Remote Application Preview via Virtual Device Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in previewing software applications on diverse computing devices without having to download and install preview versions, and maintaining consistency across multiple devices is difficult, especially when switching to new devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to preview software applications by simulating the target device's hardware and software on a computer server, enabling access from any device and synchronizing settings and applications across devices through a cloud-based server system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a preview version of a software application is downloaded and installed on a computing device, then the user can access the application features locally, but the user must consume storage space and undergo installation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the target computing device (smartphone, tablet, or console) that runs on remote server infrastructure. This virtual device copy includes simulated hardware components, operating system, and application environments, allowing users to preview applications without installing them locally. The virtual device is accessible through a web browser or client application, providing full application preview functionality while consuming minimal local storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual machine environment as an intermediary between the user's local device and the actual application software. This virtual machine acts as a mediator that emulates the target device's hardware and software architecture, allowing applications to run in a simulated environment without requiring physical installation on the user's device. The virtual machine handles all application execution, storage, and processing requirements remotely.
2Ease of operation
If a preview version of a software application is downloaded and installed on a computing device, then the user can preview the application locally, but the installation and conversion process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures virtual device environments with complete operating systems, application frameworks, and hardware simulations before users need to preview applications. These virtual devices are prepared in advance on remote servers, including all necessary software components and configurations. When users want to preview an application, they simply access the pre-configured virtual device through a web interface, eliminating the need for real-time installation, configuration, or conversion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates instant virtual copies of target devices that can be accessed immediately without physical installation. These virtual device copies are deployed on demand from server templates, providing users with immediate access to application preview environments. The copying process occurs remotely and transparently, delivering full application preview functionality without requiring user-side installation time or conversion steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the application is simulated on a remote computer system, then the user can access the application preview from any device without installation, but additional controls are needed to simulate device-specific input types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control mapping layer as an intermediary between the user's local device input mechanisms and the virtual device's expected input types. This mapping layer translates common input methods (mouse clicks, keyboard input, touch screen gestures) into device-specific input simulations (button presses, joystick movements, accelerometer data). The control mapping handles different device types (smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles) with unified interface patterns, abstracting away the complexity of device-specific controls while maintaining accurate input simulation for application preview.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users switch to new computing devices, then they gain access to new hardware capabilities, but they lose their existing application settings and must reconfigure everything
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual device environment that can be accessed from multiple physical devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops). This universal virtual device maintains a consistent application environment and user profile across all accessing devices. When users switch between physical devices, their application settings, preferences, and data are automatically synchronized through the cloud-based virtual device, providing seamless continuity. The virtual device acts as a universal platform that decouples application state from specific hardware, allowing users to access their applications with identical settings from any device.
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a computer system and from a first computing device, a request to access a simulation of an application running a second computing device; identifying, by the computer system, one or more types of input that are available on the second computing device and that are not available on the first computing device; generating one or more controls for each of at least a portion of the identified types of input; instantiating, by the computer system, a virtual machine that simulates the second computing device; and providing information to the first computing device that causes i) an interface for the application as executed by the virtual machine to be presented by the first computing device and ii) the generated controls to be presented by the first computing device in association with the interface.