Web Browser Local File Access and Telephony Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web browsers lack the ability to initiate phone calls or text messages using non-cellular phones, such as desk phones or VOIP phones, directly from web pages, and they inefficiently manage file interactions by downloading multiple copies of files when users access the same document from different locations.
Innovation Solution
The Breezeway Link system allows web pages to interact with local computers and phones by using a Breezeway Link Application (BLA) and Breezeway Link Services (BLS) to perform actions like opening files, initiating phone calls, and sending texts without downloading files, by authenticating users and communicating through Secure WebSockets, enabling direct interaction with local software applications and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If files are downloaded locally from remote servers when users click on links, then files can be accessed offline, but storage space is wasted and file synchronization becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file system bridge that acts as an intermediary between the web browser and the local file system. This bridge allows web pages to directly access and interact with local files without downloading them, enabling cloud-like accessibility while maintaining local storage efficiency. The bridge translates web-based file requests into local file system operations, eliminating the need for redundant file copies.
2Ease of operation
If multiple copies of the same file are downloaded when accessed from different web locations, then file accessibility is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual copying mechanism where the file system bridge creates references or symbolic links to local files rather than physical copies. Multiple web pages can reference the same local file through different URLs, providing the appearance of multiple accessible copies while maintaining only one physical instance of the file on the storage medium.
3Ease of operation
If web browsers download files to enable local access, then offline access is enabled, but download time and network bandwidth are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing the file system bridge before any file access operations. Once the bridge is established, files can be accessed directly from their local locations without requiring prior downloads. The bridge pre-configures the communication channel between the browser environment and the local file system, enabling immediate access to files that would otherwise require download.
4Ease of manufacture
If phone numbers in web browsers initiate calls using cellular phones only, then implementation is simple, but device versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal telephony interface that can initiate phone calls through multiple device types including cellular phones, desk phones, and VOIP phones. The system detects available telephony devices and routes call initiation requests appropriately, allowing a single web browser implementation to control diverse phone hardware and software platforms without requiring separate implementations for each device type.
Data Source
AI summary
Computing and communication systems and methods include one or more servers communicatively coupled with a computing device through a telecommunications network. In implementations one or more data stores are communicatively coupled with the server(s). One or more user interfaces displayed on the computing device display a website provided by the server(s) and accessed using a browser. A file selector is displayed on the website. The file selector corresponds with a file that may already reside on the computing device and/or on a file share accessible by the computing device. The file selector is configured to initiate opening of the file locally on the computing device without necessarily downloading a copy of the file through the browser. The systems and methods may automatically initiate calls and/or texts on non-cell phones (e.g., desk phones, turret type phones and/or VOIP phones) in response to selection of a phone number displayed on a website.