Web-Assisted Deep Link Redirection for Mobile Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep link technologies face challenges in efficiently traversing links on mobile devices, particularly due to the complexity of handling various operating system versions and web browsers, which can result in failed redirects or crashes, especially when attempting to open native apps without proper installation or support.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a software object to register a domain with the mobile device's operating system, determining if the target app is installed, and selecting an appropriate deep link format for transmission. If the app is not installed, it sends a URL to the browser to download and install the app from a digital distribution platform, utilizing a web redirection server to handle HTTP requests and provide redirection messages with access mechanisms tailored to the browser version.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If code makes educated guesses about deep link format to handle browser compatibility, then adaptability across browsers improves, but reliability of deep link traversal deteriorates due to crashes and failed redirects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web redirection server as an intermediary component between the deep link code and the target application. This server receives deep links, determines the appropriate access mechanism, and redirects to the correct destination. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complexity in a dedicated service that handles browser compatibility issues, thereby improving both adaptability and reliability without requiring the original code to make educated guesses about different browser behaviors.
2Speed
If the system attempts to open native apps directly without checking installation status, then speed of link response improves, but reliability deteriorates due to crashes when app is not installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by checking whether the target application is installed on the device before attempting to open it. The system queries the operating system for app installation status and only proceeds to open the app if it is installed. This preliminary check prevents crashes while maintaining fast response, as the check occurs immediately upon link activation but before the potentially failing app opening operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses multiple deep link formats to handle different operating systems, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to variety of OS versions and browser configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of handling multiple operating system versions and deep link formats from the original code by implementing a separate web redirection server. This server is responsible for receiving deep links, determining the appropriate access mechanism based on OS version, and performing the actual redirection. This extraction reduces the complexity of the original code while maintaining broad OS compatibility, as the complex logic is isolated in a dedicated service rather than being embedded in the distributed code.
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides a software object to a developer for incorporation into an application. The software object includes processor-executable instructions that, upon installation of the software object in a mobile device, register a first domain with an operating system of the mobile device. In response to receiving a first deep link from the operating system, the software object determines whether the corresponding app is installed and, if so, selects a first format and transmits the first deep link using the first format. A web redirection server listens for HTTP requests at the first domain and, in response to receiving an HTTP request, prepares and transmits a redirection message to a source of the HTTP request. The redirection message includes a plurality of access mechanisms associated with the designated state of the designated application. The redirection message includes software instructions configured to select and actuate one of the access mechanisms.