Software Installation Permit System for Platform Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software installation methods are inflexible and costly, as they require re-releasing software packages to accommodate new hardware platforms and cannot easily support or discontinue support for platforms over time, leading to a proliferation of packages and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of 'permits' that allow software packages to be marked with dependencies, enabling conditional installation on current and future hardware platforms, where permits can be supplied or changed to support or disallow installation based on platform-specific requirements, decoupling support from hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software packages include fixed platform compatibility checks at creation time, then software can be reliably installed on supported platforms, but the software cannot accommodate future or new hardware platforms without re-releasing the package
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the platform compatibility information into separate permit objects that are independent from the software package. Instead of embedding platform checks directly in the package, the compatibility data is divided into discrete permit entities that can be independently created, managed, and updated. This allows the software package to remain unchanged while platform support is modified through permit management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces permits as an intermediary layer between the software package and the hardware platform. The permit acts as a mediator that contains the platform compatibility information, allowing the software to interact with platforms through this intermediate object. This intermediary decouples the software from direct platform dependencies, enabling flexible platform support without package re-releases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software packages are re-released to support new hardware platforms, then platform support is updated, but production costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the platform compatibility information from the software package itself and places it into separate permit objects. This extraction allows the core software package to remain unchanged while platform support is modified by creating or updating permits independently. The compatibility data is taken out of the package construction process, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary creation of permit objects that can be associated with software packages before the actual software is released. By preparing permit objects in advance with platform compatibility information, the system can quickly accommodate new platforms without requiring costly re-releases of the software package itself. The preliminary permits are ready to be activated when new platforms are introduced.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software packages are created to support different hardware platforms, then each platform has dedicated software, but the quantity of packages and system complexity proliferate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal software package that can function across multiple hardware platforms through the use of permits. Instead of creating separate packages for each platform, a single package can support multiple platforms by associating it with multiple permit objects that define different platform compatibilities. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of packages needed while maintaining platform-specific support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the platform compatibility information from multiple potential packages into a single unified package structure that uses permits to define platform support. Instead of maintaining separate packages for different platforms, the system combines them into one package that dynamically determines compatibility through permit evaluation. This merging reduces package proliferation while preserving platform-specific functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, or computer program product for controlling software installation that can accommodate revisions of software and hardware platforms over time.