App Update Source Switching Across Authorized App Stores

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face limitations in updating applications through app stores other than the original installation source, necessitating a method to change app stores for efficient application updates.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is equipped with a communication module and processor to receive app store source change information, identify higher versions of applications in different stores, and update the applications accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device restricts application updates to only the original app store, then update reliability is maintained, but update flexibility and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate flexibilityVSAvoidupdate reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an app store source change information file as an intermediary that mediates between multiple app stores and the application update process. This file contains authoritative information about which app stores are authorized to provide updates for specific applications, allowing the device to safely accept updates from alternative app stores while maintaining reliability through verified source information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the application update mechanism to function with multiple app stores universally, not just a single original app store. By incorporating app store source change information, the system gains the capability to recognize and process updates from various authorized app stores, making the update system more versatile and adaptable to different distribution channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device allows application updates from any app store, then update flexibility is improved, but update security and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapp store accessibilityVSAvoidupdate security risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary verification by checking the app store source change information file before accepting any application update. This advance check ensures that only updates from authorized app stores are permitted, preventing security risks from unauthorized sources while maintaining flexibility to accept updates from legitimate alternative stores.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the app store source change information provides authoritative guidance back to the update process. This feedback loop ensures that the device can identify which app stores are legitimately authorized to provide updates, thereby maintaining security while enabling flexible update sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the electronic device checks for higher versions only in the original app store, then update accuracy is maintained, but update efficiency and user experience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversion identification accuracyVSAvoidupdate efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the app store source dynamic by allowing it to change from the original app store to alternative authorized app stores based on the app store source change information. This dynamic approach enables the system to efficiently locate higher versions in authorized alternative stores while maintaining accurate version identification through the authoritative source change information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12619421B2Method for updating application and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12619421B2 patent drawing
  • US12619421B2 patent drawing
  • US12619421B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a communication module, a memory, and a processor operatively connected with the communication module and the memory, wherein the memory stores instructions which, when executed, cause the processor to, based on application information of a specific application installed in the electronic device, receive app store source change information for updating the specific application, identify whether a higher version of the specific application exists in an app store which is to update the specific application, the app store being identified based on the app store source change information relating to the specific application, and update the specific application by receiving an application package of the higher version from the identified app store.