Object-Oriented API for MIDlet Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current J2ME MIDlets on mobile devices are limited in their ability to exchange data with other MIDlets or non-MIDlet applications due to security constraints and sandbox limitations, restricting the complexity and functionality of applications that can be created.
Innovation Solution
An object-oriented application program interface is introduced to enable input and output data communication between J2ME MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between MIDlets and non-MIDlet applications, allowing for the creation of more complex and interactive applications by allowing MIDlets to accept and provide data across different suites and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MIDlets are confined to sandbox security areas, then device security is improved, but data exchange capability between MIDlets and non-MIDlet applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an application manager as an intermediary component that mediates between MIDlets in sandboxes and non-MIDlet applications. The application manager receives data from MIDlets, manages the data exchange process, and delivers it to external applications, thereby enabling communication while maintaining sandbox security boundaries intact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data exchange process into distinct components: data generation within the sandboxed MIDlet, data handoff to the application manager, and data delivery to external applications. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its security boundaries while achieving overall system functionality
2Reliability
If MIDlet Suites are kept separate and independent, then security boundaries are maintained, but application complexity and interactivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal data exchange mechanism through the application manager that can handle multiple types of data and support various MIDlet-to-application communication scenarios. This universal interface enables complex application functionality while maintaining the same security boundaries
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Java virtual machine sandboxing is used, then malicious operations are prevented, but interaction between different MIDlet Suites is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The application manager serves as a trusted intermediary that receives data from sandboxed MIDlets and delivers it to external applications. This mediator approach allows interaction between different MIDlet Suites and external applications while the sandbox continues to prevent malicious operations within the MIDlet code
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile information device may execute a Java MIDlet or a non-MIDlet application. The mobile information device may further include an object-oriented application program interface that allows one or more object-oriented object classes to allow input and output data to be communicated between Java MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between non-MIDlet applications.