U.S. patent application number 13/425287 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for providing a local device with computing services from a remote host.
This patent application is currently assigned to SMX iNet Global Services SA. Invention is credited to Sachin Duggal.
Application Number | 20120179553 13/425287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43125195 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120179553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duggal; Sachin |
July 12, 2012 |
PROVIDING A LOCAL DEVICE WITH COMPUTING SERVICES FROM A REMOTE
HOST
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing a local device with computing
services are disclosed. One embodiment includes, identifying one or
more file types of files stored on the local device which is not
associated with a local application that is installed on the local
device and detecting a request to access a file stored on the local
device having one of the one or more file types. The remote host
can generate an offer to provide access to a remote application
which is able to open the file for a fee such that the file is
accessible via the local device. A selected service model can
determine the fee and whether the remote application is provided
for use by the local device when offline.
Inventors: |
Duggal; Sachin; (London,
GB) |
Assignee: |
SMX iNet Global Services SA
|
Family ID: |
43125195 |
Appl. No.: |
13/425287 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12782660 |
May 18, 2010 |
8185581 |
|
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13425287 |
|
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61179636 |
May 19, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 50/10 20130101;
G06Q 10/10 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0269 20130101;
G06Q 30/0207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.66 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20120101
G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a targeted advertisement to a user using a
virtual machine hosted by a remote server, the method, comprising:
providing the user with access to the virtual machine hosted by the
remote server, the virtual machine monitoring the user's activities
on the virtual machine to gather user data; identifying the
targeted advertisement for the user according to at least one
subset of the user data; transmitting the targeted advertisement
for displaying to the user on a user device when the user launches
a remote application on the virtual machine, and displaying the
targeted advertisement over a splash screen of the application on
the user device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user data includes
information related to gender, age, profession, city, and/or time
of use.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user data is gathered and
stored within a storage associated with a virtual computing
system.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a remote
application, from the remote server, to the user device upon an
authorized payment for a fee or an authorized subscription, the
remote application configured to access one or more local data on
the user device; wherein the one or more local data is not
accessible by applications installed on the user device.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the targeted advertisement is at
least related to the functionalities of the remote application, the
remote application accessible to the user on the virtual
machine.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising, waiving the fee in
response to determining that the user has viewed at least a
predetermined number of advertisements from the virtual
machine.
7. The method of claim 4, further comprising, streaming portions of
the remote application to the user device for offline usage by the
user device.
8. The method of claim 4, further comprising: transmitting the one
or more local data to the remote server, the remote application
configured to access the one or more local data on the remote
server and transmit the accessing results on the remote server to
the user device for displaying to the user.
9. A system for providing one or more targeted advertisement(s) to
a user device of a user, comprising: one or more remote virtual
machine host(s), comprising individualized hardware units to
execute instructions for supporting one or more virtual machine(s),
the one or more virtual machine(s) configured to monitor the user's
activities on the virtual machine when the user is using the one or
more virtual machine(s); a user identification engine, configured
to authenticate the user and allow the user device to access the
one or more virtual machine(s) of the one or more remote host(s);
an authentication/VM data repository, configured to store data
including user data from the user device and the one or more
virtual machine(s), the virtual machine(s)'s data, data files,
and/or data/system files for instantiating virtual machine(s); a
load balancing engine, configured to balance the resources demands
among the one or more virtual machine(s) of the one or more remote
host(s); an account management engineer, configured to manage
billing, transactions, and advertisements; and an advertisement
repository, configured to store the one or more targeted
advertisement(s), advertisement account information, and/or
information related to the one or more targeted
advertisement(s).
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the user data includes
information related to gender, age, profession, city, and/or time
of use.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the user data is gathered and
stored within the authentication/VM data repository.
12. The system of claim 9, further comprising a remote application,
the remote application accessible to the user device upon an
authorized payment for a fee or an authorized subscription, the
remote application configured to access one or more local data on
the user device; wherein the one or more local data is not
accessible by applications installed on the user device.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more targeted
advertisement(s) is at least related to the functionalities of the
remote application; and the remote application on the virtual
machine is accessible to the user device.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the fee is waived in response
to determining that the user has viewed at least a predetermined
number of the targeted advertisements from the one or more virtual
machine(s).
15. The system of claim 12, wherein at least portions of the remote
application is streamed to the user device for offline usage by the
user device.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more local data is
transmitted to the one or more remote host(s), the remote
application configured to access the one or more local data on the
one or more remote host(s) and transmit the accessing results on
the one or more remote host(s) to the user device for displaying to
the user.
17. An apparatus providing a targeted advertisement to a user using
a virtual machine hosted by a remote server, comprising: means for
providing the user with access to the virtual machine hosted by the
remote server, the virtual machine monitoring the user's activities
on the virtual machine to gather user data; means for identifying
the targeted advertisement for the user according to at least one
subset of the user data; means for transmitting the targeted
advertisement for displaying to the user on a user device when the
user launches a remote application on the virtual machine, and
means for displaying the targeted advertisement over a splash
screen of the application on the user device.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the user data includes
information related to gender, age, profession, city, and/or time
of use.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: means for
providing a remote application, from the remote server, to the user
device upon an authorized payment for a fee or an authorized
subscription, the remote application configured to access one or
more local data on the user device; wherein the one or more local
data is not accessible by applications installed on the user
device.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the targeted advertisement
is at least related to the functionalities of the remote
application; and the remote application on the virtual machine is
accessible to the user device.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising, means for
waiving the fee in response to determining that the user has viewed
at least a predetermined number of targeted advertisements from the
virtual machine.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising, means for
streaming portions of the remote application to the user device for
offline usage by the user device.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/782,660, filed on May 18, 2010, entitled "PROVIDING A
LOCAL DEVICE WITH COMPUTING SERVICES FROM A REMOTE HOST" which
application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/179,636 entitled "METHODS OF INTERACTION WITH A STREAMED
VIRTUAL COMPUTER", which was filed on May 19, 2009, the contents of
both applications are expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Personal computing systems often require maintenance and
protection from damage. Such personal computing systems can be
lost, stolen or otherwise rendered inaccessible leading to lost
productivity. One probable solution to the problem posed by a
personal computing system is a networked computing system or
environment. Such a system can maintain a virtual machine
accessible from a network. However, a virtual computing system
offers another set of challenges.
[0003] In regard to application use, a networked computing system
can offer many applications that a user device does not have.
However, when using the user device the user may not be aware of
the various applications. Such a user may not use the applications
even where the user has files that she cannot open.
[0004] In regard to file storage, such a networked computing
environment can store files, but a user accessing the networked
computing system may require file transfer between the networked
computing system and the user device. Such transfers can be
cumbersome requiring the use of network file transfer programs and
moderate technical knowledge regarding the directory layout of the
networked computing system. The hurdles may impede the use of the
network computing system. For example, users may have some files on
one computing system, but need them on another computing system. In
regard to file sharing, today users are required to follow
cumbersome processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of client devices (local
devices) and an ad server coupled to an example of a host server
(remote server) that provides a virtual computing to the client
devices through a network.
[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example of a
host server (remote server) that provides a client device (local
device) with computing services.
[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of an example process of a remote
host providing a local device with a remote application to access
data that is otherwise not accessible by applications installed on
the local device.
[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of another example process of a
remote host providing a local device with a remote application to
access data that is otherwise not accessible by applications
installed on the local device.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of an example for targeting
advertising to a user using a virtual machine hosted by a remote
server.
