Modular Feature Update System for Mobile Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Updating specific features of mobile applications can be inefficient and cumbersome due to the need to download entire new versions from application stores, which may enforce restrictive rules and regulations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for updating mobile application features by comparing the current version with a stored version, identifying differences, and applying new features without downloading the entire application, using predefined interface templates and an interpreter to determine compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the entire application is downloaded from the application store to update features, then the application can be updated with new features, but the process is inefficient and cumbersome due to restrictive rules and regulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate efficiencyVSAvoidupdate process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the application into modular features or components that can be updated independently. Instead of downloading the entire application, only the specific features that need updating are retrieved and applied to the current version, thereby improving update efficiency and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary feature updates from the application store while bypassing restrictive rules. By separating the update mechanism from the traditional application store framework, the system retrieves and applies only the required feature changes without enforcing cumbersome restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the entire application is downloaded to update features, then all features can be updated, but bandwidth usage and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature update completenessVSAvoidbandwidth and power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The application is segmented into discrete updatable features. The system identifies which features require updating and retrieves only those specific features, minimizing bandwidth consumption and power usage while ensuring complete feature updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing a complete application download, the system applies partial updates by retrieving and installing only the necessary feature changes. This partial action approach reduces energy consumption while achieving the goal of updating required features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If application store rules and regulations are enforced, then application security and reliability are maintained, but updating features becomes restricted and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication securityVSAvoidfeature update flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary update mechanism that operates between the application store and the application execution environment. This intermediary layer retrieves feature updates and applies them while maintaining security standards, thereby preserving reliability while enabling flexible feature updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the update process by transitioning from full application downloads to selective feature updates. This parameter change maintains security through validation mechanisms while significantly improving update flexibility and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10671378B2Updating particular features in an application

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 PAYPAL INC

AI summary

A system is configured to perform operations that include determining a first set of modular features corresponding to a first version of a service provider application and a second set of modular features corresponding to a second version of the service provider application. An original version of the service provider application may have been downloaded from an application store. The operations further include identifying, based on a comparison between the first set of modular features and the second set of modular features, a new set of modular features. The operations also include applying the new set of modular features to the first version of the service provider application. The applying may be based on determining that the new set of modular features supports predefined interface templates and corresponding interpreters. As such, the operations may be performed without communicating with the application store.