Application Context Deep Links via State Tokens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for interacting with applications on electronic devices are cumbersome and time-consuming, as they often require users to navigate through multiple states and screens to access specific application contexts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables deep links into application contexts by generating and using tokens to directly access specific states of applications, allowing users to skip initial and intermediate states, and sharing application state/location information between applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If users navigate through multiple states and screens to access specific application contexts, then they can reach the desired application state, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates and stores tokens that represent specific application states in advance. These tokens are created when applications are in desired states and stored for later retrieval, allowing users to directly access pre-prepared state representations without navigating through intermediate states.
Solution Approach 2:
Tokens serve as intermediary elements between the user and the application states. Instead of directly navigating through application screens, users interact with tokens that mediate the access process, translating user intent into direct state restoration without manual navigation.
2Productivity
If the system stores and manages application state tokens, then direct access to specific states is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The token mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores application state information, acts as a retrieval key, enables cross-application sharing, and facilitates state restoration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose, managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing entire application states which would be complex and resource-intensive, the system creates simplified token copies that represent specific states. These tokens are lightweight representations that capture essential state information without duplicating the full application context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system enables sharing of application state information between applications, then context sharing is improved, but the risk of information loss or security issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential state information needed for sharing into tokens, separating critical data from complete application context. This extraction allows selective sharing of specific state elements while leaving sensitive or unnecessary information behind, improving both versatility and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first application running on an electronic device may receive a first request that was triggered by a second application running on the electronic device. In response to the first request, the first application may provide a token that corresponds to a state of the first application at the time of receiving the first request. In response to receiving—after the state of the first application has changed—a second request that comprises the previously-provided token, the first application may return to the state that it was in at the time of the first request.