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an example process for opening
a file using a remote application/software program provided by a
remote host.
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an example process for using a
placeholder application to facilitate the opening of a file through
a remote system which can be streamed and cached.
[0012] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of an example process for using a
software acquisition application to acquire software/application
for locally opening a file via file mapping.
[0013] FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a computer system within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.
[0014] FIG. 10 depicts a screenshot of an example of a tickler ad
displayed during use of a virtual machine.
[0015] FIG. 11 depicts a screenshot of an example of a banner ad
displayed during use of a virtual machine.
[0016] FIG. 12 depicts a screenshot of an example of a banner ad
displayed in an information center.
[0017] FIG. 13 depicts a screenshot of an example of an ad
displayed in an application shop.
[0018] FIG. 14 depicts a screenshot of an example of an ad
displayed in a window for an online sharing network.
[0019] FIG. 15 depicts a screenshot of an example of advertising on
the desktop of a virtual machine.
[0020] FIG. 16 depicts a screenshot of an example of an
advertisement displayed over an application splash screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description and drawings are illustrative and
are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are
described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.
However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details
are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can
be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment;
and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[0022] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0023] The terms used in this specification generally have their
ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure,
and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms
that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to
the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For
convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using
italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no
influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning
of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is
highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in
more than one way.
[0024] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used
for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any
special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is
elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are
provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the
use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this
specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is
illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope
and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise,
the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this
specification.
[0025] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure,
examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related
results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are
given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit
the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present
document, including definitions will control.
[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and
methods for providing a local device with computing services from a
remote host.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of client devices 102A-N
and an ad server 108 coupled to an example of a host server 100
(remote server) that provides virtual computing to the client
devices 102A-N through a network 106.
[0028] The client devices 102A-N can be any system and/or device,
and/or any combination of devices/systems that is able to establish
a connection with another device, a server and/or other systems.
The client devices 102A-N typically include display or other output
functionalities to present data exchanged between the devices to a
user. For example, the client devices and content providers can be,
but are not limited to, a server desktop, a desktop computer, a
thin-client device, an Internet kiosk, a computer cluster, a mobile
computing device such as a notebook, a laptop computer, a handheld
computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a Blackberry
device, a Treo, and/or an iPhone, etc. In one embodiment, the
client devices 102A-N are coupled to a network 106. In some
embodiments, the client devices may be directly connected to one
another.
[0029] In one embodiment, the user devices 102 can interact with a
virtual computing environment (e.g., a virtual computing
environment provided by the virtual computing system hosted by the
server 100). The virtual computing system in the server 100 can
include one or more computing systems that host one or more virtual
computing environments. Different user devices 102 may be assigned
to different virtual environments. Access to the virtual
environments may be user-specific and/or device specific. In some
instances, users or devices use accounts to access a virtual
computing environment which may be user-customized or
device-customized.
[0030] The user devices 102 can interact with a virtual computing
environment that is hosted remotely to access computing services
including but not limited to, remote storage, backup, and/or
synchronization services. In addition, user devices 102 can access
software/applications available in the virtual computing
environment. For example, a user device 102 may use
software/applications installed remotely in the virtual computing
environment on a remote host to access/open/read/edit content
(e.g., streamed content) or files locally stored.
[0031] The locally stored content/files can be sent in part or in
whole to the virtual computing environment for access by the remote
application. Alternatively, the remote application can be streamed
and/or cached in part and/or downloaded in whole by the user device
102 such that the content/file can be executed or otherwise
accessed on the user device 102.
[0032] The network 106, over which the client devices 102A-N may be
a telephonic network, an open network, such as the Internet, or a
private network, such as an intranet and/or the extranet. For
example, the Internet can provide file transfer, remote log in,
email, news, RSS, and other services through any known or
convenient protocol, such as, but is not limited to the TCP/IP
protocol, Open System Interconnections (OSI), FTP, UPnP, iSCSI,
NSF, ISDN, PDH, RS-232, SDH, SONET, etc.
[0033] The network 106 can be any collection of distinct networks
operating wholly or partially in conjunction to provide
connectivity to the client devices, host server, and may appear as
one or more networks to the serviced systems and devices. In one
embodiment, communications to and from the client devices 102A-N
can be achieved by, an open network, such as the Internet, or a
private network, such as an intranet and/or the extranet. In one
embodiment, communications can be achieved by a secure
communications protocol, such as secure sockets layer (SSL), or
transport layer security (TLS).
[0034] The term "Internet" as used herein refers to a network of
networks that uses certain protocols, such as the TCP/IP protocol,
and possibly other protocols such as the hypertext transfer
protocol (HTTP) for hypertext markup language (HTML) documents that
make up the World Wide Web (the web). Content is often provided by
content servers, which are referred to as being "on" the Internet.
A web server, which is one type of content server, is typically at
least one computer system which operates as a server computer
system and is configured to operate with the protocols of the World
Wide Web and is coupled to the Internet. The physical connections
of the Internet and the protocols and communication procedures of
the Internet and the web are well known to those of skill in the
relevant art. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed the network
106 broadly includes anything from a minimalist coupling of the
components illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, to every component
of the Internet and networks coupled to the Internet.
[0035] In addition, communications can be achieved via one or more
wireless networks, such as, but is not limited to, one or more of a
Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a
Personal area network (PAN), a Campus area network (CAN), a
Metropolitan area network (MAN), a Wide area network (WAN), a
Wireless wide area network (WWAN), Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS),
Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (D-Amps), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
Fixed Wireless Data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G networks, enhanced data rates for
GSM evolution (EDGE), General packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced
GPRS, messaging protocols such as, TCP/IP, SMS, MMS, extensible
messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), real time messaging
protocol (RTMP), instant messaging and presence protocol (IMPP),
instant messaging, US SD, IRC, or any other wireless data networks
or messaging protocols.
[0036] The client devices 102A-N can be coupled to the network
(e.g., Internet) via a dial up connection, a digital subscriber
loop (DSL, ADSL), cable modem, and/or other types of connection.
Thus, the client devices 102A-N can communicate with remote servers
(e.g., web server, host server, mail server, and instant messaging
server) that provide access to user interfaces of the World Wide
Web via a web browser, for example.
[0037] The authentication/VM data repository 128, ad repository
130, and application repository 132 can store software, descriptive
data, images, system information, drivers, and/or any other data
item utilized by parts of the host server 100 for operation. The
repositories may also store user information and user content, such
as, user profile information, user preferences, content
information, network information, etc. The repositories may be
managed by a database management system (DBMS), for example but not
limited to, Oracle, DB2, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server,
PostgreSQL, MySQL, FileMaker, etc. The ad repository 130 may
additionally store advertisements and the application repository
132 may store software programs/applications executable by the host
server 100 in one or more virtual computing environments or
remotely accessible by a user device 102.
[0038] The repositories can be implemented via object-oriented
technology and/or via text files, and can be managed by a
distributed database management system, an object-oriented database
management system (OODBMS) (e.g., ConceptBase, FastDB Main Memory
Database Management System, JDOInstruments, ObjectDB, etc.), an
object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) (e.g.,
Informix, OpenLink Virtuoso, VMDS, etc.), a file system, and/or any
other convenient or known database management package. In addition,
the host server 100 is able to retrieve data from the
authentication/VM data repository 128, ad repository 130, and/or
application repository 132.
[0039] The host server 100 can be implemented on a known or
convenient computer system, such as is illustrated in FIG. 9. The
host server 100 is described in more detail with reference to FIG.
2.
