URL Redirection to Native Apps via Manifest Declarations
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to launch packaged natively-operating apps installed on a user's computing device to handle or process documents, files, or objects, particularly from within a web browser or another web feature, as these apps operate outside the browser and lack a URL association, making direct invocation from a web site or URL link impossible.
Innovation Solution
A method where a web browser on the user's computing device redirects document URLs to packaged applications capable of processing specific document types, based on declarations in the application's manifest, allowing the browser to launch the application for document processing even if it operates outside the browser environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packaged natively-operating apps operate outside the web browser, then the apps can leverage operating system features and run independently, but the apps cannot be directly invoked or launched from web browsers or URL links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a URL association mechanism as an intermediary between web browsers and packaged apps. By allowing packaged apps to register and associate with specific URL patterns, the system enables web browsers to invoke these apps through standard URL navigation, thus bridging the gap between web and native app environments without compromising app independence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary registration of packaged apps with the operating system, where apps declare their supported URL patterns in advance. This preliminary action creates a mapping database that enables the system to automatically route web URLs to the appropriate packaged apps when users navigate to those URLs, eliminating the need for direct integration while maintaining ease of invocation
2Reliability
If packaged apps are installed locally on the computing device, then the apps can run offline and provide native functionality, but there is no URL attached to or associated with the packaged app for direct access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables packaged apps to self-register with the operating system, declaring their own URL patterns and capabilities through manifest files. This self-service approach allows apps to autonomously establish their URL associations without requiring complex external configuration systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining offline functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal URL association mechanism that works across multiple packaged apps simultaneously. The operating system maintains a centralized registry that can handle various URL patterns and route them to different packaged apps, providing a scalable solution that doesn't increase per-app complexity while enabling broad accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes declaring, in a manifest of an application, a document URL type. The application is configured for native operation outside a web browser on a user's computing device and is coded to open a document corresponding to a document URL which conforms to the declared document URL type in the manifest. The method further includes providing the application for installation on the user's computing device.