Versioning Component for Application Feature Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current software distribution methods require users to uninstall and reinstall applications to change product levels, and adding or removing features is inefficient, consuming time and bandwidth due to the need for entire file downloads.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that allows multiple versions of applications to coexist on a computer by using binary patch files and user subscription levels to control feature sets, enabling seamless updates and conversions between product levels without requiring separate installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users uninstall and reinstall applications to change product levels, then the correct product level is installed, but time is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct level installationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The application is segmented into multiple independent version components that can coexist on the same computer. Each product level is installed as a separate version component, allowing users to switch between product levels by simply changing the active version selection rather than uninstalling and reinstalling. This segmentation enables simultaneous installation of multiple versions, resolving the time-consuming reinstallation problem while maintaining reliable product level installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If entire files are downloaded to add or remove features, then features are updated, but bandwidth is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature setVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary feature components that need to be added or removed, rather than downloading entire files. The system identifies specific feature sets associated with different product levels and selectively installs or removes only those components. This extraction approach maintains adaptability by enabling feature updates while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption by avoiding redundant data transfer of entire application files.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple versions of applications are installed on the same computer, then version flexibility is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversion flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal version management system that handles multiple application versions through a single integrated interface. The version selection mechanism provides multi-functional capabilities, allowing users to switch between product levels, manage feature sets, and control installations through one unified system rather than separate management tools for each version. This universality maintains version flexibility while reducing installation management complexity by consolidating control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7673148B2Versioning component for applications

Publication Date: 2010.03.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

An application for updating, distributing, and rendering an application feature set and application versions is disclosed. The application component allows multiple versions of similar applications to be installed and upgraded on the same computer. Meanwhile, allowing new product levels downloads to transform an existing product into a different product.