[0040] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example of a
host server 200 that provides a client device (local device) 202
with computing services.
[0041] The host server 200 can include an authentication/VM
repository 228, an ad repository 230, and/or the application
repository 232. The host server 200 may be communicatively coupled
to the authentication/VM repository 228 the ad repository 230,
and/or the application repository 232 as illustrated in FIG. 2. In
some embodiments, the authentication/VM repository 228 the an ad
repository 230, and/or the application repository 232 are partially
or wholly internal to the host server 200.
[0042] In the example of FIG. 2, the host server 200 includes a
network interface 204, a user ID engine 206, a file synchronization
engine 208, a load balancing engine 210, a virtual machine host
212, an application management engine 216, and/or a storage
management engine 218. Note that each component of the host server
200 can reside on a different block or grid.
[0043] As used in this paper, an "engine" includes a dedicated or
shared processor and, typically, firmware or software modules that
are executed by the processor. Depending upon
implementation-specific or other considerations, an engine can be
centralized or its functionality distributed. An engine can include
special purpose hardware, firmware, or software embodied in a
computer-readable medium for execution by the processor. As used in
this paper, a computer-readable medium is intended to include all
mediums that are statutory (e.g., in the United States, under 35
U.S.C. 101), and to specifically exclude all mediums that are
non-statutory in nature to the extent that the exclusion is
necessary for a claim that includes the computer-readable medium to
be valid. Known statutory computer-readable mediums include
hardware (e.g., registers, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile
(NV) storage, to name a few), but may or may not be limited to
hardware.
[0044] The host server 200 may be coupled to a client device (local
device) 202 such as the client device 102 in the example of FIG. 1.
The client device 202 can include a file type identifier agent 220
and/or a file manager 222. The agent 220 and/or the manager 222 may
be locally installed on the client device 202 or streamed,
downloaded from the host server 200, for example, upon account
registration or on demand.
[0045] In the example of FIG. 2, the network controller 204 can be
one or more networking devices that enable the host server 200 to
mediate data in a network with an entity that is external to the
host server, through any known and/or convenient communications
protocol supported by the host and the external entity. The network
controller 202 can include one or more of a network adaptor card, a
wireless network interface card, a router, an access point, a
wireless router, a switch, a multilayer switch, a protocol
converter, a gateway, a bridge, bridge router, a hub, a digital
media receiver, and/or a repeater.
[0046] A firewall, can, in some embodiments, be included to govern
and/or manage permission to access/proxy data in a computer
network, and track varying levels of trust between different
machines and/or applications. The firewall can be any number of
modules having any combination of hardware and/or software
components able to enforce a predetermined set of access rights
between a particular set of machines and applications, machines and
machines, and/or applications and applications, for example, to
regulate the flow of traffic and resource sharing between these
varying entities. The firewall may additionally manage and/or have
access to an access control list which details permissions
including for example, the access and operation rights of an object
by an individual, a machine, and/or an application, and the
circumstances under which the permission rights stand.
[0047] Other network security functions can be performed or
included in the functions of the firewall, can be, for example, but
are not limited to, intrusion-prevention, intrusion detection,
next-generation firewall, personal firewall, etc. without deviating
from the novel art of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the
functionalities of the network interface 202 and the firewall are
partially or wholly combined and the functions of which can be
implemented in any combination of software and/or hardware, in part
or in whole.
[0048] One embodiment of the host server 200 includes a user ID
engine 206. The user ID engine 206 can be implemented, example, as
software embodied in a computer-readable medium or
computer-readable storage medium on a machine, in firmware, in
hardware, in a combination thereof, or in any applicable known or
convenient device or system. This and other engines described in
this specification are intended to include any machine,
manufacture, or composition of matter capable of carrying out at
least some of the functionality described implicitly, explicitly,
or inherently in this specification, and/or carrying out equivalent
functionality.
[0049] The user ID engine 206 can be any combination of hardware
components and/or software agents able to identify a user and/or
client device to manage access to virtual machines, remote storage,
applications, etc.
[0050] The user ID engine 206 can create an account for a user
and/or a client device for accessing a virtual machine. The user
can use the account credentials to login to access a virtual
machine where his/her content/files are stored. For example, the
user ID engine 206 may receives a request from a user or client
device to access the network, validates authentication credentials,
and allows the user device to transmit and receive data through the
network interface 204; alternatively the user ID engine 206
receives the authentication credentials, finds the credentials
invalid, and refuses admission to the network.
[0051] One embodiment of the host server 200 includes the
authentication/VM data repository 228. In the example of FIG. 2,
the authentication/VM data repository 228 can be implemented, for
example, as software embodied in a computer-readable medium or
computer-readable storage medium on a machine, in firmware, in
hardware, in a combination thereof, or in any applicable known or
convenient device or system.
[0052] This and other repositories such as databases described in
this specification are intended to include any organization of
data, including tables, comma-separated values (CSV) files,
traditional databases (e.g., MYSQL), or other applicable known or
convenient organizational formats. Some repositories/databases may
require database interfaces, which are assumed to be incorporated
in the database or the component coupled to the database in this
and other figures, if applicable.
[0053] In one embodiment, the repository 228 can be used to store
access credentials, authorization information, and/or account
information of users and/or client devices. As used herein,
"authorization information" is interpreted to mean a username and
password, keys defined under a scheme such as public-key
cryptography, or another known or convenient form of access
control. The access credentials can be used by the user ID engine
206 to determine whether a user can access a specific virtual
machine. The credentials can also be used by the user ID engine 206
to identify the content, files, and/or storage directories to which
the user has access to and the type of access (e.g., read, write,
delete, etc.). In one embodiment, the access credentials can be
used by the engine 206 to determine the software programs and/or
applications to which the user or client device has access to
(e.g., subscription, purchase, rental, etc.).
[0054] In addition, privacy attributes of content stored in the
remote storage on the host server 200 can also be stored in the
repository 208. The storage can be included in a single mass
storage device, plurality of mass storage devices, storage managed
by a storage controller, or any known or convenient storage device.
The storage need not be local to a computing system performing the
storage, and can be accessible over a network. For example, storage
could be a disk could be coupled to the virtual computing system, a
partition on a volume derived from a RAID (redundant array of
independent disks), or any other known or convenient storage
system. The storage can be public, private, or otherwise
designated.
[0055] As used herein, "public" access is defined as storage any
user can access. Read and write permission can be specified, or
not, as is desirable. For example, a user can set up public storage
to allow read only access, read and write access, or another known
or convenient set of permissions. As used herein, "private" access
is defined to include access to only those individuals specified as
having permission to access the "private" storage. An individual
user can designate "buddies," or other users of the virtual
computing system as having access to the private storage of the
user. For example, a user, "Jane," can list "Joe," "David," and
"Lisa" as having private access, a system can automatically create
a list of buddies associated with the user, or any known or
convenient manner of assigning private access can be used. In one
embodiment, vanity URLs can be used for logging into a user's
account to access the storage.
[0056] The authentication/VM data repository 228 can further store
virtual machine data, data files, the virtual machines themselves,
and data/system files for instantiating virtual machines. For
example, the authentication/VM data repository 228 can store a file
including data and instructions executed by a virtual machine host
to produce a virtual machine. Additional, the authentication/VM
data repository 228 can store user data generated by a user of the
virtual machine.
[0057] One embodiment of the host server 200 includes a load
balancing engine 210. The load balancing engine 210 can be
implemented, example, as software embodied in a computer-readable
medium or computer-readable storage medium on a machine, in
firmware, in hardware, in a combination thereof, or in any
applicable known or convenient device or system.
