Unconfigured Application Customization via Location-Based Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software applications require user intervention to customize their graphical user interfaces (GUIs), which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially in the media broadcast industry where providing customized GUIs aligned with local brands or personalities is desired.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow for the customization of software applications using a common codebase, where GUI configuration parameters can be used to dynamically configure applications before or after download, enabling seamless and transparent customization without additional user action, by customizing elements such as default information sources, channel configurations, and advertising variables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a generic GUI is used in downloaded applications, then the application can be provided with a common codebase, but the user experience is degraded because users must take affirmative action to customize the GUI

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of application provisionVSAvoidease of GUI customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary customization actions by automatically detecting user location and applying appropriate GUI configuration parameters before the user interacts with the application. The unconfigured application receives configuration parameters from a server based on geographic location, so the GUI is customized in advance without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The application performs self-service customization by automatically detecting its own geographic location and configuring its GUI accordingly. The system uses the application's location data to autonomously select and apply appropriate configuration parameters, eliminating the need for manual user customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual GUI customization is required, then users can have personalized interfaces, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGUI customization capabilityVSAvoidtime for customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes GUI configuration parameters automatically based on geographic location data. The server selects appropriate configuration parameters (such as language, regional settings, and interface elements) and applies them to the unconfigured application, transforming it into a customized interface without manual user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If customized GUIs are provided for different market brands, then user familiarity and engagement improve, but the complexity of managing multiple configurations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarket-specific customizationVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal unconfigured application that can serve multiple market brands through parameter configuration. Instead of maintaining separate customized applications for each market, a single unconfigured application template is used, which the server configures with appropriate parameters based on the user's geographic location and market brand requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the unconfigured application and the user. It receives the application binary, determines the user's geographic location, selects appropriate configuration parameters for the relevant market brand, and configures the application before delivery. This intermediary process simplifies management by centralizing configuration logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If affirmative user action is required for customization, then users have control over their interface, but the overall productivity of application deployment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over GUIVSAvoidapplication deployment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11614928B2Modifying unconfigured application to include default channel

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method includes receiving, at an application provider, a request from a requestor to provide a customized application. The application provider obtains a first configuration parameter including channel configuration information specifying a default channel. The application provider also obtains an unconfigured application from a codebase, and modifies the unconfigured application based, at least in part, on the first configuration parameter, to generate the customized application. As modified, the customized application is configured to include the default channel specified by the channel configuration information. The customized application is then transmitting to a destination specified by the requestor.