Mobile Application Distribution via Contact List Viral Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for distributing mobile applications across multiple devices are hindered by the need for different software versions for various mobile phone models, limited PC access among users, and the portability of web applications, leading to increased development and maintenance efforts and restricted access to mobile application services.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables viral distribution of mobile applications using contact lists and social networks, allowing Java-based applications to operate on multiple devices without PC access, with a server-based system that manages application distribution, authentication, and billing, and supports device-independent applications using common Java commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different software versions are created for various mobile phone models, then application compatibility is improved, but development complexity and maintenance effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware version complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal application version that can run on multiple mobile phone models by using abstract hardware interface definitions. The application code remains the same across different devices, while a hardware abstraction layer handles device-specific variations, eliminating the need for multiple versioned copies of the application.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hardware abstraction layer as an intermediary between the application and the physical hardware. This mediator translates device-specific operations into standardized interface calls, allowing the application to interact with different hardware models through a unified interface without requiring model-specific code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If PC access is required for application distribution and account management, then service control is improved, but user accessibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidplatform independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform account management, application distribution, and service control directly from their mobile phones without requiring PC access. The mobile device itself becomes the service interface, allowing users to autonomously manage their accounts and applications through the mobile platform's native capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to access services through a PC, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the service interface directly to the mobile phone. The mobile device, rather than being a limited terminal requiring external PC support, becomes the primary interface for all service operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual phone brand and model collection is used for application distribution, then device-specific compatibility is improved, but distribution efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibility accuracyVSAvoidapplication distribution speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs device identification and compatibility matching automatically in the background during the application distribution process. Instead of requiring manual collection of phone brand and model information, the system pre-establishes hardware interface definitions that automatically match applications to compatible devices based on their hardware characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic feedback loops where the system continuously monitors device responses and compatibility metrics during distribution. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust and optimize application distribution decisions based on real-time device compatibility information, eliminating the need for manual device information collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2316070B1Methods for mobile phone applications
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 OTS
  • EP2316070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2316070B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2316070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.