[0058] The load balancing engine 210 can be any combination of
hardware components and/or software agents able to balance the
resource demands among various virtual machine hosts 212 in the
host server 200.
[0059] For example, assume there are 2 virtual machine hosts; 10
users might transmit 10 requests for 10 virtual machines. The load
balancing engine 210 can re-distribute the requests among the 2
virtual machine hosts so that each of the virtual machine hosts
receives five of the 10 requests. Alternatively, the load balancing
engine 210 can redistribute the requests unequally, such as where
the virtual machine hosts have unequal resources. Suppose there are
two virtual machine hosts and one of the hosts has twice the
resources as the other. The load balancing engine can re-distribute
the load so that 2/3 of the requests are distributed to one machine
and 1/3 of the requests are distributed to the other machine.
Further, in another alternative, the load balancing engine 210
could redistribute the load according to any known or convenient
load balancing scheme.
[0060] In one embodiment, the load balancing engine 210 can
determine the number and types of requests to access a virtual
machine. In addition, the engine 210 may further identify the
needed resource intensity of the requests. Based on the number of
requests and the predicted resource intensity, the engine 210 can
assign the request to the virtual machine hosts 212 to ensure that
the load is relatively balanced among the hosts 212 to enhance or
improve performance and/or user experience.
[0061] In the example of FIG. 2, the virtual machine hosts 212 can
include individualized hardware units executing instructions
supporting one or more virtual computing environments (e.g. virtual
machines). Each of the virtual machine hosts 212 can have a
processor and memory, as well as a network interface for
transmitting and receiving data for the virtual machines.
[0062] The virtual machine hosts 212 can include any number of
hardware units or computers. For example, the virtual machine hosts
212 can include, rack-mount computing servers, desktop machines,
shared resource computing systems, clustered computers, distinct
computing systems operating on a single hardware unit or any known
or convenient computing systems, or any combination of thereof.
[0063] For example, one embodiment of the host server 200 includes
a account management engine 214. The account management engine 214
can be implemented, example, as software embodied in a
computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium on a
machine, in firmware, in hardware, in a combination thereof, or in
any applicable known or convenient device or system.
[0064] The account management engine 214 can be any combination of
hardware components and/or software agents able to manage billing,
transactions, and advertising related matters.
[0065] For example, when an application or software program stored
in the virtual machine hosts 212 is requested by a user or client
device 202, the engine 214 can determine whether a fee is to be
assessed. The fee that is assessed can depend on a service model
that the requesting user or client device 202 is subscribed to.
Multiple types of service models can be provided to users for
accessing the virtual machine hosts 212 and the services that are
thus provided.
[0066] Any number of service models can be provided. For example, a
user can sign up for a one time subscription service where a fixed
fee is due upon signing or prior to initial use. The fixed fee can
allow the user to access any amount of storage and/or use any
number of software programs/applications on the virtual machine
hosts 212.
[0067] Alternatively, a user can sign up for a pay per use type
model. For example, a user can pay a fee for each hour the client
device 202 is connected to the virtual machines 212. Various tiers
of fee structures can be provided to allow users more or less
storage space. In addition, various tiers of fee structures can be
provided to govern application access. For example, a higher fee
may be assessed for access to more applications and/or for a longer
period of time.
[0068] In general, the user/client device 202 can select a service
model to access software on a per use basis, to rent it for a
period of time, to purchase it such that it is always available. In
addition, a user can typically select a service model/fee structure
such that a software program is only available for access when the
client device 202 is online (e.g., connected to a network) or also
when the client device 202 is offline (e.g., disconnected from a
network) as well.
[0069] Based on the applicable service model/fee structure, the
account management engine 214 can handle payments. In one
embodiment, the engine 214 determines the amount due from a user
and when the due date/time is, for example, based on the user or
user device's request to access the virtual machine hosts 212. The
engine 214 can receive, process, and validate payment information
and credit the payment to the user's account.
[0070] When a request to access a software program is received, the
engine 214 can identify the relevant service model/fee structure,
which may be selected by a user or applicable by default. For
example, the engine 214 can determine the amount of fee to assess
based on whether the user wishes to rent or purchase the
application. Additionally, the engine 214 can assess the fee based
on the length of the rental. In some instances, free trials are
granted to select or first time users.
[0071] In certain examples of service models, access of
advertisements can be an option in waiving some or all of the fees
otherwise due for access of the virtual machine hosts 212. For
example, access of a predetermined number of ads by a user or via a
client device 202 may allow the user to access the virtual machines
212 or the applications/software programs stored thereon free of
charge for a certain amount of time.
[0072] As used herein "rental" of software refers to a transaction
between a user and a virtual computing system in which a software
application is executed on a virtual machine host for an agreed
upon duration of a time. For example, a user can "rent" a file
conversion program for a single use, such as to open a file in an
uncommon format. Alternatively, a user can rent a graphics editing
program for a month at a specified fee; the graphics program could
be executed on a virtual machine host on behalf of the user who
remotely uses the program as needed. Further, any known or
convenient application could be rented. Upon termination of the
rental agreement, the rented program can cease to respond to user
requests to use the program. However, the termination of an
agreement to rent a particular software application need not
terminate a user's ability to execute other programs on the virtual
host machine.
[0073] As used herein, "advertising" or an "ad" refers to any
promotional content provided in the interest of persuading the
purchase of products or services, the donation of money, the
patronage of an event, promotion of an idea/concept, the
performance of an act or another known or convenient purpose.
"Advertising" can, but need not be for profit.
[0074] One embodiment of the host server 200 further includes an
application management engine 216. The application management
engine 216 can be implemented, for example, as software embodied in
a computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium on a
machine, in firmware, in hardware, in a combination thereof, or in
any applicable known or convenient device or system.
[0075] The application management engine 216 can be any combination
of hardware components and/or software agents able to control,
select, determine, launch, deploy, and/or terminate the
applications/software programs that execute on the virtual machine
hosts 212.
[0076] In one embodiment, the engine 216 retrieves software
programs/applications from the storage in the host server 200 and
provides the retrieved software to one or more virtual machine
hosts. Software/application retrieval (e.g., streamed, downloaded,
or cached) can be performed in response to a request received from
the client device 202, for example. The client device 202 can
generate the request when a locally-stored file requires access by
an application that is not locally installed on the client device
202.
[0077] In one embodiment, the account management engine 214
controls whether the application management engine 216 is allowed
to provide a certain software program/application to the virtual
machine hosts 212 for execution based on whether the requisite fees
have been paid by the requestor.
[0078] In some instances, the client device 202 has a file type
identifier agent 220. The file type identifier agent 220 can be
implemented, for example, as software embodied in a
computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium on a
machine, in firmware, in hardware, in a combination thereof, or in
any applicable known or convenient device or system.
[0079] In general, the file type identifier agent 220 can be any
combination of hardware components and/or software agents able to
identify or detect file types of data or files on a device. In one
embodiment, the agent 220 can identify one or more file types of
files stored on the client device 202 which are not associated with
a local application that is installed on the client device 202. For
example, file extension mapping can be performed to determine
whether the data is accessible by the applications that are
installed on the client device 202.
[0080] In some instances, the client device 202 has a file manager
222. The file manager 222 can be implemented, for example, as
software embodied in a computer-readable medium or
computer-readable storage medium on a machine, in firmware, in
hardware, in a combination thereof, or in any applicable known or
convenient device or system.
