Application Update Control via Usage Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic application updates can be unnecessary for rarely used applications, leading to increased data and battery usage, and decreased performance, as existing systems do not account for usage patterns or the type of updates required.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that identify usage patterns for each application, creating a customized update policy to disable or defer updates for less frequently used apps, apply major or security updates promptly, and update frequently used apps more frequently, while deferring updates until the app is needed based on usage patterns or location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic application updates are applied to all applications, then application security and functionality are improved, but data usage and battery consumption increase for rarely used applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different update policies to different applications based on their individual usage patterns. Frequently used applications receive regular updates to maintain security, while rarely used applications have their updates deferred. This localized approach ensures that security resources are concentrated on applications that users actually interact with, reducing unnecessary battery consumption from updating unused applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the update frequency parameter based on application usage patterns. For applications with high usage frequency, the update interval is shortened to ensure timely security patches. For applications with low usage frequency, the update interval is extended or updates are deferred until the application is next used. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making security updates proportional to actual need.
2Reliability
If automatic application updates are applied to all applications, then application functionality is improved, but data usage increases for rarely used applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-specific update policies where updates are deferred until the application is actually needed. For rarely used applications, the system determines that immediate updates are unnecessary and postpones them until the application is launched or until the device reaches a location where the application is likely to be used. This ensures functional updates occur only when they will have practical value, reducing wasted data consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of application usage patterns before determining update timing. By predicting when an application will be next used based on historical data and user behavior, the system can pre-position update decisions to occur at optimal moments. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary data downloads for applications that won't be used for extended periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If application updates are deferred for rarely used applications, then battery and data usage are reduced, but security vulnerabilities may persist longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic update policies that adapt to the type of update available. While routine functional updates are deferred for rarely used applications to conserve battery, critical security updates are immediately applied regardless of usage frequency. The system dynamically adjusts the update policy based on the severity and nature of the available update, ensuring that battery conservation does not compromise security integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors application usage patterns and update availability to determine optimal update timing. When a rarely used application receives a critical security update, the system provides feedback that overrides the deferred update policy and triggers immediate installation. This feedback mechanism ensures that security vulnerabilities are patched promptly even for applications with low usage frequency, while non-critical updates remain deferred to conserve battery.
4Reliability
If application updates are applied frequently to all applications, then application performance is improved, but system performance decreases due to unnecessary update operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies performance optimization locally by differentiating between frequently used and rarely used applications. For frequently used applications, the system maintains regular update schedules to ensure optimal performance. For rarely used applications, update operations are significantly reduced or deferred, eliminating the system performance overhead associated with checking, downloading, and installing updates for applications that users seldom interact with. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by concentrating system resources on applications that actually benefit from frequent updates.
Data Source
AI summary
For controlling application updates, an apparatus is disclosed. A system, method, and program product also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing code executable by the processor. The processor identifies one or more updatable applications installed on the apparatus and identifies a pattern of use for each updatable application. The processor also creates an application update policy for each updatable application based on the pattern of use for each updatable application.