SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING FUNCTIONS TO APPLICATIONS ON A DIGITAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE

摘要

To greatly simplify the developer's task, an application function server or application logic controller ("ALC") server runs on a digital electronic device with a common set of tools and methods to deliver high-value capabilities to applications developed in different application languages and running in various different application environments. The applications and the application function server have a local client-server relationship. The functions themselves are provided by various plug-ins. The interface of a plug-in illustratively is a discrete set of functions, common to the command plug-ins. The ALC Server accepts simplified commands directly from the applications, applies the appropriate policy, and interacts with the plug-ins to perform the requested functions on behalf of the applications. The result is that applications can use various capabilities without dealing with the complex methods, standards, and system interoperability required to make the technologies work, and technology additions and upgrades can be performed independently from the applications that use them.