[0081] In general, the file manager 222 can be any combination of
hardware components and/or software agents able to detect a request
to access content, files, directories on a device. In one
embodiment, the file manager 222 is coupled to the agent 220 and
can detect a request to access a file stored on the local device
having one of the one or more file types not accessible by a
locally installed application/software program. Upon detecting such
a request, the file manager 222 can establish a communication with
the host server 200 to request to access a remote application to
access the local file. The remote application can be streamed.
[0082] One embodiment of the host server 200 further includes a
file synchronization engine 208. The file synchronization engine
208 can be implemented, for example, as software embodied in a
computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium on a
machine, in firmware, in hardware, in a combination thereof, or in
any applicable known or convenient device or system.
[0083] In general, the file synchronization engine 208 can be any
combination of hardware components and/or software agents able to
synchronize, store, update, modify, and/or delete content, files,
and/or directories between two storage devices.
[0084] For example, the engine 208 can synchronize (e.g., copy,
transmit, send, upload, store, etc.) content stored on the client
device 202 on the remote storage of the host server 200. The
content may be associated with a local directory on the client
device and synchronized with a remote directory on the remote
storage device. The content can be streamed, downloaded, or cached.
The content stored on the remote storage is typically associated
with a user or client device and can have associated privacy
settings. For example, the user can allow certain other users to
have access rights to content in the remote directory.
[0085] Different directories or different files can have different
privacy settings. For example, certain directories/files may be
viewed/read by other users whereas other directories/files may be
modified/deleted by other users. In some instances the remote
directory can be accessed by the user using a URL. For example, a
user can specify name.live.nivio.com, name.domain.topleveldomain
(e.g., vanity URLs), or another known or convenient format. The URL
can be created as a domain, sub-domain, or other known or
convenient resource access device. Transfers can be effected using
a URL. For example, a user specifies a copy operation from the
user's machine to jane.live.nivio.com, and the files are
transmitted over a network to storage associated with a user
"Jane." Alternatively, a program automatically executes a read
operation from public storage at location
"publicmaterials.Lisa.domain.topleveldomain." Additionally, a
transfer involving a URL can be affected in any known or convenient
manner.
[0086] In general, if a user uses multiple devices (e.g., a laptop,
a smart phone, a desktop), content on each of the multiple devices
can be synchronized on the remote storage on the host server 200
such that the user can access content stored on different devices
through a single device when connected to the host server 200.
[0087] In one embodiment, a user can initiate content
synchronization by performing a drag-and-drop action of the target
content/file between the source and target directories. The source
directory may be a local directory on the client device 202 and the
target directory can be the remote directory on the host server
200. Alternatively, the drag and drop action can be performed from
a local file to a virtual drive representing the remote storage
associated with the remote host or from a virtual folder
representing the remote storage associated with the remote host. In
one embodiment, the content is converted to HTML upon transmission
from the local device to the remote storage associated with the
remote host.
[0088] To synchronize content between different locations, the file
synchronization engine 208 can identify differences between data
stored on the client device 202 and the virtual machine 212 on the
host server (remote server) 200. The file synchronization engine
208 can copy data to and from the client device 202 to bring into
line any differences between the data. For example, a user device
could have a folder specified as a synchronization folder which is
regularly compared with a folder in virtual machine storage on the
host 200 and updated to reflect differences. Alternatively, the
entire storage space on the client device 202 could be synchronized
with a storage location in storage associated with the virtual
machine.
[0089] Files can be present in one directory but not the other; and
data may have been added or deleted. The files can be transferred
to the virtual machine, and where separate storage is used, the
files can be transferred to storage directly. For example, a user
can prepare a file, document or other data storage device on a
personal digital assistant (PDA) and save the file to storage local
to the PDA. The storage local to the PDA can be synchronized with
storage associated with a virtual machine. Alternatively, the file
can be saved to storage on a storage server associated with a
personal computing device, and synchronized with storage coupled to
the virtual machine. Further any known or convenient storage
devices can be synchronized.
[0090] Differences in files can be specified in changes to blocks
of data making up the files, by changes to the contents of the
files, or another known or convenient manner of identifying
differences. For example, where a file has been edited the
differences can include both deletions and additions. These changes
can be captured and transmitted for addition and deletion from
files in a directory to be synchronized. Synchronization can be
completed by any known and convenient protocol. For example, the
files could be transferred by FTP (file transfer protocol), iSCSI
(internet small computer systems interface), or any other known or
convenient manner of transferring files. Directories can be
synchronized at any convenient time. A manually selected time can
be used, or an automatically designated time can be used. For
example, synchronization can be executed every 20 minutes, a user
can instruct a user device to initiate synchronization, or another
manner of synchronization can be selected.
[0091] Synchronization rules can be applied to determine whether to
copy data to or from the client device 202, and whether to delete
data from the client device and/or the virtual machine host 212 on
the host server 200. For example, a rule for storage associated
with a virtual machine 212 can be implemented to cause the storage
associated with the virtual machine to reflect changes in storage
associated with a user device, but not to allow changes to storage
associated with the virtual machine to be reflected in storage
associated with the user device. Alternatively, changes in virtual
machine 212 storage could be reflected in the client device 202
storage. Further, any changes can be reflected in either or both of
the client device storage and the virtual machine storage.
[0092] One embodiment of the host server 200 further includes a
storage management engine 218. The storage management engine 218
can be implemented, for example, as software embodied in a
computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium on a
machine, in firmware, in hardware, in a combination thereof, or in
any applicable known or convenient device or system.
[0093] In general, the storage management engine 218 can be any
combination of hardware components and/or software agents able to
control the access (e.g., read write, delete, update, modification,
etc.) of content, files and/or directories stored on storage in the
host server 200.
[0094] The storage management engine 218 can perform read and/or
write operations on behalf of a virtual machine hosts 212 and/or
the file synchronization engine 208. The storage management engine
218 can also manage physical disks. For example, the storage
management engine 218 can be coupled to a storage controller (not
shown) for access to a logical partition of a group of disks.
Alternatively, the storage management engine 218 can directly
access physical storage and perform read and write operations.
[0095] One embodiment of the host server 200 includes the ad
(advertisement) repository 230. In the example of FIG. 2, the ad
(advertisement) repository 230 can be implemented, for example, as
software embodied in a computer-readable medium or
computer-readable storage medium on a machine, in firmware, in
hardware, in a combination thereof, or in any applicable known or
convenient device or system.
[0096] The ads (advertisements) repository 230 can store ads and or
advertisement account information as well as any information
related to the advertisements. For example, the advertisements
repository 230 can store images such as banner ads for delivery to
a user during use of a virtual machine. Additionally, cost and
pricing information charged to an advertiser can be stored.
[0097] One embodiment of the host server 200 includes the
application repository 232. In the example of FIG. 2, the
application repository 232 can be implemented, for example, as
software embodied in a computer-readable medium or
computer-readable storage medium on a machine, in firmware, in
hardware, in a combination thereof, or in any applicable known or
convenient device or system.
[0098] The apps repository 232 can be a repository of application
executable files, libraries, supporting documentation, and other
232 or convenient application data. For example, the apps
repository 232 can store a game and supplemental levels.
Additionally, the apps repository 232 could store software manuals
explaining the user of, e.g. video editing software.
[0099] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of an example process of a remote
host providing a local device with a remote application to access
data that is otherwise not accessible by applications installed on
the local device.
