{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854026","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854026","title":"Service to invoke companion applications","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-06-30T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":21,"abstract":"A service to invoke a companion application or service is disclosed. In various embodiments, an indication to invoke a companion application is received in the context of a display page of a calling application. A service a call comprising a filtered set of data values derived from the display page is sent to an external service. A request associated with the companion application is received from the external service and used to invoke the companion application."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Service to Invoke Companion Applications patent addresses the growing problem of application silos and the resulting inefficiencies in user workflows. The core innovation lies in its ability to seamlessly invoke companion applications from within a calling application, passing along relevant data to streamline tasks. This is achieved by receiving an indication to invoke a companion application within the context of a display page. A service call comprising a filtered set of data values derived from the display page is sent to an external service. This external service then sends a request associated with the companion application, which is used to invoke the application.\n\nThe problem being solved is the fragmentation of user experiences across multiple applications. Users often need to switch between several apps to complete a single task, leading to frustration and reduced productivity. This technology offers a solution by enabling applications to work together in a more integrated and seamless manner.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a service-oriented architecture, where applications communicate with each other through an external service. This service acts as an intermediary, filtering and routing data between the calling and companion applications. This approach ensures that only relevant data is shared, maintaining user privacy and security.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its potential to improve user productivity, enhance user satisfaction, and unlock new opportunities for cross-platform functionality. By making it easier for applications to work together, this technology can help users get more done in less time.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is vast, as it addresses a problem that affects virtually all users of mobile and desktop applications. As the number of applications continues to grow, the need for seamless integration will only become more acute. This patent provides a valuable framework for addressing this need and creating a more connected and user-friendly digital world.","layman_explanation":"The Service to Invoke Companion Applications patent tackles the problem of disconnected apps. In today's world, we use many different apps, but they often don't work well together. This can be frustrating and time-consuming.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nImagine you are trying to book a flight. You might need to use a flight search app, a hotel booking app, and a ride-sharing app. Currently, you have to manually switch between these apps, copy information, and enter it again. This is inefficient and annoying. Existing solutions don't solve this problem because they don't allow apps to seamlessly communicate and share data.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\n\nThis patent describes a system that allows one app to easily 'call' or 'invoke' another app and automatically share the necessary information. Think of it like this: you're in a restaurant (the first app), and you want to order a special dish (perform a task). Instead of having to go to the kitchen yourself and explain everything, you can just tell the waiter (the system) what you want, and they will handle the rest. The waiter knows which chef (the second app) to call and what ingredients (data) to send. This happens behind the scenes, so you don't have to do any extra work.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis matters because it can save you time and effort. It can also make using apps more enjoyable. The market impact is significant because it affects almost everyone who uses a smartphone or computer. The potential ROI is high because it can lead to increased productivity and user satisfaction. Competitively, this patent gives its owners an edge by offering a more seamless and integrated app experience.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\n\nIn the future, we can expect to see more and more apps adopting this technology. This will lead to a more connected and user-friendly digital world. The market adoption timeline will depend on how quickly developers embrace this approach. From an investment perspective, this patent represents a valuable asset with the potential for significant long-term returns.","technical_analysis":"The Service to Invoke Companion Applications patent details a system designed to streamline application interaction by enabling one application to seamlessly invoke another, passing relevant data in the process. The technical architecture relies on a service-oriented approach, where a calling application initiates a request to an external service. This service then identifies and invokes the appropriate companion application.\n\nThe implementation hinges on the ability to filter and transmit only the necessary data from the calling application to the companion application. This filtering mechanism is crucial for maintaining security and privacy, ensuring that sensitive information is not inadvertently shared. The patent describes the use of APIs to facilitate communication between the calling application, the external service, and the companion application.\n\nAlgorithmically, the system likely employs a lookup mechanism to identify the appropriate companion application based on the context of the calling application and the data being transmitted. This lookup process could involve a registry or directory of available companion applications and their corresponding data requirements.\n\nIntegration patterns would involve defining clear APIs for both calling and companion applications to adhere to. These APIs would specify the format and structure of the data being exchanged, as well as the methods for invoking the companion application.\n\nPerformance characteristics would depend on the efficiency of the data filtering and transmission processes, as well as the responsiveness of the external service. Optimizations could include caching frequently accessed data and using asynchronous communication to avoid blocking the calling application.\n\nAt the code level, developers would need to implement the APIs for both calling and companion applications, as well as the logic for filtering and transmitting data. The external service would require a robust and scalable architecture to handle a large volume of requests. The system enables a streamlined user experience by reducing the need for manual data entry and app switching, enhancing overall workflow efficiency.","business_analysis":"The Service to Invoke Companion Applications patent presents a significant market opportunity by addressing the growing need for seamless application integration. As users increasingly rely on a multitude of applications to perform their daily tasks, the ability to seamlessly transition between them becomes crucial for productivity and user satisfaction.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, encompassing virtually all users of mobile and desktop applications. The competitive advantage lies in the patent's ability to streamline workflows and reduce friction in the user experience. This technology offers a more efficient and intuitive way to interact with applications, compared to traditional methods of manually switching between apps and copying data.\n\nThe revenue potential is multifaceted. Firstly, licensing the technology to application developers could generate a significant stream of income. Secondly, offering a cloud-based service that facilitates the invocation of companion applications could provide a recurring revenue model. Thirdly, integrating this technology into existing application platforms could enhance their value proposition and attract more users.\n\nThe business model could involve a combination of licensing, subscription, and value-added services. Licensing the technology to developers would allow them to incorporate it into their own applications. A subscription-based service could provide access to a cloud-based platform that facilitates the invocation of companion applications. Value-added services could include consulting and support to help developers integrate the technology into their applications.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology is as an enabler of seamless application integration. It can be positioned as a key component of a broader ecosystem of interconnected applications. This technology can be used to create a more cohesive and user-friendly digital experience.\n\nROI projections are highly dependent on the adoption rate of the technology. However, given the large market opportunity and the clear benefits of seamless application integration, it is reasonable to expect a significant return on investment. This technology has the potential to transform the way users interact with applications and create new opportunities for innovation and growth.","faqs":null,"topics":["application integration","companion apps","seamless app switching","API","data filtering"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Service to Invoke Companion Applications - Seamless App Integration","description":"Discover the Service to Invoke Companion Applications patent for seamless app integration. Streamline workflows and enhance user experience. Full analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["application integration","companion apps","seamless app switching","API","data filtering","patent","patent US-9854026"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854026","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854026","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Service to invoke companion applications\" (US-9854026). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854026","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854026","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854026","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T04:31:53.178Z"}