Runtime Application Update via Content Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The approval process for publishing mobile applications on digital application distribution platforms often delays access to bug fixes and critical software updates, leading to users utilizing outdated or buggy versions of applications for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
Embedding updates within content downloaded from a server, allowing the application to identify and apply the updates during runtime without reloading, using encoded strings and function constructors to replace existing source code with new code, thus bypassing conventional update mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional application update mechanisms through digital application distribution platforms are used, then application updates can be delivered with platform approval and quality control, but updates are delayed until approval is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application into two parts: a stable core executable that maintains quality control, and separable content modules that can be updated independently. The content is divided into discrete units that can be downloaded and applied without requiring full application repackaging and re-submission to the distribution platform, thus resolving the contradiction between quality control and update speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the application check for available content updates before the user would normally need them, and by pre-processing content into update-ready formats. The system proactively identifies when updates are available and prepares them for immediate installation, reducing the effective delay between update availability and user access.
2Loss of time
If hybrid applications with web view components are used to bypass approval delays, then updates can be delivered faster, but functionality and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the application to have different update mechanisms. The core application maintains native performance and full functionality through the platform-approved executable, while specific content modules use the faster update path. This enables fast updates for time-sensitive content without compromising the overall application's native capabilities and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal update mechanism that can handle both traditional application updates and faster content updates within a single framework. The system can process updates through the conventional platform channel when quality control is paramount, and through the direct content update channel when speed is critical, providing multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between update speed and functionality preservation.
3Reliability
If applications are reloaded to apply updates, then updates can be properly installed, but user experience is interrupted and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the application to dynamically load and apply content updates without static reloading of the entire application. The update mechanism is dynamic and flexible, allowing individual content modules to be replaced in memory while the application continues to run, thus maintaining availability while ensuring complete update installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by designing an update mechanism that allows the application to remain operational throughout the update process. Content updates are applied incrementally without interrupting the application's core functionality, maintaining continuous service to users while updates are installed in the background or during non-critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates execution of an application that is updated after undergoing an approval process with a digital application distribution platform on an electronic device. During operation, the system obtains content for display within the application from a server. Next, the system identifies, within the content, an update to the application. The system then modifies execution of the application during runtime of the application by applying the update without reloading the application on the electronic device and without downloading the update from the digital application distribution platform.