[0100] The method is organized as a sequence of processes in the
flowchart 300. However, it should be understood that these and
processes associated with other methods described herein may be
reordered for parallel execution or into different sequences of
processes.
[0101] In process 302, a request generated from a local device
(e.g., the client device 202 in the example of FIG. 2) to access
data is detected. The request can be generated in response to a
user or application's attempt to open, view, edit, modify, or
otherwise access content, data, or file on the local device.
[0102] In process 304, it is determined whether the data is
accessible by applications installed on the local device. In one
embodiment, an agent executing on the local device can perform file
extension mapping on locally stored files/data and identify each
one without locally compatible application/software program. The
agent can be running continuously, periodically, or launched when a
file access request is detected.
[0103] If not, in process 306, a remote application which is able
to access the data o enable the data to be accessed from the local
device is provided from the remote host (e.g., host server 200 in
the example of FIG. 2). Depending on the applicable service
model/fee structure, the remote application can be provided with or
without requiring a fee. For example, fee can enable access to the
remote application for a predetermined amount of time.
Alternatively, the fee for access of the remote application can be
waived if a predetermined number of advertisements displayed on the
local device have been accessed.
[0104] In general, many options exist for using the remote
application to access data on the local device. Such options may be
determined at least in part by the applicable service model/fee
structure, which may be selected by the user or set by default
either by the local device or remote host. For example, the remote
application can execute on the local device or on the remote host
to access the data/file.
[0105] In process 308, at least a portion of the remote application
is streamed to the local device to for execution on the local
device to access the data stored on the local device. For example,
the local data remains on the local device and the remote host
streams the portions of the application needed to open/execute the
local data to the local device such that the data/file can be
locally executed. In process 310, the remote application is
downloaded by the local device in whole. When the remote
application is downloaded to the local device in whole, the
application can be available for offline usage, for example, for a
predetermined period of rental time. The rental time may be days,
weeks, or months depending on, for example, the rental fee. The
rental is typically renewable.
[0106] Alternatively, the data/file can be opened/executed on the
remote host and the data/file can be stored on the remote storage
of the remote host. For example, in process 312, a portion of the
data to be transmitted to the remote host needed by the remote
application for access is identified. In process 314, the data from
the local device is transmitted to the remote host for access using
the remote application executable on the remote host. In process
316, the remote application is executed on the remote host to
access the data. In one embodiment, images of the remote
application are transmitted to the local device for display on the
local device depicting results of accessing the data. In addition,
data modified by the remote application on the remote host is
transmitted to the local device.
[0107] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of another example process of a
remote host providing a local device with a remote application to
access data that is otherwise not accessible by applications
installed on the local device.
[0108] The method is organized as a sequence of processes in the
flowchart 400. However, it should be understood that these and
processes associated with other methods described herein may be
reordered for parallel execution or into different sequences of
processes.
[0109] In process 402, one or more file types of files stored on
the local device which are not associated with a local application
that is installed on the local device are identified. The one or
more file types can be identified by performing file extension
mapping or other methods.
[0110] In process 404, a request to access a file stored on the
local device having one of the one or more file types is detected.
In process 406, an offer to provide access to a remote application
which is able to open the file for a fee such that the file is
accessible via the local device is generated from the remote host.
The offer can include multiple services models selectable by a user
of the local device. In one embodiment, a selected service model
determines the fee and whether the remote application is provided
for use by the local device when offline. The fee may determine the
amount of time the remote application is available on the local
device for offline usage.
[0111] In one embodiment, the remote application is transmitted in
whole to the local device for execution on the local device when
the selected service model provides for offline usage by the local
device. In one embodiment, portions of the remote application are
streamed to the local device used for execution to open the file
when the selected service model does not provide for offline usage
by the local device.
[0112] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of an example for targeting
advertising to a user using a virtual machine hosted by a remote
server.
[0113] The method is organized as a sequence of processes in the
flowchart 500. However, it should be understood that these and
processes associated with other methods described herein may be
reordered for parallel execution or into different sequences of
processes.
[0114] The flowchart 500 starts at process 502 with providing an
account for a user, wherein the account includes access to a
virtual machine, the virtual machine monitoring use of the virtual
machine to gather user data. A virtual machine can be created for
the account, along with access credentials and storage. For
example, a virtual machine can be created on a shared system, an
individual computing system, or in another known or convenient
manner. The storage may or may not be commonly shared with storage
for the virtual machine.
[0115] The flowchart 500 continues to process 504 with identifying
an advertisement for the user related to the information gathered
from the use of the virtual machine. In using a virtual
environment, a user can generate useful data that describes the
user's habits. For example, time of use, duration, programs used,
websites visited, content generated, age, race, products purchased,
culture, and other known or convenient data points. These data
points can be collected and advertising can be targeted to the
user's data points. For example, a teen age user who is using the
virtual machine for music related purposes can be offered concert
tickets, a graphic designer who regularly uses the machine between
2 and 4 am can be offered coffee, and any other known or convenient
offers can be created based on the nature of the user's use.
[0116] In the example of FIG. 5, the flowchart 500 continues to
process 506 with transmitting the advertisement to the user for
display to the user while the user launches an application on the
virtual machine, the advertisement being displayed over a splash
screen of the application. The advertising is relatively
unrestricted because of the control that can be exercised over the
virtual machine. For example, as the memory of a virtual machine is
directly accessible on the virtual machine host, the advertisement
can be added by the virtual machine host at the instruction of an
account management engine. Alternatively, a user can receive the
advertising as a part of messages received when logging into the
virtual machine. Further any known or convenient manner of
advertising can be used. Having transmitted advertising, the
flowchart terminates.
[0117] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an example process for opening
a file using a remote application/software program provided by a
remote host.
[0118] The method is organized as a sequence of processes in the
flowchart 600. However, it should be understood that these and
process associated with other methods described herein may be
reordered for parallel execution or into different sequences of
processes.
[0119] In the example of FIG. 6, the flowchart starts at process
602 with identifying a new file type. In a computing system having
file types, the file type associates a file of the file type with
an application for opening the file. Typically, more than one
program can be capable of opening the file, however, one program is
chosen as the program to open the file. Where no program is
selected as the program for opening files of the file type the
computing system may not be able to open the file.
[0120] A new file type can be created, entered, or otherwise
defined in a computing system. Some systems may recognize a new
creator type, application type, file extension, or other file type
by the creation or copying of a file to the computing system. For
example, a user can register a new file type in a system file types
registry. Alternatively, a user could copy a file to the computing
system from another computing system. Further, a new file type may
be otherwise identified as is known or convenient.
[0121] The flowchart continues to process 604 with associating a
stub application with the new file type. For example, the stub
application can be registered in a file type registry, stored by an
operating system, or otherwise associated with the new file
type.
[0122] As used herein, a "stub application" is an executable
application that responds to an operating system command to open a
file without actually opening the file. Rather, the stub
application can gather and communicates information about the file
to a remote system to identify an application that can open the
file. For example, the stub application can communicate the file
name, extension (if any), file meta-data, and other information to
aid the remote system in the selection of an application.
[0123] The flowchart continues to process 606 with receiving, a
request to open a file of the new file type. The request can be
user generated or automated. For example, a user could double click
an icon of a file to cause an operating system to generate an open
file command; a file could be automatically opened by a scheduled
action; or the file can be opened in any other known or convenient
manner.
[0124] The flowchart continues to process 608 with executing the
stub application to find the application. The stub application can
transmit any information, meta-data, or other information about the
file to the remote system to use in identifying an application that
can open the file. More than one application can be identified. The
information transmitted to the remote system can include the file
itself.
