Universal Mobile App Distribution via Server Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distributing mobile applications across multiple devices are hindered by the need for multiple software versions due to different hardware and operating systems, requiring PC access for account management and distribution, and limiting portability of web applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for viral distribution of mobile applications that uses a server with an applications database and client database, allowing Java-based applications to operate independently on mobile devices without PC access, using address book contacts for invitation and distribution, and enabling device-independent applications to run on various Java-enabled mobile phones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software versions are created for different mobile phone models and operating systems, then application compatibility is improved, but software version complexity and distribution difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal application distribution system that works across multiple mobile phone models and operating systems through a single interface. The server communicates with various device types (feature phones, smartphones, different OS versions) through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for users to manually specify device details while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary server that acts as a mediator between the application provider and diverse mobile devices. The server handles device-specific compatibility logic, automatically matching applications with suitable devices based on their capabilities, thereby shielding users from version complexity while ensuring appropriate software delivery.
2Ease of operation
If PC access is required for account management and application distribution, then service management capability is improved, but user accessibility and portability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to function as self-sufficient terminals for account management and application distribution. Users can directly perform operations such as account registration, application download, and payment on their mobile devices without requiring PC access, making the system portable and accessible to users regardless of PC availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the service management paradigm from a PC-centric dimension to a mobile-dimension, enabling full service management capabilities to be accessed and executed directly on mobile devices through embedded applications, thereby eliminating the dependency on PC infrastructure.
3Reliability
If device-specific applications are developed for each mobile phone model, then application performance is improved, but development time and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application system into a universal core component and device-specific adaptation layers. The core application logic is developed once and maintained centrally, while device-specific adaptations are handled automatically by the server through capability detection and matching, reducing development time while maintaining performance through targeted optimizations.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of systems and methods are described that: a) provides methods for viral mass distribution of mobile phone applications by use of phone book, contact lists, or other social network information, b) enable any Internet-enabled mobile device user to download and use such mobile applications without requiring PC access, and c) provides a technique for unifying code versions for most existing mobile devices, expediting the viral distribution of said applications.