Email Gadget Execution for Seamless Web App Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in accessing and collaborating with web-based applications, as they require frequent login to websites, lack of collaboration records, and difficulties in sharing information due to account requirements and varying presentation formats.
Innovation Solution
An email application that executes gadgets stored in email messages, allowing users to access and collaborate on applications within their email client by aggregating and updating gadget data from email threads, enabling interactive displays and secure user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access web-based applications through websites, then applications can be hosted and executed, but users must frequently login to websites which is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses email messages as an intermediary to deliver and execute application gadgets directly in the user's email client, eliminating the need to visit websites and log in. The email message contains embedded gadget code that can be executed locally, serving as a mediator between the application host and the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the application delivery system by separating the application hosting (on websites) from the application execution (in email clients). This allows applications to be delivered as discrete gadget components within email messages, enabling execution without requiring access to the original website.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users collaborate on websites hosting standalone applications, then collaboration can occur, but users must maintain accounts at the same website which creates barriers to participation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes email the universal platform for collaboration by enabling gadget execution across different email clients and providers. Users can participate in collaborative applications through their existing email accounts without needing to create additional accounts on specific application websites, making the system universally accessible.
3Loss of information
If websites host applications with collaboration records, then collaboration history can be stored, but websites may delete records to save resources or limit access to subset of users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts collaboration records from website storage and embeds them directly within email messages. Each email in the thread contains the gadget code and data, creating a self-contained record that travels with the email. This ensures records are retained and accessible to all participants without being subject to website resource constraints or access limitations.
4Reliability
If users verify identities of other users on collaboration websites, then security can be maintained, but the verification process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the email system's existing authentication infrastructure to automatically verify user identities. Since email accounts are already authenticated and associated with real identities, the system leverages this self-service authentication without requiring additional verification steps. The email address itself serves as the verified identity marker.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes, on a client system, receiving an email message that is a part of an email thread. The received email message includes gadget instructions and associated gadget data. In response to user selection of the received email message, updated gadget data is obtained and the gadget instructions are executed. Also in response to user selection of the received email message, an instance of a gadget associated with the gadget instructions in the email message is displayed in the client application. The displayed gadget is updated to reflect the obtained updated gadget data.