Unified Application Interface for Multi-App Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device setup processes are inefficient due to the need for multiple disjointed applications for configuration, lack of adaptability to changes, and a disjointed user experience, as well as the inability to communicate user actions effectively between applications.
Innovation Solution
A method where a primary application generates a unified graphical user interface (GUI) that incorporates user interface information from secondary applications using JSON or HTTP schema, allowing user input to be processed and communicated back to the respective applications, providing a unified and adaptable configuration experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single setup application is developed to integrate multiple applications' functionalities, then configuration efficiency is improved, but adaptability to changes and updates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the setup system into a container application and multiple independent embedded applications. Each embedded application maintains its own codebase and can be independently updated, while the container provides unified configuration capabilities. This segmentation allows both high-level integration benefits and individual adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container application serves as a universal setup environment that can host and manage multiple different embedded applications through a standardized interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain a single unified configuration process while supporting diverse application types and future updates.
2Ease of operation
If a single setup application integrates multiple applications, then user experience is improved, but visual consistency deteriorates due to disjointed appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each embedded application's user interface components to maintain their own visual characteristics and design patterns while being embedded within the unified container. This enables visual differentiation for each application's specific needs while preserving the overall unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container application merges multiple embedded applications into a single unified interface framework. The merging process combines the individual application components with the container's unified navigation and control mechanisms, creating a cohesive user experience that maintains both individuality and unity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disjoint applications are sequentially launched for configuration, then adaptability is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to disjointed appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The container application acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user and multiple embedded applications. It provides a unified interface layer that translates user actions into appropriate embedded application calls, maintaining a consistent user experience while enabling access to multiple specialized applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple independent embedded applications are contained within a single container application. This nesting allows each inner application to maintain its independence and adaptability while being presented through the outer container's unified interface, creating a hierarchical organization that resolves the contradiction.
4Device complexity
If a single setup application is used, then configuration process is simplified, but communication of user actions between applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the container application monitors and tracks user interactions with embedded applications. This feedback system captures user actions, transmits them appropriately between applications, and ensures that configuration information is preserved and communicated throughout the system, preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The container application creates and manages copies of configuration data and user action information as it passes between embedded applications. This copying mechanism ensures that user actions are preserved and accurately transmitted across application boundaries, maintaining information integrity while simplifying the overall configuration process.
Data Source
AI summary
A primary application and a secondary application installed on a mobile communication device are both configured to obtain input from a user of the device through an application session of the primary application. The primary application transmits a notification to cause the secondary application to begin execution in the background. The primary application further transmits a request for user interface (UI) information to the secondary application. Based on UI information received from the secondary application, the primary application generates a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interface for receiving user input relating to the secondary application. The generated GUI is displayed on the device in the application session of the primary application, and user input relating to the secondary application is received in the application session of the primary application. The primary application then transmits to the secondary application user input identified as relating to the secondary application.