Multi-Platform API URI Syntax for Mapping App Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application programming interfaces (APIs) for linking software applications on diverse platforms require complex logic to generate platform-specific URIs, leading to inefficiencies and resource-intensive processes, especially when communicating between third-party and mapping applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-platform API with a common uniform resource identifier (URI) syntax allows third-party applications to link to specific states of mapping applications across various operating systems, eliminating the need for platform-specific logic by using a query string to specify location parameters and control the execution of the mapping application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific URI syntax is used for linking applications on different operating systems, then compatibility with each specific platform is achieved, but the complexity of the API increases and requires complex logic to generate URIs for each platform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal URI syntax that functions across multiple operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows). Instead of creating separate URI schemes for each platform, a single unified syntax is designed that can be interpreted by all target platforms, eliminating the need for platform-specific URI generation logic while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The URI syntax is segmented into distinct functional components: protocol identifier, application identifier, state parameters, and platform-specific optional fields. This segmentation allows the core functionality to remain platform-independent while providing structured flexibility for platform-specific extensions without increasing overall API complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple platform-specific APIs are maintained to support different operating systems, then comprehensive platform support is provided, but the resource consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple platform-specific URI generation functions into a single unified API. The common URI syntax consolidates the functionality of separate iOS, Android, and Windows-specific URI schemes into one interface, reducing code duplication and resource consumption while maintaining support for all platforms through a single efficient code path.
3Measurement precision
If complex logic is implemented to generate platform-specific URIs, then accurate platform targeting is achieved, but the processing time increases and the process becomes resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The URI syntax includes self-identifying protocol identifiers and application identifiers that enable the target application to automatically determine its own platform context. This eliminates the need for complex client-side platform detection logic, as the URI itself carries the necessary information for the receiving application to process the link appropriately for its platform.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
Systems and methods of linking two or more software applications using a multi -platform API are provided. For instance, a URI associated with a multi-platform API associated with a mapping software application can be accessed. The multi-platform API can include a common URI syntax for use within a plurality of platforms. The URI can include a query string specifying one or more location parameters in accordance with the common URI syntax. The one or more location parameters can be configured to control an execution of the selected state by the mapping software application. A presence of the mapping application can be detected on the user device. The mapping application can be launched in the selected state based at least in part on the URI. The query string can be parsed to identify the location parameters. One or more actions can be performed based at least in part on the location parameters.