Dynamic Application Mounting for File Type Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices, both real and virtual, often lack the necessary applications to read or manipulate various file types, requiring users to search and install appropriate applications, which is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically attach applications to a computing device based on file type selection, using an application manager to identify and mount the required application from a storage repository, making it available as if locally installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If applications are pre-installed on the computing device, then file access speed is improved, but device storage space is consumed and installation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the application delivery mechanism and establishing the association between file types and applications in advance. When a file is accessed, the system has already prepared the application delivery infrastructure, enabling rapid application provisioning without requiring full installation beforehand. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the system in advance rather than requiring complete applications to be pre-installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the application from the traditional installation model and delivers it separately through an application volume when needed. Instead of having the application permanently installed on the device, the system extracts only the necessary application components at the moment of file access, delivering them through a mounted application volume. This eliminates the need for permanent storage occupation while maintaining fast access capability.
2Reliability
If users manually search and install applications, then application availability is ensured, but time consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting when an application is needed based on file type associations, locating the appropriate application in the application volume, and mounting it without user intervention. The application manager autonomously handles the entire process from detection to deployment, eliminating the manual search and installation steps while ensuring the correct application becomes available. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-sufficient in providing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an application manager as an intermediary between the file system and the application volume. This intermediary automatically monitors file access events, determines the required application based on file type associations, and orchestrates the mounting process. The intermediary eliminates the need for user intervention while ensuring reliable application availability, resolving the time consumption issue without compromising application availability.
3Productivity
If applications are dynamically attached based on file type, then user productivity is improved, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality through a general-purpose application manager that handles all file type to application mappings through a unified mechanism. Rather than creating separate specialized systems for different file types, the application manager provides a universal interface that works with any file type by consulting the association database. This multi-functional approach improves productivity across all file types while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies the nested doll principle by embedding the application volume within the existing file system structure. The application volume is mounted as a virtual drive or directory that integrates seamlessly with the user's existing file access patterns. Users access applications through the familiar file system interface without needing to learn new complex commands or procedures. This nesting approach improves productivity by maintaining user-friendly interfaces while implementing sophisticated dynamic attachment logic in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and software for attaching applications to a computing device based on a file type selection. In one example, a method for operating an application attaching system to dynamically make applications available to a computing device includes identifying an application attach triggering event based on a file selection of a certain file type on the computing device. The method further includes, in response to the application attach triggering event, identifying an application within an application volume based on the certain file type. The method also includes attaching the application volume to computing device, and associating the application to the certain file type on the computing device.