Web-Based Application Matching for Remote File Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inefficiencies when trying to view or edit remotely stored files across multiple devices, as they need to download and identify locally installed applications on each device, which is time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for identifying applicable web-based applications to associate with a file, using a reference database to filter and display a list of compatible applications, allowing users to interact with files without local software installation, and updating user associations for seamless access across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users download files and identify locally installed applications on each device, then files can be opened using local applications, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient across multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between users and applications. The server maintains a reference database of applications and their supported file types, and provides a matching service that identifies appropriate applications without requiring local installation or manual user search. This intermediary service resolves the contradiction by centralizing the application identification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-populating a reference database with application information and file type associations before users need to open files. Application developers can register their applications and supported file types in advance, so when users need to open a file, the matching application is already identified and ready, eliminating the time-consuming search process.
2Reliability
If users manually identify and install local applications for each device, then file compatibility is ensured, but the process becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that works across multiple devices and platforms. The server-based reference database and application matching service provide a multi-functional solution that handles application identification, compatibility verification, and user association management in one place, eliminating the need for separate application management on each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that manages application compatibility centrally. It maintains the reference database with file type associations and automatically matches files with appropriate applications, ensuring reliability without requiring users to manually manage application installations on each device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reference database stores all applications and file types, then comprehensive matching is possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference database is pre-populated with application information and file type associations through preliminary action. Application developers register their applications and supported file types in advance, creating a comprehensive matching capability before users need the service. This preliminary setup enables versatile matching without adding operational complexity during file opening.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for identifying an application for opening a file. A first user input indicative of a file selected by a user is received over a user interface. The selected file has an input file type and is an attachment to an email. Data indicative of the input file type is transmitted over a communications network. A reference list of applications is obtained by combining association requests from application developers to associate respective applications with one or more file types, and a matched list is obtained by removing applications from the reference list, each of the removed applications being associated with a set of one or more file types that each mismatch the input file type. The matched list is displayed over the user interface, which receives a second user input indicative of a selected application from the matched list.