[0125] The flowchart continues to decision process 610 with
deciding whether to execute a remote application. The application
in question can be executed to open the file, but the decision can
be made whether to execute the application remotely or locally. The
remote system can use different hardware than the local system. The
decision can be based on user input, decision criteria specified in
advance, or any other known or convenient manner of making the
decision.
[0126] As used herein, "remote" is used to mean executed on a
different computing system from a local computing system. A
"different computing system" is used to mean a system including at
least one processor not used by a "local system." The remote system
can be coupled to a local system by a network, and need not be a
large geographic distance apart to be considered "remote."
[0127] If the decision at process 610 is yes, then the flowchart
continues to decision process 612 with deciding whether to transfer
an entire file to the remote system. Not all of the file may be
needed by the application. If so it may be possible to stream the
file by transmitting only the portions of the file that are needed
by the application to open the file. This may be helpful when
opening a particularly large file. Various criteria can be used to
determine whether to send the entire file or to stream the file.
For example, the latency of a connection, the size of the file, a
user's preference, and any other known or convenient criteria can
be used.
[0128] If the decision at process 612 is yes, then the flowchart
continues to decision process 614 with streaming the file to the
remote system to be opened. In streaming the file, portions of the
file needed by the application can be sent to the remote system for
use by the application. The remote application may also transmit
changes, additions, or deletions to the local system to modify the
file.
[0129] If the decision at process 612 is no, then the flowchart
continues to decision process 616 with sending the file to the
remote system to be opened. When transmitting the file, the file
can be sent by file transfer protocol, a proprietary protocol, or
any known or convenient protocol for sending a file between
systems.
[0130] From process 614 or from process 616, the flowchart proceeds
to process 620 with executing a remote application. The remote
application can be executed on the remote system. For example, the
remote application can be loaded from non-volatile storage into
random access memory and executed on a processor of the remote
machine. Other methods of executing a remote application can be
used.
[0131] From process 620, the flowchart proceeds to process 622 with
initiating local display of the remote application. The local
display of the remote application can be made by locally displaying
images of the application on the remote system. For example,
screenshots of the remote application can be displayed.
Alternatively, data describing the application on the remote system
can be transmitted to the local system and displayed. Further any
known or convenient manner of displaying or outputting data can be
used.
[0132] From process 610, if the decision is no the flowchart
proceeds to decision process 624 with deciding whether to rent an
application. If the decision is no then a locally executed
application can be use to open the file. From decision process 624,
if the decision is yes, the flowchart proceeds to process 626 with
completing a rental transaction. Software can be rented to a local
system. The rental can be on any term, for example, an hour, a day,
or a month.
[0133] From decision process 624, if the decision is no, or from
process 626, the flowchart proceeds to process 628 with
transferring an application to the local system. No locally
installed application exists on the computing system; therefore, an
application can be transmitted to the local system. "Yes" means
that the application is transferred to the local system in whole
for execution on the local system. "No" means the application can
be executed as a streamed application on the local system.
[0134] From decision process 628, if the decision is yes the
flowchart proceeds to process 634 with sending the application to
the local system. The application can be transmitted by any
application transmission protocol. For example, FTP, RTSP, HTTP, or
another known or convenient protocol.
[0135] From decision process 628, if the decision is no the
flowchart proceeds to process 630 with streaming the application to
the local system for execution. The application can be streamed by
transmitting portions of the application needed for execution. More
than one transmission can be made, and the streamed application can
be saved in part on the local system. It is possible for all of the
streamed application to be transmitted to the local system.
[0136] From process 630 or from process 634, the flowchart proceeds
to process 632 with executing the application locally. Execution of
the application can be as discussed above in regard to either the
streamed application or the application sent to the local system.
As used herein "executed locally" is used to mean the application
can use a processor and memory of the local system for
execution.
[0137] From process 622, or from process 632, the flowchart
proceeds to process 636 with opening the file. Using one or more of
the methods discussed above, the application is executed. Once
executed, the application can transfer portions of the file to
memory and execute routines to view, modify or otherwise use the
file. Having opened the file, the flowchart terminates.
[0138] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an example process for using a
placeholder application to facilitate the opening of a file through
a remote system.
[0139] The method is organized as a sequence of modules in the
flowchart 700. However, it should be understood that these and
modules associated with other methods described herein may be
reordered for parallel execution or into different sequences of
modules.
[0140] The flowchart starts at module 702 with identifying a file
type lacking association with a locally available application. A
method for identifying a file type lacking association is discussed
above in regard to FIG. 6.
[0141] The flowchart continues to module 704 with associating the
file type with a placeholder application operable to transfer files
of the file type to a remote system having an application able to
open files of the file type. The placeholder application can
associate the file type using any known or convenient method. For
example, a process for identifying a file type lacking association
is discussed above in regard to FIG. 6.
[0142] As used herein, a "placeholder application" is an
application that can collect information about a file on behalf of
a remote system. The placeholder can be executed by an operating
system to identify an application for the file. For example, the
placeholder application can execute in response to receiving a
system file open command.
[0143] The flowchart continues to module 706 with executing the
placeholder application to transfer the file to the remote system.
The operating system can receive a user command or other command to
open a file and can automatically execute the placeholder
application with instructions for the placeholder application to
open the file. However, the placeholder application can ignore the
open file request, and instead can transmit the file to a remote
system for another application to open.
[0144] The flowchart continues to module 708 with executing the
application on the remote system to open the file on the remote
system. The execution can be initiated by an application on the
remote system that is responsive to a command from the placeholder
application. Once open, the application can open the file
transferred by the placeholder application.
[0145] The flowchart continues to module 710 with executing an
interface on the local system, the interface providing interaction
with the software executing on the remote system. The interface can
transmit and receive information with the local system. The
information can describe or depict the actions of the application
in opening the file. For example, images of the application and
file can be displayed. Alternatively, data can be displayed.
Further any known or convenient manner of displaying the actions of
the application can be displayed. Having executed an interface on
the local system, the flowchart terminates.
[0146] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of an example process for using a
software acquisition application to acquire software/application
for locally opening a file.
[0147] The method is organized as a sequence of modules in the
flowchart 800. However, it should be understood that these and
modules associated with other methods described herein may be
reordered for parallel execution or into different sequences of
modules.
[0148] The flowchart starts at module 802 with identifying a file
type lacking association with a locally available application for
opening files of the file type. A method for identifying a file
type lacking association is discussed above in regard to FIG.
7.
[0149] The flowchart continues to module 804 with associating the
file type with a software acquisition application operable to
acquire software from a remote system for a local system attempting
to open the file. As used herein, a "software acquisition"
application is any application operable to download an application
for execution on a local system in response to an open file
command. The software acquisition application can be associated
with the file type using one of the methods for identifying a file
type discussed above in regard to FIG. 6.
[0150] The flowchart continues to module 806 with executing the
software acquisition application to acquire a software application
for the local system, the software application operable to open the
file. The software acquisition application can download the
software application necessary to open the file. This action can
include one or more of establishing an account, renting the
application, downloading the application, and any other known or
convenient application management action. Having executed an
interface on the local system, the flowchart terminates.
[0151] FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the example form of a computer system within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed.
[0152] In the example of FIG. 9, the computer system 900 includes a
processor, memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device.
Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for
illustrative simplicity. The computer system 900 is intended to
illustrate a hardware device on which any of the components
depicted in the example of FIG. 1 (and any other components
described in this specification) can be implemented. The computer
system 900 can be of any applicable known or convenient type. The
components of the computer system 900 can be coupled together via a
bus or through some other known or convenient device.
