Browser Application Interworking via Automatic Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for interworking applications and web browsers on terminals do not efficiently utilize user inputs to switch between applications and browsers, especially when specialized applications for devices like TVs and mobiles are not installed or updated.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that receive user inputs through a web browser, determine if a related application is registered and installed on an external device, and either run the application or the web browser, with the option to download and install the application if necessary, and update it if version mismatches are found.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the system always runs the web browser for user inputs, then the user can access any web content, but the user cannot access optimized content through specialized applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent access optimizationVSAvoidautomatic application switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user input intent and switches between web browser and specialized applications without requiring manual user intervention. The control unit monitors user inputs through the web browser and autonomously determines whether to launch a registered application or continue using the browser, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing content delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to manually switch between web browser and applications, the system inverts the control flow by having the control unit automatically detect user intent and initiate application switching. This inversion transforms a potentially complex manual operation into an automatic background process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system checks for and installs applications automatically, then optimized content delivery is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication availabilityVSAvoidapplication management process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary registration of applications and their associated keywords/topics in advance. When a user input is received, the control unit checks against pre-registered applications and automatically installs the appropriate application if needed, rather than requiring complex real-time analysis or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The web browser serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user interface for content access and the monitoring channel for detecting user inputs that may trigger application switching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system switches to a registered application, then optimized content is delivered, but the user loses access to web browser functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent optimizationVSAvoidbrowsing continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly switching between web browser and registered applications based on user input intent. The transition is automatic and maintains the flow of content consumption without interruption, whether the user is browsing web content or consuming optimized application content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10037215B2Method and apparatus for interworking application and web browser

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of interworking an application and a browser in a terminal by receiving a user input through the browser, determining whether an application related to the user input is registered in an external device, determining, if the application is registered in the external device, whether the registered application is installed in the terminal, and when the registered application is installed, running the installed application.