Dynamic Configuration Engine for App Fragmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing device information for diagnostics in customer care systems are manual, time-consuming, and prone to errors, leading to increased support costs and user frustration due to device and OS fragmentation, which requires frequent app updates and resubmissions to app stores.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that reduces app fragmentation by using a server to manage device information and push targeted code updates based on device capabilities, allowing for dynamic configuration of software applications without the need for constant app replacements or resubmissions, using a rules-based approach to match code and API updates with device specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used to gather device information for diagnostics, then customer service representatives can diagnose device problems, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs self-diagnosis by executing diagnostic code locally and gathering device information without human intervention. The device agent collects diagnostics data, device information, and configuration details automatically, eliminating the need for CSRs to manually ask users complex questions while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of CSR questioning with an automated electronic system. A device agent running on the device substitutes for the human CSR, automatically gathering device information, executing diagnostics, and transmitting results to the server, thereby reducing call handling time while preserving diagnostic reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device agents are updated frequently to support new operating system features, then device compatibility is maintained, but app update overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into two independent parts: the device agent remains static while only the diagnostic code is updated. This segmentation allows the diagnostic functionality to be updated without requiring app store resubmission, as the updated code is transmitted directly to devices via the server, reducing app management complexity while maintaining device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the device agent with update capabilities. The device agent is designed in advance to receive and execute updated diagnostic code directly from the server without requiring full app updates, enabling seamless adaptation to new operating system features while minimizing update overhead.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive device information is collected for diagnostics, then diagnostic precision is improved, but data transmission and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary diagnostic information and device configuration details required for accurate diagnosis, rather than collecting all possible device data. The device agent selectively gathers relevant diagnostics data and transmits it to the server, improving diagnostic precision while minimizing data transmission and processing complexity through targeted information extraction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that uses a server to dynamically configure software applications on an electronic device. Information is received from the device about the device (e.g. device OS, firmware version, make and/or model, etc.). The server determines based on the device information a set of capabilities of the device. The server then sends code for installation on the device to configure at least one of the software applications based on the determined capabilities of the device. A programmed server is also provided.