Deep Link URL Shortening via Database Lookup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web applications face challenges in navigating to specific pages with complex and long URLs, requiring users to know the original URL to create a deep link, which is not flexible and can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a shortened deep link URL by using an object type and action as index keys in a database table, allowing direct access to specific application objects without requiring knowledge of the original URL, and dynamically populating the deep link table for custom objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full URL with all parameters is used to navigate to specific application pages, then navigation precision is improved, but URL length increases making it too large to include in certain data elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the URL into two parts: a short code identifier and separate parameter data. The short code (e.g., 'ABC123') serves as a compact reference that can be stored in data elements, while the full parameters are retrieved separately through a lookup mechanism, resolving the contradiction between precision and length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from a one-dimensional URL string to a two-dimensional structure where the short code exists in one dimension (compact identifier) and the full parameters exist in another dimension (detailed data structure). This dimensional separation allows the short code to be embedded in data elements while maintaining full navigation capability.
2Length of moving object
If encryption is used to shorten complex URLs for deep linking, then URL length is reduced, but the original URL must be known beforehand to create the deep link
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service deep linking by automatically generating the short code and full parameter structure without requiring user knowledge of the original URL. The lookup mechanism autonomously resolves the short code to the complete navigation parameters, making deep link creation simple while maintaining shortened URLs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary lookup mechanism that mediates between the short code and the full URL parameters. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for users to know the original URL structure, as the system automatically performs the translation from short code to complete navigation data.
3Measurement precision
If technology-specific URL structures are used for deep linking, then navigation accuracy is improved, but adaptability decreases when application technology or UI changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation system into a stable short code layer and a flexible parameter layer. The short code remains constant and technology-agnostic, while the parameter layer adapts to technology and UI changes. This segmentation allows navigation accuracy to be maintained through the stable short code while adaptability is achieved through the flexible parameter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The short code serves as a universal identifier that is technology-agnostic and can be used across different application versions and UI configurations. The parameter layer handles the technology-specific details, allowing the same short code to maintain navigation accuracy while adapting to various technology stacks and UI designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that directs a user to an object in response to a selection of a deep link uniform resource identifier (“URL”) that includes an identity of a web service, an object type and action, accesses a database table. The system uses the object type and the action as a first index key and a second index key of the database table to generate a query. In response to the query, the system retrieves additional parameters to append to the deep link URL to generate a full URL. The system then directs the user to the object that corresponds to the full URL.