Preloaded App Audio Inhibition via OS Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing user interface latency in smartphones, such as prefetching, background preloading, and pre-rendering, do not effectively prevent preloaded applications from degrading user experience by outputting audio or video unintentionally or accessing limited hardware resources, leading to noticeable delays and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that preloads user applications in a simulated-foreground mode, inhibiting audio output and preventing access to limited hardware resources until the user interacts with the application, ensuring a seamless transition to foreground mode with minimized latency and unnoticeable preloading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If preloading is performed in background mode, then user interface latency is reduced, but preloaded applications may unintentionally output audio or video and access hardware resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (audio focus system and resource access control) between the preloaded application and the hardware resources. The OS acts as a mediator that allows the preloaded application to request resources but controls and restricts actual resource access until the application transitions to foreground mode, thereby preventing unwanted audio/video output while maintaining preload benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameters of the preloaded application by introducing a restricted execution mode. In this mode, the application's audio output parameter is inhibited and hardware resource access parameters are modified to require explicit OS permission, allowing the application to run in background without generating harmful outputs
2Adaptability or versatility
If preloaded applications are allowed to access hardware resources, then functionality is maintained, but foreground applications may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the application's access to hardware resources is not static but changes based on its execution state. When in background preload mode, resource access is restricted; when transitioning to foreground, full access is granted. This dynamic adjustment allows functionality to be maintained when needed while preventing interference with foreground applications during background execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing the preloaded application from accessing hardware resources before it can potentially interfere with foreground applications. The OS preemptively blocks resource access in the preload state, countering potential harmful effects before they occur, while still allowing the application to be fully functional once it reaches the foreground
Data Source
AI summary
A user device (24) includes an audio output device (58) and one or more processors (44). The one or more processors are configured to run an Operating System (OS-48), including running an OS component for coordinating outputting of audio generated by user applications (26) to the audio output device, to preload a user application, and, while the user application is in a preload state, to inhibit the audio generated by the preloaded user application using the OS component.