Intermediate Server Application Update Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile wireless communications systems lack efficient methods for managing and updating applications on mobile devices, leading to outdated software and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A communications system comprising a mobile wireless communications device, an application server, and an intermediate server that automatically updates applications by comparing version information and downloading new portions, while also notifying users of available new applications based on selection preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are manually updated on mobile devices, then users maintain control over installation, but the system becomes outdated and user satisfaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically performs application updates by comparing version information with the application server and downloading new portions without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the update process including version comparison, download initiation, and installation coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device reports its current application version to the application server, which then provides information about available updates. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic detection and application of updates.
2Reliability
If the system automatically downloads and installs new application portions, then devices stay updated, but network bandwidth and device resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The application update process is segmented into distinct phases: version information comparison, selective download of only new portions, and staged installation. This segmentation allows the system to minimize resource consumption by downloading only necessary data rather than complete applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial updates by downloading and installing only the new portions of applications rather than complete re-downloads. This partial action approach reduces network bandwidth consumption and device storage requirements while maintaining application currency.
3Loss of information
If the system notifies users of all new applications, then users have complete information, but notification spam increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system applies local quality by allowing users to customize which application categories receive notifications. Users can selectively enable or disable notifications for specific types of applications based on their preferences, rather than receiving uniform notifications for all applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by obtaining user notification preferences in advance before sending notifications. User preferences are stored and used to filter and customize subsequent notifications, preventing information overload before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system is to communicate with an application server storing a plurality of applications. The communications system includes a mobile wireless communications device configured to store at least one application from among the plurality of applications, the at least one application having stored version information associated therewith. An intermediate server is configured to update the mobile wireless communications device by at least obtaining respective current version information for associated current versions of the plurality of applications and obtaining the stored application version information from the mobile wireless communications device for the at least one stored application. The stored application version information is compared with the current version information for the at least one stored application. New application portions are downloaded from a current application associated with the current version information, and the new application portions are sent to the mobile wireless communications device.