Dynamic Application UI Customization via Configuration Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of delivering and presenting mobile content and services with unique branding to end-users is hindered by the need for multiple application variants, which burdens product development and makes it difficult to update user interface presentation characteristics post-installation.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically customizing and configuring applications on devices by transmitting terminal-related information to a configuration server upon initial activation, allowing the server to modify the user interface with entity-specific information, such as logos and color schemes, and enabling periodic updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple application variants are created and installed on terminals to present different branding and user interface characteristics, then the ability to deliver entity-specific content and services is improved, but the product development complexity and burden increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to deliver entity-specific contentVSAvoidproduct development complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The application is divided into a base application component and a separate user interface variant component. The base application contains the core functionality, while the user interface variants (including branding elements like logos, colors, and layout) are segmented as separate modifiable components that can be dynamically applied without recreating the entire application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A configuration server acts as an intermediary between content providers and terminals. The server receives terminal-related information, determines the appropriate user interface variant, and provides the modified application data back to the terminal. This mediator eliminates the need for developers to manually create and manage multiple application variants for different entities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple application variants are installed on terminals at the factory or prior to retail purchase, then entity-specific branding is achieved, but it becomes difficult to update user interface presentation characteristics after installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentity-specific brandingVSAvoidease of updating user interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface characteristics are made dynamic rather than static. The base application is designed to accept dynamic user interface variant data from the configuration server, allowing the presentation to change over time based on updates from content providers without requiring terminal reinstallation or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the configuration server receives terminal-related information, determines the appropriate user interface variant, and sends updated application data back to the terminal. This feedback mechanism enables continuous updates of user interface characteristics without breaking the installed application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If different application variants are created for different operators and service providers, then the desired user interface presentation characteristics are achieved, but the time required for content preparation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface presentation characteristicsVSAvoidcontent preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base application is prepared in advance with core functionality, and the configuration server is pre-configured with user interface variant data for different entities. When a terminal activates the base application, it automatically contacts the configuration server to retrieve the appropriate pre-prepared user interface variant, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration at the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating entirely different application variants for each operator, the system uses copying of user interface elements (logos, colors, layout templates) from a centralized configuration server. This allows rapid deployment of entity-specific branding by copying and pasting UI elements rather than rebuilding entire applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9002342B2System, apparatus, and method for dynamically customizing and configuring applications

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A system and method for dynamically customizing and/or configuring applications on devices. The user interface of a base application resident on a terminal can be modified in accordance with the invention. Terminal-related information is transmitted from the terminal upon initial activation of the base application at the terminal. The terminal-related information is received at a configuration server system, where application variant information for the terminal is derived based on the terminal-related information. This application variant information is transmitted back to the terminal, and the user interface of the base application is modified as specified by the application variant information.