Proximity-Based App Installation with Local Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers face inconvenience in installing multiple applications on their devices to interact with various service providers, and may not be aware of available applications or want to clutter their devices with unnecessary apps.
Innovation Solution
A host application on the computing device detects proximity to an application vending server using GPS, NFC, or wireless communication, installs or uninstalls apps based on proximity, and manages permissions and data caching to optimize resource usage and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customers install multiple applications on their devices to interact with service providers, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and storage usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by caching application data locally on the computing device before actual installation is needed. When a computing device enters a geographic proximity to an application vending server, the host application can quickly install the application using previously cached data, avoiding the need to download and install from scratch, thus reducing both time and network bandwidth usage while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates local copies of application data in a cache on the computing device. These cached copies serve as preliminary versions that can be quickly installed when needed, reducing the need to repeatedly download full application packages from remote servers, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption and installation time
2Ease of operation
If customers install applications to interact with service providers, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time for installation and device management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-caching application data locally before installation is required. When a computing device enters proximity to an application vending server, the host application utilizes the cached data to perform rapid installation, significantly reducing the time customers would otherwise spend waiting for download and installation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The host application acts as an intermediary between the application vending server and the user device. It manages the caching of application data and handles automatic installation/uninstallation based on geographic proximity detection, eliminating the need for users to manually search, download, and install applications, thereby reducing both installation time and user effort
3Productivity
If applications are automatically installed based on proximity, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of information regarding user permission and data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the host application continuously monitors the computing device's geographic proximity to application vending servers. Based on this feedback, the application automatically installs or uninstalls applications, and manages cached data, ensuring that permission information is preserved and properly managed through systematic feedback loops rather than lost in automatic operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution streamlines the installation and removal of applications based on geographic proximity, reducing network bandwidth usage and allowing users to maintain resources while only using apps when needed, with cached data enabling re-installation without re-downloading.
Implementation Method 1
A host application on the computing device detects that the computing device is in geographic proximity of an application vending server
Implementation Method 2
A host application on the computing device detects proximity to an application vending server using GPS, NFC, or wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
A host application installed on a computing device detects that the computing device is in proximity of a location associated with another application that can be installed onto the computing device. As a result of the computing device being in proximity of the location, the host application obtains, from an application vending server, application code for the application. The host application uses the application code to install the other application onto the computing device. If the host application detects that the computing device is no longer in proximity of the location, the host application uninstalls the other application from the computing device.