Mobile App Sandbox Isolation for Multi-Instance Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile operating systems, such as Android, do not allow the installation and execution of multiple instances of the same application without deleting the first instance, limiting user flexibility and power management in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for isolating applications using sandboxes, where selected applications are modified to run independently without sharing resources, allowing multiple instances of the same application to be executed concurrently without data sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating system allows installation of multiple instances of the same application, then user flexibility and application versatility are improved, but system resource management complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application execution environment into separate sandboxes, where each application instance operates in its own isolated namespace. This segmentation allows multiple instances of the same application to run simultaneously with independent data storage and configuration, resolving the contradiction by enabling application versatility while managing system complexity through structured isolation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sandboxing mechanism as an intermediary layer between the application instances and the underlying system resources. This mediator manages resource allocation, data isolation, and instance coordination, allowing multiple applications to run concurrently while simplifying resource management through centralized control in the sandbox layer.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple instances of the same application share data, then resource efficiency is improved, but data integrity and user privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data storage into instance-specific directories within the sandbox structure, where each application instance has its own dedicated data namespace. This segmentation ensures data integrity and user privacy by preventing unauthorized access between instances, while still allowing resource efficiency through shared code execution and isolated resource management at the sandbox level.
3Reliability
If the operating system prevents installation of duplicate applications, then system stability and resource management are improved, but user flexibility and multi-account functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where the entire application package (APK) can be duplicated and installed multiple times, with each copy receiving a unique identifier and being placed in a separate sandbox. This copying approach maintains system stability through controlled installation protocols while enabling user flexibility by allowing multiple independent instances with separate data and configurations to coexist.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for isolating at least one of a plurality of applications included in an electronic device are provided. The method includes selecting at least one of the plurality of applications included in the electronic device, preprocessing the at least one selected application so as to be at least one modified application included in a sandbox isolating the at least one selected applications from others of the plurality of applications, and installing the at least one modified application on the electronic device so as to be executed only according to the sandbox.