[0153] The processor may be, for example, a conventional
microprocessor such as an Intel Pentium microprocessor or Motorola
power PC microprocessor. One of skill in the relevant art will
recognize that the terms "machine-readable (storage) medium" or
"computer-readable (storage) medium" include any type of device
that is accessible by the processor.
[0154] The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a
bus. The memory can include, by way of example but not limitation,
random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static
RAM (SRAM). The memory can be local, remote, or distributed.
[0155] The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile
memory and drive unit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic
floppy or hard disk, a magnetic-optical disk, an optical disk, a
read-only memory (ROM), such as a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, a
magnetic or optical card, or another form of storage for large
amounts of data. Some of this data is often written, by a direct
memory access process, into memory during execution of software in
the computer 900. The non-volatile storage can be local, remote, or
distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional because systems
can be created with all applicable data available in memory. A
typical computer system will usually include at least a processor,
memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the
processor.
[0156] Software is typically stored in the non-volatile memory
and/or the drive unit. Indeed, for large programs, it may not even
be possible to store the entire program in the memory.
Nevertheless, it should be understood that for software to run, if
necessary, it is moved to a computer readable location appropriate
for processing, and for illustrative purposes, that location is
referred to as the memory in this paper. Even when software is
moved to the memory for execution, the processor will typically
make use of hardware registers to store values associated with the
software, and local cache that, ideally, serves to speed up
execution. As used herein, a software program is assumed to be
stored at any known or convenient location (from non-volatile
storage to hardware registers) when the software program is
referred to as "implemented in a computer-readable medium." A
processor is considered to be "configured to execute a program"
when at least one value associated with the program is stored in a
register readable by the processor.
[0157] The bus also couples the processor to the network interface
device. The interface can include one or more of a modem or network
interface. It will be appreciated that a modem or network interface
can be considered to be part of the computer system 1100. The
interface can include an analog modem, isdn modem, cable modem,
token ring interface, satellite transmission interface (e.g.
"direct PC"), or other interfaces for coupling a computer system to
other computer systems. The interface 208 can include one or more
input and/or output devices. The I/O devices can include, by way of
example but not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing
device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other input and/or
output devices, including a display device. The display device can
include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube
(CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known
or convenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed that
controllers of any devices not depicted in the example of FIG. 9
reside in the interface.
[0158] In operation, the computer system 900 can be controlled by
operating system software that includes a file management system,
such as a disk operating system. One example of operating system
software with associated file management system software is the
family of operating systems known as Windows.RTM. from Microsoft
Corporation of Redmond, Wash., and their associated file management
systems. Another example of operating system software with its
associated file management system software is the Linux operating
system and its associated file management system. The file
management system is typically stored in the non-volatile memory
and/or drive unit and causes the processor to execute the various
acts required by the operating system to input and output data and
to store data in the memory, including storing files on the
non-volatile memory and/or drive unit.
[0159] Some portions of the detailed description may be presented
in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations
on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic
descriptions and representations are the means used by those
skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm
is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence
of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,
though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of
electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has
proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common
usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0160] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from
the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the
description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or
"computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or
the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system,
or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and
transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities
within the computer system's registers and memories into other data
similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer
system memories or registers or other such information storage,
transmission or display devices.
[0161] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not
inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in
accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to
construct more specialized apparatus to perform the methods of some
embodiments. The required structure for a variety of these systems
will appear from the description below. In addition, the techniques
are not described with reference to any particular programming
language, and various embodiments may thus be implemented using a
variety of programming languages.
[0162] In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a
standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other
machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the
capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0163] The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a
personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top
box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular
telephone, an iPhone, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web
appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine
capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or
otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
[0164] While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable
storage medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single
medium, the term "machine-readable medium" and "machine-readable
storage medium" should be taken to include a single medium or
multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or
associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of
instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" and
"machine-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include
any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set
of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the
presently disclosed technique and innovation.
[0165] In general, the routines executed to implement the
embodiments of the disclosure, may be implemented as part of an
operating system or a specific application, component, program,
object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as "computer
programs." The computer programs typically comprise one or more
instructions set at various times in various memory and storage
devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or
more processing units or processors in a computer, cause the
computer to perform operations to execute elements involving the
various aspects of the disclosure.
[0166] Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the
context of fully functioning computers and computer systems, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are
capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of
forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the
particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to
actually effect the distribution.
[0167] Further examples of machine-readable storage media,
machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media
include but are not limited to recordable type media such as
volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other
removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact
Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks, (DVDs),
etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital
and analog communication links.
[0168] FIG. 10 depicts a screenshot of an example of a tickler ad
displayed during use of a virtual machine.
[0169] As used herein, a "tickler" is an attention seeking
advertisement temporarily displayed to a user. In use, a tickler
can be made clickable, linking to a page displaying more details
about the advertised product or service. A tickler is a great way
to push out real time advertising and can be timed to attract
attention at particular times. Where a user is logged out at a time
to display advertising, the tickler can be delayed until the user
logs in.
[0170] FIG. 11 depicts a screenshot of an example of a banner ad
displayed during use of a virtual machine. Banner ads can be
displayed in various locations on a screen during the use of a
virtual machine. For example, a banner can be displayed at a login
window, above a screen during use of a virtual machine, or in
another known or convenient location.
[0171] FIG. 12 depicts a screenshot of an example of a banner ad
displayed in an information center. Banner ads can be placed in
convenient locations in one or more locations in the information
centre.
[0172] FIG. 13 depicts a screenshot of an example of an ad
displayed in an application shop. The ad can but need not be
associated with software for rent or sale in the application
shop
[0173] FIG. 14 depicts a screenshot of an example of an ad
displayed in a window for an online sharing network. One or more
ads can be placed in an attention attracting location in the
window.
[0174] FIG. 15 depicts a screenshot of an example of advertising on
the desktop of a virtual machine, in advertising on a virtual
machine, it is possible to retain significant control over the
user's experience. One aspect of the experience is the desktop; it
is possible to replace the background of the desktop with
advertising and rent this advertising space to advertisers.
[0175] FIG. 16 depicts a screenshot of an example of an
advertisement displayed over an application splash screen. When
starting a program the program usually displays a splash screen, or
image relating to the program being executed. This splash screen is
displayed for a brief, but memorable period of time. Advertising
can cover this splash screen. Therefore, this space can be
considered advertising space, and rented or sold.
[0176] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using
the singular or plural number may also include the plural or
singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list
of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations
of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the
list, and any combination of the items in the list.
[0177] The above detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described
above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications
are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled
in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or
blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may
perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in
a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted,
moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide
alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks
may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while
processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in
series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in
parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any
specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative
implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
[0178] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be
applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
[0179] Any patents and applications and other references noted
above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the
disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems,
functions, and concepts of the various references described above
to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.
[0180] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in
light of the above Detailed Description. While the above
description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and
describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the
above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways.
Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation
details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter
disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when
describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not
be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to
be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects
of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In
general, the terms used in the following claims should not be
construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments
disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed
Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the
actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed
embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or
implementing the disclosure under the claims.
[0181] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various
aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For
example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a
means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 13, other
aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or
in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable
medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, 13 will begin with the words "means for".) Accordingly,
the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the disclosure.
* * * * *