Application Attribution via Associated App Data Partition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attributing the source of pre-installed applications require system-level operation capabilities, which many partners do not possess, leading to configuration errors and attribution inaccuracies, especially in scenarios involving silent upgrades and re-installations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an associated application stored in a data partition of a device to obtain attribution information, eliminating the need for system-level operations, and ensuring accurate attribution by using signatures and installation times to distinguish between pre-installation, silent upgrades, and re-installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If system-level operation capability is required to set over-write prevention file for accurate attribution, then attribution accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an associated application as an intermediary carrier to store attribution information. Instead of directly writing to system-level files, the attribution data is embedded within a regularly updated associated application, which serves as a mediator between the pre-installation source and the attribution system. This eliminates the need for system-level permissions while maintaining attribution accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of attribution information within the associated application's data structure. Rather than storing attribution data in a separate system-level file, the information is copied into the associated application's files (such as data files or configuration files), which can be accessed and updated without system-level permissions. This copying approach maintains data integrity while simplifying the operational requirements.
2Reliability
If over-write prevention file is set in system to prevent attribution errors during upgrade and reinstallation, then attribution reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The associated application performs self-service by automatically updating its own files during each installation, upgrade, or reinstallation event. The application writes timestamp information to its own data files without requiring external configuration or system-level intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates configuration errors while maintaining reliable attribution tracking across different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the associated application in advance with the necessary file structures and data formats for storing attribution information. The application is pre-configured with the capability to automatically record installation events, eliminating the need for post-installation configuration or system-level setup. This preliminary preparation ensures the application can autonomously maintain accurate attribution data throughout its lifecycle.
3Ease of manufacture
If associated application is installed in data partition without system-level permission, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The associated application serves multiple functions: it acts as both a regular user-space application and as an attribution information carrier. By making the application universal, it can be installed and updated through standard application management channels without requiring system-level permissions, while simultaneously fulfilling the specialized function of storing and preserving attribution data across installation events.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing attribution information in a system-level file that requires special permissions to access and protect, the patent inverts the approach by embedding the attribution information within a user-space application's data structure. This inversion allows the attribution data to be protected by the application's own file permissions and integrity mechanisms rather than requiring elevated system permissions, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for attribution of an application, which includes the following steps: in response to an activation event of an application to be attributed, obtaining attribution information from an associated application of the application to be attributed; the associated application being configured to store the attribution information; the associated application and the application to be attributed being both installed in a data partition of a device; and in response to obtaining the attribution information, attributing the application to be attributed based on the attribution information. Based on the method for attribution of the application, the invention further provides an apparatus, an electronic device, a storage medium and a program product for attribution of an application.