Cross-platform Application Framework Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing software applications for mobile computing devices with different operating systems and capabilities requires creating separate versions, which is a costly and time-consuming process due to the need for platform-specific code.
Innovation Solution
Generating computer-readable instructions from business logic source code that is platform-independent, combined with platform-specific code, allowing the same application to run on multiple platforms with minimal modifications to the platform-specific code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate versions of software application are developed for each mobile computing device platform, then the application can be natively executed on each platform, but the development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The application is divided into two distinct segments: platform-specific code (container code) and business logic code. The platform-specific code handles platform-dependent operations while the business logic code remains universal. This segmentation allows the same business logic to be compiled into different versions for different platforms without requiring complete code rewriting, thus reducing development time while maintaining native execution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The business logic code is designed to be universal and platform-independent, serving multiple platforms simultaneously. A single version of the business logic code can be compiled into different native applications for different mobile platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows Phone), eliminating the need to develop separate business logic for each platform and significantly reducing development time.
2Reliability
If separate versions of software application are developed for each mobile computing device platform, then the application can be optimized for each platform, but the development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the application into platform-specific code and business logic code, the patent enables developers to maintain a single version of the expensive-to-develop business logic while only needing to create and maintain lightweight platform-specific containers. This dramatically reduces development cost while still allowing each platform version to be optimized for its specific requirements through the platform-specific code.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal business logic code serves as a multi-functional asset that can be deployed across multiple platforms without requiring separate development. This universality eliminates redundant development efforts and reduces overall development cost, while the platform-specific code ensures each version remains optimized for its target platform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific code is written for each mobile computing device platform, then the application can leverage platform capabilities, but the code complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The codebase is segmented into platform-specific code (container code) and business logic code. The platform-specific code handles platform capability utilization and is kept separate and minimal, while the business logic code remains simple and universal. This segmentation prevents platform-specific complexity from propagating throughout the entire codebase, making the overall system more manageable despite leveraging multiple platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform-specific code acts as an intermediary layer between the universal business logic code and the underlying platform APIs. This intermediary abstracts away platform complexities from the business logic, allowing the business logic to remain simple while still leveraging platform capabilities through the intermediary platform-specific code layer.
4Productivity
If business logic source code is made platform-independent, then the same code can be compiled for multiple platforms, but the code must be combined with platform-specific code
Solution Approach 1:
The application code is segmented into business logic code (universal) and platform-specific code (container). This segmentation enables the business logic to be written once and compiled for multiple platforms, improving productivity. The separate platform-specific code handles the complexity of platform integration, keeping the overall structure manageable despite the multi-platform target.
Data Source
AI summary
One set of instructions is generated in part by compiling application-specific source code. When natively executed on a platform provided by a device, the set of instructions provides an application. Another set of instructions is generated in part by compiling the same business logic source code. When natively executed on another platform provided by another device, the other set of instructions provides the same application. The business logic source code is substantially free of code specific to any platform. Moreover, the business logic source code defines substantially all application-specific functionality of the application.