Selective Mobile UI Update via Application Marketplace

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for updating mobile device firmware are complex, tedious, and often result in infrequent updates due to the need for complete software replacement, which can lead to loss of stored information and user reluctance to perform updates.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for selectively updating mobile device functionality through an application marketplace, allowing users to request and install specific software updates without replacing the entire software, leveraging existing marketplace distribution systems for remuneration and failover operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complete firmware replacement is used to update mobile device functionality, then functionality can be updated, but the update process becomes complex and tedious requiring user connection to personal computer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality update capabilityVSAvoidupdate process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the firmware update process by separating the update delivery mechanism from the installation process. The application marketplace delivers update packages independently, while the device handles installation automatically or with minimal user input, eliminating the need for complex PC connections while maintaining functionality update capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The application marketplace serves as an intermediary between the update provider and the mobile device. It simplifies the update process by providing a user-friendly interface for selecting and downloading updates, automatically managing the complex delivery and installation processes without requiring direct PC connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complete firmware replacement is used to update mobile device functionality, then functionality can be updated, but stored information may be lost if update is not performed correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality update capabilityVSAvoiddata preservation during update

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The update process is segmented into separate stages: delivery of update packages through the application marketplace, verification of update integrity, and staged installation. This segmentation allows for proper backup and rollback mechanisms to be implemented, ensuring data preservation while maintaining functionality update capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by creating backups of existing firmware and user data before applying updates. The application marketplace manages these backup operations automatically, providing a safety buffer that prevents data loss if updates fail or are performed incorrectly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complete firmware replacement is used for updates, then functionality can be updated, but updates are performed very infrequently due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality update capabilityVSAvoidupdate frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The application marketplace implements periodic action by automatically checking for and delivering firmware updates at regular intervals. This periodic delivery mechanism, combined with automated installation processes, enables frequent updates without requiring user intervention, thereby increasing update frequency while maintaining functionality update capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to automatically receive, verify, and install firmware updates through the application marketplace without requiring user connection to PC or manual intervention. This automation removes barriers to frequent updating while preserving functionality update capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10235155B2Selective update of core mobile device user interface through application marketplace

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for selectively updating or extending built in functionality on a mobile device are disclosed. The updates may be provided to selective portions of software such that the entire software does not need to be replaced. The update may be provided through an application marketplace that provides third party software applications for mobile devices. The software that the mobile device is shipped with may include a number of “entry points,” which provide functionality that may be extended through the selective updates. When the entry point is triggered by user selection, a determination may be made whether code for the functionality is already available on the mobile device. If not, the mobile device may contact the application marketplace to determine if code is available to provide or extend the requested functionality.