Deep Link Extension for Application Functionality and UI Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applications lack the capability to extend their functionality without appropriate extension points, leading to limitations in integrating additional features like biometric authentication and bill payment functions, which can disrupt the user experience when transitioning between applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of deep links that enable a first application to direct processors to program functions of a second application, maintaining a consistent user experience by configuring visual elements to resemble the original application, thus extending functionality without the need for explicit extension points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If deep links are used to extend application functionality to a second application, then the functionality is extended successfully, but the user experience consistency may be disrupted due to transitioning between applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses deep links as an intermediary mechanism that enables the first application to access functionality in the second application without requiring the user to explicitly switch applications. The deep link acts as a mediator that maintains the illusion of staying within the original application context while actually invoking external functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between extending functionality and maintaining user experience consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring deep links within the first application that embed necessary parameters and contextual information. When a user activates a deep link, the system has already prepared the navigation path and parameter passing mechanism, allowing seamless transition to the second application's functionality while maintaining the appearance of continuity in the first application.
2Productivity
If deep links with embedded parameters are used to pass information between applications, then information transfer is efficient, but the deep link structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by embedding various types of information (URIs, parameters, contextual data) directly into the deep link structure. This allows efficient information transfer between applications by changing the parameters within the deep link rather than creating entirely new link structures, thus achieving productivity improvement while managing complexity through parameter manipulation rather than structural redesign.
3Ease of operation
If visual elements are configured to resemble the original application when directing to a second application, then user experience consistency is maintained, but the visual configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating visual elements in the second application that replicate or resemble the visual style, layout, and appearance of the first application. This copying of visual characteristics allows the user to maintain a consistent user experience when transitioning between applications, as the visual interface appears familiar and continuous, thereby resolving the contradiction between user experience consistency and visual configuration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The description relates to systems and methods for extending applications. For example, a voice assistant application can be the application to be extended. In an example, a mobile banking application can be the application that provides the extension. For example, a voice assistant might not have capability to conduct fingerprint (or biometric) authentication and bill payment function. An extension point within the voice assistant application that would enable this kind of capability might not exist. The mobile banking application can have a biometric tool for fingerprint authentication capability and a payment tool for a bill payment or money transfer function. Embodiments described herein can involve a deep link from the voice assistant application to the mobile banking application (which does offer fingerprint authentication and bill payment capability). The navigation to the mobile banking application can generate a visual impression at the UI similar or consistent with the voice assistant application.