Bundle Administration for Automatic Application Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in opening and managing various data files due to the absence of associated applications, leading to user frustration and inefficiency, especially when filename extensions are incorrect or missing, and there is a need for streamlined distribution and access management across different devices and platforms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 'bundles' that combine a manifest and an artifact, where the manifest identifies the required application and qualifications, allowing the computing device to automatically install the application and control access based on defined conditions, eliminating the need for users to search for associated applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually search for and install applications associated with data files, then applications can be installed on computing devices, but user time is consumed and frustration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by distributing bundles that contain both the data file and the associated application pre-packaged together. When a user receives a bundle, the application is already prepared and associated with the data file, eliminating the need for users to manually search for and install the application separately. This pre-packaging approach resolves the contradiction by performing the application installation preparation in advance, thus saving user time and reducing frustration while maintaining ease of accessing content.
2Reliability
If filename extensions are provided to identify associated applications, then file identification is possible, but extensions may be incorrect, corrupted, or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bundle as an intermediary container that encapsulates both the data file and the associated application. Instead of relying solely on filename extensions (which may be incorrect, corrupted, or lost), the bundle acts as a mediator that carries explicit metadata identifying the correct application. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a more reliable file identification mechanism without significantly increasing device complexity, as the bundle format is a self-contained package that simplifies overall file management.
3Ease of operation
If applications are distributed separately from data files, then application installation is simplified, but access management and distribution control become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data file and the associated application into a single bundle package. This combination allows the bundle to be distributed as one unit, maintaining ease of operation since the user receives everything needed in one package. Simultaneously, it enhances adaptability and versatility for access management, as the bundle can be controlled through a single distribution channel, enabling centralized control over who receives what content and under what conditions. The manifest within the bundle provides metadata that facilitates this controlled distribution.
4Extent of automation
If bundles include manifest and artifact, then automated application installation is enabled, but bundle structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bundle into distinct components: a manifest containing metadata and instructions, and an artifact containing the actual data file and associated application. This segmentation enables automated processing because the manifest can be parsed by software to extract installation instructions and automatically install the application. While the bundle structure becomes more complex, the segmentation actually simplifies the automation process by providing clear, structured data that computers can interpret, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of bundle administration and management are described. The use of bundles, as described herein, may be relied upon to assist users with the installation of applications associated with artifacts. In one embodiment, a bundle includes both a manifest and an artifact. A computing device may open the bundle and parse the manifest to identify an application for the artifact. The computing device may evaluate a status of a qualification to the application and, if the status meets the qualification, then install the application. Thus, with the combination of the manifest and the artifact in the bundle, it is not necessary that a user search for and identify an application associated with the artifact (e.g., a data or content file), because the computing device may reference the manifest to ascertain the application and, based upon one or more qualifications, for example, install the application automatically for the user.