Automatic Application Discovery and Interoperable Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in discovering and switching to alternative applications that better suit their needs due to the time-consuming process of searching for new applications, data compatibility issues, and the reluctance to download multiple apps, leading to a suboptimal experience with existing applications.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically installs alternative applications belonging to the same category as a frequently used application, with interoperable data transfer and a user-friendly interface to present these options, allowing seamless testing and switching without manual search and data import efforts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users manually search for alternative applications, then they can find applications that suit their needs, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to find suitable alternative applicationsVSAvoidTime spent searching for applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering and installing alternative applications before users need them. The application store server proactively identifies alternative applications based on usage patterns and categories, prepares installation packages, and installs them automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually search and download applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the application store infrastructure to automatically perform the work of discovering, selecting, and installing alternative applications. The system uses automated processes including usage pattern analysis, category-based identification, and silent installation capabilities, freeing users from manual application search and installation tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If users test multiple alternative applications, then they can find better features, but data compatibility issues prevent switching

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to test alternative applicationsVSAvoidData compatibility between applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an interoperability layer as an intermediary between different applications. This layer includes standardized data formats, import/export mechanisms, and cloud-based data synchronization that enable seamless data transfer between alternative applications. When users switch applications, their data is automatically transferred through this intermediary layer, ensuring compatibility and continuity across different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If users download multiple applications to test alternatives, then they can compare features, but device clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to compare application featuresVSAvoidNumber of applications on device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic application management where alternative applications are installed temporarily for testing purposes and can be automatically removed after evaluation. The system monitors user interaction with installed alternatives and dynamically adjusts the application set - keeping applications that provide value and removing those that don't, thereby maintaining a manageable number of applications while enabling comprehensive comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of information

If recommendation charts are provided, then users can see popular applications, but users still cannot locate optimal alternatives efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to application recommendationsVSAvoidAbility to locate optimal application
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of merely providing recommendation lists and letting users search manually, the system performs preliminary action by automatically analyzing user needs, identifying the most suitable alternative applications, and installing them directly on the device. This proactive approach bypasses the need for users to navigate through recommendation charts and manually evaluate multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor user behavior, application performance, and satisfaction metrics. This feedback is used to refine application recommendations and automatically adjust the set of installed alternatives, ensuring that users receive the most relevant applications without having to manually search through extensive recommendation lists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9811328B2Automatic discovery and retrieval of interoperable applications
Publication Date: 2017.11.07 GOOGLE LLC
  • US9811328B2 patent drawing
  • US9811328B2 patent drawing
  • US9811328B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosed implementations provide a seamless mechanism for end users to discover and try out new and/or updated applications. An application store may determine alternative applications to a frequently used first application on the client device that are similar to the first application. It may provide installation packages to the client device that installs the applications in a manner that associates the alternative applications with the first application. A notice may be generated by the client device that indicates the applications have been installed and/or that the data generated by the first application has been imported into the alternative applications. A selection of a user interface element may launch one of the alternative applications. Data generated by the first application may be displayed according to the user interface of the alternative application.