Application Element Reuse for Faster Low-Bandwidth App Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face inefficiencies in downloading applications due to the need to transfer large amounts of data over networks, which can consume bandwidth and prolong installation times, especially when installing or updating applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves leveraging existing application elements already installed on the computing device by determining which elements can be reused or updated from other installed applications, reducing the need to send all application elements from the application provider server, and instead directing the device to obtain necessary elements from already installed apps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all application elements are transferred from the application provider server to the computing device, then the application can be installed, but network bandwidth is consumed and installation time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary application elements that cannot be obtained from already-installed applications on the computing device. The application provider server identifies which elements are missing and transfers only those specific elements, rather than sending the complete application package, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis to determine which application elements are already present on the computing device before initiating the transfer. This advance assessment allows the application provider server to pre-calculate the minimal set of elements that need to be transferred, optimizing the installation process before it begins.
2Loss of energy
If application elements are obtained from already-installed applications, then network bandwidth usage is reduced, but the system must analyze and identify reusable elements
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs self-analysis by comparing the required application elements against its existing installed applications. The device autonomously identifies which elements can be reused from already-installed software, reducing the need for complex server-side analysis and minimizing network communication overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mechanism where application elements can serve multiple purposes across different applications. By identifying elements that are commonly used across multiple applications, the system allows a single copy of an element to satisfy requirements for multiple applications, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If the application provider server determines which elements to send, then data transfer is optimized, but the server must process and analyze application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application into discrete, identifiable elements and further segments the determination process between server and client. The application provider server segments its role to only providing the application manifest and metadata, while the computing device segments its role to perform the actual analysis of element availability, dividing the processing burden.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the traditional model where the server determines all elements to transfer, the patent inverts the approach by having the computing device determine which elements are missing and communicate this back to the server. The server then only sends the specific elements that were requested, reversing the traditional client-server role in the analysis process.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more processors of a computing device may receive, from an external computing device, a first one or more application elements of a plurality of application elements of a first application that is to be installed at the computing device. The one or more processors may further obtain from a second application that is installed at the computing device, a second one or more application elements of the plurality of application elements of the first application that is to be installed at the computing device. The one or more processors may further install, using the first one or more application elements and the second one or more application elements, the first application at the computing device.