Metadata Storage for Application Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems do not effectively utilize and display metadata for application programs that are not currently activated or installed, making it difficult to track and access previously used applications.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a metadata storage section that accumulates and stores metadata for executed application programs, allowing the use of metadata for both active and inactive applications, and enables transmission and reception of metadata between devices for metadata collection and purchasing of application programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If icons corresponding to application programs are displayed only when currently installed, then the menu screen remains simple and clear, but it becomes impossible to understand whether applications have been activated in the past
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the display of application icons into two categories: currently installed applications (displayed on menu screen) and previously activated applications (stored in metadata database). This segmentation allows the menu screen to remain simple while preserving information about past applications through the metadata storage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a metadata database that stores copies of application information (icons, names, activation status) from applications that are no longer installed. This copying mechanism preserves historical application data without requiring the original applications to be present, enabling the system to display and manage past application information separately from current installations.
2Loss of information
If metadata for all executed applications is accumulated and stored, then complete information about past applications is preserved, but storage space and system resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential metadata elements (icon images, application names, activation timestamps) from executed applications and stores them in a structured database format. This extraction process captures the necessary information for tracking and reference while minimizing storage requirements by excluding unnecessary application data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages metadata storage by discarding old or less frequently accessed application metadata while preserving recently activated applications. The metadata database implements automatic cleanup mechanisms that remove entries beyond a certain age or usage threshold, balancing information completeness with storage efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system tracks and stores metadata for applications not currently installed, then users can access information about previously used applications, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metadata database serves multiple functions: it stores application information for display, tracks activation history, enables search and filter operations, and supports recommendation features. This multi-functionality consolidates various application tracking capabilities into a single unified system, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a metadata database as an intermediary layer between the application execution environment and the user interface. This intermediary structure simplifies the system architecture by providing a standardized interface for storing and retrieving application information, decoupling the complexity of application management from both the execution environment and the user interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are application execution means for executing one or more application programs, and metadata accumulation and storage means for accumulating and storing, into a metadata storage section, metadata corresponding to the one or more application programs when the application programs have been executed or become executable. The application execution means executes the one or more application programs which use the metadata stored in the metadata storage section.