Application Configuration via Pre-configuration and Questionnaire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large applications and enterprise solutions face challenges in configuration due to overwhelming settings, with pre-configured options appearing as a 'one size fits all' solution and interactive setups becoming time-consuming for extensive configurable aspects.
Innovation Solution
A method using pre-configuration data and a questionnaire to configure applications, where configuration information is extracted from a base version, and questions are defined to update settings based on user input, allowing for tailored configurations without overwhelming users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a pre-configured application is used, then configuration time is reduced, but the application loses flexibility and appears as a one-size-fits-all solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the application with a comprehensive base set of configuration information covering all possible configurable aspects. This base configuration is prepared in advance and then selectively applied during installation based on user responses to a targeted questionnaire, rather than requiring users to manually configure every setting or forcing them to accept a limited pre-configured version.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration process into two distinct parts: (1) a comprehensive base configuration containing all possible settings extracted from a fully configured application, and (2) a selective questionnaire that asks only the most relevant questions for the specific user context. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently apply only the necessary configuration elements while maintaining the option for comprehensive customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an interactive set-up routine is used, then application flexibility is improved, but configuration becomes time-consuming and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential configuration information from a fully configured base application, separating the comprehensive configuration data from the installation process. This extracted configuration information is then selectively applied based on user responses to a streamlined questionnaire, rather than presenting users with an exhaustive interactive setup routine covering every possible setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by providing a base configuration that contains more configuration information than any single user will likely need, but presenting it in a selective manner through a targeted questionnaire. This approach gives users access to comprehensive customization capabilities while only requiring them to answer the most relevant questions, rather than forcing them through a complete interactive setup for every possible setting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive configuration options are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a targeted questionnaire that mediates between the comprehensive base configuration and the user's specific needs. The questionnaire acts as a filter, selecting only the most relevant configuration elements from the comprehensive base set and presenting them to the user in a simplified, context-relevant manner, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for configuration of an application program using a set of pre-configuration data and a questionnaire. In one embodiment, a method for delivering configuration information for an application, can comprise saving a set of configuration information related to the application. A set of one or more questions related to configuration of the application can be defined and saved. In some cases, at least one of the set of one or more questions related to configuration of the application can relate to at least a subset of the set of configuration information. The set of configuration information and the set of one or more questions can be delivered for use in configuring an installation of the application.