Runtime Wrapper for Software Component Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face challenges in monitoring and controlling the runtime behavior of integrated software components, which can lead to malicious activity, malfunctions, or violations of terms and conditions, resulting in user loss and app removal from stores.
Innovation Solution
Implementing wrappers that selectively enable or disable functions of software components based on modifiable configurations, allowing for full or partial disablement without re-deploying the application program, and providing substitute return values to mimic function invocations, thereby monitoring and managing the behavior of software components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software components are integrated into application programs to provide desired functionalities, then productivity and ease of manufacture are improved, but control over runtime behavior and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wrapper as an intermediary layer between the application program and the integrated software component. This wrapper acts as a mediator that can selectively enable or disable functions of the software component at runtime based on modifiable configurations, thereby providing control over the integrated component without affecting the application's core functionality or requiring re-deployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software components are integrated into application programs, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the ability to monitor and control malicious activity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wrapper monitors and tracks the runtime behavior of the integrated software component. By observing function invocations and their outcomes, the system can detect abnormal or malicious activity patterns and respond by disabling the component, thus providing continuous monitoring and control over integrated components.
3Device complexity
If software components are integrated into application programs, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to respond to malfunctions and violations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the integrated software component dynamic by introducing modifiable configurations that allow runtime enablement and disabling of component functions. This dynamic control mechanism enables the system to adapt to malfunctions or violations by adjusting the component's operational state without requiring re-deployment, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving system integration benefits.
4Reliability
If wrappers are implemented to selectively enable or disable functions, then reliability and security are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages wrapper complexity by utilizing parameter changes - specifically, modifiable configuration parameters that control wrapper behavior. Instead of complex structural changes, the system adjusts runtime parameters to enable or disable functions, thereby achieving reliable control while minimizing the impact on device and manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, system and product for controlling integrated software components. One method comprises receiving an application program which utilizes a software component that is integrated into the application program. The method further comprises producing a modified application program based on the application program, by: automatically wrapping one or more functions associated with the software component with one or more wrappers, wherein each wrapper is configured to selectively disable or enable invocation of the function based on modifiable configurations; whereby allowing for selectively enabling or disabling invocation of the one or more functions during runtime of the application program by modifying the modifiable configurations without re-deploying the application program.