage associated with the user account, enabling both speed and synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote storage system as an intermediary between multiple browser instances. This intermediary receives state information from one browser instance and propagates it to other instances, enabling synchronization without requiring direct communication between browsers.
2Loss of information
If state information is stored remotely in cloud storage, then synchronization across devices is improved, but access speed and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage function by maintaining local storage for high-speed access and remote storage for synchronization. The local storage provides fast read/write operations for the active browser session, while the remote storage ensures data availability across devices through cloud-based persistence.
3Reliability
If state information is stored in local file system, then device availability is improved, but cross-device continuity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the storage system universal by associating state information with a user account rather than a specific device. The remote storage space linked to the user account can be accessed by any browser instance on any device, providing both local availability and cross-device continuity.
4Ease of manufacture
If browser component is reinstalled or browser is closed, then device resource cleanup is improved, but state information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by continuously synchronizing state information to remote storage before the browser is closed or reinstalled. This ensures that even if local storage is cleared or the browser is uninstalled, the state information remains preserved in the cloud and can be restored upon reinstallation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is disclosed for synchronizing settings and state information for a browser component across multiple computing environments. Settings and state information may be stored for a web application in a storage associated with a user account. An API receives updated state information for the browser component from a first web browser associated with the user account and sends a signal to a second web browser associated with the user account that the stored settings and state information was updated. The second web browser may then send a request to the API for the updated information, the API, in response, propagate the updated information to the second web browser.