Programming Framework for Closed System Platform Abstraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing software applications that perform well on multiple computing platforms is challenging due to the need for platform-specific customization, especially in closed systems like game consoles, where restrictions limit the execution of unsigned code, making it difficult for developers to create content without hacking.

Innovation Solution

A programming framework that abstracts the underlying platform, providing a standard interface for developers to access operating system resources and hardware, allowing the same code to run on different platforms while ensuring platform-specific requirements and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If developers write code customized for each platform, then the application performs well on specific platforms, but the development time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication performance on platformVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal programming framework that provides platform-agnostic APIs and abstractions, allowing the same application code to run across multiple platforms. The framework layer handles platform-specific variations, enabling developers to write code once and deploy it universally without platform-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary programming framework layer between the application code and the underlying operating system/platform. This framework acts as a mediator that translates universal developer code into platform-specific operations, eliminating the need for developers to directly handle platform variations and reducing development time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If developers access platform resources directly, then they can control hardware and operating system, but they must deal with platform-specific code and hardware differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to platform resourcesVSAvoidplatform-specific code
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The programming framework provides universal APIs that give developers access to platform resources through a consistent interface. The framework handles the complexity of platform-specific code and hardware differences internally, allowing developers to interact with diverse platform resources using the same standardized methods regardless of the underlying platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The framework serves as an intermediary layer that sits between the developer's code and the platform's hardware and operating system. It provides a simplified, unified interface to complex platform resources while managing the translation to and from platform-specific implementations, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for developers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If closed systems allow only signed code, then security and control are maintained, but hobbyist and homebrew developers cannot create content without hacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem securityVSAvoidcontent creation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary programming framework that acts as an authorized bridge between unsigned developer code and the closed system's protected resources. This framework provides a legitimate, non-hacking pathway for hobbyist developers to create content by offering controlled access to system capabilities through standardized APIs, maintaining security while enabling content creation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the system into distinct layers: a protected core system layer and a developer-facing framework layer. The framework layer is designed to be accessible to unsigned code while the core system remains protected. This segmentation allows hobbyist developers to create content through the framework without compromising the security of the underlying closed system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7949998B2Programming framework for closed systems
Publication Date: 2011.05.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US7949998B2 patent drawing
  • US7949998B2 patent drawing
  • US7949998B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Mechanisms are disclosed that allow for platform abstraction of a computing platform using a programming framework. The programming framework allows application programs to interact with different platforms in an identical manner by abstracting the platform. The application uses identical instructions to the programming framework across different platforms, with the programming framework modifying the instructions to fit platform specific requirements. The programming framework also emulates platform specific expected application behavior on behalf of the application. The programming framework may also provide an additional layer of security for the platform, limiting the access of the application program.