Dynamic Content URL Resolution for Application Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing online content to applications are inefficient due to rapid changes in internet content and resource locations, requiring multiple editions of applications or constant updates to accommodate different regions and computing environments, which is tedious and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A network resource hosts a configuration module that maintains a static URL and receives program information to determine a second URL specific to the application version, allowing the application to access the appropriate online content based on geographic and system preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the application is provided with multiple editions for different regions and computing environments, then the application can serve diverse user needs, but the device complexity and distribution burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content delivery system into a static application and a dynamic content source. The application contains a placeholder or identifier that refers to external content, while the actual content is segmented by region and environment but delivered dynamically through a configuration server rather than being bundled in multiple application editions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration server as an intermediary between the application and content sources. This server receives the application identifier, determines the appropriate content source based on region and computing environment, and provides the correct URL. This mediator eliminates the need for the application to hardcode multiple content locations.
2Reliability
If the application is updated frequently to track changing content locations, then the application remains functional with current content, but the loss of time and effort for updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic content location resolution where the content URL is not hardcoded in the application but is determined dynamically at runtime. The configuration server maintains current mappings between application identifiers and content sources, allowing automatic adaptation to content location changes without application updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the configuration server monitors and maintains the current state of content sources and their mappings to application identifiers. When content locations change, the server updates its mappings and provides new URLs to the application, ensuring continuous functionality without requiring application patches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the application asks the user to choose from a list of network resources at install, then the user has control over content selection, but the ease of operation decreases and user experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service content resolution where the system automatically determines the appropriate content source based on the user's region and computing environment without requiring manual selection. The configuration server autonomously resolves the correct content URL and provides it to the application, eliminating the need for users to navigate lists or configure content sources manually.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and arrangements for selecting a content source from a plurality of potential content sources based on program information are described. A network resource maintains a mapping between itself and a static URL to be accessed by an application when updating content used in the application. The network resource can receive, over an electronic network, a configuration request providing the static URL and program information that at least identifies the application and version of the application. Based on the received information that is specific to the identified application version and from which content specific for that application version can be obtained, the network resource determines a second URL and provides the second URL to the application in response to the request.