Application Chaining via Profile-Based Compatibility Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in managing software applications due to the complexity and cost of multi-function applications, as well as the need for specific functionalities, which existing command line scripts and scripting languages cannot efficiently address, especially with errors and high maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for managing software applications by creating chains of applications based on their profiles, allowing users to chain applications through a graphical user interface, determining compatibility, and generating a chain application that executes them in sequential order, utilizing application profiles to specify input and output types for seamless data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If command line scripts and scripting languages are used to execute multiple applications, then automation capability is improved, but error proneness and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoiderror proneness

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation by allowing applications to automatically discover and chain with other applications through profile-based compatibility checking, eliminating the need for manual scripting while reducing errors through automated type verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Application profiles serve as intermediaries that mediate between applications, defining input/output types and enabling automatic compatibility assessment, thereby replacing error-prone scripting with structured, maintainable configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If command line scripts and scripting languages are used to execute multiple applications, then automation capability is improved, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-function application programs are used to perform variety of utilities, then functionality coverage is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality coverageVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments functionality into individual single-purpose applications, each with defined input/output profiles, allowing users to combine only the specific applications needed for their task rather than purchasing expensive multi-function suites

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chain application mechanism provides universality by enabling any combination of applications to work together through profile-based compatibility, allowing users to achieve multi-functionality through composition rather than purchasing bundled software suites

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If individual single-purpose applications are used instead of multi-function applications, then cost is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple individual applications into a unified chain application that executes sequentially, simplifying management by treating the chain as a single executable unit while maintaining the cost benefits of individual applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11941431B1Systems and methods for managing chain of software applications

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 PARALLELS INT GMBH

AI summary

Disclosed are systems and methods for managing software applications. The system receives, via a graphical user interface, a request to generate a chain application with a sequence of execution comprising a first application and a second application. In response to determining that an output type of the first application is not compatible with an input type of the second application, the system updates, without further user input, the sequence of execution such that the second application precedes the first application. The system generates the chain application configured to execute the first application and the second application in the updated sequence of execution.