Hosted Macro Server Event-Triggered Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for network-based delivery of electronic content lack the ability to efficiently share and execute macros across multiple applications and services, especially in a hosted computing environment, where macros cannot be easily triggered by external events without user interaction and lack robust security and access control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hosted computing system that allows macros to be stored and executed on a macro server sub-system, enabling sharing among users, triggering by external events, and providing fine-grained access control through capability-based security, allowing macros to access various applications and services without exposing internal services directly to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If macros are stored and executed on a client device, then execution speed is improved, but sharing and collaboration between users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between clients and macro storage. The server hosts macro code and manages execution, allowing multiple clients to access and share macros without storing them locally. This mediator architecture enables collaboration and sharing while maintaining centralized control over macro distribution and updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions macro storage from a single-dimension local client storage model to a multi-dimension distributed architecture where macros reside on a server and can be accessed by multiple clients simultaneously. This dimensional shift enables sharing and collaboration while maintaining execution efficiency through server-side management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If macros are made accessible to multiple users, then sharing capability is improved, but security and access control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements capability-based security where different users and systems are granted specific capabilities or permissions to access and execute macros. Instead of a uniform access model, the system provides localized security controls tailored to each user's needs and trust level, allowing fine-grained access control while maintaining macro sharing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a security intermediary that mediates between macro storage and client execution. It enforces access control policies, validates user credentials, and manages capability distribution, thereby securing the macro sharing system while enabling multi-user access through controlled permission mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If macros trigger automatically on events, then automation level is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables macros to automatically detect and respond to events without requiring manual user intervention or complex scheduling systems. The event-driven architecture allows macros to self-trigger based on predefined conditions, simplifying the automation mechanism while maintaining high automation levels through event-based activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an event intermediary that monitors for triggering events and automatically initiates macro execution when conditions are met. This mediator approach simplifies the complexity by centralizing event monitoring and macro dispatch logic on the server, rather than requiring complex client-side automation mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If internal services are exposed to users, then service accessibility is improved, but system security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capability-based security layer as an intermediary between internal services and users. This mediator selectively exposes services based on granted capabilities, allowing users to access only the services they are authorized for, thereby maintaining service accessibility while protecting internal system security through controlled permission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements localized service exposure where different users receive different levels of access to internal services based on their capabilities. Instead of uniformly exposing all services, the system provides tailored access control, allowing sensitive services to remain protected while enabling necessary service accessibility for authorized users.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of managing computer macros is disclosed. The method includes storing code for a computer macro at an internet-accessible hosted computer system and associating the stored code with a user account on the hosted computer system. The method also includes automatically identifying with the hosted computer system, independent of whether a user associated with the user account is currently active on the hosted computer system, a triggering event that is defined as being directed to the macro. Furthermore, the method includes executing the macro using an application running on the hosted computer system to generate macro results, and storing the macro results on the hosted computer system.