Mobile App Data Sharing Coordination via Dependency Graphs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile device applications are restricted in their ability to communicate with each other due to sandboxing, which limits data sharing and collaboration, and lacks a dynamic mechanism for granting permissions, complicating user experience and security.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for coordinating data sharing among applications on a mobile device by constructing a data trade dependency graph, determining best-matching candidate applications, and automatically recommending data sharing permissions based on optimization rules, allowing applications to share data and resources in a controlled and secure manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If applications are sandboxed for security, then security is improved, but data sharing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddata sharing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a data sharing coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between sandboxed applications. This mechanism includes a data sharing manager that constructs dependency graphs and determines permission configurations, enabling secure data sharing without breaking the sandbox architecture. The intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by providing controlled access paths while maintaining isolation boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic permission configuration that allows data sharing relationships to be established and modified at runtime based on application needs. The system dynamically determines permission configurations by analyzing data trade dependency graphs, enabling flexible data sharing while maintaining security constraints. This dynamic approach resolves the static nature of traditional sandboxing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If static permission declaration is required for security, then security is improved, but user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis by constructing data trade dependency graphs that identify required data sharing permissions before user interaction. The system pre-determines optimal permission configurations based on application functionality requirements, so that when users are prompted for permission, the requested permissions are already optimized and necessary, reducing unnecessary permission requests and improving user experience while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors data sharing patterns and application performance, then uses this information to refine permission configurations. The data sharing coordination mechanism learns from usage patterns and adjusts permission grants accordingly, providing better user experience over time while maintaining security through continuous optimization based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If applications cannot access other applications' sandboxes, then security is improved, but application functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidapplication functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data access permissions into fine-grained categories based on specific data types and access patterns. Instead of all-or-nothing access between sandboxes, the system divides data access into discrete, controllable units that can be selectively granted. This segmentation allows applications to access only the specific data they need from other applications, maintaining security while enabling necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal data sharing coordination mechanism that serves multiple functions: constructing dependency graphs, determining permission configurations, analyzing data conflicts, and recommending optimal sharing arrangements. This multi-functional system resolves various data sharing scenarios within a unified framework, enabling diverse application functionality while maintaining consistent security policies across different data access patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8984480B2Automating and/or recommending data sharing coordination among applications in mobile devices
Publication Date: 2015.03.17 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US8984480B2 patent drawing
  • US8984480B2 patent drawing
  • US8984480B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Coordinating data sharing among applications in mobile devices, in one aspect, may include a shared data manager application on a mobile device that manages data trade requirements automatically of a plurality of mobile applications, and permission grants or denials to reads and writes of data managed by the shared data manager and used by the plurality of mobile applications.