Streaming File Filter Driver for Application Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current application streaming technologies isolate streamable files from non-streamable files, preventing them from invoking or cooperating with each other, which limits the functionality of application sharing.
Innovation Solution
A client streaming support system that allows streamable software applications to be integrated into the main file system alongside non-streamable applications, enabling execution without isolation, using a streaming file filter driver to manage block requests and retrieve missing blocks from a server as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If streamable files are isolated in a virtual file system or special package, then control over the streaming process is improved, but the ability of streamable and non-streamable applications to invoke or cooperate with each other deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file system driver as an intermediary layer between the operating system and the file system. This driver intercepts file access requests, determines whether files are streamable or non-streamable, and routes requests appropriately. The intermediary enables cooperation between streamable and non-streamable applications while maintaining control over the streaming process, as the driver can identify streamable files and manage their access without preventing invocation by other applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If streamable files are stored in a virtual file system separate from non-streamable files, then centralized license allocation management is improved, but application sharing and cooperation are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal file system driver that handles both streamable and non-streamable files through a single interface. The driver performs multiple functions: it manages streamable files with centralized control for license allocation, while simultaneously allowing non-streamable files to be accessed normally. This multi-functional approach enables both centralized license management and application sharing to coexist, as the driver can distinguish between file types and apply appropriate access controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A client on a network includes a file system that includes various non-streamable software applications. A streaming support system in the client enables a streamable software application to be located in the file system and executed in a streaming mode without being isolated from the non-streamable software applications in the file system. Non-streamable software applications can invoke the streamable software application, and vice versa. Multiple streamable software applications can be concurrently located throughout the file system and can be executed in the client in the streaming mode without restriction to any particular portion of the main file system. Streamable applications can be located anywhere in the file system that the corresponding non-streamable versions of the applications would be able to be located. The main file system does not need to contain complete copies of the required files for any streamable applications.